There’s no shortage of things to do in Fresno. There are so many activities and attractions that it can be hard to know where to start! Whether you’re looking for a day of family fun or an evening out on the town, Fresno has something for everyone.
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Fresno City is the 5th largest in California, established after the California Gold Rush in 1856. Fresno has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment and activities. The city is full of professional sports, museums, specialty shops, and outdoor activities. Fresno has a lot to offer all year long
Here’s a guide that will help you experience the best Fresno has to offer. Below are 15 things that you can do in this Fresno destination:
The best things to do in Fresno, CA
The Discovery Center
At the Discovery Center, kids of all ages can interact with science. The center features more than 70 hands-on exhibits that explore art, physics, natural history, and geology, in addition, to live animal shows.
The ideal time for an outing is Saturday when the museum hosts “Kids Saturdays.” Here, children can touch a snake, go on a scavenger hunt, and complete other engaging activities.
It is the best place to visit if you are bringing children along.
Meux Home Museum
They built the museum in 1889; Meux Home Museum in Fresno is one of the oldest Victorian homes remaining in California. The unique architecture of this home makes it a popular tourist destination.
The building was designed in Queen Anne Style with Italianate influences. It has two towers along the side and a front façade, making it look like a castle consisting of 22 rooms.
If you are a history and architecture lover, Meux Home Museum is the right place.
Forestiere Underground Gardens
A visit to this garden is like taking a step back in time.
Forestiere Underground Gardens consists of several underground rooms built by Baldasare Forestiere, an Italian immigrant who did not believe in working for other people.
He chose to do something on his own, which gave birth to the idea of making these gardens. He spent the better part of his life making these gardens under the ground.
These underground rooms span 10 acres and consist of lush greenery. It is interesting to see how someone created such beautiful structures out of the earth.
Forestiere Underground Gardens is one of Fresno’s most unusual places to visit. This place will surely give you a different perspective on extreme gardening.
Yosemite National Park
Another great thing to do in Fresno is to visit Yosemite National Park, located about 94 miles north of Fresno.
Yosemite offers majestic mountain peaks, giant granite domes, and spectacular waterfalls. Several campgrounds are available for different budgets if you’re interested in camping.
On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the sites without camping, several hotels and motels are just outside the park.
The Tower Theatre
This theatre is one of Fresno’s historical landmarks and has been screening movies since the 1930s.
With a 761 sitting capacity, The Tower Theatre is the perfect place to watch a special event or comedy show.
Visitors can catch a movie at one of Fresno’s last remaining historic theaters.
Chukchansi Park
This stadium is home to the Fresno Grizzlies, a league baseball team.
It also hosts special events like concerts and festivals throughout the year.
If you are looking for an activity that involves sports, music, culture, and history all at once, then Chukchansi Park is just what you’re looking for.
The Big Fresno Fair
More than 600,000 people attend this fair annually.
This event features games, rides, live entertainment, animal attractions including horse racing and livestock, cooking demonstrations, agricultural exhibits, educational activities at the Learning Corner, show n’ shine automotive contest, along with over 3 million visitors every year.
The Big Fresno Fair is one of the most significant events held in Fresno, where you can enjoy carnival rides, food, and games.
China Peak Mountain Resort
China Peak Mountain Resort is another place for adventure and thrill lovers, located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
The resort has skiing and snowboarding trails for family and advanced skiers/snowboarders. There’s also a separate adult zone that makes it easier to ski or snowboard without children. The resort itself offers different types of accommodations that will suit your needs.
If you love to ski or snowboard, China Peak Mountain Resort is the place for you.
River Park Shopping Center
Visitors can spend the whole day at this shopping center.
This place offers a wide array of restaurants, department stores, and specialty shops that have something for everyone.
If you’re tired from all the walking around the city, stop by River Park Shopping Center where you can rest in between shops.
Warnors Theatre
The nights in Fresno are never dull, thanks to Warnors Theatre.
This historical landmark has been entertaining residents since the 1920s and is still open for full-fledged shows.
Visitors can catch a show at one of California’s last remaining vintage theaters.
