Greater Visalia - Visalia, CA Area Guide

Visalia, California, is one of the oldest towns in the San Joaquin Valley. Visalia was first inhabited by Native Americans, who referred to the area as Four Creeks, due to the multiple creeks that passed into the area from the Sierra Nevada mountains. In the early 1850s, settlers arrived in the area and petitioned the California legislature for county status. Tulare County was officially established on July 10, 1852. In 1853, Visalia was established as the Tulare County seat, named after Visalia, Kentucky, the hometown of a settler named Nathaniel Vise. Visalia was officially incorporated in 1874 and remains a thriving town today.

The Tulare County Museum, located in Visalia's historic Mooney Grove Park, features multiple exhibits that include early pioneer artifacts, Native American baskets and early Visalia agricultural equipment. The museum also hosts educational tours, rotating exhibits and annual fund-raising events.

Greater Visalia residents only need to take a short trip to Main Street to enjoy a multitude of restaurants and night spots in the area, with options ranging from fine Italian cafes to classic steakhouses and everything in-between.

When locals have a taste for authentic Italian fare, they head down to West Main Street and visit Little Italy Restaurant & Caffe. With a lovely dining room complete with candlelight and music, a full bar, and classic dishes such as chicken piccata and eggplant Parmesan, Little Italy has all the right ingredients for a perfect evening.

If you've got a craving for a tasty steak, pay a visit to Tommy's on North Encina Street, just off West Main. Tommy's features a cozy, elegant dining room, an extensive wine list and a vast menu of American fare. Regular patrons recommend the 8-ounce beef filet, a juicy steak filet wrapped in bacon, cooked to perfection with a red wine reduction and served with garlic mashed potatoes. If you've got room left after your feast for something sweet, be sure to try Tommy's award-winning bread pudding.

For an authentic Mexican meal, check out Colima Mexican Restaurant on South Linwood Street. Locals enjoy Colima's casual atmosphere and friendly service and can't say enough about the carne asada and chile relleno platters. If you're looking to add a little extra spice to your meal, be sure to request the green spicy salsa with your complimentary tortilla chips.

When local sports enthusiasts get together to watch the big game, they often head downtown to Downtown Rookies Sports Bar & Grill. Located on East Main Street, Rookies features a full bar, multiple wide-screen televisions and an extensive food menu with delicious pub fare. Happy hour takes place Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m., with $1 beers and $4 appetizers such as fried pickles, sweet potato fries and chicken wings.

For a fun evening of cocktails and socializing, check out the Green Olive on East Mineral King Avenue. This popular neighborhood watering hole fares well with locals, as it features a full bar, pool tables and some of the friendliest service in town.

While driving tends to be the main mode of transportation for many residents of the Greater Visalia community, the residential streets and sidewalks within the neighborhoods are safe for pedestrians and cyclists who adhere to the basic rules of the road. Local cyclists also enjoy having access to over 14 miles of interconnected bikeways within the City of Visalia. Residents don't typically hail cabs within the local neighborhoods, however, rides can easily be reserved through ABC Taxi Service of Visalia and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft.

California State Route 198 is accessible via West Main Street and West Noble Avenue, allowing for convenient commuting and travel in and out of Visalia. Commuters who travel by bus have convenient access to Visalia Transit bus stops located on multiple streets throughout the community, including West Main Street and East Douglas Avenue. Passengers can also board buses at the Visalia Transit station on East Oak Avenue.

The City of Visalia Parks & Recreation Department oversees several parks within the community, with amenities such as ball fields, walking trails, picnic shelters and playground equipment. All parks are free to enter, however, individuals who wish to utilize picnic shelters and certain ball fields may be subject to rental fees.

If you're looking for a nice spot to spend quality time with the family, local residents suggest Lincoln Oval Park on North Court Street. This small community park provides playground equipment, picnic tables and a nice open field for recreation.

For a fun-filled day of outdoor sports, check out Jefferson Park on South Watson Street. This 3.6-acre park features softball fields, lighted basketball courts and a multi-purpose recreational field, making it the perfect place to blow off steam and get in a good workout.

If you've got a furry friend who could use a day of fun, pay a visit to Plaza Park on South Plaza Street. Plaza Park features an off-leash dog area, as well as walking trails and a fishing pond.

The City of Visalia Parks & Recreation Department takes pride in sponsoring a variety of annual events that help to celebrate the community and honor Visalia's heritage. Popular among families, the annual Visalia Teen Idol Talent Contest at the L.J. Williams Theater showcases local youths with various talents, with the grand prize being the coveted Visalia Teen Idol title. Another popular event is the annual 4th of July Freedom Celebration. Held every 4th of July at the Mineral King Bowl, attendees enjoy an amazing fireworks display, live music and concessions.

The cost of living in the Greater Visalia community exceeds the city average by approximately 23 percent, with residents paying an average of $739 a month in rental costs for one-bedroom apartments. A standard one-way bus trip into the city center costs $1.50, with discounted rates ranging between 50 cents and $1.25 for seniors and other individuals.

The typical price of a domestic or imported beer at a local Visalia pub ranges between $3 and $6, however, specific costs can fluctuate in the event of happy hours and special drink promotions. When compared to the national average, Visalia residents pay approximately 20 percent more for a gallon of gas than the rest of the United States.

Greater Visalia residents don't have to venture far when it comes to shopping, as a nice variety of retailers and grocers can be found on and around South Central Street and North Dinuba Boulevard.

For groceries and standard household supplies, Greater Visalia locals suggest Shop and Go and Food 4 Less, both conveniently located on North Dinuba Boulevard. For fresh, California-grown fruits and vegetables, the Visalia Farmers Market runs year-round in the Sears parking lot on Mooney Boulevard.

While there aren't any high-end shops or retailers within the immediate Greater Visalia community, several well-known retailers reside on and around South Central Street. Kohl's department store specializes in affordable fashions, while Bed Bath & Beyond carries an abundance of bedding and home decor items. Additional retailers on South Central Street include Payless ShoeSource, The Vitamin Shoppe and Dick's Sporting Goods.

For fashionable women's apparel, locals suggest Sugar Plums Boutique on West Main Street. Sugar Plums specializes in chic fashions, hard-to-find footwear, and unique accessories.

If you're looking for the perfect gift for a fashionista friend or feel like treating yourself to a little bling, check out the Bling Queen Boutique on West Main Street. With sparkling fashions, trendy scarves, jewelry, shoes and more, Bling Queen Boutique has got you covered.