22 Enjoyable Issues To Do in Fresno | Sights, Locations to Go to & Extra

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Fresno is California’s fifth most populated metropolis and a vacation spot you must add to your journey record! You can be shocked by all of the enjoyable issues to do in Fresno CA, that’s for positive!

It could not have the large metropolis vibe of San Diego, the glamour of Malibu, or the ocean views of Pismo Seaside, however Fresno metropolis has its personal record of appeals, many sorts of actions and locations to go to. 

However to begin with, the place is Fresno?

Fresno is situated within the central valley of California, roughly between Los Angeles and San Francisco. In case you’re planning a California highway journey, it’s the right metropolis to interrupt up your journey.

It’s additionally simply over an hour’s driving distance from the majestic Yosemite Nationwide Park, probably the greatest locations for mountain climbing in California and an ideal vacation spot for a day journey from Fresno. We’ll discuss extra about this afterward. 

The distinctive and thrilling sights in Fresno added to its places, make it an excellent place to go to for a couple of days. And that will help you benefit from your time, we put collectively this record of the 22 finest issues to do in Fresno, California.

This information additionally has a bit about the place to remain in Fresno, so you possibly can e-book the right keep on your journey. 

However earlier than we begin our information about issues to do in Fresno, let me offer you an vital piece of recommendation:

And the place to remain for Fresno sightseeing?

There are many cool and cozy locations to remain in Fresno. To ensure you see as many as attainable, you’ll need to select a lodge that’s close to all the motion.

A great space to remain in is Downtown Fresno. It gives a mixture of historic and fashionable structure, with loads of eating places, bars, and retailers to discover. A number of Fresno sights are right here, and you will discover many lodge choices accessible, together with budget-friendly and luxurious lodging.

One other excellent spot to remain in Fresno is the Fig Backyard neighborhood, an upscale space within the northwestern a part of the town recognized for its lovely properties, tree-lined streets, and boutique procuring. It’s solely 10 minutes driving to downtown, or half-hour by public transportation.

We listed beneath a couple of choices of lodging in Fresno, from luxurious inns to budget-friendly lodging. All with good evaluations, strategic location, and good facilities. 

Examine them out and select the one which matches your journey.

Finest inns in Fresno, California:

Now, what to do in Fresno, CA?

Aside out of your typical big-city fashionable sights, this central California metropolis additionally gives some fairly distinctive ones. From historic landmarks to scenic drives and fashionable leisure venues, listed below are the highest issues to do in Fresno, California.

Free issues to do in Fresno, California

Let’s begin with the free issues to do in Fresno which are good to get your Fresno journey rolling. 

1 – Take a self-guided strolling tour by means of Fresno

One of the best ways to discover a brand new vacation spot is by strolling round, and the historic downtown Fresno space is the right place to do that. 

Here’s a fast itinerary of locations to go in Fresno throughout your strolling tour:

– Fresno Water Tower: this iconic landmark is a good start line on your Fresno tour. It was inbuilt 1894 and was used to carry water for the town’s hearth division.

– Fulton Road: this pedestrian-only avenue is lined with historic buildings and public artwork installations. Take pleasure in it!

– Fresno County Courthouse: this courthouse is likely one of the oldest buildings in Fresno, it was inbuilt 1875. It’s an excellent instance of Victorian-era structure.

– Meux Residence Museum: we gonna discuss extra about it afterward.

– Fresno Artwork Museum: a must-visit place in Fresno and we have now a particular part for it.

– Tower Theatre: one other Fresno attraction we gonna discover extra.

Planning a self-guided strolling tour in your first day in Fresno is an effective way to discover the town’s wealthy historical past.

Earlier than beginning, mark these locations in your map of Fresno, and bear in mind to put on comfy footwear and convey water with you.

Click on right here to learn all our United States metropolis guides!

2 – De-stress at Woodward Regional Park

Woodward Regional Park is a sprawling inexperienced house with a basic metropolis park vibe. The most important park in Fresno was created in 1968 in an space donated by Ralph Woodward.

As we speak it stretches over 300 acres by the South financial institution of the San Joaquin River.

The park gives one thing for everybody. There are strolling and biking paths, loads of park benches for resting, manicured lawns, tables for picnicking, and playgrounds for little ones.

The park may be very effectively maintained and gives rest room services and ingesting fountains. It’s one of many cool issues to do in Fresno with youngsters.

Further tip: in the event you like parks, plan a go to to Roeding Park, one other regional metropolis park that has a lake, ponds, and areas for picnics.

