What to do in Fresno? Everything!

Is Fresno, California Worth Visiting? Absolutely. Fresno is a hidden gem in the San Joaquin Valley. It holds a unique blend of big-city commodities with the ease of small-town spirit. Full of easy-going locals that appreciate the simpler things in life, you’ll be able to enjoy the best of the region without the chaos of metropolitan living.

If you’re wondering what to do in Fresno, you should be asking, what isn’t there to do!?

Fresno is mostly known for being the agricultural center of California, exporting to more than 100 countries in the world! However, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what makes Fresno special. If you’re trying to figure out what to do in Fresno, we’ve got some great ideas for you. Yosemite National Park is a place to explore if you’re looking for adventure. To learn and experience Fresno culture through art, you won’t want to miss the Fresno Art Museum or Fresno Philharmonic. If you want to have fun in the water, you can go to Island Waterpark, one of the many Fresno water park tourist attractions. There are so many fun things to do in Fresno!

Things to do in Fresno, California

Yosemite National Park

If you’re in Fresno, make sure to visit Yosemite. It’s a few hours drive, but well worth it! Yosemite National Park is one of the best-known parks throughout the world. Climb through the granite cliffs, bask in the shade of enormous trees that have grown for hundreds of years, and feel the rush of magnificent waterfalls. There are six notable trails to explore: Four Mile Trail, Yosemite Falls Trail, Half Dome Hike, Vernal and Nevada Falls, Sentinel Dome Trail, and Cathedral Lakes. Yosemite is the hub for many other famous landmarks like El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and Tuolumne Meadows.

If you want to enjoy the fantastic views and take in the scenery without the sweaty hike, the park offers a public transit system, YARTS (Yosemite Area Transportation System), all year round.

Forestiere Underground Gardens

The Forestiere Underground Gardens are a unique and mystical beauty that took 40 years to finish. Started in 1906 and finally completed in 1946, these gardens play a part in California’s vibrant history. An immigrant from Sicily, Italy, Baldassare Forestiere, initially dug a small cellar to escape the Californian heat. Once he realized that he could carve out rooms and create well-ventilated environments for the summer and winter months, Forestiere took up some hand tools and a couple of mules and got to work!

The underground gardens have a total of 65 rooms with three levels. You’ll visit a summer bedroom, a winter bedroom, a kitchen, a pond, and a living room with a fireplace! He managed to create climates for exotic plants and trees such as Kumquats, Loquats and Jujubes that are still alive today. Without doubt, the garden is one of the most interesting Fresno tourist attractions.

Fresno Art Museum

Come to the Fresno Art Museum to enjoy local artistic expression of Fresno culture and history! Founded by local artists in 1949, the museum displays contemporary art, modern art, Mexican art, and Pre-Columbian works. With over 3,600 pieces in its permanent collection, you will find historical relics from Mesoamerica, the Andes, and Mexico.

The collections include art from notable artists like Ansel Adams, Ruth Asawa, Salvador Dali, Diego Rivera, Robert Cremean, Maynard Dixon, August Madrigal, Clement Renzi, Norman Rockwell, Varaz Samuelian, and Andy Warhol. The museum facilitates the annual Distinguished Woman Artist Award – a prestigious title that goes to a female artist who has spent at least 30 years working and has created a prominent art piece.

Fresno Philharmonic

Celebrating 68 years of melody, the Fresno Philharmonic is one of the most prominent arts organizations in San Joaquin Valley. The Fresno Philharmonic is Fresno’s professional symphony orchestra and has 73 tenured musicians, all members of the American Federation of Musicians. Many of these teachers teach music in the community, actively giving back to the local support. Visit their website to check on their upcoming shows and events.

Farmer’s Market

Not sure what to do in Fresno? Visit a farmer’s market. Fresno has 1.88 million acres of farmland that supplies over 100 countries and the markets are a fierce celebration of California’s agricultural power. Fresno takes serious pride in its fresh, farm-to-table produce.

These markets are very family-friendly, encouraging a learning culture around where food comes from and how it can affect the environment. Producers also offer seasonal fruits, making the market a unique experience! They also often provide recipes to cook and integrate the produce into your daily life. Farmer’s markets celebrate Fresno’s farming roots and keep local ties strong.

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After exploring Yosemite National Park, Forestiere Underground Gardens, the Fresno Art Museum, the Fresno Philharmonic, and the many fantastic farmer’s markets, you’ll certainly appreciate a place to rest and relax. With a 24-hour front desk, the Fresno City Inn offers complimentary parking, WiFi, a seasonal outdoor pool, laundry, and smoke-free rooms. The Inn is very pet-friendly, with accommodating staff and oversized rooms.
Choose between a 300-square-foot room or a suite based on your stay, and rest in the comfort of being 15 minutes away from downtown Fresno! You will be just steps away from dozens of sublime restaurants that benefit from the produce supplied by nearby farms. Drop by our concierge and ask us about what to do in Fresno.

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