Things to do in Fresno

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Fresno Attractions

California’s biggest inland city makes for a great home away from home while you explore the sights around the San Joaquin Valley. Along with the proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains and Yosemite National Park, you can find plenty of local attractions and sights to see while you’re looking for things to do in Fresno. Water parks and amusement parks brighten up the outdoors, clubs and live theaters keep the city alive well into the night, and a grand collection of storybook houses and century-old buildings await in airy, historic neighborhoods to add a special brand of charm to your stay.


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What to do in Fresno

Free Things to Do in Fresno

Some say the best things in life are free. Make sure you visit the following around Fresno:

Discovery Center - Approach the friendly staff and learn about the unique collections exhibited here.

Arte Americas - This is a must-do for culture vultures hoping to add an artistic touch to their break.

Vineyard Farmers Market - Make room in your must-see list to look at this place of local importance.

St. John's Cathedral of Fresno - Do a little quiet contemplation and find out a thing or two about this site's religious significance.

Roeding Park - Whether you can tell your peonies from poppies, you'll no doubt find beauty in this glorious display.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Fresno

Tower District

Known as the center of Fresno’s LGBT and heavy metal communities, the Tower District hosts a great collection of small businesses between Route 180 and Fresno City College. The area gets its name from the venerable Tower Theatre, which has anchored the row of shops, bookstores, restaurants, and nightclubs along Olive Street since 1939.

Woodward Park

Bordered by the Yosemite Freeway, San Joaquin River, and suburban-style homes, Woodward Park has some of the best nature you’ll find within the Fresno city limits. The park itself has lakefront paths, a fenced dog park, a BMX track, and a disc golf course, all just north of the hotels and outlets of River Park Shopping Center, and a 3.5-mile (5.6-km) loop trail lets you leave the city life behind for some time exploring along the river.

Downtown

An urban triangle marked by 3 state highways, Fresno’s city center offers one of the most dynamic settings in the Central Valley. Pedestrian malls run past food trucks, farmer’s markets, breweries, and art installations, while some of the biggest Fresno hotels and convention centers share the neighborhood with theaters and sporting venues that form the central spine of the city.

What to See in Fresno

A few of the historic buildings from Fresno’s boom-town days are still standing, giving you a sense of the city’s unique knack for design. The Queen Anne-style railroad depot and the Old Fresno Water Tower still stand out amid the downtown landscape, and the palm trees along Kearney Boulevard lead you past the vineyards and strawberry fields at the outskirts of town. The koi pond at Shinzen Friendship Garden offers a peaceful, meditative setting, and the San Joaquin River Parkway shows off the savanna-like scenery in the heart of the Central Valley.

Sightseeing in Fresno

Fresno’s greatest asset is its proximity to some of the best destinations in the Sierra Nevada. You’re barely an hour’s drive away from Yosemite National Park, while highways 168 and 180 lead straight from the city to Kings Canyon National Park and Sierra National Forest. You can tackle the slopes at China Peak or take a hike to Half Dome, and be back in town by day’s end.

There’s plenty to find while you’re in the city, too. Visit Fresno Chaffee Zoo to see nearly 200 species, from sea lions to African birds, or check out the amusement parks that offer attractions from waterslides to fairy-tale adventures. You can get a more laid-back experience at the unique subterranean courtyards of Forestiere Underground Gardens, or visit the Kearney Mansion Museum to see the century-old home of the developer whose vision helped to shape the region’s character.

Things to Do in Fresno with Kids

There are loads of outstanding experiences in Fresno that the entire gang will enjoy. These are a few of the best family friendly experiences in the area.


 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Fresno

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Fresno

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
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.

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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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Pinedale

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

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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
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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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Popular day trips from Fresno

Frequently asked questions

Is Fresno worth visiting?
Famous for its culture and history, finding awesome things to do in Fresno is a breeze. Don’t forget to add The Big Fresno Fair to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Fresno?
The Big Fresno Fair and No Surrender Laser Tag & Adventure Park are two great places to begin your adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and retail options in Fresno while you’re there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Fresno?
You can’t leave without checking out The Big Fresno Fair, rated the top tourist attraction in Fresno.
Is three days enough to stay in Fresno?
Three days in Fresno is plenty of time to visit the city’s main highlights. Many travelers spend two days on average. The Big Fresno Fair, Saroyan Theatre and Tioga Sequoia Craft Brewery are top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Clovis.
Is Fresno a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Fresno, like The Big Fresno Fair and Saroyan Theatre, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city’s neighborhoods on foot. Just 2 miles from the city center of Fresno is Edison and Downtown Fresno is 0.3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Fresno with kids?
If you’re looking for activities and sights for all the family, have a look at these great ideas for what to do in Fresno with kids.
What to do in Fresno for adults?
Tioga Sequoia Craft Brewery and Save Mart Center are just two of the things to do in Fresno. With loads of activities available, there’s something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Fresno?
In Fresno, St. John’s Cathedral of Fresno is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to enjoy the city without taking their wallet out. Also, wander around the green spaces and other neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It’s an easy way to discover the best free things to do in Fresno.