The City of Visalia

Serving as the cultural, economic, and commercial hub of the County, Visalia continues to grow - in population (130,000+), diversity, and sophistication. Once a creek side settlement, Visalia has become a thriving community that takes pride in the small town feel and high quality of life that accompanies its big city amenities. 

Youth Sports:

The city of Visalia offers families the opportunity to get their children out of the house and into community building youth sports programs, these include Baseball, Basketball, NFL Flag Football, Tennis, and Volleyball. For more information, follow this link to the City of Visalia Youth Sports Homepage. 

Parks and Trails:

The City of Visalia's parks and trails provide an inviting array of recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike. From tot lots and playgrounds, to picnic areas and sports fields, parks provide fun for all! Our trail system is an exciting amenity which invites residents and visitors alike to enjoy the natural beauty of our community.

History:
When California achieved statehood in 1850, Tulare County did not exist. The land that is now our county was part of the huge County of Mariposa. In 1852, some adventuresome pioneers settled in this area, then called Four Creeks. The area got its name from many watershed creeks and rivers flowing from the Sierra Nevada Mountains. All the water resulted in a widespread swampy area with a magnificent oak forest. The industrious group of settlers petitioned the state legislature for county status and on July 10 of that same year, Tulare County became a reality.

One of the first inhabitants of a fort built by the settlers, unnecessarily as it turns out; to protect themselves from Native Americans was Nathaniel Vise. Nathaniel was responsible for surveying the new settlement. In November of 1852, he wrote, "The town contains from 60-80 inhabitants, 30 of whom are children of school age. The town is located upon one of the subdivisions of the Kaweah (River) and is destined to be the county seat of Tulare.” In 1853, that prediction became a reality and Visalia has remained the county seat since that time.

Visalia is named for Nathaniel Vises' ancestral home, Visalia, Kentucky. Early growth in Visalia can be attributed in part to the gold rush along the Kern River. The gold fever brought many transient miners through Visalia along the way and when the lure of gold failed to materialize, many returned to Visalia to live their lives and raise families.

Downtown Visalia & Farmer's Markets

Visalia is rated in the top 100 communities in America by Relocate America for its great music, culture, arts and entertainment, as well as the many shopping and dining venues. Visalia’s Downtown received an honorable mention as one of California’s Best Downtowns (according to population) on the Best and Worst Downtown’s list saying, “It’s the one to watch”. 

Visalia’s Farmers Markets, held every Thursday and Sunday, celebrate our region’s rich agricultural history and support our local food system by providing the public with a wide selection of locally grown produce and handmade products seasonally available year round. 

Shaver Lake

Shaver Lake is a small mountain resort village named for the beautiful High-Sierra lake located a short walk from the nearby village. The lake itself is the source of much of the summer fun visitors enjoy while vacationing in the area. Water skiers, jet skiers and fisherman are the busiest people on the lake. Shaver Lake is regularly stocked with pan-sized Trout and fingerling Kokanee. The Shaver Lake Trophy Trout Project routinely stocks large, trophy-sized Trout which makes for some great photographs for vacationers holding 10+ lb. Rainbow Trout. There are several more lakes at higher elevations nearby, mainly known for their fishing, that are as beautiful as you have ever seen. The areas outlying Shaver Lake offer many miles of logging roads that access amazing vistas which also serve as access for hunters to hunt deer, quail, bear and other wildlife. A drive north or east of Shaver Lake will take your breath away so bring the camera!

Pismo Beach

This classic beach town is located on California's famous central coast, half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles along Pacific Coast and 101 Highways. Long white beaches for taking a pleasant stroll or for just enjoying the spectacular views of the Pismo Beach sunset. Enjoy Pismo Beach's great weather and fabulous area wineries. Prefer a more active vacation? Central Coast Golfing, riding the dunes in a four-wheel ATV, horseback riding, surfing, body boarding, or fishing from our 1200-foot pier can all be part of a Pismo Beach vacation. Take a leisurely walk on the award-winning boardwalk adjacent to the Pismo Beach pier.

Yosemite National Park

Millions of visitors each year take in the magnificent scenery of the 1,200 square mile Yosemite National Park. The park features high cliffs, low valleys, tall waterfalls, ancient sequoias, and rugged wilderness. From Visalia, head North on Highway 99, then catch Highway 41 North in Fresno. Yosemite is truly a wonder of the world and the pride of the California parks. If there is one trip to make to a state or national park in California, this is the one.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo inspires wonder of our natural world, provides an engaging learning environment, and creates a passion for conservation. The Zoo offers one of a kind exhibits that allow the family to get up close and personal to interact with the wildlife and learn about what we can do to help preserve the homes of these rare species.

The new Giraffe Feeding Station allows guests to feed giraffes at eye level, just watch out for those tongues, they are long and wet! Stingray Bay gives guests the opportunity to get their hands wet and feel the unique textures of cow-nose and southern stingrays. Sea Lion Cove, my personal favorite, transports guests to the Central Coast with the sounds and sights of the ocean. Crashing waves, salty sea air, barking sea lions, harbor seals, and beautiful brown pelicans fill the exhibit. Their is even an underwater viewing station so you can see what it looks like to be in the sea with these majestic swimmers. While you can't touch the animals in this exhibit, you can get a visit from a colorful bird at the Winged Wonders Bird Show. Birds fly overhead and show off their specialties, and you may even get one that takes a rest on your shoulder! 

The newest addition to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, made possible by Measure Z, is the African Adventure. This large scale savannah exhibit holds rhinos, elephants, and grazing mammals, like Gazelles and Ibex. Take in the magic of nature all while enjoying a delicious meal from the brand new Kopje Lodge. And all this is just a quick 45 minute drive North from Visalia!

Morro Bay

Morro Bay’s charm and mild Mediterranean climate offer an idyllic coastal escape unlike any other. Even on the Central Coast, Morro Bay is different. The Morro Bay way is fun, casual, relaxing and authentic – the perfect way to recharge on vacation. Just a three hour drive from Visalia, Morro Bay is home to world famous Morro Rock, which serves as the backdrop to an abundance of year-round outdoor activities like kayaking, surfing, boating, golfing, hiking and biking. Explore miles of beautiful sandy beaches and dunes, observe wildlife in the estuary and bay, or spend an afternoon antiquing. Foodies delight in its proximity to world-class wineries and bounty of dining options – from fresh seafood straight from the bay to local ocean-to-table cuisine. Plan your visit at www.MorroBay.org.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Visalia is nicknamed, “The Gateway to the Sequoias” and justly so with the magnificent backdrop of the mountains being seen on clear days. Just a short drive up the 198 East from Visalia are two National Parks, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. On your way, stop in Three Rivers for ice cream and goodies at Reimer’s Candies and Gifts, cool off in the river or stop for a bite to eat. Both parks offer dramatic landscapes that testifies to nature's size, beauty, and diversity--huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world's largest trees. These two parks lie side by side in the southern Sierra Nevada east of the San Joaquin Valley. These parks offer a wide range of activities in diverse landscapes. Whether you prefer a short stroll or a week in the wilderness, a quiet sunset or a roaring river, adventure awaits you here. Take a day hike on some of the hundreds of miles of trails that range from easy to strenuous, and are often paved. Ranger-led Programs offer educational opportunities for children and adults and take the form of a free walk, talk, or evening program. Stop by the Giant Forest Museum housed in the historic market building, in the Giant Forest sequoia grove at 6,500 feet (1,980 m) elevation. for information on where to go from the experts themselves!

Whatever activities you choose, come prepared. Weather varies widely at different elevations, and storms can happen at any time of year. Read safety information before you visit.