The long Memorial Day weekend is recognized as the kick-off to summer activities. It is the first long weekend and the unofficial start to summer. Visit Visalia is ready with tips and suggestions for eager travelers ready to hit the road for a summertime vacation.
Many area attractions popular with visitors will be opening in time for the Memorial Day holiday. Seasonal businesses, and several forced to temporarily close due to the pandemic, are getting ready to welcome travelers for the summer. Here is what’s on tap for some of the most popular destinations:
Opening in the Parks
· Popular Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park will offer tours of the impressive underground caves led by trained naturalists starting Memorial Weekend. Tickets go on sale May 1 at www.recreation.gov. Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) for hard of hearing visitors are available to every tour group. American Sign Language interpreters are available when requested in advance.
· Kings Canyon Scenic Byway – Route 180 into Kings Canyon opened April 23 at noon for the season. This popular highway is the route to Cedar Grove and Road’s End in Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in North America. Grizzly Falls and Zumwalt Meadow along with hiking trails and the might Kings River await exploration.
· The road to Crescent Meadow and Moro Rock is scheduled to open the Wednesday before Memorial Day. Along with hiking at these two top spots, visitors can drive through Tunnel Log, a photo op not to be missed. (Note that the road closes to private vehicles on weekends and holidays from morning through late afternoon.)
· New this year is Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks accessibility film series that gives an in-depth tour of selected features and facilities so that visitors with accessibility needs can decide whether a visit, hike, camping trip, or tour are within reach.
· Shuttle service within the park will be available starting Memorial Weekend on a limited basis. The shuttles are free with routes to top tourist sites.
Opening in Visalia
· Visalia Rawhide is back on the field being May 4 to defend their 2019 California League championship after being benched for the 2020 season.
· Imagine U Children’s Museum, Visalia’s premier children’s attraction, will open to the public on May 1. Several new exhibits and activities for young children and their families have been installed.
· Sequoia Springs Water Slides at Visalia Adventure Park is opening in mid-May. This is the park’s newest attraction that opened in 2019 that will keep visitors cool throughout the summer. Other attractions like the Go-Kart Track, Bumper Boats and mini-golf are currently open.
Fun on the Farm
· It’s harvest time at the Big L Ranch. They open their blueberry ranch to the public for u-pick but also will be hosting Harvest Nights starting Memorial Weekend. Every Saturday night, they’ll have music, food and berry picking. Add in a canoe or kayak float along the river for extra farm fun.
· Farmer Bob’s World is open for tours at McKellar Family Farms citrus ranch. Take a wagon ride through the groves, pick ripe-on-the-tree oranges and learn all about growing these juicy treats. Private guided walks with a local grower are also available to give an in-depth look at life on a citrus ranch.
Travel Itineraries and Special Deals
Visitors can find help for planning for their vacation on the Visit Visalia website (www.visitvisalia.com) which offers itinerary suggestions, especially for the three-day weekend, national parks information, hiking, exploring and more.
Special travel deals and promotions are available. The newest promotion, “Have a Big Adventure on Us*,” gives visitors who book a three-night stay in any participating Visalia hotels their choice of either a free Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Annual Pass or a free $50 Gas Card. The offer is good until June 30, 2021, or while supplies last.
Located in central California within easy access from major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, Visalia makes a great home base for exploration of the nearby Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Visitors can also experience the best in local food, culture, and adventure.
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