Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Porterville, CA

  • Published 2023/03/24

Porterville is a city in Tulare County, California that emanates old-town charm thanks to its unique surroundings and rich history.

Incorporated in 1902, Porterville offers many unique attractions and amenities.

Visitors to Porterville will find several outstanding museums, various restaurants and cafés, and many exciting outdoor activities, including hiking and biking.

Porterville is also close to several natural attractions, such as the Sequoia National Forest and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, making it an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

It is also home to various businesses and cultural attractions, making it the perfect place to spend a day or a weekend.

If you want to visit this lovely city, grab your bags and start your adventure with these best things to do in Porterville, California.

Explore the Sequoia National Forest

Tall trees at Sequoia National Forest

Matthew Dillon from Hollywood, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Whether looking for a peaceful nature walk, a challenging hike, or a weekend camping trip, the Sequoia National Forest has something for everyone.

Located on Yowlumne Avenue, the Sequoia National Forest is home to giant sequoia trees, some of the world’s largest and oldest trees.

Inside its expansive 1.1 million-acre location, you can take guided tours, go on nature walks, or admire the trees from a distance.

The waters of Sequoia National Forest

Matthew Dillon from Hollywood, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Sequoia National Forest and its colossal sequoia trees provide various recreational opportunities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing.

There are also several campgrounds and picnic areas throughout the forest, making it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

Nature trail at Sequoia National Forest

Matthew Dillon, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practice Your Swing at Porterville Municipal Golf Course

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced golfer, Porterville Municipal Golf Course is an excellent place to enjoy the sport.

The golf course is located along Isham Avenue.

It is in a beautiful location, surrounded by towering trees and rolling hills, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere for a round of golf.

Porterville Municipal Golf Course offers a challenging and rewarding experience for players of all skill levels with its nine-hole course.

With well-maintained greens, bunkers, and fairways, the course will test your shot-making ability and strategic thinking.

It also features a snack bar, PGA instruction, golf, hand carts, a pro shop, and a driving range.

If you want to try something new, you can try “footgolf,” a new and unique sport that combines golf and soccer.

Porterville Municipal Golf Course offers a fantastic golfing experience with beautiful scenery, a challenging course, and great amenities.

Catch a Show at Porterville Barn Theatre

Porterville Barn Theater is a unique and exciting destination for theater lovers, families, and anyone looking for an entertaining evening.

With its rich history and commitment to providing quality performances, the Barn Theater is a must-visit venue in Porterville.

The Porterville Barn Theater has entertained audiences since 1948, making it one of the longest-running community theaters in California.

The theater is in a historic barn, beautifully restored and converted into a modern performance space.

Its intimate setting can give you an up-close and personal theater experience that is truly unforgettable.

The Barn Theater is a trustworthy community resource, bringing people from all walks of life to experience the power of live theater.

If you’re looking for a unique and entertaining evening in Porterville, California, check out the Porterville Barn Theater along Plano Street.

Sit Down for a Meal at Giovanni’s Pizzeria

Giovanni’s Pizzeria combines two great things: pizza and arcade games!

Located at 45 North 2nd Street, Giovanni’s Pizzeria has become a local favorite since 2007.

With over 8,000 square feet of great food and entertainment, Giovanni’s Pizzeria is the best place to have a party and make memories.

The pizzeria section of Giovanni’s offers a variety of mouth-watering pizzas with an array of toppings to suit all tastes.

You can choose classic options such as pepperoni, cheese, and Hawaiian or more adventurous choices such as BBQ chicken, pesto, or shrimp scampi.

The pizzeria also offers a salad bar, where you can build your salad from scratch.

The arcade section of Giovanni’s Pizzeria features a wide selection of classic and modern video games, pinball machines, and other games.

Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, a date night spot, or a casual hangout with friends, Giovanni’s Pizzeria and Arcade is the perfect destination in Porterville.

Enjoy a Picnic in Murry Park

In the heart of Porterville, Murry Park is a beloved community space that has brought people together for over 100 years.

