The Best Little City In USA
Fresno often gets a bad rap for being a hot, farming city in the middle of the state. As California’s most productive agricultural region, Fresno’s fields and orchards provide more than a rich restaurant scene. They are also a hallmark of Fresno’s most enjoyable outdoor activities. It’s centrality makes it the perfect place to get a little taste of everything that California offers. Many visitors find themselves stopping on the way to Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, or other destinations in the Sierras. The Save Mart Center at California State University, Fresno has also played host to concerts featuring high-profile acts.
Most guides suggest things to do outside . And while the proximity to so many National Parks is great, I wanted to create a guide of activities that are actually in Fresno.
Things To Do
Forestiere Underground Gardens
Tour over 10 acres of underground open-air tunnels, rooms, and patios constructed singlehandedly by the Italian immigrant, Baldassare Forestiere. This is one that I would do during the summer when the underground tunnels are cool temperature-wise.
The Coolest Museums In Fresno
It is a city entrenched in history and full of residents with a passion for expanding the mind, both of which are reflected in the city’s museums. Fresno’s rich, diverse background has led to the development of a number of unique and interesting museums, perfect for both visitors and locals looking to experience something different and learn something new.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo
The Chaffee Zoo is one of the top things to do in Fresno with kids and should be on every family adventure list. Visit over 190 species of animals, from giraffes to wolves, to sea lions and elephants. My favorite exhibit is the African Adventure because of the 360-degree views of the savannah habitat.
Parks
With a population of over half a million, Fresno can lay claim to being one of the five largest cities in California, but its size also means that peace and quiet can be hard to come by. Luckily the parks dotted around the city provide some much-needed relief for those wishing to escape the urban sprawl.
Blossom Trail
You must drive the blossom trail if you are lucky enough to visit in the springtime. California produces one-third of US-grown fruits and nuts. Drive over 65 miles of country roads between the orchards. There aren’t many places in the world where you can find this sheer volume of blossoms in one place. And it smells great!
Spots for Live Music
- Fulton 55
- Audie’s Olympic
- Strummer’s
- Tokyo Garden
- Frank’s Place
Woodward Park
This 300-acre park has over 5 miles of trails and sweeping views of the nearby Sierra Nevadas. The best way to experience it all is by renting a bike from The Bike Shop, conveniently located just across the street. Renting a bike will allow you to park in the shopping center parking lot, avoiding the $5 Woodward Park parking fee.
Raphio Chocolate Factory Tour
I would describe this as a hidden Fresno gem. The owners personally do the tours, so we learned a ton, and the tour was just fun! The shop space is small, but they take you through the whole process, and then you get to taste ALL their chocolates.
Old Town Clovis
Old Town Clovis is a neighborhood featuring a walkable district with dining, coffee shops, restaurants, and antiques. While not technically , it is incredibly close. This boutique shopping area with a historic feel is too cute to miss.
FAQs : Fresno
Is Fresno CA worth visiting?
Fresno will find that it is a nice historic city, full of life, museums, gardens and a nice selection of hotels.
Is Fresno an expensive city?
Fresno is one of the cheapest cities to live in, in California.