Visalia News

04/04/2024 - PARK CONSTUCTION

SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS REMAIN OPEN DURING SCHEDULED ROAD IMPRPOVEMENT WORKSUPDATE (As of April 12, 2024): The National Park Service has revised road improvement schedule. Work is now scheduled to begin April 29- May 23, 2024. Check https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/road-construction.htm for current conditions. Visalia, Calif. (APRIL 4, 2024) - Travelers to Sequoia National Park between April 15-May 10, 2024, will be visiting during planned road improvements along the Generals Highway. The… READ MORE >

03/27/2024 - VISIT VISALIA CELEBRATES AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH IN APRIL

VISIT VISALIA RECOGNIZES AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH IN APRIL "Every day is Autism Acceptance Day in our Community."Find a video from Visit Visalia and images hereVisalia, Calif. (March 27, 2024) - Visalia, the nation’s first Certified Autism Destination, recognizes Autism Awareness month in April. Visit Visalia and local tourism partners will highlight Visalia’s initiative: Every day is autism acceptance day in our community. A recent survey conducted by Autism Travel (https://autismtravel.com/) shows… READ MORE >

01/11/2024 - Miss America Watch Party

VISIT VISALIA TO HOST MISS AMERICA WATCH PARTYTO CHEER ON THE REIGNING MISS CALIFORNIA SABRINA LEWISVisalia, Calif. (January 11, 2024) - Visit Visalia and the Visalia Marriott Hotel at the Convention Center will host a Watch Party for the Miss America Competition Sunday, January 14, 2024. The competition, being held in Orlando, Florida, will be live-streamed by the Miss American organization at 4:00 pm pacific time and will air on… READ MORE >

12/14/2023 - Fan Festival 2024

TICKETS ON SALE FOR 2024 GREAT WESTERN FAN FESTIVAL MAY 2-4, 2024 AT THE VISALIA CONVENTION CENTERVisalia, CA (Dec 14, 2023)— Tickets for the Great Western Gospel Music Fan Festival are on sale, just in time for the holidays. The three-day festival in Visalia, California will bring classic gospel music to the stage May 2-4, 2024. The annual event will be held at the Visalia Convention Center located at 303… READ MORE >

10/04/2023 - CA Order of Eastern Star

City of Visalia Welcomes Back Grand Chapter of CaliforniaOrder of Eastern StarVisalia, CA (October 4, 2023)— The city of Visalia is pleased to welcome back the Grand Chapter of California, Order of the Eastern Star October 18-21, 2023 for their 149th Annual Session. “Having Fun in the Southwestern Sun” is the theme for this year’s conference. Order of Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both… READ MORE >

08/31/2023 - Visalia Named Top Trip Destination by Travel+Leisure

Visit Visalia, gateway to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California, is among seven worldwide trip destinations reported by Travel + Leisure Magazine as top a pick for neurodiverse travelers. READ MORE >

06/29/2023 - Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park Reopens to Visitors

Travelers looking for a national park getaway will be thrilled that beginning July 1, the Giant Forest area, which includes the General Sherman Tree, will be accessible from both the Highway 198 Ash Mountain and the Highway 180 Big Stump entrances. READ MORE >

06/23/2023 - VISALIA HOSTS MISS CALIFORNIA COMPETITION

VISALIA HOSTS MISS CALIFORNIA COMPETITIONVISALIA CONVENTION CENTER JULY 1, 2023Visalia, Calif. (June 23, 2023) - Visit Visalia is thrilled to announce the 2023 Miss California and Miss California’s Teen Competition will be held at the Visalia Convention Center, July 1, 2023. This prestigious and professional development competition is set to kick off Sunday, June 25, when Visalia welcomes the young women for a week of interviews, rehearsals and meaningful community… READ MORE >

04/20/2023 - GREAT WESTERN FAN FESTIVAL RETURNS TO VISALIA CONVENTION CENTER, MAY 4-6, 2023

Southern gospel music fans from across the United States and Canada will gather in Visalia, California May 4-6, 2023 for the Great Western Fan Festival (GWFF). The festival is returning for the annual three-day event at the Visalia Convention Center located in Visalia’s pedestrian-friendly downtown. READ MORE >