This park has something for everyone, from playgrounds and ball fields to picnic areas and walking paths.

Murry Park was initially named Burbank Park after Luther Burbank, a famous botanist.

Later, it was renamed Murry Park to honor George Murry, a local lawyer and one of the land’s donors who gave the land to the city.

Murry Park offers several recreational opportunities, including two playgrounds, a nine-hole disc golf course, a fishing pond, a public pool, and a pavilion.

If you want to relax and enjoy nature, the park features several picnic areas and walking paths that wind through the park’s green space.

Visit Murry Park on 500 East Putnam Avenue if you want a fun and family-friendly destination.

Try Your Luck at Eagle Mountain Casino

Eagle Mountain Casino is always a great choice whether you’re a seasoned gambler or simply looking for a fun night out.

Located in the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills along South Reservation Road, Eagle Mountain Casino is a premier gaming destination in the city.

Boasting over 1,200 slot machines, table games, and dining and entertainment options, this casino offers something for everyone.

Eagle Mountain Casino also features several dining options, from casual to upscale.

The River Steakhouse is the casino’s premier dining destination, offering a menu of premium steaks, seafood, and more.

In addition to gaming and dining, the casino offers entertainment options, including concerts, comedy shows, and live performances throughout the year.

With its exciting games, numerous dining options, and top-notch entertainment, Eagle Mountain Casino is the perfect place to enjoy a night out with friends or a weekend getaway.

Splash around in Porterville City Pool

Situated along North Park Drive, Porterville City Pool offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat.

Whether you’re looking to swim laps, splash around with your family, or soak up some sun, this public pool has everything you need for a fun and relaxing day.

Porterville City Pool features a 5,590 square-foot pool with a modern zero-depth entry design, a lap swim area, play equipment, a diving tank, and a water slide.

It also offers a variety of events and programs throughout the season, such as swim lessons, aerobic water classes, and lifeguard training.

You can even rent the pool to host parties and other special events.

In Porterville City Pool, you don’t have to worry about your safety as trained lifeguards are on duty to ensure your safety.

Porterville City Pool is one of the precious community resources in the city, so come down and take a refreshing dip with your family.

Go on a Sightseeing Adventure in Zalud House

Exterior of Zalud House

Bobak Ha’Eri, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Zalud House is a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era located on North Hockett Street.

The Zalud House was built in 1891, and it is one of the historic houses in the city that has not been remodeled since it was constructed.

The unique roof construction, red brick walls, and ornate antiques make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Inside the museum, you will find the original belongings of the Zalud family, and you may even feel something strange while roaming the house.

The Zalud House is a popular spot for ghost hunting because of its tragic history, which you can learn at the museum.

Despite this, the Zalud House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it has a picturesque rose garden perfect for special occasions.

Pick Fresh Berries at Julie’s Blueberry U Pick

Julie’s Blueberry U Pick is a must-visit destination for all blueberry lovers.

Located on Road 208, Julie’s Blueberry U Pick offers visitors the chance to pick fresh and delicious blueberries.

The farm is owned and operated by Julie, a retired registered nurse and a passionate blueberry grower that loves fresh fruits.

At Julie’s Blueberry U Pick, you can stroll through the rows of blueberry bushes and handpick your berries.

One of the best things about the farm is the berry-picking experience.

It’s a great place to spend time outdoors with your friends and family.

With its beautiful setting and high-quality blueberries, it’s no wonder that this farm is a must-visit destination in Porterville.

Hunt Game in Guns N Roosters Hunting Preserve

Guns N Roosters Hunting Preserve has been a haven for hunting enthusiasts in Porterville since 1991.

Located on Avenue 184 and Road 248, the preserve provides a beautiful setting and a unique hunting experience.

The preserve is on 2,000 acres of pristine land, featuring rolling hills, grasslands, and woodlands.

Upland game bird hunting is one of the popular activities in the preserve.

The habitat is carefully managed to provide optimal conditions for hunting game birds such as pheasants and chukars.

