WEEKEND GETAWAY TO SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
It's time to plan a get-away for a long weekend - the perfect opportunity to head out on a road trip. At just 3 hours from Los Angeles and about 3 ½ hours from the Bay Area, Visalia is a perfect destination for a get-away that makes you feel like you really got away. See the giant sequoia trees, take a hike, float on a lake, and simply breathe the fresh mountain air. A long weekend getaway will help to recharge your batteries and calm your soul.
THREE DAYS OF FUN
WHERE TO STAY
VISIT THE NATIONAL PARKS AND MORE WHEN YOU VISIT
DAY 1
Start the day with a good cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast. Sunny Hyde Up is perfect for families and groups. Or stop by Component Coffee Lab. Their outdoor patio is a great place to savor your coffee and enjoy a bite to eat. Popular with locals, this locally owned eatery will get you into the vacation mode and fill you up for a day of adventure.
TOP THINGS TO SEE IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
This iconic granite monolith is always a must see. The climb up the 400 or so stairs carved into the rock makes for a rigorous hike. But the panoramic views from the top are worth it. See the Great Western Divide and Sequoia Trees from above while perched atop this iconic site.
If the climb to Moro is a bit more than you can manage, take stroll around Crescent Meadow. This easy paved path is a great way to see giant sequoias as well as other ecosystems. You can even see Tharp Log, a cabin built into a fallen sequoia.
From the parking lot across from the Giant Forest Museum, is a trail head for this easy walk ideal for kids, strollers and those that are looking for an easy walk. Groves of sequoias can also be enjoyed here.
The General Sherman is largest living thing on the planet. You will understand when you see it why people from all over the world stand in awe of this massive giant. Because this is a popular site in the park, it can get busy. Follow the trail to the Congress Trail where there may be fewer visitors and plenty of sequoia trees to view.
If you are looking to really explore nature, take a hike to Tokopah Falls. This 3+ mile out and back trail follows along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River and ends at this cascading falls. You can find the trailhead at the back of the Lodgepole parking lot.
A photo of you driving under the Tunnel Log is a great memento of your visit. This tree fell years ago and allows visitors to get a sense of the size of these enormous trees.
THINGS TO KNOW WHEN VISITING SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
Download your pass and the park app: To limit contact between visitors and park staff, the park has made park information available digitally. They recommend that visitors purchase a pass ahead of time. The pass can be downloaded to your phone to be shown to staff at the entry gate.
Also download the park app for use while visiting. Though cell service is not available within the park, GPS enable phones will allow you use the maps in real time. Park information is updated on the app so you will know what is open and what sites you should visit.
WHERE TO EAT
Lunch: We always recommend taking a picnic lunch, snacks and drinks with you for a visit to the parks. Think beyond a sandwich – like Mediterranean food from Pita Kabob Gastropub or fire-oven baked pizza from Bistro Di Bufala. Take a look at our restaurant guide for more choices.
Dinner: At the end of the day, head back to Visalia for dinner at Fugazzis Bistro. This is a local favorite with something on the menu for everyone. Take a look at our restaurant page for suggestions on the best places to dine in Visalia.
DAY 2
For a hearty breakfast, stop in at Black Bear Diner. From pancakes to steak and eggs, you won’t leave here hungry!
A DAY AT THE LAKE
Today is all about relaxing. Rent a patio boat at Lake Kaweah for a fun day at the lake. A well-stocked cooler and a swimsuit is all you will need for this adventure. Book your boat ahead of time at the Kaweah Marina. Once onboard head out across the lake and drop anchor wherever looks good. The lake is fed by the Kaweah River that comes from high in Sequoia National Park.
Set just outside of Sequoia National Park, Lake Kaweah is a recreation destination for boating, fishing, swimming and more. Be sure to stop by the Visitors Center to learn more about how the lake was created.
Not your typical pizza place, they go beyond with local favorites like the Thai Pie and the Kitchen Sink.
Get a great pub meal then explore Visalia's brewery district. This is the site of Visalia's first beer garden!
WHERE TO EAT
After a day at the lake, take a quick detour into Three Rivers for a big scoop of homemade ice cream at Reimer’s Ice Cream. Then head back to Visalia. Keep the casual day vibe going with dinner on the patio at the Planing Mill Pizza. Play a game of cornhole while munching on one of their unique pizzas like Thai Pie.
DAY 3
Although your weekend away is almost over, don’t rush the day. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the elegant Vintage Press Restaurant. Crisp white linens, top-notch service and excellent food will cap off your weekend getaway. Or enjoy rooftop vibes at Elderwood Rooftop Restaurant. Or if you are looking for home-style cooking, dine at the cozy Valhalla diner.
THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES
Vacation days were meant for golf . . mini-golf that is. Before you head back to the world of adulting and the daily grind, have some fun at Visalia Adventure Park. Play a round of mini-golf, splash on the bumper boats or experience the thrill of open-air driving on the Go Karts. Or rent a cabana and let the kids play at Sequoia Springs Splash Park where 4 slides will keep you wet and cool during the summer.
Or maybe you'd rather spend a leisurely day in the park. Mooney Grove is great for feeding ducks in the ponds, fishing (the lagoon is stocked regularly) or playing a round of Disc Golf.
As you head back home, feeling refreshed and relax, relive the memories of your weekend getaway. From the biggest trees and cool mountain air, to a relaxing float on the lake, to a competitive round of mini-golf, life just got a little boost in the arm.