12/14/2022 - VISALIA, CALIFORNIA MAKES TRAVEL EASIER FOR ADVENTURERS WITH AUTISM

Visalia, California Makes Travel Easier For Adventurers With AutismCity makes history becoming the country’s first Certified Autism DestinationVisalia, Calif. (December 15, 2022) - Visalia has been designated the first-ever Certified Autism Destination in the country, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This follows a year-long effort by local tourism partners to better address the travel needs of autistic adventurers and their families in the… READ MORE >

12/05/2022 - 2022 Holidays in Visalia, California

Celebrate the season in one of the best destinations for Holiday Spirit - Visalia, California. This charming destination is just 3 hours from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and San Francisco in Central California. READ MORE >

10/11/2022 - FALL WEEKEND ITINERARY THAT OFFERS A TASTE OF VISALIA

The best fall events in Visalia pair perfectly with a visit to the nearby Sequoia & Kings Canyon national parks for a fun long weekend vacation. READ MORE >

09/15/2022 - Order of Eastern Star Returns to Visalia Convention Center

City Of Visalia Welcomes Back Grand Chapter of California, Order Of Eastern StarVisalia, Calif. (Updated SEPTEMBER 19, 2022) - The California Grand Chapter of the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and men may belong will soon be returning to Visalia for its annual convention this fall. The city is pleased to welcome back the Grand Chapter of California, Order of the Eastern Star for their annual session,… READ MORE >

07/27/2022 - Visit Visalia announces more Certified Autism Centers

Visit Visalia announces that two additional Visalia hotels and three more local attractions have been designated as Certified Autism Centers™ (CAC) by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Now with a total of five hotels and multiple family-friendly attractions trained and certified, visitors with autism can choose from a selection of tourism businesses that have achieved the designation. READ MORE >

07/14/2022 - Visit Visalia with Other California Partners Commit to Accessible Travel Across the Golden State

Visit Visalia, along with numerous other California-based attractions including Sesame Place® San Diego, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Santa Barbara Zoo, GRAMMY Museum® and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord, have been leaders in the accessible travel space, creating an Autism-Friendly California Road Trip that features attractions across the state that are Certified Autism Centers. This road trip will appear in the annual 2022 Visit California Road Trips Guide launching July 15,… READ MORE >

05/09/2022 - Visalia's Tourism Economy Grew in 2021, but Lags Behind 2019 Levels

The tourism economy in Visalia and Tulare County made great strides toward recovery in 2021, yet more work remains to fully restore the tourism economy in Visalia, Tulare County and across the state. Visit California, the state's tourism office, released the economic impact of tourism report for 2021, coinciding with California Tourism Month. READ MORE >

04/19/2022 - GREAT WESTERN FAN FESTIVAL RETURNS TO VISALIA CONVENTION CENTER APRIL 28-30, 2022

Visit Visalia is pleased to announce that the Great Western Fan Festival (GWFF) is returning to Visalia after a two-year hiatus. The annual gospel music festival will take place April 28-30, 2022 at the Visalia Convention Center located in Visalia’s pedestrian-friendly downtown. READ MORE >

04/13/2022 - Visit Visalia celebrates National Parks Week 2022

Visit Visalia is excited to celebrate National Parks Week April 16-24, 2022, in conjunction with the National Parks Service event held annually to highlight America’s treasures. READ MORE >

03/28/2022 - Visalia Celebrates Autism Awareness Month

Visit Visalia Kicks off Autism Awareness Month by “Lighting It Up Blue” City on track to become California’s first Certified Autism DestinationVisalia, Calif. (March 28, 2022) - Visit Visalia and its local tourism partners are kicking off Autism Awareness month in April by celebrating “Light It Up Blue” Day on Saturday, April 2, 2022. They join organizations locally and around the world who will participate in this unique global initiative that… READ MORE >

03/07/2022 - GO NATIVE! CULTURAL EVENT RETURNS TO KAWEAH OAKS PRESERVE

On Saturday, May 21, 2022, the Go Native! Cultural Event, a celebration of the Native American Yokuts tribes and their arts, culture and food, will take place at Kaweah Oaks Preserve. This event, with support from sponsors Sequoia Riverlands Trust and Visit Visalia, will provide a rare opportunity for the public to meet this region’s indigenous people who continue to celebrate their living culture. READ MORE >

