Our Community

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Porterville, California, is a quaint, pioneer town that has grown and matured from its deep agricultural roots. With plenty of history and surrounded by majestic beauty, Porterville is a wonderful place to live and visit. 

Local Attractions

Sequoia National Forest
Porterville is the gateway to the land of the giants. The ancient, majestic sequoia forest is a “million-acre-plus recreational wonderland” that will delight the senses and leave visitors of all ages in awe.

Zalud House
Famous for its appearance in an episode of Ghost Adventures, this historic home built in 1891 is rumored to be haunted by the ill-fated Zalud family. Following a prolonged illness, Mary Jane, the last Zalud family member to occupy the home, donated the property to the city of Porterville upon her death in 1962 to serve as a museum and memorial to her parents. The house contains original furnishings and remains unaltered from its original construction.

Great Western Divide Highway
Take Highway 190 to Mountain Road 107 to travel along the dramatic ridgeline that divides the Kern River Watershed from the Tule River Watershed. Along this route you’ll encounter giant sequoia groves, fishing streams, and trail heads leading you into the Golden Trout Wilderness. Although the road is closed during the winter months, the area remains open for recreational activities such as snowshoeing, sledding, and snowmobiling.

Porterville Barn Theater
Take in a show at the historic Porterville Barn Theater. Just after the end of WWII, young Peter Tewksbury and his wife moved from New York to Porterville and established the Barn Theater in 1948. A great success, the theater continues to operate to this day. Mr. Tewksbury moved on to Hollywood and became a director of the television series Father Knows Best and created the hit series My Three Sons.

Success Lake
Just a 10-minute drive away, Success Lake offers boating and fishing with the picturesque Sierra Nevadas in view.

Special Events

Iris Festival
Every April, more than 20 thousand visitors congregate in Porterville to celebrate the purple iris, Porterville’s official flower.

Veterans Day Homecoming Parade
For over a century, the Porterville Veterans Day Parade has proudly honored the noble men and women of the armed forces. The parade is followed by the Band-a-Rama, featuring our local high school marching bands.