Ready for a road trip? Yosemite & Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are open. Only California's National Forests are temporarily closed through Sept. 17 in order to protect public and firefighter safety.
With the exception of Lassen Volcanic National Park (closed due to the Dixie Fire since July 24), National Parks in the Golden State are open — as are roads through the National Forests that connect parks.
Photo: Visit Visalia — Cedar Grove Pack Station, Kings Canyon National Park
Visalia – an easy three hour drive from the Bay Area – lies in the heart of the Central Valley, at the base of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
This welcoming community typically hosts visitors from around the world, though during the tail end of the pandemic, mostly domestic travelers – all eager to explore the unrivaled beauty of the National Parks and adventure in the great outdoors.
As the center of the nation’s most productive agricultural region, Tulare County harvests more than 250 different crops and is the world’s top dairy producer.
Visalia is the oldest city between Los Angeles and Stockton and one that is proud of its endearing hometown atmosphere, enlivened by a vibrant downtown brimming with great restaurants, art galleries, antique stores, boutique shopping and live entertainment.
An abundance of outdoor adventure for all ages and skill levels awaits amidst the serenity and natural tranquility in some of the world’s most magnificent surroundings. Visitors enjoy hiking, biking, camping, swimming – and exploring the unique natural features of each park.
Photo: Visit Visalia — Buena Vista Peak, Kings Canyon National Park
Photo: Visit Visalia — Moro Rock, Sequoia National Park
If you’re going to be on the road for a while, Visalia is the starting point for the Majestic Mountain Loop that takes you to three national parks in as little as three days.
Visalia is definitely a best bet as home base, with lodging options for all budgets, a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of things to do when you’re not at the parks.
Road trips are a great way to explore and National Parks make a great destination for a classic road trip. Click here for itineraries for road trips to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. With soaring giant sequoia trees, thundering rivers, and amazing vistas, a national parks road trip is just the start of a great adventure.
Fall Events
Visit Visalia has recently announced an exciting lineup of fall events happening in its charming city and the nearby national parks. Grouped into three itineraries, events will allow visitors to experience the best in local food, culture and adventure while enjoying the cool fall weather.
The seasonal itineraries, “Beers, Boots and Brunch,” “A Taste of Visalia” and “PRIDE Visalia Weekend,” include a visit to the two nearby national parks, home to the largest living trees in the world.
“Visit Visalia is looking forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy these fun festivals and activities,” says Nellie Freeborn, Visit Visalia executive director. “The rich cultural heritage, artistic expressions, and diverse cuisines of each festival as well as access to two of California’s most majestic national parks make Visalia the perfect destination for fall travelers.”
Beers, Boots and Brunch
“Beers, Boots and Brunch” itinerary centers around the region’s largest Oktoberfest Celebration, to be held at Vossler Farms on September 24. Over 40 booths of the Central Valley’s best food, wine, and of course beer are on tap! While breweries and restaurants will keep the beer and food flowing, live music will keep the crowd dancing. Visitors put on their hiking boots as the weekend continues with a visit to Sequoia National Park on September 25 when Park entrance fees are waived for National Public Lands Day. Round out the weekend with a leisurely brunch at some of Visalia’s top restaurants like the Cellar Door or the Vintage Press.
A Taste of Visalia
Visitors will get “A Taste of Visalia” in this itinerary that offers two authentic festivals. On October 16, Taste the Arts fills the streets with the Central Valley’s largest -and FREE-outdoor arts festival with over 100 artists and workshops. The pumpkin patch and corn maze at Vossler Farms offer seasonal fun. Then it’s up to Sequoia National Park to see the dogwood trees as their leaves turn beautiful golds, oranges and reds. Foodies will love the Taste of Downtown on October 19 which showcases Visalia’s vibrant food scene giving revelers a taste of both popular fan favorites and introducing new restaurants.
PRIDE Visalia Weekend
Diversity and inclusion are on tap for “PRIDE Visalia,” the region’s only pride festival, scheduled for October 23 at Valley Strong Stadium. The day-long event offers family-friendly activities, food booths, vendors, entertainment, and organizations in support of the LGBTQ community. Add to the weekend a trip to Sequoia National Park where visitors can marvel at the panoramic vistas and the giant sequoia trees. Sequoia Guides is offering a free, guided hike to festival goers who reserve in advance. Special hotel rates are also available.
Visit Visalia is partnering with local hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues to provide visitor information. Visitors can find free maps and guides in local hotels and are encouraged to stop by the Visit Visalia office, at 112 E. Main Street, for itineraries and additional information.
More information about these events and itineraries is available online.
https://www.visitvisalia.com/articles/get-a-taste-of-visalia-with-these-fall-events
Photo: Visit Visalia —Grant Grove Stables, Kings Canyon National Park
If You Go
View the Visalia Visitors Guides below or download the Visit Visalia Brochure for vacation ideas, hotel recommendations, and more.
You may also send your mailing address to the Visitor Services Coordinator at requests@visitvisalia.com or call (559) 334-0141. Office hours are Monday - Saturday, 8:00am - 5:00pm PST.
Click here for the Sequoia Visitors Guide for park and regional information.
Click here for Parks & City Maps.
Click here to see the Sequoia and Kings Canyon Newspaper for seasonal park information.
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