03/03/2022 - Tulare County Museum is Certified Autism Center

The Tulare County Museum of Farm Labor and Culture, located in Visalia’s Mooney Grove Park, is the most recent local attraction designated as a Certified Autism Center™(CAC) by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). READ MORE >

02/24/2022 - Sequoia Shuttle from Visalia to Sequoia National Park Returns for 2022 Season

The Sequoia Shuttle operates from the gateway city of Visalia to Sequoia National Park and will begin service for the 2022 season starting May 26. With multiple departures daily from most Visalia hotels, the Sequoia Shuttle offers a convenient and cost-effective way for visitors to see one of California’s most majestic national parks. READ MORE >

02/23/2022 - Society for California Archaeology to hold 56th Annual Meeting in Visalia

The Society for California Archaeology will meet in Visalia, California for their 56th Annual Meeting. The Visalia Convention Center, the Visalia Marriott Hotel and the Visalia Comfort Suites will host the organization March 3-6, 2022. READ MORE >

02/08/2022 - Visit Visalia Orchard and Blossom Trail Map is Available

The annual blossom season in spring has orchards and groves around Tulare County awash with color. Wildflowers in the foothill and seasonal fruit stand will also begin to sprout up around the county, making spring the best time for road trips near Visalia. Whether headed to Sequoia National Park or simply taking a Sunday drive, this burst of color is a must-see. READ MORE >

02/02/2022 - Visalia Marriott Hotel Certified Autism Center

the Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center has been designated a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. The hotel property is located in pedestrian-friendly downtown Visalia, the restaurant and entertainment core of the city, and is adjacent to the 114,000 square-foot convention center. READ MORE >

01/18/2022 - Celebrate National Plan for Vacation Day with Visit Visalia

Visit Visalia is celebrating National Plan for Vacation Day (NPVD), powered by U.S. Travel Association. The event takes place on the last Tuesday in January to encourage Americans to plan their vacation days for the entire year at the start of the year. Visit Visalia is ready to help with tips and inspiration for those looking to plan the vacation they deserve. READ MORE >

01/18/2022 - Downtown Visalia Restaurant Month 2022

The annual Downtown Visalia Restaurant month is back in February 2022. Foodie explorers are invited to take advantage of these local offerings and get a taste of Visalia’s vibrant food scene all month long. READ MORE >

12/17/2021 - Soccer City 1852 Visalia breaks ground on innovative new sports facility

Soccer City 1852 Visalia is a new and innovative sports facility coming to Visalia California, the first of its kind in the Central Valley. This unique sports venue combines street-style soccer with local craft brews making it an ideal gathering spot. Located in Visalia’s downtown dining and entertainment district, this project will add an exciting new option for visitors to the city. The project is expected to be completed in… READ MORE >

12/14/2021 - City of Visalia Adds More Places for Travelers with Sensory Needs to Find Comfort

The Comfort Suites Hotel and Hampton Inn Visalia have become the first hotels in the city to be designated Certified Autism Centers™ by IBCCES, joining the movement started by Visit Visalia to make Visalia a more inclusive travel destination. READ MORE >

12/02/2021 - Valley Oaks Golf Course Becomes California's First Golf Course Designated A Certified Autism Center

Valley Oaks Golf Course has become the first golf course in California to be designated a Certified Autism Center™(CAC). The CAC designation is awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to organizations that complete position-specific training and certification to help staff better communicate and serve visitors with autism and sensory sensitivities. READ MORE >

10/13/2021 - A Nostalgic Holiday in Visalia Makes Memories That Will Last a Lifetime

Those looking for nostalgic holiday magic will find it in the charming city of Visalia, California, considered one of the best destinations for Holiday Spirit. READ MORE >

10/05/2021 - Visit Visalia First California DMO to Adopt the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program Supporting Accessible Travel Market

Visit Visalia is the first California destination marketing organization to adopt the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, working to raise awareness and make travel easier and safer for visitors with autism. READ MORE >

09/10/2021 - Visit Visalia Becomes Autism Certified Center, the first destination marketing organization in California

Visit Visalia announced today it is the first California destination marketing organization designated a “Certified Autism Center” by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). READ MORE >

08/18/2021 - Fall Festivals Offer Taste of Visalia Through Arts, Food and Outdoor Fun