The Warnors Theatre also plays some classic movies for you to enjoy.
Arte Americas
Visitors can learn about Latin American culture at this art gallery.
Arte Americas displays the most modern and innovative artwork during its exhibits.
It is a place where you can appreciate different cultures in one room using various art forms.
Woodward Regional Park
The Woodward regional park is the biggest in the Central Valley are covering more than 300 acres of land.
This park offers a wide array of amenities, including different types of sports, a botanical garden, historical sites, and camping grounds.
There is a bird sanctuary in this park where visitors can observe different species of birds.
Visitors can enjoy golf, picnics, horseback riding, camping, hiking, biking, and watching historical reenactments.
Visitors can enjoy different activities in Woodward Regional Park.
The Fresno Art Museum
Art lovers will appreciate this museum for its contemporary art pieces by local artists that the Central Valley itself inspires.
The museum also hosts various events, including family days, special exhibitions, lectures, and more.
Visitors can get a glimpse of Fresno’s artistic side at The Fresno Art Museum.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Located in Roeding Park, visitors can get up close and personal with the animals at this zoo.
The zoo houses both exotic and native animals such as cheetahs, tigers, red pandas, black bears, Mexican wolves, and more.
Visitors can see live animals in their habitat or watch educational shows about them to learn more about conservation.
Save Mart Center
For sports enthusiasts, the Save Mart Center is for you.
It is located on the California State University grounds and is home to the CSU Fresno men’s basketball team.
The Save Mart Center also hosts events other than athletic ones, including concerts, trade shows, and conventions.
You can stop by the Save Mart Center if you’re looking for something new to do or watch in Fresno!
Where to Stay in Fresno
Fresno offers a wide variety of accommodations for visitors to enjoy. The following are some of the most popular hotels in Fresno.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fresno Riverpark
This hotel is suitable for families because it has a variety of amenities and activities that children will enjoy. Children don’t pay at this family-friendly hotel.
Conveniently situated north of downtown close to the River Park Shopping Center, the hotel offers a variety of amenities in one place.
You can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner at its on-site restaurant that serves American cuisine. The hotel also has an outdoor pool and whirlpool for guests’ convenience.
Hampton Inn & Suites Fresno-Northwest
Closely located to Forestiere Underground Gardens, the Hampton Inn & Suites Fresno-Northwest is conveniently located near restaurants, shopping malls, and other attractions.
With over 90 rooms and suites with different amenities, this hotel offers a variety of packages to its visitors.
You can enjoy complimentary breakfast and high-speed internet access at this hotel near the Fresno Yosemite International Airport and shopping centers.
Best Western Plus Fresno Inn
This beautiful hotel offers a variety of amenities.
Open 24 hours a day, the hotel has a complimentary continental breakfast for its guests that includes hot and cold items. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool, and a sunlight lounge. The hotel also has standard rooms with microwaves and refrigerators for your convenience.
Hotel Piccadilly
Hotel Piccadilly is one of the famous family-friendly hotels in Fresno.
It offers different amenities like complimentary breakfast, free internet access, and more. It also has non-smoking rooms available for guests looking for a smoke-free environment.
The hotel is next to shopping centers and restaurants so you can always find something nearby after a long day of traveling.
Radisson Hotel Fresno Conference Center
With nearly 200 rooms, this hotel is perfect for business and leisure travelers.
Enjoy complimentary breakfast and high-speed internet access at the Radisson Hotel Fresno Conference Center’s restaurant that serves American cuisine. You can also enjoy a refreshing dip in its outdoor pool or fitness center without paying extra.
Conclusions on the best things to do in Fresno
Fresno is a great place to live in or visit.
From art to history, Fresno has plenty of activities to please different kinds of people. Whether you’re looking for something relaxing to do or fun, Fresno has it all!
Visitors to this great city can enjoy Fresno’s rich culture.
One way to experience the best places in Fresno is by getting a tourist guide for your next vacation.
There are many things to do in Fresno, so be sure to check out these listings when you visit!
If you want to find another tourist gem, check out York, PA.