While Sequoia National Park makes for a fantastic day trip, if you really want to make the most of the “Land of the Giants,” it’s best to book a weekend or extended break here. Luckily, there’s a wide range of Sequoia National Park accommodation choices, from budget motels to cozy lodges to nature resorts.
Basing yourself in and around Sequoia won’t just give you more time to explore the park’s gems. You’ll also be able to add the neighboring national park, Kings Canyon, to your Sequoia National Park itinerary. So, if you’re planning a nature getaway and wondering where to stay in Sequoia National Park, read on to discover the best areas and top Sequoia and Kings Canyon hotels.
Best Areas to Stay in Sequoia National Park
What you are looking for from your nature break will determine where you should stay. Unlike some other US national parks, there are a handful of accommodation options within the park and plenty of hotels near Sequoia National park too.
- Three Rivers: Best for convenience
- Visalia: Best for families
- Lindsay and Porterville: Best for budget-conscious travelers
- Fresno: Best for entertainment
- Kernville: Best for adventure seekers
Hold-up: Don’t miss the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Travel Guide and other guides to California’s national parks (and beyond)!
Best Places to Stay in Sequoia National Park
We’ve handpicked the best Sequoia National Park hotels, lodges, and motels, covering all budgets and preferences. The following guide on Sequoia National Park accommodation will allow you to plan and book your trip without spending hours surfing the web and still be close to the top Sequoia National Park attractions.
Three Rivers
Best area to stay in for convenience
If you’re planning to visit both Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon, Three Rivers is the best place to base yourself. Situated just 12 minutes from Sequoia National Park visitor center and an hour’s drive from Kings Canyon, you’re in a prime location. Three Rivers is a popular spot among first-timers, too.
The small town has a rustic charm, welcoming locals and basic amenities, including a handful of restaurants and bars. Plus, considering it’s one of the closest places to stay near Sequoia National Park, there are some very affordable accommodation options here, too. However, this area does get busy in the summer, so book in advance if visiting during the peak season.
Top Picks for Three Rivers
Luxury: Rio Sierra Riverhouse
Rio Sierra Riverhouse is a, as the name suggests, riverside guesthouse with modern suites, friendly staff, and splendid views. The stylish Rio Sierra is ideal for those looking to pay a bit extra to stay in a comfortable suite rather than a standard motel room.
You can choose between a modern queen studio or suite with an ensuite bathroom and fully-equipped kitchen. Suites also feature a cozy fireplace and private terrace. Alternatively, you can upgrade to a 2-bedroom cottage with additional amenities such as a tea/coffee maker, ice machine, and washer/dryer.
Mid-range: Plantation Bed & Breakfast – The Parks Inn
Plantation Bed & Breakfast is in the center of Three Rivers town and boasts a seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub, plus a delicious daily breakfast with local fruit and freshly baked goods. The rooms feature a traditional style with lavish period décor, and some have beautiful french doors that open to a private balcony or terrace. The deluxe king room with a balcony is the top choice, featuring a spa bath and gas fireplace.
Budget: Lazy J Ranch Motel
The Lazy J Ranch Motel just south of Three Rivers Town is a no-frills accommodation suited to travelers looking to keep costs low. Although the rooms are relatively basic, they are all equipped with air-con, a flat-screen TV, and an ensuite bathroom with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
The motel has spacious grounds and an outdoor pool, perfect for cooling off in the summer heat. Pets are allowed, too, making it a popular choice for travelers bringing their dogs for a weekend of hiking.
Visalia
Best area to stay in for families
Visalia is a picturesque suburban location just a 45-minute drive to Sequoia National Park. The town is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, surrounded by beautiful nature. There are plenty of modern amenities and a strong community spirit, making it a popular choice with families visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Here you will find the oldest indoor mall in California, excellent family restaurants, and play areas for kids.
Tops Picks for Visalia
Luxury: The Darling
The Darling 5-star hotel in central Visalia boasts stylish suites and world-class service, making your nature break genuinely lavish. At this upscale hotel, you’ll have use of the outdoor pool, fitness center, and trendy rooftop bar with splendid views where you can unwind after a long day in the park.
All rooms have 1930’s art deco and marble ensuite bathrooms with brass taps and complimentary luxurious toiletries. Their best rooms are the Executive Suites, situated on the top floor with a separate living area and a clawfoot bathtub.
Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express Visalia
The Holiday Inn Express in Visalia is a solid choice for families wondering for a competitive price. The hotel is located just outside the city center in a quiet spot. It features a heated outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a complimentary breakfast buffet.
They offer family rooms with two queen-sized beds, modern furnishings, an ensuite bathroom with a shower, and a flat-screen TV. There are also 2-bedroom suites with one extra-large double bed and 2 large double beds.
Budget: Lamp Liter Inn
Lamp Liter Inn is a brilliant budget motel located just outside of Visalia. It has an outdoor pool, spacious gardens, and an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here you can choose between a double room, a family room with two queen-size beds, and a larger king room. All suites feature bathrooms, air conditioning, coffee machines, and TVs.
Lindsay and Porterville
Best area to stay in for budget-conscious travelers
Lindsay and Porterville are two towns just south of Visalia, which are also good options for visitors wondering where to stay when visiting Sequoia National Park. Lindsay is a 45-minute drive from Sequoia and Porterville is just under one hour away.
