Fresno Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Fresno featuring signage
Fresno
Fresno which includes heritage architecture and central business district
Fresno which includes outdoor art
Fresno showing heritage architecture
Nicknamed California’s Yearlong Playground, this city is a cultural hub, an outdoor destination and a popular stopping point en route to Yosemite National Park.

Fresno is the focal point of California’s Central Valley. The city is just 62 miles (99.8 kilometers) from Yosemite National Park, making it a popular destination on the way to the wilderness area.

Sample the region’s renowned wines and enjoy scenic landscape on a tasting tour at some of the many vineyards that surround the city. Fresno is also in the center of California’s agricultural belt, making it an ideal place to sample fresh local produce. Fruit stands and farmers markets abound most popular is the sprawling Vineyard Farmers Market, where growers gather every Wednesday and Saturday to sell their goods.

Watch a show at the historic Tower Theatre, located in the heart of the lively Tower District. Go shopping, see a movie or enjoy a meal at River Park. The complex is filled with stores and destinations suitable for the entire family.

Spend the afternoon exploring Forestiere Gardens, an underground compound of passageways, gardens and sculptures. Created by Sicilian immigrant Baldasare Forestiere, the network is reminiscent of Rome’s famous catacombs. Explore the interactive maze created by lush gardens and ornate architecture.

Give children a glimpse into the exotic animal kingdom at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Learn about unique species, participate in interactive exhibits and watch the creatures at play.

The Central Valley is known for hot summertime temperatures. Escape the heat with a day hike in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, located 30 miles (48.3 kilometers) east of the city. Yosemite National Park's nearness makes it possible to visit Half Dome and other natural wonders and return within one day.

The city is about a 3-hour drive from either Los Angeles or San Francisco. Fresno Yosemite International Airport offers limited service throughout the United States and is conveniently located in the city center. Explore the area by car or cycle in many bike-friendly neighborhoods.

Fresno offers warm temperatures and sunny weather throughout the year. Come explore “California's Yearlong Playground” to experience its diverse attractions.

Where to stay in Fresno

Fresno showing signage and theatre scenes

Downtown Fresno

If you're spending some time in Downtown Fresno, Chukchansi Park and Saroyan Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Fresno
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Roosevelt

Roosevelt might not have many top sights, but The Big Fresno Fair and Selland Arena are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Roosevelt
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Pinedale

You'll appreciate the shopping during your time in Pinedale and you might want to plan a stop by Riverpark Shopping Center and Woodward Park while you're in the area.

Pinedale
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Edison

Though Edison may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Fresno Regional Sport Park and Chukchansi Park.

Edison
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Tower District

While there might not be top attractions in Tower District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Fresno Chaffee Zoo and 2nd Space Theater.

Tower District
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Fig Garden

While Fig Garden may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Fashion Fair Mall and Vineyard Farmers Market.

Fig Garden
Hotel Piccadilly
Hotel Piccadilly
3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
The price is AU$145 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$145
includes taxes & fees
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,362 reviews)
"Clean and private. Lots of parking"

Reviewed on 31 Mar. 2025

Hotel Piccadilly
Wyndham Garden Fresno Yosemite Airport
Wyndham Garden Fresno Yosemite Airport
3 out of 5
5090 E Clinton Way, Fresno, CA
The price is AU$165 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
AU$165
includes taxes & fees
19 Apr - 20 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"N/a"

Reviewed on 31 Mar. 2025

Wyndham Garden Fresno Yosemite Airport
Quality Inn Fresno Yosemite Airport
Quality Inn Fresno Yosemite Airport
2.5 out of 5
5113 E Mckinley Ave, Fresno, CA
The price is AU$155 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$155
includes taxes & fees
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Friendly staff"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2025

Quality Inn Fresno Yosemite Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Huge Private Guest suite w/ jet tub in great neighborhood near attractions
Huge Private Guest suite w/ jet tub in great neighborhood near attractions
Fresno
Stay at this apartment in Fresno. Enjoy a water park, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Marketplace at El Paseo and Island Waterpark are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (109 reviews)
Ag expo stay
"Very nice clean facility, quiet neighborhood. Just a couple suggestions would be Kleenex, paper towels and more wash cloths."

Reviewed on 14 Feb. 2025

Huge Private Guest suite w/ jet tub in great neighborhood near attractions
Upgraded 3B/2Bth Great Access to All You Need
Upgraded 3B/2Bth Great Access to All You Need
Clovis
Stay at this vacation home in Clovis. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Save Mart Center and Sierra Vista Mall are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
Great stay, highly recommend.
"We fully enjoyed our stay. The house was a bit cold for winter, we would suggest raising the thermostat during cold times, but regardless of that, the stay was still excellent."

Reviewed on 13 Mar. 2025

Upgraded 3B/2Bth Great Access to All You Need
Visalia Vacation Rental w/ Yard: 1 Mi to Downtown
Visalia Vacation Rental w/ Yard: 1 Mi to Downtown
3 out of 5
Visalia
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Visalia. Enjoy free parking, patios, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Bowlero Visalia and Visalia Fox Theatre are located ...
Visalia Vacation Rental w/ Yard: 1 Mi to Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Fresno

3.2
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
0
5 - Excellent 0%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
9
3 - Okay 69%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 8%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Gateway city to the national parks, lots of shopping, restaurants, gas stations etc. Not sure how safe it is - noticed lots of security cameras at Walmart.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Went to the cheesecake shop for dinner lovely food and service then shopped afterwards. Only an overnight stay

2/5 - Disappointing

E

Couldn’t wait to leave

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Locals didn’t seem to think there was anything to do so didn’t do anything there