Visalia, California: PlayStayEat Photojournal
Table of Contents
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.
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
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.
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.
Final Thoughts
Julie Diebolt Price is a professional photographer, educator, travel writer and journalist. She helps corporations and solo entrepreneurs establish their brand with imagery and business training. She educates and mentors aspiring photographers. As a journalist who loves to travel, she creates memorable experiences and shares them with words and pictures. Learn more at linktr.ee/PhotoTravelWrite.