While they may not be right outside the park, you’ll find cheaper Sequoia hotels and motels here, making these towns ideal if you’re looking for ways to keep costs low. Lindsay is a smaller town than Porterville, with the latter having a wider choice of restaurants and supermarkets. Still, you’ll find everything you need during your stay in both these towns, regardless.
Top Picks for Lindsay and Porterville
Luxury: Holiday Inn Express Porterville
A Holiday Inn Express may not seem like the most luxurious hotel at first. Still, the one in Porterville has some fab facilities like an outdoor pool and even a hot tub. Their complimentary breakfast buffet is excellent, too, including tasty cinnamon rolls, various omelets, and fresh pancakes.
All rooms here are clean, comfortable, and modern. Plus, they all feature a fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and flat-screen TV, making for a comfortable stay.
Mid-range: Super 8 by Wyndham Lindsay Olive Tree
Super 8 in Lindsay is a pet-friendly motel, so it is a great choice if you’re bringing a furry friend on the trip with you. The rooms are quite affordable for the facilities included, including a large outdoor pool, hot tub, BBQ facilities, and a self-service laundrette.
Super 8 offers both smoking and non-smoking rooms, all of which have air-con, ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs, a coffee maker, and more. What’s more, all guests can take advantage of the grab and go-breakfast, allowing you to take a picnic brunch in the park.
Budget: Americas Best Value Inn – Porterville
Just north of downtown Porterville, you will find America’s Best Value Inn. As the name suggests, it is one of the best Sequoia and Kings canyon lodging options for the price. While the rooms are basic, they all come with free Wi-Fi, air-con, flat-screen TVs, and ensuite bathrooms. Unfortunately, there is no swimming pool to enjoy here, but there is a 24-hour reception so you can check-in and out at whatever time suits you.
Fresno
Best area to stay in for entertainment
Fresno is a sizable city in California’s San Joaquin Valley and is less than 90 minutes from Sequoia National Park. It’s also one of the closest towns to Kings Canyon, a one-hour drive, making it popular among tourists seeking Kings Canyon hotels.
Because of the city’s size, Fresno is the place to stay if you want to infuse some urban city living into your nature break. There are tons of exciting things to do in Fresno, a vibrant nightlife, and many fabulous restaurants. It’s also a super trendy city with lovely boutique stores and high-quality coffee shops. So, if you worry about getting bored of all the hiking, book your Sequoia National Park accommodation in Fresno.
Top Picks for Fresno
Luxury: Hyatt Place Fresno
The lavish Hyatt Place in Fresno is located in the town center, across the road from River Park Mall. Here you’ll enjoy an indoor pool, lounge bar, and one of the best and most extensive buffet breakfasts in town. All rooms feature super comfy extra-large beds, seating areas, and stylish modern decor. In addition, you can opt for rooms on the higher floors for better views and choose between a shower and bathtub.
Mid-range: DoubleTree by Hilton Fresno Convention Center
The DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Fresno is right in the heart of the action and a stone’s throw away from Chinatown. The vast hotel features an outdoor pool and hot tub with half-covering and an elaborate and high-quality breakfast spread. All rooms have a modern coffee machine, seating area, and large windows. The king luxury suites on the higher floor also have full-size dining tables giving a penthouse feel.
Budget: Hotel Piccadilly
The 3-star Hotel Piccadilly in North Fresno has some fab amenities such as free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool with sunbeds, and a small fitness center. Although the decor in the spacious rooms is pretty simple, they all feature flat-screen TVs, fridges, coffee machines, and an ensuite bathroom with either a bath or shower.
Kernville
Best area to stay in for adventure seekers
Kernville is far south of Sequoia and relatively off-the-beaten-track. As a result, it is not the most popular choice among visitors deciding where to stay near Sequoia National Park. Even so, it’s a beautiful spot surrounded by nature like Kern River and Lake Isabella.
The lake is ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, while the river has rafting opportunities. Plus, there are many hiking and walking trails around. However, it’s a 2.5-hour drive to the national park, so it is best suited to those on an extended vacation and looking for adventure.
Top Picks in Kernville
Luxury: Sacred Mtn River Suites
The lavish Sacred Mtn River Suites north of Kernville are a 1-minute walk away from a private beach along the Kern River. The peaceful location is surrounded by nature and close to many hiking trails. The apartments have a private patio with BBQ facilities, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, and a washer and dryer. These spacious suites are perfect for you if you’re on an extended retreat or looking for a touch of luxury in nature.
Mid-range: Sequoia Lodge
The riverside Sequoia Lodge is ideally situated for rafting, fishing, hiking, or simply relaxing in a tranquil environment. All rooms at the lodge have homely decor, air-con, flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee makers, and microwaves. However, the highlight of this Kings Canyon lodging is the incredible river views that you can enjoy from your private balcony.
Budget: Kern Riverfront Lodge
Kern Riverfront Lodge is located in the town center alongside Kern River, giving the perfect balance between nature and amenities. The suites feature warm wooden decor, kitchenettes, and outdoor seating areas for an excellent price. What’s more, the spacious 2-bedroom suite has a separate living area with a sofa, armchairs, and a fireplace, creating a welcoming and homely ambiance.