Visalia, California announces an exciting lineup of fall events happening in its charming city and the nearby national parks. Grouped into three can’t-miss itineraries, these events will allow visitors to experience the best in local food, culture, and adventure while enjoying the cool fall weather. READ MORE >

07/12/2021 - Comfort Food Lovers Alert: Visalia to host Mac & Cheese Contest

Visit Visalia is excited to announce that restaurants in downtown Visalia will be vying for the coveted title of “Best Mac & Cheese in Downtown Visalia” in a contest that runs from July 12 to July 31, 2021. READ MORE >

06/11/2021 - Three Scenic Drives Worth the Trip This Summer

Visit Visalia is anticipating increased summertime travel and is ready with travel tips and suggestions, and offering their top picks for three scenic drives that will have visitors exploring the local foothills and the national parks in Visalia, California's backyard for a classic summer road trip. READ MORE >

05/18/2021 - Top Gifts for Father's Day 2021

Visit Visalia has best ideas for Father’s Day gifts for 2021. READ MORE >

04/27/2021 - Memorial Day Weekend Signals Start of Summer with 3 Days to Travel

The long Memorial Day weekend is recognized as the kick-off to summer activities. It is the first long weekend and the unofficial start to summer. Visit Visalia is ready with tips and suggestions for eager travelers ready to hit the road for a summertime vacation. READ MORE >

03/05/2021 - Farmer Bob's World Grand Opening

Farmer Bob's World offers agricultural tours of a working citrus ranch near Visalia, California. READ MORE >

01/04/2021 - Visit Visalia hosts Fireside Chat on Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Community members interested in learning more about what’s coming to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in 2020 are invited to join the conversation at the first “Fireside Chat” hosted by Visit Visalia. READ MORE >

03/06/2020 - Winning Never Gets Old: Visit Visalia Invites Travelers to 2020 Visalia Senior Games

Visit Visalia invites visitors, competitors and spectators to explore Visalia during the annual Senior Games taking place March 21-22 and 28-29. READ MORE >

03/04/2020 - Visit Visalia Announces Summer Promotion - 'Double the Parks,Double the Adventure'

Visit Visalia, the most robust city near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, announced a limited-time promotion offered through the new vacation booking service on VisitVisalia.com. READ MORE >

02/05/2020 - More than 100,000 Visitors Expected in Visalia Area on Feb 11-13

More than 100,000 convention-goers are expected to make their way to Tulare County for the 2020 World Ag Expo happening Feb. 11-13, 2020. As arguably the “largest agriculture event on the planet,” World Ag Expo is a convention unlike any other. READ MORE >

01/28/2020 - Visit Visalia Announces Summer Promotion - 'Free Shuttle & Stay'

Visit Visalia, the most robust city near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, announced a limited-time promotion offered through the new vacation booking service on VisitVisalia.com. READ MORE >

12/02/2019 - VISIT VISALIA TO HOST DENIM & DIAMONDS MD4 CON

Visit Visalia announces California Lions Club Multiple District 4 (MD4), Lions International will host their Denim and Diamonds conference at the Visalia Convention Center and Marriott Hotel on February 21-23, 2020. READ MORE >

11/26/2019 - Visalia Announces Self Guided Walking Tour of Early Visalia

Visit Visalia is excited to announce “Visalia: Then and Now,” a self-guided walking tour of historic sites in downtown. Visitors will discover the city’s unique character as they explore interesting buildings and sites, and hear the story of our growth as told through the architecture of this vibrant and active Central Valley city. READ MORE >

11/18/2019 - One of the Largest Catholic Churches in the United States Breaks Ground in Visalia

Visit Visalia joins the excitement as St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church breaks ground on what will become the largest Catholic church in the Western United States. READ MORE >

11/18/2019 - WSL Ultimate Surfer Realty TV Show

Visit Visalia, the new hot-spot tourist destination in Central California, is preparing to welcome a few more visitors this spring, as ABC announced a new reality TV show to be filmed at neighboring Surf Ranch. READ MORE >

11/15/2019 - Foreigner Returns for Concert at Visalia Convention Center

Visit Visalia is excited to announce rock band Foreigner is coming to play at the Visalia Convention Center this January. The city is ready to welcome travelers bringing in the new year with rockin’ dance moves and ‘80s hits. READ MORE >

