A Birthday Weekend in Sequoia National Park
Visiting Sequoia National Park had been on my list for a while, but it’s not exactly the most convenient destination—tucked several hours inland from the California coast and far from any major city. With my husband’s birthday approaching, we decided it was finally time to make the trip.
First Things First: Where to Stay?
The park is surrounded by several small towns, and after some research, I chose Springville as our home base. It’s an incredibly picturesque little town—charming, quiet, and just right for a weekend getaway. For essentials like groceries or gas, Porterville is a short drive away and has more options.
Stay: Springville Airbnb
Tip: For supplies or a quick errand, head to Porterville.
Where We Ate
Lunch in Lindsay (on the way in): We stopped at a Mexican restaurant in Lindsay. It was solid—not the best I’ve had, but good. I'd give it a B+.
Breakfast/Lunch at Cowpunchers Café (Day 1): We arrived late, so breakfast had turned into lunch. I had a salad loaded with fresh veggies—surprisingly delicious for a roadside stop.
Dinner at Habi Sushi (Porterville): After exploring the park, we grabbed sushi at Habi. It was a nice change of pace and surprisingly fresh for the area.
Breakfast at Runway Café (Day 2): A lively local spot with classic diner-style comfort food. Nothing fancy, just solid breakfast staples served in a noisy, homey setting.
Into the Park
We underestimated how busy Sequoia National Park would be. We left later in the day than planned, thinking we’d have plenty of time to hit the three main sights we had on our list. Big mistake—it’s a major tourist destination, after all.
We started with the General Sherman Tree. It was incredible to see in person, though unfortunately, some visitors had left trash around. (Seriously, how hard is it to carry out what you bring in?)
Next up, we intended to check out Moro Rock and the Tunnel Log. But during our walk, I twisted my ankle—major buzzkill. That put a stop to any more hiking that day.
We left the park and headed to Three Rivers, where we enjoyed a cold beer and some Salvadoran food to cheer ourselves up.
Final Day
On our last morning, we returned to Cowpunchers Café for breakfast—because once just wasn’t enough.
Before heading home, we took a scenic detour to the river. Nick took some photos while I relaxed by the water, a peaceful end to a beautiful (if slightly injury-marred) trip.
Final Thoughts
Sequoia is breathtaking and well worth the visit, even if it's a bit out of the way. Just remember: start early, expect crowds, and for the love of nature, pack out your trash.
And maybe watch your step. 😉