Picturesque Visalia, California is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley at the base of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Sometimes called the “Gateway to the Sequoias,” the Visalia area is home to Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the continental United States, as well as the world’s biggest tree, the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park.

The oldest city between Los Angeles and Stockton, Visalia maintains a charming hometown atmosphere and bond to the outdoors without sacrificing the variety and flavor of a lively city. Unlike most cities, however, parking throughout Visalia is always free!

Downtown Visalia is filled with world-class restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, antique stores, and an impressive outdoor gallery featuring more than 50 murals spread throughout the town. Visalia even boasts more murals per square mile than Florence, Italy!  Downtown is also home to a minor league baseball park called Recreation Park, home of the Visalia Oaks, the historic Fox Theatre, and an impressive convention center that features events including home and garden shows, concerts, and seminars.

Visalia is also home to a wide variety of art and cultural attractions. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the year-round performances of the Tulare County Symphony and other local musicians. The Central California Chinese Cultural Center is located in Visalia and documents the history of 19th century Chinese immigrants. The Center includes a Confucian temple and an exposition room housing cultural artifacts, paintings, and rare architectural finds. The Tulare County Mooney Grove Museum in Visalia is the largest and most complete museum in the county and has many historical items. Among the items are historic bowls, weapons, and tools from the local historical group of Native Americans, the Yokuts. The museum is located at Mooney Grove Park.

Visalia is also at the center of the most productive agricultural region in the United States, the San Joaquin Valley. The area produces more than 250 different crops and is the top dairy producer in the world. Not surprisingly, Visalia is also home to the largest international farm equipment show.

Visalia’s ideal climate is not only great for farming, but also for recreation. Visitors enjoy year-round golf, tennis, fishing, boating, horseback riding, rafting, and many other fun outdoor activities. The city is home to three PGA-rated golf courses, . Visalia is also an easy drive from all major California population centers, making it an ideal location for statewide and regional events. San Francisco is approximately 230 miles north, and Los Angeles is only 190 miles south.