Valentine’s Day will look slightly different this year but the heart of Visalia still beats with romance with lots of unique ways to spend time with those you love. Whether it’s a long-time love, a new romance, or even a little self-love, a visit to Visalia will be the perfect answer for how to celebrate this Valentine's Day. While the usual gifts of chocolates and wine are great (and we have suggestions for places to shop) perhaps this is the year to think outside the box and explore these unique options for a special day.
Visalia shines with offerings for delicious Valentine’s Day menus, socially-distanced activities, and romantic date night ideas. Restaurants are creating ways to show your love through food whether you dine alfresco on the patio or take it to-go to your favorite special spot. Celebrate with mountain hikes featuring fresh air and splendid vistas. Need some more romantic inspiration? Below is a curated list of the best Valentine’s Day happenings even Cupid would be proud of.
If you are not quite ready to hit the road, don't worry. We have you covered with tips and links for a virtual visit. The promise of a future trip will definitely show that you are in your relationship to stay!
Food is the language of love. While there are many great restaurants in Visalia from which to choose, we recommend these stand out suggestions for a special occasion.
Savor “Valentine’s in the Garden” at the Vintage Press, Visalia’s premier restaurant. Any time of year, the Vintage Press makes every event special, but on Valentine’s Day this is the place to be with your special Valentine.
With rooftop views of the Sierra Nevada enjoy a delicious four-course meal at the Elderwood Restaurant when you book a Valentine’s Day hotel package at the new Darling Hotel in downtown in one of their beautiful art deco rooms. Call the hotel and ask for the #Lovebird package!
Treat your sweetheart to a special stay the the Visalia Wyndham. Their attentive staff will take care of the champagne, the chocolates and breakfast with their Sweethearts Valentine's special.
Don't forget that you can always get a special meal to-go.
Chocolates are a traditional Valentine’s gift but why stop there? Naturally Nuts will help you fill a gift basket with nuts, local honey, dried fruits and, yes, chocolates. They can help create a special basket and can even ship it for you.
In downtown Visalia, Pacific Treasures is a one-stop-shop. Candles, gifts, specialty food items and more are available to choose from. And of course, whatever you choose will get their very special gift wrapping. If your special someone is of the four-legged variety, Pacific Treasures also has lots of pet friendly gifts like adorable dog collars, pet bowls and more.
Does Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks hold a special place in your honey's heart? If so, check out the online gift shop for Sequoia Parks Conservancy. They of course have parks related mugs and books, but you might be surprised to learn that they also have Sequoia National Park candles and fragrance.
Many retailers offer a personal and virtual shopping experience. From online shopping to even face-time to help you choose the perfect item. Of course, curbside pick up is also available. Just ask!
Give the gift of love that will last the whole year with a Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Annual Park Pass. Passes can now be purchased online and are only $70. The pass is good for a whole year, ready whenever you are. Then, pack up a special picnic lunch (we love Pita Kabob for a delicious meal that travels well) to enjoy amid the giant sequoias or while enjoying a sweeping view from Beetle Rock.
Take a private, guided tour of Sequoia & Kings Canyon by snowshoe with Sequoia Guides. They are experts in the area and the recent snows have created a winter wonderland perfect for a trek. Sequoia trees in winter are breathtaking and a snowshoe among them is sure to make your heart go pitter-patter.
Self-love is just as important as romantic love and many visitors are looking for ways to travel solo. Exploring the outdoors as a single traveler is empowering. Consider a visit to Dry Creek Preserve, a 152-acre former gravel quarry that has been fully restored to its native state. It is the first example of an ecologically-based aggregate mine reclamation in Tulare County and when wildflowers are in bloom in the spring, it is spectacular.
Take a tour of a citrus farm at McKellar Family Farms and learn about the path from orchard to table that oranges take. Head to the Saturday morning Visalia Farmers Market and chat with the farmers about what's in season.
If you love history, then take the Visalia: Then and Now self-guided walking tour in downtown Visalia for an interesting look a Visalia's early years.
The right time to travel for you might not be right now but don't let that stop you from enjoying the destination experience. With virtual options, you can explore, listen, and get inspiration for a future trip. Here are some top experiences that you and your valentine can share virtually.
A night at the Sequoia Symphony is a great date night option especially now that their season has gone virtual - and free! Along with the virtual musical presentations, Maestro Bruce Kiesling presents his Musical Moments (also free.) Hear his thoughts on what makes his selections special, learn about orchestral history and just get to know him better.
Many travelers come to Visalia to visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks to see the largest living things on earth, the giant sequoia trees. While there is nothing like seeing these amazing parks in person, you can take a virtual trip. Here is a virtual tour of the General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park.
Whether you are looking for love or already have found your one true love, the heart of romance still beats in Visalia. If you need more suggestions and ideas of ways to spend time with those you love, take at look at the following itineraries. You can always show your love for local shops and restaurants, too! We've all been through a lot together and helping each other along is really what love is all about.
Celebrate Valentine's Day all weekend long. Check out hotel options and availability right here.
