Near some of the nation’s finest national parks, this city in California’s agricultural San Joaquin Valley combines small-town atmosphere with big-city amenities.
Visalia is a bustling metropolis in rural San Joaquin Valley. It is the seat of Tulare County, one of the highest-producing agricultural areas in the United States. See why Visalia prides itself on its small-town feel and big-city amenities.
Downtown Visalia is a lively area with small shops, numerous restaurants and several museums and galleries. Enjoy thriving nightlife at one of the local bars. Catch movies or concerts at theaters and playhouses scattered downtown. Take a self-guided art tour to admire murals covering many of the downtown buildings.
Children of all ages can let their imaginations run wild at Imagine U Museum. Interactive exhibits invite children to have fun exploring science, reading and health.
Learn about San Joaquin Valley’s rich agricultural heritage at the Antique Farm and Equipment Museum. Historic farming equipment and other fascinating displays give you a glimpse into the world of the California farmer. Seven Sycamores Ranch is located just minutes outside Visalia. This citrus farm gives seasonal tours where visitors can explore the orange groves and sample one of California’s tastiest products.
Enjoy fun for the whole family at Adventure Park. Whether you are drawn to the batting cages or the bumper boats, this destination promises an entertainment-filled afternoon for the whole family. The park also offers miniature golf, go-carts, bowling and arcade activities.
The Arts Consortium connects arts, culture and the community throughout Tulare County. Check its calendar for up-to-date listings of gallery showings, plays and workshops.
Explore some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountain range, which is less than an hour’s drive outside Visalia. The Sierra Nevadas have three of the most well-known national parks in the United States: Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
While the San Joaquin region is largely agricultural, Visalia is a fairly easy drive from some of California’s biggest cities. San Francisco is just 230 miles (370 kilometers) northwest and Los Angeles is 190 miles (310 kilometers) south.
