12 Best Things to Do in Visalia, California

By VI Staff on April 9, 2019

Visalia is located in the foothills of the towering Sierra Nevada mountain range. The town’s stunning landscapes and picturesque communities serve as a wonderful place to visit and explore. Wander through Sequoia National Park or catch a performance at the historic Fox Theatre.

1.Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park offers a unique outdoor experience as it is set under one of the most stunning natural canopies in the world. You’ll be able to marvel and explore the park’s groves of giant sequoia trees and partake in activities such as hiking, biking, climbing, swimming, and fly fishing. There are also several caves in the park which are perfect for a memorable and adventurous exploration. Visitors of all ages will love spending a day here and the park offers complimentary shuttles that connect to all of the major sites in the park so that that younger visitors can access it easily. Be sure to stop by the famous General Sherman tree and Crystal Cave, which is lined with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

2.Giant Sequoia National Monument

Giant Sequoia National Monument, which comprises groves that neighbor the park, are slightly different than the park as they are managed by the U.S. Forest Service instead of the National Park Service. The lesser known groves allow you to experience and enjoy the beauty of these stunning trees and the surrounding landscape more freely. For example, the national monument allows for hiking with dogs, which isn’t allowed in the park, and they also let you camp almost anywhere, letting you pitch a tent wherever you feel like it. You’ll be able to see several unique sites within the monument such as the Big Meadows/ Jennie Lakes area, the Converse Basin Grove, and the Boole Tree Loop.

3.Recreation Ballpark

Recreation Ballpark, commonly known as Rawhide Ballpark, is a baseball park that is home to the Visalia Rawhide - a minor league baseball team which plays in the California League. The ballpark was originally constructed in 1946 but has undergone many renovations since then; it can now hold up to 2,468 people. Watching a game there is an enthralling experience complete with excited crowds, a fast-paced game, and with Tipper, the mascot Holstein Bull. Once every season the Rawhides wear the old-fashioned Mudville Nine uniforms to keep alive the tradition of the Mighty Casey - it’s a wonderful thing to experience.

300 N Giddings St, Visalia, CA 93291

4.Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre opened in downtown Visalia in 1930 and soon became an important part of the community as it was a place for people to come together and have a good time. Though it closed in the late 1990s, the landmark movie palace and theater was restored and reopened in 1999 as a live performance auditorium. The atmospheric theatre is such a vibrant performing arts center, with some of their most popular events being Way Back Wednesdays and Throwback Thursdays. Performances by the Sequoia Symphony Orchestra and other artists and entertainers can be seen throughout the year.

308 W Main St, Visalia, CA 93291

5.ImagineU Children's Museum

Located in Downtown Visalia, the ImagineU Children’s Museum is a family-friendly attraction that let’s children, and those who are children at heart, run wild with their imagination. The museum inspires children through their hands-on, interactive experiences which are both educational and fun. The exhibits will leave kids busy for hours and include areas such as the Grove Pick & Pack, a Farmers’ Market, an outdoor area that teaches them about water, U-Fix-It Garage, a castle, tree house, a clubhouse, an architect corner where they can build bridges and forts, and an artists’ room which allows visitors to create masterpieces using recycled materials which they can take home with them.

210 N Tipton St, Visalia, CA 93292, Phone: 559-733-5975

6.Visalia Farmers' Market

The Visalia Farmers’ Market can be found in the heart of California’s Central Valley and is a wonderful way to support the local food system. You can purchase seasonal fruits, vegetables, and much more from an array of locally grown and produced items all year long. In addition to the fresh produce, many of the merchants at the market also sell handmade products whether they be jams and sauces or jewelry and home decor. It’s a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends, getting to know the community, and taking part in fun activities. The market also welcomes live entertainment and a number of food trucks for visitors to indulge in while they’re there.

