Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Tulare, CA

Tulare is a city with a population of approximately 64,000 located within the Central San Joaquin Valley of Tulare County.

This city is recognized for its agriculture-oriented economy and its strategic location, which offers convenient access to neighboring cities as well as the natural wonders of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

While Tulare maintains a small-town atmosphere, it provides an array of services and amenities typically found in larger urban centers. The city boasts numerous restaurants, boutique shops, and shopping venues, including the Tulare Outlets and the Tulare Pavilion Shopping Centre.

Throughout the year, Tulare hosts various events and festivals, such as the World Ag Expo and the Tulare County Fair.

Here are 15 remarkable activities to engage in while visiting Tulare, California.

1. Relax in Del Lago Community Park

On sunny days, Del Lago Community Park is an excellent venue to enjoy the outdoors. This expansive green space offers a diverse range of facilities with numerous activities available.

Facilities include picnic areas with BBQ setups, basketball and tennis courts, along with a lake. The children’s area features a water play section equipped with splash pads during select seasons, alongside 1.4 miles of scenic walking trails.

2. Learn about Local History at the Tulare Historical Museum

For those interested in the historical development of Tulare, a visit to the Tulare Historical Museum is highly recommended. The museum features a variety of exhibits that display artifacts, photographs, and documents outlining the narrative of the city, its culture, and its inhabitants.

A gift shop is available on-site, offering mementos from your visit, along with various events scheduled throughout the year.

3. Take the Whole Family to Visalia Adventure Park

Adventure Park, located nearby in Visalia, offers engaging entertainment suitable for all ages. This exciting amusement park encompasses seven acres filled with attractions and activities.

You can enjoy an arcade, a laser maze, laser tag facilities, go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boats, batting cages, and designated areas for younger children among the park’s many attractions.

Kritters Funhouse Pizzeria is conveniently located on-site, providing delicious refreshments to enjoy after an adventurous day.

4. Check Out the Visalia Farmers’ Market

A local market offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, and the Visalia Farmers’ Market serves as an excellent example. Furthermore, it presents a valuable chance to support local agricultural producers while sourcing quality items.

As you explore multiple vendors, you will discover an assortment of offerings, including fresh local produce, homemade baked goods, jams, home decor, and handcrafted jewelry.

Live entertainment typically graces the market, along with food trucks serving delightful snacks and comfort food.

5. Satisfy a Craving at Bravo Farms Restaurant

Bravo Farms Restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere where patrons can indulge in delicious California-style specialties and classic comfort food options.

The menu includes a variety of items such as custom-made sandwiches, wraps, salads, barbecue selections, and pizzas.

Additionally, one evening each week features a special discount on wine, allowing you to savor wine with your meal at a reduced cost. There is also an on-site gift shop offering handcrafted confections and souvenirs.

6. Spend a Day on the Greens at Tulare Golf Course

At Tulare Golf Course, you can enjoy a rewarding day of golf surrounded by picturesque landscapes. This 18-hole course encompasses numerous challenging elements, including elevated greens, yet it is accessible to golfers of all skill levels.

An on-site golf pro shop provides equipment and lessons. Enjoy a hearty meal at breakfast and dinner while taking in views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The on-site bar remains open throughout the day, offering an assortment of beverages and light snacks.

7. Let Your Imagination Run Wild at the ImagineU Children’s Museum

Source: imagineumuseum.org

Though designated as a children’s museum, the interactive exhibits at the ImagineU Children’s Museum in Visalia are enjoyable for individuals of all ages, including the young at heart.

The museum’s primary goal is to encourage visitors to unleash their creativity through various role-playing activities designed to provide enriching learning experiences.

Exhibits encompass a Grove Pick and Pack, a Farmers’ Market, a U-fix-it Garage, a castle, a treehouse, and a clubhouse. The architect corner invites creativity in building various structures, while the artist section allows for artistic expression using recyclable materials.

8. Find Exceptional Deals at the Tulare Outlets

Shopping enthusiasts often seek outstanding deals, and the Tulare Outlets provide an ideal venue for such pursuits, offering an extensive selection at substantial discounts.

Within the outlets, you’ll find a variety of stores, including Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Bath & Body Works, Carter’s, Converse, Forever 21, and Skechers. The outlets frequently host a variety of events throughout the year.

9. Enjoy a Live Performance at the Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre, originally established in 1930, underwent a period of closure before its refurbishment and reintroduction in the late 90s. Presently, this historic venue showcases a diverse array of performances throughout the year.

Events commonly featured at the theatre include Way Back Wednesdays, Throwback Thursdays, and concerts by the Sequoia Symphony Orchestra.

10. Enjoy Local Beer and Food at Kaweah Brewing Co.

At Kaweah Brewing Co., the blend of beer, food, and social atmosphere contributes to a unique experience. The brewery places emphasis on local craft beer, offering selections such as Neva Say Neva Brown Ale, Chocolate Cow, and Holy Toledo IPA.

The culinary offerings are another highlight, featuring a range of expertly-prepared dishes that include appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and pasta options.

11. Take a Day Trip to Sequoia National Park and National Monument

For visitors seeking an exceptional day trip from Tulare, Sequoia National Park is located approximately one hour away, making it one of the area’s most revered attractions. The park offers a perfect outdoor escape for families, featuring a wealth of sights and activities.

Visitors can admire a remarkable natural canopy, highlighted by the majestic giant sequoia trees. Notable natural features include the renowned General Sherman Tree along with various caves.

Common activities available in the park include hiking, cycling, climbing, swimming, and fishing. A complimentary shuttle service facilitates access to different areas within the park.

The Giant Sequoia National Monument provides opportunities for overnight camping and exploring additional natural attractions, including Big Meadows, Jennie Lake, Converse Basin Grove, and Boole Tree Loop.

12. Challenge Yourself at Clevr Escape

Escape rooms have surged in popularity across the country, and Clevr Escape in Tulare presents an immersive experience that combines a thrilling challenge.

Your adventure begins as you and your group are confined within a themed room, tasked with unraveling clues and solving puzzles to achieve an escape within a specific timeframe. This experience necessitates effective teamwork and creative thinking.

Choosing from a variety of rooms, such as The Lost Treasure of Atlantic, The List, Platform C4, and Escape the Lost Pyramid, provides diverse challenges designed to captivate participants.

Additionally, Clevr Escape offers four cutting-edge virtual reality stations featuring 20 different games, including Beat Saver, Raw Data, and AZ Sunshine.

13. Attend a Game at Recreation Ballpark

Recreation Ballpark, locally referred to as Rawhide Ballpark, is located in Visalia and serves as the home field for the Visalia Rawhide California Minor League Baseball team.

This baseball venue accommodates nearly 2,500 spectators and has a storied history dating back to the mid-1940s.

14. Get Some Fresh Air and Exercise in Mooney Grove Park

Mooney Grove Park serves as a beloved outdoor venue designed to conserve the park’s natural beauty. Presently, the park features a plethora of recreational facilities suitable for visitors of all ages.

Facilities available include walking trails, picnic areas, a baseball field, disc golf course, and playground. Visitors can also enjoy boating on the lagoon while exploring historic structures and a pioneer village within the park.

15. Enjoy a Nutritious, Laid Back Meal at Apple Annie’s

At Apple Annie’s in Tulare, diners can relish a delightful all-American meal in a welcoming and laid-back setting.

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring that all dishes are freshly prepared from the highest quality ingredients available.

Menu highlights encompass a variety of appetizers, omelettes, burgers, sandwiches, soups, and main dishes including grilled red snapper, pork chops, and shrimp. For a sweet finish, patrons can select from various renowned apple-themed desserts.