Attractions and Places To See in Tulare County - Top 20

Tulare County offers several family-friendly attractions. You can explore the majestic sequoias on the Congress Trail, a paved loop suitable for all ages, or visit the Giant Forest Museum for interactive exhibits. Outside the national parks, families can enjoy the Imagine U Children's Museum, Visalia Adventure Park, Sky Zone Trampoline Park, or Del Lago Community Park in Tulare.

The most iconic place to experience giant sequoias is within Sequoia National Park. Here, you can visit the General Sherman Tree, the world's largest tree by volume, located in the Giant Forest. The Congress Trail allows you to walk among these ancient giants, including the President Tree. Other notable groves include the Mountain Home Grove at Balch Park and areas within the Giant Sequoia National Monument like Converse Basin Grove.

Yes, Tulare County is rich in history. You can visit the Tulare County Museum in Visalia's Mooney Grove Park, which showcases the region's pioneer era and agricultural history. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is a significant landmark, preserving California's only town founded and governed by African Americans. Other sites include the Historic Kingsburg Jail, parts of the Butterfield Stage Route, and the Tulare Historical Museum.

Beyond the sequoias, Tulare County offers diverse outdoor activities. You can explore hiking trails like the Tokopah Falls Trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall. For more challenging adventures, consider routes near Mount Whitney. The Golden Trout Wilderness is ideal for boating, kayaking, fishing, and rafting. Rock climbing is popular at Buck Rock. You can also find various hiking, running, and road cycling routes throughout the county.

Yes, several attractions in Tulare County are designed to be accessible. The Giant Forest Museum and the Grant Grove Visitor Center are wheelchair accessible. The Congress Trail, which winds through giant sequoias, is a paved loop, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. For viewing waterfalls like Tokopah Falls, spring is ideal due to snowmelt. Summer offers warm weather for hiking and exploring higher elevations. Fall brings beautiful foliage, while winter can offer a serene, snow-covered landscape, though some roads and trails may be closed.

While the General Sherman Tree area can be busy, the Congress Trail beyond the immediate Sherman Tree area tends to be less crowded. This paved loop still offers impressive views of giant sequoias. Exploring other groves like those in the Giant Sequoia National Monument or Balch Park can also provide a more tranquil experience.

Absolutely. Tulare County is home to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, offering a challenging multi-day trek. The High Sierra Trailhead (West) at Crescent Meadow is a renowned starting point for demanding backcountry adventures. You can find more difficult routes, such as the Lakes Trail, within the hiking guide for Tulare County.

Tulare County provides a variety of cultural experiences. You can enjoy performances at the Visalia Fox Theatre, L.J. Williams Theatre, or the COS Performing Arts Theatre. The Tulare County Museum and Tulare Historical Museum offer insights into local history and heritage. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park provides a unique look into early 20th-century African American history in California.

For breathtaking views, consider the panoramic vistas from Moro Rock Trail. The Hanging Rock also offers impressive views, including of Moro Rock itself. Within Sequoia National Park, many trails lead to stunning overlooks of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the surrounding forests.

Yes, Tulare County's diverse natural landscapes provide excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. Balch Park, with its stocked fishing pond and Mountain Home Grove, is known for birdwatching and general wildlife viewing. The national parks and wilderness areas are home to various species, including deer, bears, and numerous bird species, especially in less trafficked areas.

For easy hikes, the Congress Trail is a paved loop that is generally flat and suitable for most abilities. The Tokopah Falls Trail is also considered an easy to intermediate walk, leading to a beautiful waterfall. The General Sherman Tree Trail is a short, paved path to the base of the world's largest tree. You can find more easy options in the hiking guide for Tulare County.