2100 W Caldwell Avenue, Visalia, CA 93277

7.Mooney Grove Park

A great place for outdoor gatherings, Mooney Grove Park is also more commonly known as Tulare County Park. The park came to be in 1909 by the efforts of John Tuohy and the community who wanted to preserve the lovely green space. It has become one of the area’s most beloved outdoor parks, serving not only a place of preservation but also a fun-filled place for people to spend the day. Some of the activities you can participate in while there include walking the trails, visiting historic buildings which are on site, picnicking, boating on the lagoon, playing baseball or disk golf, exploring pioneer village, or having fun at the playground.

27000 S Mooney Blvd, Visalia, CA 93277, Phone: 559-624-7227

8.Adventure Park

Since it was established in 2004, Adventure Park has been one of Visalia’s premier places to hang out and have fun. It’s suitable for visitors of all ages as the seven-acre property is filled with modern attractions, games, and other activities. Some of the attractions include family go-karts, miniature golf, bumper boats, a state-of-the-art arcade, laser tag, batting cages, laser maze, and a designated Kritter Karts area for little ones to enjoy. After a day of enjoyment, head over to Kritters Funhouse Pizzeria for a slice of delicious San Francisco-style pizza. Everything from the kitchen is prepared with the freshest ingredients and the dough is made from their very own recipe.

5600 W Cypress Ave, Visalia, CA 93277, Phone: 559-635-7275

9.Vintage Press

Vintage Press has been one of the best fine dining establishments in Visalia since it was established in 1966. Filled with genuine charm, the restaurant’s food is amazing, the atmosphere is elegant, and the service is impeccable every time you go there. In addition to providing an incomparable dining experience, patrons can also learn how to prepare some of the restaurant’s best recipes at special events held by their chef, David Vartanian. Items on their menu vary from steak and premium quality fish to garden fresh salads and enticing desserts; popular items include the wild mushrooms in puff pastry, blackened prawns, the linguini pasta with mushrooms and spinach, and the crispy veal sweetbreads.

216 N Willis St, Visalia, CA 93291, Phone: 559-733-3033

10.Brewbakers Brewing Company and Restaurant

One of the first brewing companies in Visalia, Brewbakers Brewing Company and Restaurant was established in 1999. Their savory brews and deliciously prepared meals have kept them busy since then. The building in which the brewpub is housed has a rich history and was the site of one of Visalia’s first beer gardens in the early 1900s. Some of the most favored items from their menu are the homemade chili filled with tri-tip and beans, the fish and chips, Brewbakers Ultimate Burger, chicken alfredo served over pasta, and the large breaded chicken strips which come with a large heap of fries.

219 E Main St, Visalia, CA 93291, Phone: 559-627-2739

11.Fugazzis

Fugazzis is a family favorite and their restaurants can be found scattered over California’s Central Valley. Patrons love them and go back time and again not only for the delicious food but the also the dedicated staff and hospitable service they receive there. Their full service restaurant on Visalia’s Main Street also has a full bar, private rooms, and weekly events such as Taco Tuesdays and Happy Hour. Popular items from their menu are the truffle fries, the southwest chicken salad, bacon wrapped seared scallops, Atlantic salmon filet, chicken piccata, and the California bistro sandwich with thin slices of steak, avocado, and bacon.

Fugazzis on Main: 127 W Main Street, Visalia, CA 93291, Phone: 559-625-0496

Fugazzis on Cyprus: 5345 W Cypress Avenue, Visalia, CA 93277, Phone: 559-635-2790

12.Valhalla Restaurant & Gift Shop

The Valhalla Restaurant & Gift Shop was established in 1982 by mother-daughter team, Elsie Casida and Kim Payne. The restaurant thrived from their passion to serve delicious homemade Danish-influenced food made with fresh ingredients. They’ve become quite renowned for their quality meals, desserts, and other baked goods. Their breakfast and lunch menus are extremely varied and includes favorites such as the Danish Sampler which has eggs, Danish crepe-style pancakes, and aebleskiver and medisterpolse which are homemade Danish sausages. Add sides like potato salad, macaroni salad, beer battered onion rings, or sweet potato fries to make any meal complete.

314 W Center Ave, Visalia, CA 93291, Phone: 559-627-2113