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Visalia is the county seat of Tulare County in California's southern San Joaquin Valley, about 45 miles southeast of Fresno at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. Founded in 1852, it is one of the oldest towns in the Central Valley, and it grew as a supply center for ranchers, farmers and miners along the old stage routes. Oak woodlands along the Kaweah River once covered the area, and a few groves of valley oaks still survive in parks and preserves around the city.
Today Visalia is a city of more than 140,000 people and the commercial hub of one of the most productive farming regions in the country, surrounded by citrus groves, dairies and orchards. Its downtown along Main Street is one of the liveliest in the valley, with restored early 1900s buildings, local restaurants, wine bars and shops, and Victorian homes line the streets of its older neighborhoods.
For visitors, Visalia is best known as the gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, about an hour's drive east, and many travelers stay here before heading up to the giant sequoias. In town, the 1930 Fox Theatre hosts concerts and films beneath its tower, Mooney Grove Park offers shady oaks and the Tulare County Museum, and the Kaweah Oaks Preserve east of the city protects one of the last remnants of the valley's native oak forest.
Downtown Visalia centers on Main Street, a tree-shaded walkable district with restaurants, cafes, wine bars, boutiques and older brick buildings. It is one of the liveliest small downtowns in the Central Valley, with events and markets through the year. Park in a public lot and stroll Main Street in the evening.
The Visalia Fox Theatre is a 1930 movie palace on Main Street with an ornate atmospheric interior designed to look like an exotic courtyard under a night sky. Restored by volunteers, it now hosts concerts, comedy, classic films and community shows. Check the event calendar and take a look at the lobby details.
Mooney Grove Park is a large Tulare County park set in one of the largest remaining valley oak groves, with a pond with paddle boats, picnic areas and lawns. It is home to a replica of the famous End of the Trail statue and the Tulare County Museum. Expect a small vehicle fee on weekends and holidays.
The Tulare County Museum inside Mooney Grove Park displays local history in several buildings, with Native Yokuts baskets, pioneer era rooms, farm equipment and old shops recreated in a small village. A farm laboratory building shows the area's agricultural history. Opening days are limited; check before visiting.
Kaweah Oaks Preserve east of Visalia protects a rare valley oak riparian forest along creeks of the Kaweah River delta. Easy trails pass huge oaks, wild grapes and blackberry thickets, with chances to see birds, deer and other wildlife. Entry is free; bring insect repellent in warm months and stay on the trails.
The Visalia Rawhide are a Single-A minor league baseball team that plays at a small, historic ballpark in Recreation Park near downtown. Games are cheap, relaxed and family friendly, with promotions and fireworks nights. Seats are close to the field; the season runs from spring through late summer.
ImagineU Interactive Children's Museum in Visalia offers hands-on play areas for young children, with exhibits on building, art, science, pretend play and an outdoor play space. It is designed mainly for kids up to about age ten. It is small and easy to visit in a couple of hours; check opening days and times before going.
The Visalia Farmers Market brings Tulare County farmers to town with fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, flowers, honey and baked goods, much of it grown in the surrounding valley, one of the richest farm regions in the country. It runs on Saturday mornings, with extra seasonal markets; check current days and locations.
The Sequoia Shuttle is a seasonal bus service that links Visalia with the Giant Forest area of Sequoia National Park, making a day trip to the giant sequoias possible without driving mountain roads. It runs in summer and the fare usually includes park entry. Reservations are recommended; check the current season schedule.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
Photo: Capricorn90, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: VISALIAso559 at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Jeff Hitchcock from Seattle, WA, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Jeff Hitchcock from Seattle, WA, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: Visalia&LA at en.wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
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Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
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Photo: Jamievontersch, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jamievontersch, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
