10 THINGS TO DO THIS WINTER IN VISALIA
Winter weekends in Visalia are just the getaway needed to relax and rejuvenate. From walking through groves of snow-dusted sequoia trees in nearby Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks to cozy nights spent in charming Visalia, this is your opportunity to breathe deep and reset your spirit. Make Visalia your basecamp and starting point for an unforgettable experience.
VISIT SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
The national parks are open year-round, and winter is one of the best times to visit. What are the best things to do in winter?
Here are 3 dates that are free to enter the park:
- Veterans Day - Every year in honor of our veterans the parks waive the entry fee
- 2nd Sunday of December - The Annual Trek to the Trees event is held in Kings Canyon. A wreath is laid at the base of General Grant tree in Kings Canyon to honor the men and women of the armed services. The tree is a living memorial to those that gave their lives to our country.
- Martin Luther King Day in January is free for all visitors to enter the parks.
2. Attend the annual Trek to the Trees. The General Grant Tree is a living memorial to the men and women of the armed services and is considered the nation's Christmas Tree. This event includes Park Rangers laying of a wreath at the base of the tree. Carolers, speakers, and the general public all gather. This year is the 100th anniversary.
3. Snowshoe among the Giants - take a guided walk through a grove of Giant Sequoias for an experience you will never forget.
4. Take advantage of the cool weather with a hike in the lower elevations of the park.
EXPLORE VISALIA AND THE DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Downtown Visalia gets dressed up for the season with holiday lights for all the winter vibes. Get a mug of hot chocolate and stroll Main Street’s shops and restaurants.
Attend one of the many events throughout the season like the “Winter Wine-derland” in downtown. Experience the magic of downtown and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
Reward yourself with cozy meals and comfortable spaces to relax. Downtown has more than sixty restaurants, from 5-stars to food trucks.
Visit the gallery at Arts Visalia. Local and regional artists showcase their work with rotating exhibits. Art is on display in various non-traditional spaces throughout Visalia, including the Visit Visalia office.
SPECTACULAR OUTDOOR SPACES
Visalia is surrounded by spectacular outdoor spaces. In addition to visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, plan to include these stops as well. (We promised 10 things but added a bonus spot!)
Explore the Woodlake Botanical Gardens. Founded by Olga and Manuel Ortega, the gardens highlight the Golden State’s agriculture and botanical beauty.
Just minutes from downtown Visalia, the preserve offers the perfect place to hike and birdwatch and view other wildlife. It provides habitate for more than 300 plant and animal species including great horned owls and great blue herons. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
Pixley National Wildlife Refuge is home to many species, but it is the sandhill cranes that attract birdwatchers in the late winter and early months of spring.
COZY ACCOMMODATIONS
If you are looking for a Visalia hotel that has that "cozy winter vibe" we have some suggestions to try this winter.
We like the Visalia Marriott Hotel in downtown. The DT Lounge, located in the lobby area, welcomes guests to find a cozy spot anytime throughout the day. Find a comfy couch for coffee in the morning or gather with friends for a cocktail and dinner in the evening.
The Residence Inn on Visalia's westside has outdoor fire pits for those cool winter nights. Sit back in the deck chairs and view the stars.
If you want a mix of winter and summer, try the Visalia Wyndham. Their indoor pool keeps you warm regardless of the weather outside, making a dip in the pool feel great.
