Visalia Day Trip California Central Valley

Visalia is an exciting place to visit for a day or a great place to stay for anyone exploring beautiful Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. Both parks are within easy driving distance from Visalia via the General’s Highway (Hwy 198.)

Visalia features a vibrant historic downtown that serves as the hub for the town and the neighboring smaller farm communities. The annual Taste of the Downtown event provides an opportunity to sample the delicious offerings of the local restaurants. The town trolley shuttles guests between restaurants, and a lively atmosphere permeates downtown.

Situated in California’s Central Valley, Visalia is surrounded by productive farmland. The Tulare County Museum of Farm and Agriculture is located on South Mooney Boulevard. It provides an overview of agriculture and the different ethnic groups that have supported the agriculture industry in the area.

A farming tour is a great way to see agricultural activities closely and personally. Several producers offer tours, but many require reservations. Tours that you may want to consider: cheese factories, the Sun-Maid Raisin plant, River Ridge Ranch, and Delio Olive Oil.

If you want to explore on your own, consider driving the Citrus Trail, which travels along the eastern side of Tulare County. Over $650 million of citrus is produced annually in the county, including lemons, navel and Valencia oranges, and tangerines. You can do farm stays for those who want to dive deep into the agricultural experience. Naylor’s Organic offers family farm stays from mid-May to mid-August.

Arts and Culture Scene Visalia: You could easily plan a weekend in Visalia focusing on the techniques and artistic side of things. With museums, a bustling historic downtown, gardens, and live performances, plenty of options keep you busy.

If you enjoy performing arts, Visalia has some great offerings. The Visalia Community Players have been entertaining audiences since 1957. There is also the Enchanted Playhouse Theater Company and the Fourth Wall Theatre Company.

Art is alive in Visalia, and a great place to see a cross-section of local artists is Arts Visalia. Located inside a former creamery in the historic downtown, it features rotating art and crafts, community events, and art education. If you enjoy Asian art, check out the Ruth and Sherman Lee Institute for Japanese Art or the Central California Chinese Cultural Center.

Visalia offers a wide selection of hotels and dining options and makes an excellent base for exploring the California Central Valley, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park.

California Central Valley Day Trip Ideas.

Sequoia Kings Canyon Parks

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