Fresno, CA

Travel Guide
Fresno featuring modern 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 theater scenes

Downtown Fresno

3/5(225 area reviews)

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

Downtown Fresno
The morning at Camp Tulequoia in the Sequoia National Forest.

Roosevelt

4/5(2 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Roosevelt, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Big Fresno Fair and Selland Arena.

Roosevelt
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Tower District

While Tower District isn't home to many top sights, Fresno Chaffee Zoo and 2nd Space Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.

Tower District
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Edison

3.5/5(28 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Edison, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Fresno Regional Sport Park and Chukchansi Park.

Edison
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Herndon

Unique features of Herndon include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Marketplace at El Paseo or Riverside Golf Course while you're exploring the area.

Herndon
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Fig Garden

While Fig Garden might 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 Valley Children's Stadium.

Fig Garden
Piccadilly Inn Airport
Piccadilly Inn Airport
3 out of 5
5115 E Mckinley Avenue, Fresno, CA
The price is ¥10,578 per night from May 22 to May 23
¥10,578
per night
May 22 - May 23
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,694 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on May 4, 2024

Piccadilly Inn Airport
Hotel Piccadilly
Hotel Piccadilly
3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
The price is ¥13,283 per night from May 22 to May 23
¥13,283
per night
May 22 - May 23
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,900 reviews)
Great hidden hotel.
"Excellent hotel. Large and spacious rooms. Best hotel we have stayed at in years. Price was outstanding."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Hotel Piccadilly
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tulare
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tulare
2.5 out of 5
1500 Cherry Ct, Tulare, CA
The price is ¥13,505 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥13,505
per night
May 19 - May 20
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Tulare. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,016 reviews)
"Everything was really great except for the mattress & the handicap room was at the end of a long hall from the elevator."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tulare
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.
POOLSIDE SUITE Fresno/Clovis
POOLSIDE SUITE Fresno/Clovis
Clovis
Stay at this vacation home in Clovis. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and patios. Popular attractions Save Mart Center and AMF Rodeo Lanes are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
Great place
"Nice comfortable. Close to everything. Highly recommend"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

POOLSIDE SUITE Fresno/Clovis
Spacious 4BD Home w EV charger near Sequoia Ntl Pk
Spacious 4BD Home w EV charger near Sequoia Ntl Pk
Visalia
Stay at this vacation home in Visalia. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Visalia Country Club and Rawhide Ballpark are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
Nice House
"It was a good house, clean rooms, easy in and out. Needs just a few more items to round out the experience. More living room furniture and a few modest updates would make it 5 star."

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

Spacious 4BD Home w EV charger near Sequoia Ntl Pk
Entire  Fresno/Clovis 2 bedroom bungalow
Entire Fresno/Clovis 2 bedroom bungalow
Clovis
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Clovis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a water park. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
Home Away From Home
"This place is exactly what my mom (76), sister (50), and I (44) needed for our lodging for a wedding we were attending. The condo has everything we needed and was very clean! Many stores and restaurants a short drive or walk away. Be aware it's located on a busier road so there was traffic noise ..."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Entire Fresno/Clovis 2 bedroom bungalow
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

Things to do

Reviews of Fresno

3.6
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
318
" "5 - Excellent 15.955845459106873%
4 - Good
872
" "4 - Good 43.753135975915704%
3 - Okay
640
" "3 - Okay 32.112393376818865%
2 - Disappointing
109
" "2 - Disappointing 5.469141996989463%
1 - Terrible
54
" "1 - Terrible 2.7094831911690918%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 1, 2020

It’s a nice small pleasant City.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 1, 2020

Scared for a moment due to protest march that night but everything turned out perfect in the end

2/5 - Disappointing

Nothappy
May 25, 2020

There are alot of homeless people asking for money. They have over run the downrown area. I actually didnt feel very safe there. And i wont be going back.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 13, 2020

The Woodward Regional Park was the best part of the trip

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
May 12, 2020

This location had poor internet service

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 10, 2020

Nice little city...

Cities near Fresno