Fresno

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 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

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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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 Valley Children's Stadium.

Fig Garden
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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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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
Ramada by Wyndham Fresno North
Ramada by Wyndham Fresno North
3 out of 5
324 E Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
The price is RM387 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
RM387
per night
4 Jun - 5 Jun
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 ...
6/10 (1,014 reviews)
Outdated, run down, but ok
"The hotel is a little run down. The restaurant is never open. Breakfast is meh. But it's decent for what it is. Never had a problem with cleanliness."

Reviewed on 25 May 2024

Ramada by Wyndham Fresno North
Hotel Piccadilly
Hotel Piccadilly
3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM436 per night from 30 May to 31 May
RM436
per night
30 May - 31 May
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! (1,944 reviews)
"When I booked, I thought the place looked slightly old and seedy, but it was relatively cheap, convenient, and rated as clean. I was so wrong about the old and seedy bit. This was up there with our most expensive stops this trips in terms of style, room size, and comfort. Add to that the friendliest ..."

Reviewed on 25 May 2024

Hotel Piccadilly
Sonesta ES Suites Fresno
Sonesta ES Suites Fresno
3 out of 5
5322 N Diana St, Fresno, CA
The price is RM619 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
RM619
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
Surprised in Clovis
"In Clovis for Track and Field Championships. found this Sonesta ES online. Clean and Quiet area. Feels like summer camp! Breakfast (free!) is better than any I’ve had. I worked out this morning too. Super happy with this hotel, location, cleanliness, front desk associates, condition of room/studio ..."

Reviewed on 25 May 2024

Sonesta ES Suites Fresno
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 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 vacation home in Visalia. Enjoy free parking, private spa tubs, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Rawhide Ballpark and Visalia Fox Theatre ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"House was very clean. Backyard was beautiful. It was close to shopping and dining. Great communication with property manager."

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

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

3.4
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
" "5 - Excellent 14.285714285714286%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 28.571428571428573%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 42.857142857142854%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 14.285714285714286%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
23 Jun 2019

Just stayed 1 night in Fresno without visiting