Located near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California's land of giants, these underrated small towns exude a friendly atmosphere and tranquil paths less frequented by visitors.
Whether travelers are looking to wander Kings Canyons' Grant Grove of giant sequoias and gaze at the towering General Grant tree or explore Sequoia National Park's giant forest, which is home to the General Sherman tree, these small towns are a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy metropolis.
A far cry from the bustling urban cocoons, these small towns are underrated and often overlooked. To each, their own is a serene charm and timeless beauty in the Sierra Nevada that beckons globetrotters to explore the quiet paths -- mostly off-the-beaten, where towering trees stand sentinels and the breathtaking landscapes tell stories of authentic Californian heritage.
Discover the timeless charm of the Sierra Nevada and the quiet roads less traveled through these underrated small towns near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks!
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7 Lindsay
Approximate distance from the parks: 34.8 miles (46 minutes)
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Considered Central California's citrus center, Lindsay was first explored and settled by the Yandanchei tribe of Native Americans. Known as the birthplace of modern irrigation, Lindsay has a rich agricultural heritage -- particularly in citrus production -- and celebrates the annual Orange Blossom Festival in April.
Delicious dining options, wellness centers, and specialty shops flank the town's quaint downtown, where mural-lined streets highlight the town's vibrant art scene. Whether travelers plan to stay in town or experience its small-town charm before enjoying all the best things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyons National Parks, Lindsay is a perfect underrated destination.
Travelers can enjoy exploring the town's thriving arts and culture scene through the Lindsay Mural Tours or enjoy great music and food at the Friday Night Street Fair and Farmer's Market.
Population:
12,659
Best Time to Visit:
April to June (for pleasant weather and festivals & events)
Coordinates:
36°12'N 119°5'W
The annual Orange Blossom Festival in April features live music, a grand parade, a carnival, a horseshoe tournament, and many more family-friendly activities.
6 Exeter
Approximate distance from the parks: 28 miles (38 minutes)
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One of the cutest small towns near California's national parks is Exeter, a charming small-town America in the San Juan Valley near the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. It is known for its thriving art scene, featuring more than 30 murals highlighting the town's local history, culture, and folklore.
The Exeter Mural Tours introduce travelers to these amazing masterpieces throughout the historic downtown area, making the town a popular destination for art connoisseurs, history buffs, and photographers.
Several historic structures also add to Exeter's historical charm, including the Exeter Public Library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Exeter also boasts delicious dining options, eclectic shops, and cozy inns.
Population:
10,321
Best Time to Visit:
May to June and September to October (for pleasant weather)
Coordinates:
36°17'39''N 119°8'34''W
5 Woodlake
Approximate distance from the parks: 21.7 miles (31 minutes)
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Woodlake, in the San Joaquin Valley, is about 20 miles from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (two of the most beautiful national parks in the winter). Gilbert F. Stevenson, a land developer, founded Woodlake in 1912.
It is a thriving agricultural town in California's bustling citrus region. Woodlake sits along Bravo Lake, also known as Wood Lake, a natural lake that Stevenson developed for recreational activities until his financial downfall during the Great Depression.
Woodlake, though, continued to prosper. Today, the town hosts many events and fairs, including the famous Lion's Rodeo.
Travelers can taste the local flavors at any of the quaint eateries and cafés in town, discover Woodlake's and the region's rich history and culture at the Woodlake Valley Cultural Museum, or get closer to nature at Woodlake Botanical Garden.
Population:
7,419
Best Time to Visit:
April, May, and October (for the most pleasant weather)
Coordinates:
36°24'59''N 119°5'58''W
Woodlake Botanical Garden is open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. They accept professional photo sessions for a fee. Garden guests who only want to take personal photos are welcome without a fee.
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4 Yokuts Valley (Squaw Valley)
Approximate distance from the parks: 20.9 miles (30 minutes)
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Named for the Yokuts tribe that settled the area, travelers can find Yokuts Valley at the foothills of the High Sierra on Highway 180, just below Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. It was formerly known as Squaw Valley (which is not to be confused with Squaw Valley (Olympic Valley) in Placer County -- located near Lake Tahoe, California's cleanest lake).
