Attractions in Visalia California Hotels

Visalia and the Sequoia Region are blessed with natural beauty, rich farmland and some of the the most diverse entertainment options anywhere in California. Discover this friendly community alive with an active arts scene; a vibrant agricultural base; unlimited recreational opportunities; a variety of fine dining options and high quality lodging choices.
Take in one of the numerous festivals happening throughout the year; visit one of our many art galleries or enjoy the harmonic sounds of the Tulare County Symphony in the fabulous Fox Theatre. Explore historic treasures in our museums; discover downtown on our free trolley and savor the finest of dining choices in one of the hundreds of restaurants the city.
Tour one of the worlds most productive and diverse agricultural areas and taste the sweetest oranges in the world; sample local produce at the many fruit stands and farmer's markets that dot the area. Take a hike along interpretive trails; enjoy bird watching, wild flowers, or just the simple pleasure of a quiet stroll through our historic downtown.
Just up the road, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are a year-round wonderland of spectacular scenery. There you can see the worlds largest living tree - The General Sherman - And Peer into the deepest canyon in North America. Unique experiences abound, and it's all here for you to discover.Historic Seven Sycamores RanchLocation: 32985 Rd. 164, Ivanhoe, CA 93235 – Located ½ mile East of Ivanhoe on Hwy 216 and ¼ mile North on Rd. 164Mail: PO Box 189, Ivanhoe, CA 93235Phone:(559) 798-0557Fax: (559) 798-2615
The ultimate California farm vacation experience!Farm Stay in the shadow of the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks/Sierra Nevada mountains nestled among the orange trees. A quiet, peaceful place to commune with nature, learn and see farm “stuff” and pick oranges. The farmhouse accommodates from 1 to 8 people and the bunkhouse 4 people. The farmhouse and the bunkhouse are available separately. This is an 80 year-old operating orange orchard and much, much more.Offering beautiful outdoor venue for weddings, family and class reunions, corporate picnics, birthday parties, fund-raisers, group functions.Imagine U Childrens MuseumOpen:Tues – Sat. 10am – 5pmMembers free / family memberships availableLocation: 700 E. Main Street in downtown VisaliaPhone:(559) 733-5975 or (559) 733-0735
The success of ImagineU Children’s Museum is the result of a community effort. Its goal is to create a multicultural learning center filled with hands-on scientific, cultural and artistic exhibits for the whole family.
ImagineU Children’s Museum is a member of the Association of Children’s Museums. The museum hosts a variety of interactive events and displays, many of which are free to the public.
Through a grant from the City of Visalia’s Community Arts Program, ImagineU has developed a series of Traveling Trunks for use by area teachers. They contain lesson plans that incorporate visual, tactile and auditory learning tools. These are age-based materials named the Van Gogh Trunk (art, science and social studies); Yokut Native American Trunk (information, artifacts and art projects); Colonial Folk Art Trunk (quilting, weaving, pottery and more); and the Waste Management Trunk for grades K-12 pertaining to recycling and environmental awarenessInternational Ag CenterOpen: By appointmentLocation: TularePhone:(559) 688-1751 or (800) 999-9186http://www.farmshow.org/
The International Agri-Center hosts the world's largest agricultural exposition, and the California Antique Farm Equipment Show.This is the central place to meet for fundraising events, business and board meetings, political action events, concerts, weddings, parties, and receptions.The Heritage Complex is also located on the same property.Kaweah Oaks PreserveOpen: Year AroundLocation: Road 182, north of Hwy. 198Phone: (559) 738-0211 http://www.kaweahoaks.com/
This 324-acre preserve protects one of the last remaining valley oak riparian forests in the San Joaquin Valley where four creeks carrying water from the Sierra converge. It was preserved through the efforts of local citizens who realized the land’s biological and historical value. It was purchased in 1983 with help from The Nature Conservancy.
Today it is maintained by the Sequoia Riverlands Trust. Kaweah Oaks is home to more than 300 plant and animal species. Uses include research, education and public enjoyment. Amenities include parking, picnic tables, trail benches and restrooms. Please tread lightly.
To get there: Drive east on Hwy 198. Turn left on Rd 182, approx. 7 miles east of Visalia. The preserve is one-half mile north of the highway on the left.Lake KaweahOpen: Year AroundLocation: 10 past Exeter on Highway 198Phone: (559) 597-2526http://www.spk.usace.army.mil/organizations/cespk-co/lakes/kaweah.html
Lake Kaweah was built to control floods that regularly inundated the city of Visalia in wet years. It collects water from the melting snowpack in the Kaweah River watershed that stretches up to the 12,000 ft. elevation. Terminus Dam, the structure that holds the water back, was completed in 1962. It was raised another 17 feet in 2003.
The lake is operated by the U.S. Corps of Army Engineers for conservation and recreation. Water is released during the summer months to irrigate the agricultural crops that have transformed the Valley floor from desert to a rich and abundant garden.
Boating, fishing, swimming, water-skiing, picnicking and camping are favorite lake activities. A boat launch area is located at Lemon hill. The marina rents patio boats, fishing boats and wave runners at daily, half-day and hourly rates. Fishing tackle, bait, snacks, ice and gas are also available at the marina convenience store