In California’s Central Valley, agricultural fields dominate the landscape. And Tulare County is the most diversified ag producing area in the world. For Visalia, in Tulare County, those fields that surround the city become awash with color in springtime as the trees begin to sprout their buds. More than 120 crops grow in and around Visalia and the orange, plum, almond, peach, and apricot trees burst with vibrant pinks and snowy white blossoms each springtime. Almonds, walnuts, blueberries and other fruits and nuts are also preparing for their annual harvest.
Here's how you can make the most of your Springtime Blossom Trail visit!
Starting in mid to late February visitors can take a drive to see the Blossom Trail for themselves. Whether you are headed to Sequoia or Kings Canyon National park and want to take a quick detour along the way to view the blossoms or you want to spend an afternoon exploring the orchards and groves at leisure, we have tips to see one of the best blossom trails in California.
Along the blossom trail, visitors can see orchards of fruit and almond trees, and groves of oranges, as well as small farms and big dairies for deeper look into this region that feeds the world.
Stop along the way to take a tour, visit a petting zoo, or taste olive oil. Be sure to take lots of photos. Visit a farm store, the farmer’s market or a corner fruit stand. Dine in a restaurant where local chefs make the freshest ingredients shine. Immerse yourself in a region where “farm to fork” is not just a tag line, it’s a way of life.
Use the blossom trail map as a starting point for your adventure, then feel free to explore. Because the roads and avenues are on a grid, you can head off the beaten path or take side roads to get the Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park and never get too lost. You can start anywhere along the trail, spend as must time as you like exploring, and view the beautiful blooms along the way. If you are headed to the parks for a visit, take a brief side trip to enjoy the spring blossoms.
Sequoia National Park
For an “off-the-beaten-path” route to Sequoia National Park, follow Route 216 through Woodlake and connect with Highway 198 which goes to the park entrance. This route will take you through Plums, Almonds, Oranges and Pomegranates. There are more crops that grow along this route but may not be in bloom. If you see a farm stand along the way, stop in and see what’s in season.
Kings Canyon National Park
Highway 63 heads north toward Highway 180 and the entrance to Kings Canyon National Park. For a quick detour and bloom viewing, take Road 120 which parallels Highway 63 to the west. This will take you through orange groves, stone fruit (like peaches) and even olives!
As soon as you cross over the St. John’s River on McAuliff Road, the blossoms begin - just 10 minutes from the center of town! On the east side of McAuliff Road, you will see kiwis growing on trellises like grapes. However, kiwi plants cover the entire canopy and when ripe, the fruit hangs down for picking. Along here you may also see walnuts and almonds.
Along Road 156, there is lots of citrus – oranges, lemons, tangerines. There also are pistachios and olives.
What Grows Here:
Side Trips
In this area, you will see blueberries that grow on short little bushes. You will see them on the south side of the road. Pomegranates grow along the northside and grow on small, bush-like trees. Toward the west end of Avenue 384 you begin to see more stone fruit, like peaches, nectarines, and cherries.
What Grows Here
Side Trips
To continue on the Blossom Trail, head south on Road 80/ Plaza Drive.
As you head south on Road 80 (also known as Plaza Drive) to return to Visalia you will see walnuts orchards and dairies. Milk is Tulare County’s #1 crop and you will understand why as you drive along this route. Many large dairy operations are along here. To support the dairy operations, alfalfa, hay and feed is grown here.
Side Trips
We want you to enjoy your visit exploring one of California's most productive - and beautiful - agricultural regions. Here are recommendations for for a safe and fun day:
DO
DO NOT
When is the best time of year to enjoy the blossom trail?
Peak blossom viewing starts in mid-February, depending on Mother Nature.
How long does the Blossom Trail last?
The blossoms usually last until mid-March but can last all the way to early April. The almonds are usually the first to bloom, then the stone fruits like peaches, nectarines and apricots. Later in the season, citrus (like oranges and lemons) will bloom with their very fragant white blossoms.
Can you walk in the orchards?
No. However, taking photos along the side of the road is welcome and encouraged (be sure to tag us on social media #VisaliaBlossomTrail.) The orchards on the trail are private property and we ask that you do not walk into the orchards or drive onto the farms, dirt roads or other areas.
Where can you take photos?
The spectacular beauty of the pink and white blossoms is perfect for an Instagram post. So takes lots of photos. The farmers ask that you respect the orchards and not walk into the grove. And of course don't pick any of the blossoms - they will become the juicy fruit and nuts! (Be sure to tag #VisaliaBlossomTrail in your posts.)
Can you pick the blossoms?
Please leave the blossoms to grow on the tree. They will soon become delicious peaches, necarines, apricots, almonds or other tasty treats. (Be sure to come back in a few months to see and taste all the fruit these blossoms create!)
How long does it take to do the Blossom and Orchard Trail?
The Blossom and Orchard Trail takes a minimum of 2 hours. Stopping to take photos, visiting farm stands and other sidetrips can add to your time. But, you can make the trail as long or as short as you would like.
Where can you enjoy locally grown dishes?
Choose from one of the many great restaurants throughout Visalia that use the local bounty to create tasty dishes. The local brewery district also serves up some of the best flavors and are fun to explore.