3 – See the scenic Fresno County Blossom Path

Enjoyable truth, the central valley of California is the best agricultural area within the state. It yields an abundance of citrus, tree fruits, nuts, desk grapes, and different crops every year.

The Fresno County’s Blossom Path passes by means of a few of the space’s most colourful orchards on a virtually 70-mile scenic route.

Take a self-guided tour driving or biking and admire the gorgeous wildflowers, blooming fruit bushes, and cherry bushes. See beautiful shades of pink, white, and orange. It’s an actual deal with for the eyes.

You possibly can pull over all through the path to take a quiet stroll or have a photoshoot with the backdrop of the charming blossoming bushes.

The height time to see the flowering bushes is in February and March. Though, visiting the Fresno Blossom Path throughout different occasions of the yr nonetheless offers a pleasant alternative to see Fresno’s rural panorama.

A terrific place to start the route is Simonian Farms. The fruit stand on the property has been round since 1901. It sits in a big purple barn and shows a mannequin Western city with an attention-grabbing assortment of classic objects.

Have a fast wander earlier than you start your journey by means of Fresno Fruit Path, and don’t overlook to choose up some snacks for the highway.

Fresno sights you possibly can’t miss!

There are numerous issues to see in Fresno, will begin with sights which are paid for, however in a couple of of them, we have now an area tip that will help you get monetary savings whereas visiting. 

4 – Journey to Japan at Shinzen Friendship Backyard

The is a hidden gem inside Woodward Park.

Constructed by Fresno’s Japanese-American neighborhood, this serene Japanese backyard showcases their tradition. It includes a koi pond, a teahouse, a bonsai assortment, resident peacocks, plenty of colourful vegetation, and picture-perfect surroundings.

It’s a beautiful place to de-stress and spend a while enjoyable in nature.

Cash-saving tip: The Shinzen Friendship Backyard gives free admission for youths below 4 yo, and between 1 to 14 it’s solely $1. Seniors and college students pay additionally pay $1, and for households (2-5 individuals) is $7.

5 – Uncover the Forestiere Underground Gardens

Constructed by the Sicilian immigrant Baldassare Forestiere from 1906 till his loss of life in 1946, the Forestiere Underground Gardens are one of the crucial distinctive sights in Fresno, CA.

The underground gardens weave by means of a sequence of constructions, together with rooms, courtyards, and passageways. Every part was hand-made by Forestiere, who drew inspiration for his work from the Paris historical catacombs.

The underground gardens are solely accessible by means of guided excursions. Accompanied by a information, you’ll be taught in regards to the historical past of the subterranean construction and the person who created them.

Cash-saving tip: The Forestiere Underground Gardens provide free admission for kids below 5 and decreased admission for college kids, seniors, and the army.

6 – Go to Fresno Artwork Museum 

Established as a regional artwork middle approach again in 1948, the Fresno Artwork Museum (FAM) has grown right into a top-notch accredited museum that really represents the San Joaquin Valley cultural identification and artwork scene.

The museum exhibitions show native, California, and internationally recognized artists with a formidable everlasting assortment of Pre-Columbian artwork. It’s a must-visit in Fresno. 

It gives a wide range of academic applications, together with artwork lessons and workshops. In case you’re occupied with studying extra about artwork, it is a excellent spot to start out.

Cash-saving tip: regulate the museum web site for the Household Day occasions, they provide actions in Fresno for youths and adults, and the perfect half, they’re free.

7 – Don’t miss the African American Historic and Cultural Museum

Fresno African American Historic and Cultural Museum is a superb place to be taught in regards to the historical past and tradition of African Individuals within the area.

The museum has a variety of momentary exhibitions and everlasting collections which are designed to teach each kids and adults.

As well as, the museum hosts a wide range of thrilling occasions all year long that remember and honor African-American historical past and tradition.

Further tip: e-book your go to upfront through the museum web site. Additionally, test the occasion dates and plan your go to accordingly. 

8- Attend an occasion on the historic Tower Theatre

The Tower Theater is one among Fresno’s landmarks, a spot you possibly can’t miss! The theater was inbuilt 1939 and it’s a great instance of art-deco. Trying out the structure and the inside design is already a should, but when I had been you, I’d plan to observe a live performance or any music performances right here.

You’ll find the theatre agenda on its official web site. 

9 – Try the Discovery Middle

This interactive science middle gives a enjoyable and academic expertise for all ages.