Yokuts Valley has rich agricultural roots, particularly because of its location in the grape-growing region of Fresno County.
Yokuts Valley is located near the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, a 50-mile scenic drive along Highway 180 that enters the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park, an underrated national park that boasts scenery similar to Yosemite but without the crowds.
Its location in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada takes travelers to the delightful, untamed beauty of the High Sierra, with lots of spectacular outdoor recreations -- from hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and much more. Yokuts Valley remains undiscovered, and its relaxed atmosphere makes for a perfect laid-back escape near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Population:
3,564
Best Time to Visit:
March to May and September to October (for pleasant weather and gorgeous scenery)
Coordinates:
36°44'25''N 119°14'48''W
3 Lemon Cove
Approximate distance from the parks: 18.3 miles (26 minutes)
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Lemon Cove is approximately 18 miles from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, near the confluence of Lime Kiln Creek and the Kaweah River. It was founded as a citrus plantation in 1920 and remains a thriving town with a rich agricultural heritage, deeply rooted in its quieter and off-the-beaten-path location in the foothills of the High Sierra, home of innumerable natural wonders.
Although often overlooked, Lemon Cove is indeed a great destination before or after exploring the national parks. The nearby Lake Kaweah offers a great fishing opportunity for anglers, while swimming and boating are among the popular activities.
As travelers drive through Lemon Cove, they will be treated to the gorgeous scenery of the vast citrus grove, olive, and nut orchards, as well as beautiful vineyards. The Lime Kiln Creek watershed boasts a vibrant canvas of beautiful wildflowers, a stunning scenery with the Sierra Nevada as the scenic backdrop.
Population:
298
Best Time to Visit:
March to May and September to November (when the weather is pleasant with beautiful scenery)
Coordinates:
36°22'53''N 119°1'33''W
2 Dunlap
Approximate distance from the parks: 14.1 miles (29 minutes)
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An underrated and peaceful retreat near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Dunlap exudes a small-town charm at nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, surrounded by forests and wide open spaces with beautiful mountain vistas in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, which boasts must-visit spectacular parks and forests.
The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway begins at Hume Lake Ranger Station in Dunlap, climbing up to Kings Canyon National Park.
For animal enthusiasts, the Sierra Endangered Cat Haven offers guided tours of some of the world's rarest wild cats, while the St. Nicholas Ranch offers a peaceful retreat for family gatherings, conferences, camps, and many more.
Population:
131
Best Time to Visit:
January to March (for mild weather)
Coordinates:
36°44'18''N 119°07'15''W
The Sierra Endangered Cat Haven has an admission fee of $17 for adults, $12 for children, $14 for seniors, and $12 for the military. It's open from 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. from May to September, and from 10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. from October to April.
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1 Three Rivers
Approximate distance from the parks: 5.8 miles (11 minutes)
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Sitting just outside the entrance to the Sequoia and Kings Canyons National Parks, Three Rivers offers a front-row seat to the greatness of the High Sierra and the untamed beauty of two of California's spectacular national parks, bordering the town to the northeast.
It's an underrated mountain town on the Sequoia and Kings Canyons National Parks' doorstep that's often overlooked, but its vibrant arts scene and natural wonders beckon arts enthusiasts and nature lovers to discover and explore the town's timeless charm.
It is known as an artist's colony -- dotted with art galleries, workshops, and studios -- and hosts several events and arts festivals, such as the annual Redbud Arts and Craft Festival in May. Three Rivers was named for its location near the junction of the Kaweah River's North, Middle, and South Forks.
It's defined by the vast oak woodland forest and foothills at the edge of the San Joaquin Valley, the southern half of California's Central Valley, which was once an inland sea. Lake Kaweah and the Kaweah River are two of the top attractions in town, where travelers can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and water-skiing.
Population:
2,053
Best Time to Visit:
March to June, September to November (for pleasant weather), and December to February (for cheaper prices)
Coordinates:
36°27'15''N 118°53'11''W