This Quiet California City Is Hiding In Plain Sight
Today, Visalia is known for much more than its farming roots. While this Central Valley city of just over 140,000 started out as an agricultural hub back in the 19th century, it has since grown into one of the state’s most beloved gateways to the sequoias. A short drive away, you’ll find all kinds of ways to explore the sequoia groves, including national parks, forests, and monuments. To top it all off, plenty of fantastic restaurants and hotels await you after your day outdoors! Although underrated, Visalia deserves a spot on the list of every daring traveler.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: A Connected Pair Near Visalia
One of the most iconic places to see the famed sequoia tree is Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, located about an hour’s drive from Visalia. Sequoia National Park, the second oldest in the country, was established in September 1890. Just a few days later, General Grant National Park was formed; however, it was abolished in 1940, and its lands were incorporated into the newly created Kings Canyon National Park. The two parks have been jointly administered since 1943 and together span 865,964 acres. Receiving over one million visitors each year, they remain one of the most popular places to view the Sequoias. Below, we’ll dive into some of the highlights that visitors can enjoy in both parks.
Sequoia National Park
In Sequoia National Park, you’ll find the world’s largest tree: General Sherman. In addition to being the largest tree, it is also the world’s largest living organism by volume! This tree is estimated to be about 2,200 years old, measuring around 275 feet tall, with a base circumference of 103 feet and is estimated to weigh at least 2.7 million pounds. There are two trails that visitors can use to access the tree. The Main Trail stretches about half a mile and passes through the Giant Forest sequoia grove, with exhibits along the way explaining the species’ history. There is also a wheelchair-accessible trail available that reaches the tree in a short distance. Don’t have a car? During the summer, the Sequoia Shuttle offers round-trip rides from Visalia to Sequoia National Park, including unlimited shuttle service within the park.
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park can be divided into two areas: Grant Grove and Cedar Grove. Here, you will find the General Grant Tree, which President Calvin Coolidge designated as the “Nation’s Christmas Tree” in 1926. As a result, this tree has become a prominent marker for Christmas activities each year, including the annual Christmas “Trek to the Tree” that takes place each December. A quarter-mile paved loop trail leads hikers to this tree, along with other notable Sequoias, including Gamlin Cabin, Centennial Stump, and Fallen Monarch. Other trails in the area offer views of meadows, wilderness, and more sequoias.
Sequoia National Forest and National Monument
Also about an hour from Visalia lies Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia National Monument. Spanning roughly 1.1 million acres, Sequoia National Forest is even larger than the national parks and offers all kinds of recreational opportunities. Throughout the forest, travelers will find 1,147 miles of trails, 314,448 acres of wilderness, 2,617 rivers and streams, 158 ponds and lakes, and 52 developed campgrounds, making it the ultimate hotspot for hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, camping, and more. The Giant Sequoia National Monument, meanwhile, covers 328,315 acres and was designated by Bill Clinton in 2000. In addition to the sequoias, this monument has many other natural features, including wildflower alpine meadows, granite peaks, and Native American archaeological sites.
Refueling and Recharging after a Day Among the Sequoias
While both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offer lodging options, Visalia has plenty of great restaurants and hotels to return to if you decide to head back to the city. For a meal with a view, Elderwood is a fantastic option as the city’s only rooftop restaurant and lounge. Serving New American cuisine and cocktails, you will be able to enjoy views of the Sierra Nevadas and downtown Visalia as you dine here.
If you are craving a cold beer, you can also find several breweries in town, including BarrelHouse Brewing Co., which has been operating in the community since 2017. This local brewery offers an extensive list of small-batch, taproom-exclusive beers and doubles as a live music venue. Travelers seeking a unique place to stay can spend the night at The Darling Hotel, which also houses Elderwood. The hotel is situated in the historic Tulare County Courthouse Annex, originally constructed in 1935 and later remodeled into a boutique hotel in 2020.
A City Worth Exploring
Visalia may seem like an ordinary city at first glance. However, the town is positioned near one of the country’s greatest marvels, making it a must-visit for hikers across the United States. The entertainment doesn’t stop with the sequoias, however. Back in town, you will find plenty of places to grab a beer and a good meal, along with some pretty unique lodging options. So plan a trip to Visalia for yourself and see what it is all about!