11/11/2019 - Visit Visalia Announces Schedule of Holiday Events and Winter Activities

From a trip to the ‘Nation’s Christmas Tree’ to the iconic Beach Boys in Concert, there is no better way to spend an American Holiday. READ MORE >

11/06/2019 - Visalia Offers California Wildfire Respite

Over the past several weeks, California has been impacted by wildfires across the state. Our hearts go out to all affected, and we recognize that many travelers may be worried about maneuvering California during this time. READ MORE >

09/03/2019 - 'Taste' of Visalia Through Arts, Music and Food

This October, three authentic festivals—Taste of Downtown, Taste the Arts and the Tastemakers Festival—will fill the streets and allow visitors to experience the best local food, culture, art and music within its vibrant downtown. READ MORE >

08/12/2019 - THE BEACH BOYS TO COME TO VISALIA, CA

The Beach Boys are coming to Visalia to perform this December. READ MORE >

08/02/2019 - Exhibition by Photographer Beckie Ballew Nava

Visit Visalia today announced a photographic exhibition showcasing work by artist Beckie Ballew Nava is open to the public in the downtown Visalia office. READ MORE >

07/31/2019 - Dark Sky Festival Media Alert

Reporters attending the 6th Annual Dark Sky Festival in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks can contact Visit Visalia for accommodation requests and suggested itineraries. READ MORE >

07/28/2019 - Visalia to host the Cal Ripken 60 World Series in 2019

Visalia Youth Baseball, Visalia Convention & Visitors Bureau, the City of Visalia and Babe Ruth League Inc. are excited to announce that the 2019 Cal Ripken Major 60 World Series is coming to Visalia! READ MORE >

07/19/2019 - Showtime in Visalia: Summer Concerts and Festivals

Summer in Visalia is heating up with a free concert series featuring up-and-coming country music stars, followed by the ever crowd-pleasing Boots, Brews & Bacon Festival. READ MORE >

07/17/2019 - New Visit Visalia logo honored with Award

The new Visit Visalia logo was recently recognized for creative excellence by the American Advertising Awards. Visit Visalia is a collaboration of the Visalia Tourism Marketing District and the Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau to increase the marketing budget to promote the city. READ MORE >

06/26/2019 - Artist Heidi Steinman

Visit Visalia today announced a unique exhibition of artwork by local artist Heidi Steinman. The installation is showcased in the Visit Visalia office at 112 E. Main Street in downtown Visalia. READ MORE >

06/17/2019 - Sequoia Springs Splash Park Opens in Visalia, California

Today, Visit Visalia announced that Sequoia Springs Splash Park, a 42-foot water structure with four slides, is officially open to the public. READ MORE >

06/16/2019 - Visit Visalia Summer Getaway

Visit Visalia Lists New Activities, Venues and Events this June and July. READ MORE >

05/06/2019 - Economic Impact of Tourism in Tulare County

Visalia continued to thrive from visitor spending in 2018. Visit California’s latest economic impact report demonstrates local visitor spending reached $430.4 million last year, a 6.38 percent boost in spending over the previous year, and supported 5,450 jobs in Tulare County. READ MORE >

01/04/2019 - C-SPAN Cities Tour to feature Visalia, CA

Mayor Bob Link, Comcast and Visit Visalia will welcome C-SPAN to Visalia on Monday, January 7th at 5:00 p.m. outside City Council Chambers at Visalia City Hall as they kick off a visit to record the history and non-fiction literary life of the city on the cable network’s non-fiction book channel Book TV (on C-SPAN2) and history channel American History TV (on C-SPAN3). READ MORE >

New Visit Visalia Executive Director

Media Contact:Nellie Freebornnellie@visitvisalia.comNELLIE FREEBORN NAMED VISIT VISALIA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Visalia, Calif. (Oct. 14, 2019) – Visit Visalia, a collaboration of the Visalia Tourism Marketing District (VTMD) and the Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau (VCVB), is pleased to welcome hotel industry veteran Nellie Freeborn to serve as the organization’s new Executive Director. “Nellie is the ideal candidate to step into the role of Executive Director and we are thrilled she has accepted,” said Samantha… READ MORE >

Visit Visalia and Other California Partners Commit to Accessible Travel Across the Golden State

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