Today's travelers are looking for transformative journeys, those unique experiences that allow them to get to know the places they visit. Whether you love art and history or a stroll through the shops while looking for handmade or locally sources items, we can help with an itinerary that helps visitors explore Visalia's rich history, the local art scene, and even have some outdoor adventures. With these suggestions for fun and family friendly things to do, you can plan something to do if you have an hour, an afternoon or all day. These Micro-Tours make it easy for you to explore the region and its residents. These are just a few of our top picks. You can find even more vacation ideas on our Itineraries page.
Time needed: 1 HOUR
Take a tour through Visalia's historic downtown and discover its extensive art and historical roots. When you follow the tour, you will discover more about this vibrant city. The maps for these self-guided tours are available on our website or at our office.
Enjoy a self-guided walk through historic downtown Visalia with the Visalia Then and Now Tour. This is an easy walk, suitable for all ages and highlights some of the city's most notable buildings and sites. This tour talks about Visalia's early beginnings in the 1850's and how it has become a modern and vibrant city.
Take a self-guided tour of Visalia's extensive mural collection. Some of these amazing 'concrete canvases' were painted by teens and most reflect the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Be sure to visit the old lumberyard for an large and varied collection of Spray Can art.
Visalia's talented local Artists are on display in the 'Art on Fire' exhibit. Arts Visalia called on local artist to add their artistic flare to the hydrants around town, and the results are a must see! See if you can find them all.
Time needed: 1-2 HOURS
Experience Visalia's great outdoors at Mooney Grove Park, the very first county park in the state! The park was created to protect its grove of oak trees but it soon became an outdoor oasis.
Feed the ducks, fish for trout, or even go out on the pond in a paddle boat! Birders will love just watching for the many types of birds that call Mooney Grove, and all of its oak trees, home. The lake is stocked with fish so this is a wonderful place to teach kids how to fish.
Go on an adventure to find the log cabin. Actually there are 2 log cabins. The one in this photo is one of the earliest known residences in Visalia moved here to the museum for display. The second log cabin was built by the Boy Scouts and used as their meeting location. The park museum has many other historic buildings on display. Along with a school house and a home on display, you can see what a dentist's office or other business looked like long ago.
Created for the 1915 Panama-Pacific exposition in San Francisco, the original plaster work was brought to Visalia and placed on display here. The piece was not well suited to the outdoors and ultimately was moved to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma. Visalia was given a bronze replica in the 1970s. Many come to view this amazing work that stands 17 feet tall.
Time needed: 2-3-HOURS
Visalia has a variety of shops offering locally made goods. Here are just some of our favorites!
Find gifts, gourmet food and more! They carry locally made items as well as a large selection of cookware, gift items and adorable pet items. They love dogs and your furry friends are welcome to visit too!
A nut-lover's dream! Find fresh nuts like walnuts, pistachios, and almonds as well as dried fruits, gift baskets, olive oil and more! Grown locally and fresh from the farm, you will find an amazing assortment of items. If the owner happens to be there, he is happy to share his love of local agriculture with you. Also, ask for a taste of local honey or a uniquely flavored nut butter.
Each Saturday, local farmers and artisans set up at the local Farmers Market on Mooney Blvd. Not only can you find some of the freshest and ripest fruits and vegetables from the nearby fields, but you can find hand crafted goods. Whether it is juicy strawberries or tart plums, green leafy lettuce or red, sweet tomatoes, you will enjoy a stroll through the morning market.
