Traver is located near the middle of California's San Joaquin Valley, in the extreme northwest corner of Tulare County. The community lies in one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world and is surrounded by field crops, orchards, and vineyards. Visalia, the county seat of Tulare County, is located about 15 miles southeast. State Highway Route 99, one of California's busiest north-south arterial traffic routes, passes through the westerly portion of Traver, and the Southern Pacific Railroad maintains a line through the community that runs parallel to Highway 99.

The unincorporated town of Traver was established in 1884 when the 76 Land and Water Company completed its main canal to a point on the Southern Pacific Railroad that crosses the Kings River. The townsite was named for Charles Traver, one of the company's directors.

Within one year of its establishment, Traver had a thriving business district and 400 residents. In 1887, however, much of the business district was destroyed by fire. In 1888 The Southern Pacific Railroad constructed its line from Fresno to Porterville. The towns of Reedley and Dinuba were established along this rail line about 12 miles north and east of Traver, respectively. Many local farmers abandoned the Traver area and relocated closer to these "new" towns.

Modern-day Traver remains agricultural mainly, with the recent development of roadside rest stops co-located with a specialty cheese maker and other agri-tourism attractions along its Highway 99 frontage.

Traver is located along the Highway 99 corridor. There are many prime Agricultural and Industrial properties available in this community. Traver has immediate access to rail and highway.