Fresno, CA

Travel Guide

Fresno which includes signage
Fresno showing modern architecture
Fresno featuring cbd and heritage architecture
Fresno which includes outdoor art
Fresno showing heritage 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

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
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
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Pinedale

Pinedale is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can plan an outing to Riverpark Shopping Center and Regal Fresno River Park while you're in town.

Pinedale
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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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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 Vineyard Farmers Market.

Fig Garden
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Tower District

While visiting Tower District, you might make a stop by sights like Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts and 2nd Space Theater.

Tower District
Sonesta ES Suites Fresno
Sonesta ES Suites Fresno
3 out of 5
5322 N Diana St, Fresno, CA
$100 nightly
The price is $114 total per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
$114 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (1,014 reviews)
"I have stayed here multiple times . When trying other hotels in the area this one is the best . Love the full fridge and the ability to make food in the room if wanting to stay in . The grocery store is a 5 min walk so easy to run out and grab whatever . The gym has everything I need to get a full ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Sonesta ES Suites Fresno
Hotel Piccadilly
Hotel Piccadilly
3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
$84 nightly
The price is $96 total per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
$96 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,470 reviews)
"Friendly staff, quiet property, great value for money. This is an older property but well maintained and very clean. We will definitely be back!"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Hotel Piccadilly
Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center
Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center
3.5 out of 5
300 S Court St, Visalia, CA
$144 nightly
The price is $161 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$161 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Visalia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Good location--not too far from Sequoia National Park. Comfortable beds to come back to after a day of hiking!"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center
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.
3-bedroom house in beautiful Madera in private gated community w/pool access
3-bedroom house in beautiful Madera in private gated community w/pool access
Madera
Stay at this vacation home in Madera. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"The property was very nice on the inside with lots of amenities. The “yard” needs to be finished. Even bark where there is dirt would make a huge difference in appearance. Location was perfect for our needs."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

3-bedroom house in beautiful Madera in private gated community w/pool access
Beautiful Home in quiet neighborhood with a pool and close to stores & highways.
Beautiful Home in quiet neighborhood with a pool and close to stores & highways.
Fresno
Stay at this vacation home in Fresno. Enjoy private pools, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Save Mart Center and Vineyard Farmers ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Nice, fun, and feel welcomed
"It was amazing home and it was fun too. The rooms, everything was amazing"

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2025

Beautiful Home in quiet neighborhood with a pool and close to stores & highways.
3B/2Bth Spacious Rooms & Open Kitchen w Swim Pool
3B/2Bth Spacious Rooms & Open Kitchen w Swim Pool
Clovis
Stay at this vacation home in Clovis. Enjoy private pools, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Save Mart Center and A Book ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
"2 adults 2 kids excellent. Clean. Quick drive to airport. Nice fun pool. We had a very pleasant one night stay."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

3B/2Bth Spacious Rooms & Open Kitchen w Swim Pool
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 16%
4 - Good
872
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
640
3 - Okay 32%
2 - Disappointing
109
2 - Disappointing 5%
1 - Terrible
54
1 - Terrible 3%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It’s a nice small pleasant City.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

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

2/5 - Disappointing

Nothappy

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

The Woodward Regional Park was the best part of the trip

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

This location had poor internet service

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice little city...

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