Visalia

Located in the heart of the Central Valley, Visalia is in the center of the nation’s breadbasket where more than 250 commodities are grown. Nearby natural wonders abound with Visalia serving as the gateway to the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Sequoia National Forest, spectacularly scenic year-round wonderlands and hubs of activity, including the world’s largest tree (General Sherman Tree), the deepest canyon in North America, the National Christmas Tree, the Trail of 100 Giants, and the highest peak in the continental U.S., Mt. Whitney. Visalia is the cultural, financial and employment center for a region that is home to half a million residents. With an emphasis on community and family, Visalia provides the benefits of a traditional hometown atmosphere and the amenities found in a flourishing urban center. The city’s charming small town setting coexists with a vivacious downtown filled with world-class restaurants, shopping boutiques, antique stores, live entertainment, art galleries and an outdoor gallery featuring more than 50 murals located throughout the community. Visalia supports a growing and diversifying employer base that spotlights Fortune 100 companies such as VF Outdoors, JoAnn Fabrics and CIGNA along with major agricultural concerns and local entrepreneurs.


"All good things begin in Visalia. On behalf of my fellow City Council members and the citizens of Visalia, please accept my appreciation for selecting our city as the official Stage Start host venue on Thursday, Feb. 19, for the fourth annual running of the Amgen Tour of California. The city’s commitment to cycling stems from its successful long-term relationship with the Southern Sierra Cyclists and the collaborative staging of the Sequoia Cycling Classic, held in and around our city for over two decades. Our unique, attractive infrastructure, strong cycling community, and support of a dedicated Local Organizing Committee will all combine for what promises to be an impressive Central Valley start to the race."