Location: Visalia
Top Things to do in Visalia
The 6 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Visalia, California (CA)
Visalia (/vaɪˈseɪliə/ vy-SAYL-ee-ə) is a city situated in the agricultural San Joaquin Valley of California, approximately 230 miles (370 km) southeast of San Francisco, 190 miles (310 km) north of Los Angeles, 36 miles (58 km) west of Sequoia National Park and 43 miles (69 km) south of Fresno. The population was 130,104 at the 2015 census.
Restaurants in Visalia
1. Giant Sequoia National Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By cathymill3865 - Reykjavik, Iceland
Awesome time to visit these huge trees.I am happy to see the General Grant and Sherman trees before they go up in flames from the wild fires of California. I visited all the National Parks in California before it is gone.
2. Sequoia National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 321 reviews
Reviewed By liz171x
We entered the park about 10:30 am through the Ash Oak entrance just after Three Rivers (last place for chains is just before the enraince (Totem market and gifts) and took the main road North to the big trees. If you are prone to car sickness and/or have difficulty driving twisty roads and want to see the bigger trees, don't use this entrance. Going North on this road, the roads are so twisted, it looks like a toddler scribbled on the map, and they based the road on that. I don't suffer car sickness and got a bit dizzy on the drive. If you do get car sick, you should instead enter through the Big Stump entrance and drive South to the big trees. This wont work if you want to see the other parts of the park near the "scribbled" road, only if you're interested in JUST the larger trees and in the winter/spring, snow and snowplay. You can avoid the worst of the road driving from North to the South. Now, if you're prone to issues with heights? You'll want to drive the opposite way, South to North, that way you're driving up the worst of the roads and you can't see directly how steep it is were you to drive down. I absolutely believe everyone should drive through if possible instead of doubling back. We drove through, stopping wherever we saw something interesting. With the heavy rains this year, the rivers and waterfalls were full, the park has its own super bloom of wildflowers, and there was plenty of snow at the higher elevations. We greatly enjoyed the giant forest museum. If you park in the farthest parking lot, there's a staircase you'll need to walk down to get to the museum, with the snow I don't remember seeing a ramp, but there appeared to be closer handicapped parking if you have a placard. Right by these steps are some rocks that are the perfect place to stand to get a photo with the Sentinel tree, which sits just outside the museum. You'll be able to see the entire tree in your photo with your family at close range. I would recommend the museum to everyone first, it's quick and easy and has a little store and a kid's activity packet. From there I would do the big trees trail - "a panel near the start of Big Trees Trail explains: In Giant Forest, sequoias grow bigger than anywhere else, and Round Meadow is one of the best sequoia habitats within the Giant Forest."Hikespeak. Even in late April, there was so much snow that the trail was mostly covered. We're mostly sure we hiked the trail thanks to the markings in the trees. However, after 30 minutes we had to turn back as downed trees and deep snow prevented us from seeing where the trail continued. I'm told the path is paved and mostly flat, but could not verify this due to the 8-12 plus inches of snow, slush, and ice. We had the kids in snow and hiking boots, but my friend and I both wore tennis shoes that made walking in the snow very difficult. I would love to go back here and do the congress trail as well, based on what I saw, I'm thinking it would be less steep than to do the general Sherman trail with the 200+ foot elevation changes and many stairs. Take your time up here, the elevation makes things difficult. Make sure you hydrate well and don't refill bottles or wash food in bathroom sinks. I spent time explaining to a foreign tourist that she shouldn't wash her fruit in water marked not potable. There aren't a whole lot of bathrooms around here, bring clean water or use drinking fountains only, even to wash fruit. If you're someone who just wants to see the park and only do hikes of an hour or less, spend the day, you can take in some amazing vistas in a day. I do not recommend driving these roads at night. Bring an extra pair of shoes and socks, even waterproof hiking boots got soaked through in the snow. I recommend Wolverton for snow play, we found lots of people sledding there and just going there for the day to hang out and play.
3. Fox Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By diversionoaktown
Went to Visalia to see a Sinbad show at the Fox Theatre! Beautiful venue, easy location, no night life
4. ImagineU Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
A fun, hands-on, interactive museum for children. Our mission is to inspire children through interactive educational experiences by providing multicultural, hands-on learning through the sciences, environmental conservation, and the arts. By empowering children and their families in a fun environment, we can transform lives and enhance our community.
5. Rawhide Ballpark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
The Visalia Rawhide are the most affordable family entertainment option in Tulare and Kings Counties. The Rawhide have embarked on a new era in Visalia Baseball, with more renovations to Rawhide Ballpark and a renewed affiliation with the Major League club. The Rawhide are proud to have been affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2007. The Rawhide and the Diamondbacks signed a two year Player Development Contract (PDC) in September of the 2016 season that covers the 2017-2018 baseball seasons. The Rawhide and the city of Visalia continue to do everything necessary to ensure a long, productive relationship with the proud Diamondbacks franchise at Recreation Ballpark. The Rawhide are in the middle of the D-backs system, one of the most talented in all of baseball. There are two teams at higher levels of the minor leagues, and three at lower levels. Other clubs in the D-backs' chain include the Missoula Osprey (Rookie level), Hillsboro Hops (Short Season A), Kane County Cougars
Reviewed By shoeex1 - Arlington, United States
This ballpark has been around for over 70 years. It is now home to the minor league team Visalia Rawhide, which is affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks. It is a fun venue, good food and drink, entertainment between innings, and some really good baseball. A family friendly atmosphere with good seats throughout.
6. Mooney Grove Park
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By ragmerchan
nice large park, clean with lots of covered picnic areas. nice little lake with ducks and geese, good parking and lots of shade