The staff raises pheasants and chukars on the property and releases them into the fields for hunters to pursue.

You can use trained hunting dogs when locating birds to make the hunting experience more exciting and challenging.

Bird hunting is one of the best things to do in Porterville, so if you’re looking for something new, head on to Guns N Roosters Hunting Preserve.

Taste Great Food at Don Vinos Italian Bar and Grill

If you’re looking for delicious Italian cuisine in the city, look no further than Don Vinos Italian Bar and Grill.

The Don Vinos Italian Bar and Grill menu features a wide range of classic Italian dishes and some unique creations.

Start with an appetizer like the fried calamari or the bruschetta, or try the minestrone or the Caesar salad.

Their main course includes classic pasta dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine Afredo, and lasagna.

In addition to their mouthwatering dishes, they have a full bar with a wide selection of wines, beers, and cocktails to complement your meal.

Whether you’re dining with family, friends, or with your special someone, Don Vinos Italian Bar and Grill is the perfect place for a special meal.

Go on an Adventure in Porterville OHV Park

If you’re an off-road enthusiast looking for a new adventure, Porterville OHV Park is the place to go.

This park offers 20 acres of terrain for off-road vehicles, from dirt bikes to ATVs.

Porterville OHV Park has a designated track for ATVs, peewee, youth, and the main trail.

Besides off-road riding, the park also features picnic areas and plenty of shady spots, making it an excellent destination for a weekend getaway.

Visit Porterville OHV Park on West Street for a blood-pumping, adrenaline-rushing experience.

Walk around Veterans Park

Veterans Park is a beautiful and serene green space known for its abundance of recreational activities.

The park is located on West Henderson Avenue and stretches across 26 acres, providing a peaceful and serene environment for visitors to enjoy.

One of the most striking features of this park is the Porterville Area Vietnam War Memorial, which was built in honor of the soldiers who died in the Vietnam War.

In addition to the memorial, Veterans Park also offers a range of recreational facilities and amenities, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

You can stroll along the park’s walking paths, play with your kids in the playground, or picnic in the picnic area.

The park is also home to the 15,000-square-foot concrete skate park, a popular spot for scooter, skate, and bike enthusiasts.

Overall, Veterans Park is a must-see site for everyone who wants to honor the brave troops while enjoying various leisure activities in a beautiful and historic setting.

Check Out the Exhibits of Burford Frames and Gallery

Burford Frames and Gallery is a charming art gallery located on West Putnam Avenue.

It is known for its quality custom framing services and an extensive collection of fine art and prints.

They offer various framing services to suit all needs, from basic framing for family photos to museum-quality framing for art pieces.

In addition to its framing services, Burford Frames and Gallery offers a diverse collection of fine art and prints made by local artists in addition to its framing services.

One of the unique aspects of the gallery is its function as a hub for the local art community.

Elevate your space with beautiful art and professional framing by visiting Burford Frames & Gallery.

Learn Local History at Porterville Historical Museum

Exterior of Porterville Historical Museum

Bobak Ha’Eri, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Porterville Historical Museum on North “D” Street showcases the city’s rich history since it opened in 1965.

The museum features exhibits and displays on the local Native American tribes, the California Gold Rush, and the agricultural and economic growth of the region.

The museum also houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that tell the story of Porterville and its people.

Porterville Historical Museum features two exhibits: the outdoor exhibits and the indoor exhibits.

Outside, you can find various vintage farm equipment, fire trucks, wagons, and much native flora.

When you enter the museum, you’ll see a range of unique exhibits, including artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia.

The displays show a glimpse into the lives of people who have lived in Porterville over the years.

The Porterville Historical Museum provides a unique opportunity to learn about the history of Porterville and to experience its rich cultural heritage firsthand.

Whether you’re a resident or just passing through, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a charming city to visit on your next trip, look no further than Porterville.

This picturesque community offers plenty of attractions and activities to keep you busy all year.

Whether seeking a peaceful retreat or an action-packed adventure, enjoy the best things to do in Porterville, California!

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