The majestic trees in Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks and Sequoia National Forest are a bucket list view that deserve a visit by every adventure seeking traveler. However there is much more to this region of California than big, beautiful trees. Tulare County is the gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks and is a region rich in more culture and history than most can fit into a trip.
We’ve compiled the best attractions from both inside and outside of the park to help you experience all that this unique part of the US has to offer.
This story was created in partnership with Discover the Sequoias.
Day 1
Travel to Tulare County, which will be your home base throughout the trip. The biggest city in the county, Visalia, is located about 45 minutes from Fresno Yosemite International Airport and 3 hours from Los Angeles International Airport. There are tons of hotel and Airbnb options in the area, and we recommend exploring accommodations throughout multiple towns (including Exeter, Woodlake, Three Rivers, Dinuba, Tulare, and Porterville).
After traveling, get settled into the area by heading into the charming town of Exeter for a bite to eat and to explore the almost 30 murals that line the streets and alleyways in town.
Day 2
Spend your second day getting familiar with the local culture by heading to the Tulare County Museum in Mooney Grove Park. The museum features California’s largest collection of authentic Native American woven baskets, as well as preserved historic storefronts, buildings, and a large display of antique farming equipment. The newly opened section of the museum showcases a unique display about how groups of people from over 15 different cultures have helped contribute to the thriving agricultural landscape throughout the region.
For those traveling with kids and pets, Mooney Grove Park also features an inclusive play area with play attractions geared towards children and adolescents with access and functional needs, and an agility park for energetic dogs.
For some additional history and a greater understanding about the agricultural history of the area, head over to Tulare for Ag-Ventures. This exhibit is kid-friendly and has dozens of interactive displays that give insight into how food is grown, harvested, and shipped to grocery stores across the country. There is also a large antique farming equipment display that is a must-see.
If golf is more your thing, sub out one of the above activities and head to Dinuba for a round at the award winning Ridge Creek Golf Club.
Towards the end of your first day, make your way to the Woodlake Botanical Gardens for an afternoon walk. The gardens feature over 200 species of plants and has an impressive collection of fruit trees with rare varieties not sold in supermarkets. All produce grown in the garden is free for the public to pick, and walking around the grounds while trying different fruit varieties is a great way to get first-hand experience with the local agriculture.
After a day spent exploring, head into Visialia for dinner and a drink. Lake Bottom Brewery & Distillery, Elderwood, and Stacked Bar & Grill are all great options. For lunch or a sweet treat throughout the day, The Orange Works has amazing orange milkshakes made from locally grown oranges, as well as fresh sandwiches.
Day 3
Take the Sequoia Shuttle into Sequoia National Park and spend some time with the biggest trees in the world. The shuttle picks up seven days per week at multiple towns in Tulare County (including Visalia, Farmersville, Exeter, Lemon Cove, and Three Rivers) May through September. The park gets crowded, and the shuttle is a great option for those who don’t want to worry about parking, travelers who are environmentally conscious, or anyone who is not comfortable driving on winding mountain roads, which the park has tons of.
A great option is to drive your vehicle to Three Rivers, stop at Sierra Subs for a to-go lunch that can be eaten in the park, and take the shuttle from there. This also allows you to stop at Reimers for ice cream and candy after a day spent hiking under the Sequoias.
Once in the park, visitors can hop on a National Park Service shuttle, or go on a hike right from the Sequoia Shuttle drop off point. Some of our favorite hikes in the park are:
- Moro Rock
- Sherman Tree
- Hanging Rock
- Big Trees Trail
- Tokopah Falls
After a day exploring the sequoias, head over Porterville for dinner. The newly built Eagle Mountain Casino is home to multiple late-night dining options and is a great choice for those who stay for sunset and leave the park a bit later in the evening.
Day 4
On your last day in the area, head over to Staffords in Porterville for coffee and breakfast before driving over to Balch Park. This park features a grove of huge Sequoia Trees that are located outside of the national park and is great for those looking for a bit more solitude. Spend the morning hiking around and enjoying Sequoia trees in this unique environment.
For lunch, head into Springville and stop at the Hamburger Stand or Java Express if you need an afternoon pick me up. From there it’s time to head out to the airport, or the nest destination of your trip.
