Sequoia National Park: The Best Places To Stay

If you’re looking for where to stay when visiting Sequoia National Park, one small California town is your best best! As you’ll see, there are several reasons why it makes perfect sense to stay in the town of Visalia, California as your home base for any adventure into Sequoia, which is one of America’s most beautiful (and popular) National Parks.

The town is an easy drive from both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park – just about 45 minutes away from the park’s southern entrance. As you might expect, you’ll find a historic Main Street downtown with local boutiques that offer everything from clothing to antiques. The area also offers more than a dozen hotels including the Visalia Marriott which hosted my visit earlier this spring. The property was comfortable, safe, and best of all – within walking distance of everything downtown. The rooms were clean and quite spacious.

Here’s an another nice perk about having Visalia as your choice of where to stay when visiting Sequoia National Park! You’ll be close to familiar shopping spots like Target or Walgreens which are a super quick drive from downtown. We’ve all been on the road and need to grab things like shampoo or medicine – it was nice having those options nearby while still staying downtown and enjoying the local vibe.

There are the familiar dining options in Visalia as well but don’t skip out on trying some of the locally owned restaurants like Brewbakers Brewing Company. It was here that I enjoyed the most delicious tri-tip sandwich I’ve ever eaten. The service was amazing as well. After learning that I wasn’t a drinker, she brought out several in-house sodas for me to try.

At its heart, Visalia has a typical small town feel. Look no further than opening day for the Visalia Rawhide Baseball Club, an advanced “A” affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The team was enjoying their first home game since the 2020 pandemic and it had all the feels of being smack dab in the middle of the classic baseball movie, Bull Durham. (Coincidentally Kevin Costner spent a portion of his teenage years living here.) If you’re a baseball fan, this is definitely where to stay when visiting Sequoia National Park!

As you explore downtown you’ll probably notice the gigantic legacy tree that towers over the city’s post office. The tree is more than 80 years old and at least 65 feet high. It’s a reminder of how important the National Parks are to the area and the visitors that keep it thriving. It’s also a reminder that both parks are in fact, the biggest tourist attraction in this area and rightfully so.

Visalia Rawhide Opening Day 2021
Drone footage of the Sequoia Legacy Tree in downtown Visalia, California

You can read all about my visit to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park in a separate post but it’s worth noting that these places offer some of the most beautiful, almost mystical, scenery in the entire country. With the American road trip roaring back into style, an extended journey to California to see these amazing treasures is definitely worth the time and effort. And Visalia makes an ideal launchpad for enjoying those memorable experiences.

Learn more about Visalia on their tourism website: Visit Visalia

Things To See

The Soda Museum: Everything You Need To Know

The Soda Museum in St. Charles, Missouri is the...

How To Take A Tour of The White House

It's the most famous building in the United States...

Dig This Las Vegas: Here’s What You Need To Know

If you're looking for unique things to do that...

5 Quick Reasons To Visit The Hall of Flame Museum

I have a fondness for all things quirky and...

Road Trips

Top 25 Interesting Things To See In Missouri

What is there to do in Missouri? As it...

25 Amazing Small Towns In America You Need To Visit This Year (2024)

The best small towns in America are welcoming, charming...

Utah’s National Parks In Winter: How To See All Five

First of all, this is an extensive (yet simple!)...

Top 20 Amazing Things To Do In The Midwest

Ah, the Midwest. You know, the massive space of...

Visiting Brevard: Everything You Need To Know

Outdoor enthusiasts are well aware that the southwestern region...