With hands-on reveals, and stay demonstrations – consider crawling by means of a life-size ant tunnel to launching a rocket – the middle offers a singular alternative to find out about science, know-how, engineering, and arithmetic (STEM) in a fascinating and interactive approach.

The middle’s applications are designed to interact and encourage younger minds, with a deal with creating essential considering and problem-solving expertise. Whether or not you’re a scholar, a mum or dad, or just somebody with a curious thoughts, a go to to the Discovery Middle is a must-do exercise in Fresno.

10 – Return in time on the Meux Residence Museum

The Meux Residence Museum is a 16-room Victorian mansion that has efficiently stood the take a look at of time. Dr. Thomas Richard Meux, a doctor and Civil Warfare veteran constructed the 16-room mansion for his household in 1889.

The museum showcases the perfect of Victorian structure and contains intricate particulars typical of that interval, like Corinthian cornices, scrolls, string programs, stained glass, and furnishings. It additionally includes a scenic backyard.

The home is accessible by means of roughly an hour-long guided tour, which is each entertaining and academic.

Further tip: if historic sights are your factor, then additionally take a look at Kearney Mansion Museum, a home inbuilt French Renaissance fashion by M. Theo Kearney. It sits in Kearney Park, one other inexperienced house and a pleasant place to go to in Fresno.

11 – Be entertained on the Save Mart Middle

The Save Mart Middle is a multi-purpose venue situated on the campus of California State College, Fresno, at Shaw Avenue. It opened in 2003 and has been internet hosting varied leisure occasions since.

Faculty basketball, wrestling, ice hockey, and different competitors occasions happen at Fresno State College repeatedly.

The middle additionally hosts stay leisure and concert events every so often. Previous music concert events have included A-list artists like Justin Bieber, Elton John, and Taylor Swift and performances from Cirque du Soleil. Cool, isn’t it?!

In case you’re on the lookout for a enjoyable night time out in Fresno, go to their official web site to see the upcoming occasions. You would possibly be part of a couple of attention-grabbing Fresno weekend occasions throughout your journey.

12 – Have enjoyable on the Fresno Chaffee Zoo

You don’t must be a child to understand a go to to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo (generally known as Roeding Park Zoo, because it’s situated inside Roeding Park). Folks of all ages will take pleasure in spending the day right here, exploring the attention-grabbing reveals and outside sights.

The Valley Farm petting zoo gives company the possibility to work together with and pet a wide range of animals native to the Central Valley, together with goats, sheep, chickens, cows, and extra. At Twina Terrace, you’ll have the chance to come back eye to eye with giraffes and feed these mild giants.

There’s additionally a Stingray Bay to go to and a reptile home the place company can view over 40 species of reptiles up shut.

That’s only a small pattern of what you are able to do at Fresno Zoo. There are two eating choices inside and company are additionally welcome to herald their very own meals and drinks.

13 – Take pleasure in a night on the Tower District 

The Tower District, aka Leisure District, is a neighborhood that sprung up within the Nineteen Thirties. It gives Fresno vacationers a little bit little bit of all the pieces.

Throughout the day, store on the native boutiques and seize a espresso or informal meal at a espresso store. Irene’s Cafe and Teazers World Tea Market are each native favorites.

When night hits, this space of the town turns right into a hotspot for nightlife and leisure. For a few of the finest cocktails in Fresno, head to Lucy’s Lounge. For stay music and dancing, go to Strummer’s Bar & Grill.

In case you’re eager on an informal night time out, see a theater manufacturing on the historic Tower District Theater. Or, for dinner and a present, Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater will present a memorable expertise.

14 – Beat the warmth at Island Waterpark

There’s no approach round it, Fresno in summer time is sizzling. The common temperature normally hangs out within the 90°s (32°C), with some days reaching over 100 levels Fahrenheit. In case you’re on the lookout for a vacationer attraction in Fresno to beat the warmth, the Island Water Park is the place you must go.

It has all the enjoyable sights you’d anticipate from a waterpark, together with outside swimming pools with thrilling tube water slides, physique slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a water playground.

Lease a cabana and luxuriate in comfy shaded seating. When you could refuel, go to one of many meals concessions discovered across the amusement park.

The park caters to all ages and is likely one of the enjoyable locations in Fresno to spend the day.

15 – See a baseball recreation at Chukchansi Park

Chukchansi Park is the house of Fresno’s minor league baseball group, the Fresno Grizzlies.

