Story and photos by Julie Diebolt Price (unless otherwise indicated)
The San Joaquin Valley, where Visalia is located, produces many of the world’s nuts, fruits, grapes, and other crops. Blistering hot summers and mild cool winters are ideal growing conditions for the center of agriculture that the Central Valley has become. It’s no wonder that Central California is known as the breadbasket of the world.
Filled with historical memories and monuments, walkable Downtown Visalia is bursting with public art, preserved Art Deco buildings, breweries, and many appealing restaurants. Your first stop in town should be Visit Visalia. They have a wealth of information and will gladly help you find more places to play, stay, and eat.
Click on a photo below to view the gallery
Visalia Photo Gallery
Gateway to the Sequoias
Known as the “Gateway to the Sequoias” for almost a century, The Sequoia Legacy Tree holds an honored place in Downtown Visalia. In a small park next to the Visalia Post Office, the Sequoia Legacy Tree stands as a symbol of the resilient relationship with its mountain neighbors. It is easy to compare the General Sherman Tree’s circumference (the highlight in Sequoia National Park) with this tiny cousin by the stone and fence around the tree.
Mooney Grove Park and Tulare County Museum
Mooney Grove Park, established in 1909, is the oldest county park in the State of California. It is the home of two significant artworks. The statue of Hugh Mooney, the founder with his dog at the entrance, and the bronze replica of the sculpture called The End of the Trail depicting a weary Native American man hanging limp as his tired horse comes to the edge of the Pacific Ocean. The Tulare County Museum is also housed at Mooney Grove Park.
More Fun Around Visalia
Naturally Nuts, while it may not necessarily be a tourist destination, should be a priority on your itinerary. John Oneto and his family bring nuts, dried fruits, nut butter, caramel pecan logs, sugar-free chocolate nut clusters, and more directly from the growers to you. There is no middleman here.
Visalia, California, is the closest town to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Make Visalia your home base to explore the national parks and surrounding areas with a stay at the Wyndham Visalia. Perched on a hill close to the Visalia Municipal Airport, Valley Oaks Golf Course, and overlooking Plaza Park, it is freeway-close to make your escape to the national parks and your return easy at the end of a long day of exploration.
If you want a mountain experience for lodging and eating, the Gateway Restaurant and Lodge may be a good option. At the entrance to Sequoia National Park, it is convenient for your park journey.
Exploring further afield, a visit to Farmer Bob’s World in Ivanhoe makes an ideal stop on your way to Sequoia National Park. A narrated wagon tour through the groves is an excellent way to learn about growing citrus trees, producing the fruit, and transporting it to market. You can even pick an orange and take it home with you.
Great Eats in Visalia
Great places to eat in Visalia include Pita Kabob Mediterranean Gastropub for vegetarian, vegan, and Mediterranean-style dishes; Crawdaddy’s for authentic Cajun and Creole flavors; and Brewbaker’s Brewing Co. for typical brewpub favorites, among many others. Be sure to explore the brewery and restaurant guides.
Don’t miss the art on the streets of Visalia. Take the Murals Tour and the Art on Fire Tour along with the Arts Consortium events twice a year.
Final Thoughts
History, art, memorable food, beer, and nature come together in Visalia, California. Come to the center of the world’s agriculture production and get lost in the magic of nature.
