Bordering Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, towns like Visalia, Tulare, Porterville, Dinuba and Exeter offer travelers a range of experiences, all within an easy drive. The seventh largest county in California, Tulare County is around three hours from Yosemite National Park and balances outdoor adventure with creative dining and culture-focused leisure. It’s also an agricultural hub, with farms that roll up to the towering Sierra Nevada mountains, fueling both local eateries and visitors’ curiosity. Whether you visit for the spring bloom of citrus and almond trees or make a pit stop to hike among some of the world’s largest trees, Tulare welcomes you with open arms and a culture all its own.

Indigenous History

Many Indigenous populations call Tulare County home: the Yokut, Wukchumni, Yaudanchi, Western Mono and Tübatulabal peoples, for instance. At the Tulare County Museum in Visalia’s Mooney Grove Park, you’ll learn about Native culture through a surprising medium: one of the country’s largest collections of Yokut woven baskets. Among the exhibit of 350 handcrafted baskets are cradleboards, cooking baskets, gift baskets and woven trays, all glimpses of Yokut heritage.

At the Three Rivers Museum, you’ll find a “Native Voices” exhibit that explores the lives of the people who inhabited what is now Sequoia National Park before European settlers arrived. The Museum worked with local Native communities to construct several authentic dwellings representing different Indigenous cultures for visitors to explore.

Farm to Table Culture

With an enormous segment of Tulare County dedicated to farmland, it’s no surprise that they’re known for hyper-local farm stands and extraordinary farm-to-table dining. Food options in the area range from food trucks with cult followings to fine dining establishments to hole-in-the-wall treasures. In every setting, you can expect a taste of the agricultural bounty that the Central Valley is known for. To get the freshest produce, visit one of the local farm stands that dot the county. Two local favorites open seasonally are Farmer Laro’s and Phan’s Strawberries in Visalia.

If you’re in the mood for fine dining, check out River Steakhouse in Porterville, located within the Eagle Mountain Casino, and La Piazza Restaurant in Tulare. Another upscale option is Vintage Press in Visalia for lunch, brunch or dinner. You can expect a thoughtfully curated wine cellar and elegant, locally sourced entrees, like Mary’s Chicken, with roasted garlic, candied lemon peel and sliced fingerling potatoes.

En route to the giant sequoias at Sequoia National Park, sit down at Monet’s in Exeter for upscale French cuisine or at the River View Grill & Bar in Three Rivers for their signature burger and a spectacular view of the Kaweah River. To experience an old fashioned general store, stop at Pierpoint Grill on the way to the Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest.

For a more casual experience with high quality local ingredients, try one of the Bravo Farms restaurants, with several locations throughout the county, ranging from upscale to quirky. Watch artisanal cheese in production at the Bravo Farms outpost off Highway 99 in Traver, which invites travelers to sample their products paired with California wine. For a retro diner vibe, regional favorites include Boss Hogg’s Country Kitchen in Farmersville and The Runway Cafe in Woodlake, known for its hearty country breakfast and aircraft memorabilia. To entertain your sweet tooth, visit Stafford’s Chocolates in downtown Porterville or Ciderhouse Foods in downtown Springville for homemade apple butter.

Small Town Charm

Each town in Tulare County has its own personality, but it’s the downtown corridors where their individuality shines. In downtown Exeter, visit an outdoor art gallery of sorts, where 31 vibrant murals tell the story of the quaint town, with nods to the community’s rich history, like a scene from a 1950s citrus packing house. Check out the “When Emperors Ruled” mural that captures an era before Tulare County’s popular Emperor grapes were upstaged by seedless varieties.

Don’t miss a visit to downtown Visalia’s nightlife, where live music sets the tone as visitors and locals stroll, shop and dine. You’ll find more live music and a carnival atmosphere at Lindsay’s Friday Night Farmers Market, which brings up to 6,000 residents downtown every Friday to hang out, browse the fresh produce (often sold by the farmers themselves) and enjoy a wide selection of food, including local favorite Ricas Enchiladas.

A visit to Tulare County is a glimpse at authentic California, with its rich history, thriving present and enduring sense of welcome.