The trendy baseball stadium opened in 2002 options nice views of the sphere from each seat in the home. It additionally gives unimaginable panoramas of downtown Fresno’s skyline with beautiful views of the Sierra Mountains creeping up within the distance.

The concession stands promote meals, snacks, and drinks. Take pleasure in a enjoyable afternoon and mingle with locals whereas cherrying for the beloved Grizzlies.

16 – Wander round Riverpark Purchasing Middle

Riverpark is a very talked-about Fresno attraction. This huge outside procuring and leisure middle options prime model retails in addition to some locally-owned gems.

In case you’re on the lookout for souvenirs, however don’t need something cheesy from a present store, or really feel like treating your self to a procuring spree, that is your house.

Other than procuring, the movie show, named Regal Edwards Theater, screens all of the blockbuster hits. It even has 4DX and IMAX screens for the final word immersive cinematic expertise.

You’ll discover in River Park Purchasing Middle a variety of eating places specializing in all the pieces from Asian and Mexican to French delicacies. For wonderful eating in Fresno, head to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. Or, for one thing extra informal with a vigorous setting, cease into Yard Home for scrumptious meals and drinks.

If you’d like an genuine Californian foodie expertise, seize a burger and shake from In-N-Out Burger.

17 – Have drinks at Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Firm Beer Backyard

Mingle with the locals and luxuriate in a couple of chilly ones at Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Firm. Two enjoyable issues to do in Fresno for adults and {couples}.

This low-key brewery makes all of its merchandise in downtown Fresno. They purpose to create great-tasting craft beer whereas bringing consciousness and assist to the preservation of California’s Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains.

They cater to all tastes, from easy-drinking beer to wealthy stouts. Plus, their menu adjustments, so there’s at all times one thing new to strive. Their flavors can get fairly artistic, with choices like tropical blonde ale infused with ardour fruit, guava, mango, and pineapple – yum!

Lots of their flavors and beer names draw inspiration from the native surrounding, particularly the mountains. Choose from choices like a Valley Haze IPA, a Yosemite Facelift Pale Ale, and a Half Dome Wheat Ale.

The brewery has a enjoyable, social ambiance. They repeatedly host stay music and meals vans. The taproom and beer backyard is open every single day, from the afternoon till late within the night.

In your approach out, don’t overlook to choose up some bottles or growlers of your favourite flavors to go.

18 – Try the Massive Fresno Honest

The Massive Fresno Honest is the fifth-largest truthful in California. It was based in 1884 and has been happening yearly since.

It has all your typical truthful rides and sights, like a Ferris Wheel, rotating swings, and carnival video games. It additionally has some particular occasions, like dwelling reveals and horse racing.

Dwell music is one other staple of the truthful. Previous headliners have included acts like Billy Idol, the Seaside Boys, and Ariana Grande.

The truthful takes place each October and runs for 2 weeks. However in the event you can’t go to Fresno throughout this month, take a look at the Massive Fresno Honest Museum. This attraction is open year-round and educates company on the historical past of the truthful for the previous 136 years. It options plenty of cool reveals and artifacts.

Issues to do close to Fresno, CA

19 – Go to Moravia Wines

The central valley is the spine of California’s wine business. This area of the state produces over half of California’s grapes. The recent temperatures and dry circumstances mixed make the right formulation for giant grapes, which yield juicy, high-quality wines.

One of the best place to pattern some scrumptious Californian wine is Moravia Wines. Set in a sprawling winery, the setting is magical and the kinds of their whites and reds are top-notch. Take pleasure in an outside wine tasting on their giant patio below the nice and cozy California solar. And it’s solely 20 minutes drive from Fresno. 

Youngsters are additionally welcome on the vineyard. An outside play construction will preserve them entertained whereas Mother and Dad sip some wine on the patio.

Company are additionally free to convey their very own meals. Pack your favourite picnic provisions, and also you’ll be all set for a day of enjoyable in Fresno.

Further tip: on Friday evenings, from Could to September, family-friendly actions and leisure are additionally scheduled.

20 – Go for a hike or bike journey on the Millerton Lake Path

You possibly can’t say you go to Fresno in the event you didn’t enterprise into some outside actions. So that you higher plan a go to to the Millerton Lake State Recreation Space. 

Situated solely half-hour’ drive north of Fresno, Millefrton Lake is a good looking inexperienced house the place you possibly can admire the San Joaquin River flowing from the Sierra Nevada into de Friant Dam.

