Location: Porterville
Top Things to do in Porterville
What to do and see in Porterville, California (CA): The Best Things to do
Tulare
Restaurants in Porterville
1. Trail of 100 Giants
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 186 reviews
Reviewed By TooMuch2Do - Laguna Niguel, United States
If you are making the drive from Kernville/Lake Isabella, here are some quick tips. Have a full tank of gas, bring your own food and water, plus jackets and hats (it was 20 degrees cooler at the Trailhead), download maps before you leave, and check for road closures, even if the weather looks good where you are. Before you leave, call the Forest Service to make sure the road to the Trail of the Giants is open--there could be closures due to weather or fires. We visited during unseasonably warm 70 degree days in mid-November. It took us 6 1/2 hours to do the trip, from Wofford Heights via California Hot Springs since Hwy 99 was already closed for the season. Given the windy road, it is best driven in daylight, so plan accordingly in the fall and early spring. We left Wofford Heights at 10:15. We stopped at Charlie's for drinks and sandwiches for the cooler (there were no places to buy anything along the way). Then we realized we only had 1/4 tank of gas and figured no gas stations would be open if there were any (there weren't). So we returned to the Chevron (with an adjacent Subway, another food option). So we headed west on Hwy 155 on two lane windy roads, some without guardrails. If you have driven the road to Hana on Maui, it's just like that. Curve left, curve right with a few hairpin turns thrown in. Google Maps said it was a 2 hour drive, but it took 2 1/2 with only a one-minute stop for the driver to uncap his water bottle-- that's how twisty it was. In mid-November, there were only a handful of cars on the road with us. The highest elevation on Hwy 155 in 6000 ft, so we did see snow along the road and high up in the peaks. We lost internet around California Hot Springs, but got it back closer to the Trailhead. We arrived at noon and found the day use parking lot was barricaded as was the campground. There was snow along the shoulder, but the roads and trails were clear. We drove through, did a U-turn and parked in a turnout. There was only one other car. Even though we were hungry we headed for the trailhead 1/4 mile back. Another couple arrived as we passed by. So we had the place to ourselves. The trails have great maps and explanations about the trees. Even though the boardwalk is closed, there are several sequoias on the way there, and the crashed trees are impressive. We backtracked and took the middle trail across from the campground around the other loop. Be aware that they are felling and cutting up trees so logs and slices are piled everywhere, and visitors have graffitied them. Nevertheless, the sequoias are amazing, and you can even walk inside some of the split ones. We spent about 2 hours walking around and another half hour to eat. We saw no bathrooms, but there were lots of trees and no cars or people driving by. When we left at 2:30, two more cars had arrived. There was a little more traffic returning, and it again took 2 1/2 hours to get back at 5, and we were greeted by an amazing sunset. On the drive, stay alert! We saw deer, a bobcat, tarantulas, quail, a heron, a dead snake, a peacock, and, blocking the road, six huge cows. The scenery along the way is very dramatic with huge boulders and mountains dotted with trees. It’s well worth the day trip, especially if you have never seen sequoias.
2. Tabitha Max Blueberry Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Julie is a retired nurse. She runs an organic blueberry upick. the season is Mid May to Mid June. This is a working commercial farm. Nothing fancy. There is also a delicious strawberry stand 1/2 a mile north. bring your own pails if possible. recommend long pants, enclosed shoes, hats, water, etc. open six days per week, closed Saturdays.
3. Lake Success
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By KarenRN0677
Boating, Water Skiing, fishing. Parks with trails. You pass Lake Success as you head to Springville and points beyond as you head into the mountains.
4. Zalud House
5. Eagle Mountain Casino
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 47 reviews
Eagle Mountain Casino is an 18 and over full service casino which is owned and operated by the Tule River Tribe. It features 1200 slot machines and 11 table games. Eagle Mountain Casino is open 24/7 with limited seating. The Food Court will also be open 24/7 with The River Steakhouse being open from 5 pm to 10 pm Friday through Sunday. Facial coverings and a temperature check are required to enter. Eagle Mountain Casino is a short drive from Bakersfield or Visalia.
Reviewed By O6096MFconnies - Sacramento, United States
My favorite part of every experience going to eagle mountain is the officers doing the covic check at the front door they are fun funny welcoming and excited to see everyone every experience i have at eagle mountain is always the best thankyou for having your doors open
6. Porterville Muni Golf Course
Nine-hole par 35 municipal golf course that features narrow fairways with out-of-bounds on every hole.
7. Harley's Tavern
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
8. Country Pleasures Gifts and Guns
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
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