Porterville is located in Tulare County north of Bakersfield between Visalia and Delano along Hwy-190 near Lake Success and the Kern River. A major attraction, The Sequoia National Forest is just to the east. Famous, the Giant Sequoia National Monument attracts many visitors.
Porterville is part of the Visalia-Tulare-Porterville, California metro area.
During California's Spanish period, the San Joaquin Valley was considered a remote region of little value. Emigrants skirted the eastern foothills in the vicinity of Porterville as early as 1826. The town incorporated in 1902, as miners moved into the area to extract magnetite ore.
Porterville residents and visitors can enjoy the several city parks that Porterville Parks and Recreation provides. Guests can partake in many outdoor activities at these venues. There is also a municipal golf course that can provide hours of entertainment for the novice or the experienced player. Visitors can residents can also enjoy shopping, dinning, and cultural opportunities at some of the city's shops, restaurants, and museums.