Located in the heart of California, Fresno is the fifth largest city in the state. It’s the economic hub of the neighboring rural towns. Agriculture plays a big role in Fresno’s identity, and the residents take pride in having locally sourced food items in local markets, restaurants, wineries and breweries. The city also has a variety of cultural events and attractions that keep visitors coming back year after year. Come see all of the reasons Fresno is the center of the southern Central Valley.
For a real look at Fresno culture, visit the Tower District. This neighborhood is a blend of residential and commercial, making it the place to find the best local cafes, bars, nightclubs, and theaters, such as The Revue Coffee Bar and Tower Sports Club.
Here are some of the best things to do near Fresno:
Tour the Forestiere Underground Gardens
Admire the masterpieces at Fresno Art Museum
See a film at the historic Warnors Theater downtown
Sip your way through Fresno wine country
Take in the natural splendor at Yosemite National Park
The Fresno Art Museum is the creative center located near Fresno University. Spend the day admiring the sculpture garden, rotating exhibitions, and the permanent displays of Pre-Columbian artifacts.
Some of the most popular attractions near Fresno are:
The fresh produce and antique collection at Simonian Farms
A tour through the Victorian style Meux Home Museum
The picturesque Saint John The Baptist Cathedral
The scenic views from Moravia Wines
The bonsai collection in the Shinzen Japanese Garden
The best place to shop in Fresno is River Park, a three-part shopping center with a variety of anchor stores and dining options. Whether you’re browsing through The Marketplace at River Park, perusing through the shops at River Park, or wandering through River Park Plaza, finding what you need is guaranteed.
Check out these exciting things to do in Fresno:
Enjoy the sunny weather in the Woodward Regional Park
Go fishing in the ponds at Roeding Park
Learn about culture at the African-American; Historical & Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley
Sip on microbrews at Tioga Sequoia Craft Brewery
Support local artists during the bimonthly ArtHops
The biggest venue in town is the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center, a complex containing Saroyan Theater, Selland Arena, Fresno Convention Center, and Valdez Hall. Discover sporting events, conventions, or theater productions the center hosts throughout the year.
Check out these top things to do at night in Fresno:
Busting a move at Aldo’s Nightclub
Enjoy entertainment while you eat at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theatre
The wildest place in town is the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, home to more than 125 different species. Kids will enjoy digging up bones at the Dino Dig exhibit, seeing the sea lions, and walking with the kangaroos.
Here are some other family-friendly things to do in Fresno:
Splash the day away at Island Water Park
Get some air at Aerozone Trampoline Park
Ride the bumper cars at Blackbeard’s Family Entertainment
Play and learn at the Fresno Discovery Center
Ride the child sized rides at Storyland Amusement Park
The best place to find the arts in Fresno is Tower Theater, the eponymous venue in the Tower District. This restored theater has an art-deco interior and exterior, and gained its name from the 80-foot tower topped with a neon lit globe.
Here are some more relaxing things to do in Fresno:
Find your center with Perfect Balance Yoga
Sign up for lessons at Legend Music Sound Stage
Head to The Tannery for a nap in a tanning bed
Watch a Broadway performance at Saroyan Theater
Learn about Fresno history at the Kearney Mansion Museum
Fresno is the closest metropolitan area to the awestrucking Yosemite National Park. Spend the weekend backpacking, rock climbing, or swimming along Yosemite’s iconic granite cliffs, hiking trails, waterfalls, and glaciers.
Other outdoor activities in Fresno include:
Woodward Park offers summer camps on the BMX course
China Peak is a popular skiing destination
The Dream Makers batting cages are great for practicing your swings