It’s a paradise for mountain climbing and biking with 8 nice trails that goes from 1 mile (1.6 km) to eight.7 miles (14 km), with elevation as much as 1,853 toes (565 meters) above sea stage.

The Pincushion Mountain Peak Path is likely one of the hottest trails and gives a direct path to the height of Pincushion Mountain. It’s a average problem 2.8-mile loop path.

Earlier than beginning any mountain climbing path, test its problem and ensure that it matches your talent stage. 

You can too go fishing and boating on Millerton Lake. However earlier than doing any of those actions take a look at the park rules. 

21 – Don’t miss Yosemite Nationwide Park

Yosemite is one among probably the most lovely Nationwide Parks on the west coast. If this assertion is just not sufficient to persuade you to go to it, listed below are a couple of additional factors you must consider:

The park is only one hour away from Fresno.

It’s dwelling to breathtaking pure magnificence, majestic waterfalls, lakes and towering granite cliffs.

You possibly can go mountain climbing, biking, fishing, tenting, and mountain climbing right here.

Yosemite Nationwide Park is a Unesco World Heritage Web site. It’s dwelling to historic websites, together with the Ahwahneechee Indian Village, which gives a glimpse into the each day lives and traditions of the native individuals who as soon as lived within the space.

22 – Really feel small at Sequoia & Kings Canyon Nationwide Parks

Two pure wonders good for a Fresno day journey, lower than an hour’s drive from the town.

The Sequoia Nationwide Park is legendary for its big sequoia bushes, spectacular mountain views and waterfalls. The park gives an unforgettable outside expertise. It additionally has the Moro Rock climb which provides you with wonderful views of the Nice Western Divide and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Kings Canyon Nationwide Park is thought for its canyons, valleys, waterfalls, and peaks. It additionally has the biggest remaining grove of sequoia bushes on the planet! You need to go and admire it!

Sequoia Nationwide Park and Kings Canyon Nationwide Park are perched in Sierra Nevada Mountains, referred to as one of many most spectacular mountain ranges within the US. Each are dwelling to ample wildlife and beautiful mountain climbing trails, starting from simple strolls to difficult walks.

Obtain your Sequoia Kings Canyon Self-Driving Audio Information right here and have enjoyable whereas studying about these unimaginable parks.

Getting round Fresno, CA

When staying in Fresno downtown you possibly can attain many locations by strolling. If you’re a bit far, then you have to to make use of a automotive or public transportation. 

If you’re planning a California highway journey you’ll be sorted. Nonetheless, in case you are flying to Fresno (discover the perfect flights to Fresno California right here) or another metropolis, and planning to go to all of the sights you will have 3 choices:

– Renting a Automobile: renting a automotive in Fresno is straightforward, you will have a couple of retailers on the Fresno Yosemite Worldwide Airport and likewise within the metropolis. I recommend you seek for the perfect offers and e-book your automotive upfront. You’ll avoid wasting cash and can you arrive in Fresno with all the pieces sorted. 

RentalCars web site compares the perfect rental vehicles in Fresno and in another US metropolis. Test it out!

– Utilizing public transportation: you will get round Fresno utilizing the town’s 18 bus traces that join the metropolitan space and downtown. It’d take a bit extra time to get to locations, however most of Fresno’s sights could be reached by utilizing public transportation. 

– Taxi: not the most cost effective approach, however a simple strategy to get round with out the necessity to fear about driving or planning your schedule in line with the bus timetable. 

– Biking: you possibly can hire a motorbike and discover Fresno at your tempo. There are a number of bike lanes in Fresno and it was the primary metropolis within the Central Valley to earn a Bronze Medal Designation from the League of American Bicyclists, recognizing it as a bicycle-friendly neighborhood.

All the time watch out, put on a helmet, and comply with the site visitors guidelines. 

Fresno actions wrap up

Though Fresno is one among California’s largest cities, it has a small-town allure with loads of city and pure sights, plus some attention-grabbing cultural occasions. It’s an excellent place to loosen up, benefit from the days at a simple tempo, or have an action-packed journey. It’s your name!

It is probably not by the coast, however its location subsequent to the Sierra Nevada Mountain Vary makes it a success with nature lovers. Which means when visiting Fresno, you possibly can have the town enjoyable and likewise the outside thrill. 

Whether or not you’re visiting Fresno by itself or passing by en path to some other place, it’s secure to say that the whole thing of your journey shall be entertaining and thrilling.