Fresno Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Fresno featuring signage
Fresno
Fresno featuring central business district and heritage architecture
Fresno featuring 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 kilometres) 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 centre 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 kilometres) 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 centre. Explore the area by car or cycle in many bike-friendly neighbourhoods.

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

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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
Fresno showing signage and theatre scenes

Downtown Fresno

5/5(1 area review)

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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Pinedale

You'll appreciate the shopping during your time in Pinedale and you might want to plan a stop by Riverpark Shopping Center and Regal Fresno River 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

If you're spending some time in Tower District, Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts and 2nd Space Theater are top sights worth seeing.

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
Sonesta ES Suites Fresno

Sonesta ES Suites Fresno

3 out of 5
5322 N Diana St, Fresno, CA
The price is ₹8,177 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹8,177
₹9,813 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness centre and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"The room was extraordinary. It was more like an apartment than a hotel room. Everything was first class and at a great price. Breakfast was a full meal. All was impressive."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Sonesta ES Suites Fresno
Hotel Piccadilly

Hotel Piccadilly

3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
The price is ₹7,556 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹7,556
₹8,628 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,491 reviews)
"My daughter broke her leg and dislocated her ankle while working in the National Park. She landed at the hospital in Fresno. I flew in from out of town to help, having never been to Fresno before. Our stay involved last second changes, chaos waiting for the doc to decide when her 2nd surgery would ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Hotel Piccadilly
Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center

Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center

3.5 out of 5
300 S Court St, Visalia, CA
The price is ₹11,633 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹11,633
₹13,072 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Visalia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"We stayed one night and it was nice stay"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center
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.
Sequoia Park CA Coast Wineries Skiing-All Day Trips from Comfy Apt

Sequoia Park CA Coast Wineries Skiing-All Day Trips from Comfy Apt

3 out of 5
812 S Giddings St, Visalia, CA
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Visalia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Valley Strong Ballpark and Visalia Fox Theatre ...
9/10 Wonderful! (15 reviews)
"Everything was great!"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Sequoia Park CA Coast Wineries Skiing-All Day Trips from Comfy Apt
Sequoia Parks Coast Wineries Skiing-Enjoy Hot Tub Firepit Outdoor Kitchen

Sequoia Parks Coast Wineries Skiing-Enjoy Hot Tub Firepit Outdoor Kitchen

2.5 out of 5
812 S Giddings St, Visalia, CA
Stay at this holiday home in Visalia. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities and a picnic area. Popular attractions Valley Strong Ballpark and Visalia Fox Theatre ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
"The house is beautiful and spacious, but the star of the show was the backyard. The outdoor kitchen, firepit, hot tub, koi pond and gorgeous plants and lights made it the perfect vacation oasis. Everything you need for toiletries and laundry is supplied as well as plenty of staples in the kitchen. ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jun 2025

Sequoia Parks Coast Wineries Skiing-Enjoy Hot Tub Firepit Outdoor Kitchen
Visalia Vacation Rental w/ Yard: 1 Mi to Downtown

Visalia Vacation Rental w/ Yard: 1 Mi to Downtown

3 out of 5
Visalia, CA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly cottage in Visalia. Enjoy free parking, patios and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Bowlero Visalia and Visalia ...
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

Reviews of Fresno

3.4
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 14%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 43%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 14%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

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