Visalia, CA, serves as a gateway city for both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
The distance from Visalia to Sequoia National Park's Ash Mountain Entrance is 35 miles (45 minutes), and the distance from Visalia to the Big Stump entrance of Kings Canyon National Park is 56 mi (1 hour and 20 min).
Downtown Visalia, Gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Did you know that Visalia, California, has a long history with the National Parks? Below are a few stops in Visalia and their long history with the National Park Service.
Make sure to also read about our epic California Big Trees Road Trip. We partnered with Visit California and are excited to share one of my favorite places.
Sequoia Legacy Tree
The Sequoia Legacy Tree is located in the heart of Visalia. The Legacy Tree was planted in February 1936 by Guy Hopping, the superintendent of General Grant National Park, now known as Kings Canyon National Park.
During the extreme winters at General Grant National Park, Mr. Hopping would move his office to the basement of the Downtown Visalia post office. He worked with the postmaster, Nate Levy, to plant two Sequoia trees on either side of the historic post office.
The sequoia trees were three years old when Mr. Hopping brought them down from Grant Grove. They planted the trees in hopes of providing a visual symbol of the collaboration between the parks and the post office.
Today, you can still view one of the Sequoia Legacy Trees. There is a well-maintained small park that was created in partnership with many sponsors, including the Sequoia Parks Conservancy, Visalia Heritage, and the City of Visalia.
It is hard to believe when you look at the 87-year-old Sequoia Tree compared to the walkway around it that simulates the size of the General Grant Tree’s base.
While there, check out the historic downtown Visalia Post Office. This Art déco building is well worth visiting. It has marble floors and an art deco design. You can also see several nature motifs throughout the building, including an eagle, a plant, a flower, and a sunrise.
Sequoia Tree Mural
The Sequoia Tree Mural is just past the post office on the corner of Acequia Avenue and Court Street. This is a great place to take a family photo to remember your time visiting the massive Sequoia Trees in California.
The Palace Hotel in Visalia, California
The Palace Hotel was built in 1876 and was considered the finest hotel outside of San Francisco.
It also played a part in the creation of the National Park Service. Here, Stephen Mather met up with 15 influential men to spend two weeks on what is now known as the Mather Mountain Party. Over two weeks, these men would trek through Sequoia National Park and summit Mt. Whitney. During their expedition, they noticed the lack of oversight and governance of these beautiful lands.
This expedition was a pivotal step in the creation of legislation that created the National Park Service.
Stephen Mather eventually became the first superintendent of the new National Park Service in May 1917, a position he held until he resigned in January 1929 due to illness.
Sequoia Brewing Company, Visalia
One of our favorite Downtown Visalia Restaurants is the Sequoia Brewing Company! How can you go wrong visiting a brewery that is home to the General Sherman IPA!
This is one of our favorite National Park-inspired beers! Don’t miss the historic photos on the walls of the brewery showcasing the giant Sequoias.
Also, don't miss the pretzel bites! We ordered two orders because my wife and I didn't want to share. My other favorite is the Frisco Flat Burger. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you will enjoy it.
Why Visit Visalia?
Visalia makes an excellent hub for those who want to explore California National Parks and the biggest trees on earth. This is especially true for those who wish to stay in a hotel, have local restaurants to try, or would prefer to have a tour guide take you around to all of the highlights and not have to do the driving. Below is a list of tours and hotels in the area, along with links to other great parks and area information.
You can also plan and visit both parks in one day by taking the main park road (The Generals Hwy) while visiting the world’s largest trees, deep canyons, General Sherman Tree (the Largest Tree in the world by volume) and General Grant Tree (the third largest tree in the world by volume). You will also have time to visit most of the major attractions like Crescent Meadow, the Giant Forest visitors center, Tunnel Rock, Hospital Rock, and Tunnel Log. This will also give you enough time to take a couple of short hikes like Moro Rock Trail, Sherman Tree Trail, Congress Trail, and Grant Grove Trail.
Sequoia Tours from Visalia
Sequoia National Park Adventure
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 to 8 hours | 🌳 Check Rates and Availability
Walk among the largest trees in the world on this private tour of Sequoia National Park. Here you can customize your tour to your own interests and preferences like Moro Rock, explore the Giant Forest, searching for wildlife, stopping at viewpoints, hike around a meadow or visit a vistor center.
Semi-Private Tour to Sequoia National Park with Lunch
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 to 12 hours | 🌳 Check Rates and Availability
See the Iconic sites and signature trees of Sequoia National Park in a small group guided day trip. Stop at the best stops, have photo opportunities, and receive valuable information making your time spent in the park the very best possible. Includes stops at Clingan's Junction Cabins and Coffee, the Giant Forest Museum, General Sherman Tree, Big Trees Trail, and Moro Rock Trail.
Where to stay when visiting Sequoia National Park
Wuksachi Lodge
Season: Generally open year-round
Located at an elevation of 7,050 feet in the beautiful Giant Forest area of the Sequoia National Park at the Wuksachi Lodge, you’ll be able to choose from one of the hundred rooms available on-site for your stay in the park.
A luxurious top-of-the-line lodge, this property offers panoramic views of the Sequoia trees and towering mountain peaks.
With a perfect blend of an old-timey mountain lodge and contemporary touches, the décor will wow you more than you’d expect.
Though situated in a relatively remote spot of the park, you’ll have all the basic amenities and more available for you on-site.
You’ll be close to several iconic trailheads that you can just roll out of bed and begin your day of exploration with your hot coffee in hand.
Bonus: the lodge is dog-friendly so if you’re traveling with your pet, staying at a fantastic hotel like this is a no-brainer!
Click here to book your stay/learn more about the Wuksachi Lodge.
Lodging near Sequoia NP
Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia - Take advantage of free to-go breakfast, laundry facilities, and a gym at Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna or the steam room. In addition to a hot tub, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi, with speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices
Western Holiday Lodge Three Rivers - At Western Holiday Lodge Three Rivers, you can look forward to a playground, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Holiday Inn Express Visalia - Take advantage of a free breakfast buffet, golfing on site, and shopping on site at Holiday Inn Express Visalia Sequoia Gateway Area. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with dry cleaning/laundry services and a business center
Fairfield Inn by Marriott Visalia - Consider a stay at Fairfield Inn by Marriott Visalia Sequoia and take advantage of free continental breakfast, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a business center. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center - You can look forward to a firepit, a coffee shop/café, and dry cleaning/laundry services at Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center. Active travelers can enjoy aerobics at this hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Be sure to enjoy happy hour at the onsite restaurant. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a bar and a 24-hour gym.
For additional lodging and vacation rentals near Sequoia NP click on the map below.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$20.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)
$45.00-$75.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)
$75.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$100.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Great California Travel Articles
Additional Information on Planning Your National Park and California Big Trees Road Trip
Complete Guide to Sequoia National Park - Complete guide to everything you need to know, including camping, lodging options, area attractions, points of interest, and much more!
Complete Guide to Kings Canyon National Park - Complete guide to everything you need to know, including camping, lodging options, area attractions, points of interest, and much more!
Complete Guide to Yosemite National Park - Complete guide to everything you need to know, including camping, lodging options, area attractions, points of interest, and much more!
Complete Guide to Death Valley National Park - Complete guide to everything you need to know, including camping, lodging options, area attractions, points of interest, and much more!
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Check out all of the California National Parks along with neighboring Arizona National Parks, Oregon National Parks, and National Parks in Nevada.
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