Visalia

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Visalia's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Explore Downtown Visalia
morning
:

Begin your day with a stroll through the charming streets of downtown Visalia, enjoying the local shops and coffee at a cozy café. The historic architecture offers a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely walk. Visit the Visalia Farmers Market if it's open to experience fresh local produce and crafts.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at one of the many farm-to-table restaurants downtown, savoring seasonal dishes. Spend the afternoon at the Fox Theatre, exploring art exhibits or catching a live performance. Don't forget to stop by local boutiques for unique souvenirs and gifts.

evening
:

Dine at a fine restaurant featuring Californian cuisine, then take a sunset walk through Mooney Grove Park. The peaceful surroundings and botanical gardens provide a perfect end to your day. Consider an evening drink at a nearby lounge or tasting room.

day 2
Discover Mooney Grove Park and Visalia's Museums
morning
:

Start your day with a relaxing walk or a bike ride in Mooney Grove Park, enjoying its scenic trails and the small zoo. Visit the Giant Sequoia tree for a memorable photo opportunity. The park's playgrounds and picnic areas offer a great spot for families.

afternoon
:

Head to the Visalia Convention Center area and explore the Visalia Museum, delving into the region’s history and culture. Grab a quick lunch at a local deli, then visit the nearby agricultural exhibits. Learn about the Central Valley’s farming heritage through interactive displays.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a local Mexican or American eatery renowned for its comfort food. If available, attend a local theater performance or live music event. Wind down your evening with a quiet stroll under the stars back in the park.

day 3
Journey to Sequoia National Park
morning
:

Take an early morning drive to Sequoia National Park, just about an hour from Visalia. Begin at the Giant Forest, marveling at the massive sequoia trees, including General Sherman, the largest tree on earth. Stop by the visitor center for maps and interesting ranger talks.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature, then hike one of the many scenic trails such as the Congress Trail or Moro Rock climb. Capture stunning panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range from high overlooks. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest ecosystem and watch for native wildlife.

evening
:

Return to Visalia by late afternoon. Have dinner at a cozy bistro offering comfort food and local wines. Relax and reflect on your day in the majestic wilderness with a quiet, restful evening.

day 4
Visit Adventure Park and Local Wineries
morning
:

Spend your morning at Adventure Park in Visalia, enjoying family-friendly activities such as mini-golf, go-kart racing, and arcade games. It's a great way to energize your day with some fun and friendly competition. The park’s bright and lively atmosphere makes it perfect for all ages.

afternoon
:

Travel to one of the nearby local wineries where you can enjoy a guided tasting experience. Learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and sample a variety of award-winning varietals. Have lunch amidst the vineyards in a serene and picturesque setting.

evening
:

Return to Visalia and dine at a restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a leisurely evening walking along the Town Square or attending an outdoor summer concert if the season allows. Finish your day with a relaxing drink at a downtown lounge.

day 5
Enjoy Visalia’s Cultural and Art Scene
morning
:

Begin your day at the Visalia art galleries to appreciate works by local artists. Visit the Visalia Visual Arts Center to get inspired by contemporary exhibitions. Stop at a local café for a fresh pastry and artisan coffee to fuel your creative exploration.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a trendy café downtown, then visit the Tulare County Courthouse Museum to view historic artifacts and exhibits. Spend time exploring public murals and sculpture installations around the city. Participate in a local art workshop if available to engage hands-on with Visalia’s cultural scene.

evening
:

Experience an elegant dinner at a restaurant specialized in fusion cuisine. Attend a live art show or theater performance at the local performing arts center. Conclude your night with a peaceful walk through illuminated streets showcasing Visalia’s vibrant cultural life.

day 6
Relax at Rawhide Ballpark and Local Parks
morning
:

Start your morning with a visit to Rawhide Ballpark to catch a minor league baseball game or take a tour of the historic stadium. Feel the local sports spirit and enjoy family-friendly activities available on site. Grab a classic ballpark breakfast from nearby vendors.

afternoon
:

Head to one of Visalia’s lush parks like Recreation Park or Mooney Grove Park for a picnic lunch. Rent a paddleboat or bicycle and explore the park’s scenic trails and lakes. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the water or playing frisbee with friends.

evening
:

Have dinner at a casual dining spot known for its barbecue or burgers. Enjoy an evening outdoor movie screening or community event in the park if scheduled. Finish your day stargazing in the open park space or taking a peaceful sunset walk.

day 7
Explore Local History and Shopping
morning
:

Visit the Visalia Historical Museum to learn about the city’s rich past and early settlers. Take a guided walking tour of historic landmarks downtown. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a long-established bakery serving homemade pies and breads.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon shopping at Visalia Mall and the numerous specialty shops nearby. Discover artisan crafts, antiques, and unique gifts at local boutiques. Enjoy a casual lunch at a café offering farm-fresh menu options.

evening
:

Dine at a family-owned Italian or steakhouse restaurant with warm ambiance. Attend a community storytelling or book reading event at the local library or bookstore. End your evening with a warm dessert and coffee at a nearby café.

day 8
Day Trip to Tulare and Wildlife Watching
morning
:

Drive to nearby Tulare for a morning at the Crosswind Community Park featuring walking trails and wildlife observation spots. Visit the local farmers market for fresh fruits and baked goods. Capture photographs of native birds and flowers along the nature paths.

afternoon
:

Lunch at a Tulare café known for its farm-to-table cuisine. Visit the Tulare Historical Museum to explore exhibits on agriculture and Native American history. Enjoy quiet time at a local botanical garden or park.

evening
:

Return to Visalia and enjoy dinner at a relaxed seafood restaurant. Take an evening stroll through illuminated downtown streets or relax at a local wine bar. Reflect on your nature-filled day with a cozy nightcap.

day 9
Visit a Local Chocolate Factory and Coffee Roastery
morning
:

Tour a local Visalia chocolate factory to see how artisanal chocolates are crafted and sample fresh truffles. Enjoy a morning coffee tasting session at a boutique coffee roastery nearby, learning about different blends and roasting processes. Pair your chocolate with the perfect coffee brew for a delicious start.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a café specializing in gourmet sandwiches and desserts. Spend some time shopping for unique gifts including locally made chocolates and specialty coffees. Attend a chocolate-making workshop or coffee brewing class if available.

evening
:

Dine at a contemporary bistro offering creative desserts and signature coffee cocktails. Finish the evening with a walk around the neighborhood, enjoying the town’s warm and inviting twilight atmosphere. Consider stopping for a final cup of specialty coffee or dessert.

day 10
Outdoor Adventure and Local Cuisine
morning
:

Begin your day with a hike at Dry Creek Preserve, enjoying scenic views and native wildflowers. Bring your binoculars for bird watching and explore the peaceful trails. Have a picnic breakfast in the shaded picnic areas surrounded by nature.

afternoon
:

Return to Visalia for lunch at a popular taco truck or food truck park offering a variety of cuisines. Spend the afternoon relaxing at a nearby spa or exploring local craft breweries. Sample seasonal brews and enjoy informal tours of the brewing process.

evening
:

For dinner, choose a farm-to-table restaurant featuring dishes highlighting Central Valley ingredients. Attend a cooking demonstration or food festival if hosted in the area. End your day with a walk through downtown, soaking up the lively evening vibe.

Discover Visalia

Read more in our Visalia 2025 Travel Guide.

Visalia Travel Guide