Fresno Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Fresno featuring signage
Fresno
Fresno which includes heritage architecture and central business district
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 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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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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Tower District

If you're spending some time in Tower District, Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts and 2nd Space Theater are top sights worth seeing.

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 Vineyard Farmers Market.

Fig Garden
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Herndon

Unique features of Herndon include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Marketplace at El Paseo or Riverside Golf Course while you're exploring the area.

Herndon
Hotel Piccadilly

Hotel Piccadilly

3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
The price is AU$130 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
AU$130
20 Nov - 21 Nov
includes taxes & 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! (2,672 reviews)
"No complaints."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Hotel Piccadilly
Sonesta ES Suites Fresno

Sonesta ES Suites Fresno

3 out of 5
5322 N Diana St, Fresno, CA
The price is AU$196 per night from 23 Oct to 24 Oct
AU$196
23 Oct - 24 Oct
includes taxes & 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,020 reviews)
"Everything was perfect and I would stay again for sure."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Sonesta ES Suites Fresno
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Fresno Yosemite

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Fresno Yosemite

3 out of 5
2926 Tulare St, Fresno, CA
The price is AU$128 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$128
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.4/10 (1,017 reviews)
"Front desk check in easy and quick with pleasant staff. No issues with safety. Room clean. Pillows sucked- bring your own."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Fresno Yosemite
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.
Lovely home w/ pool, spa, outdoor grill and more!

Lovely home w/ pool, spa, outdoor grill and more!

Fresno
Stay at this vacation home in Fresno. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Save Mart Center and Veteran's Memorial Stadium ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
"We booked this house for my in-laws 80th, a place for the whole family to get together. It worked well for us all to be there. The teens loved the pool and pool table and we all had a great time. Like other people have mentioned the house wasn’t as clean as we expected. But we all had a good time ..."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Lovely home w/ pool, spa, outdoor grill and more!
Private Guest Suite

Private Guest Suite

Visalia
Stay at this vacation home in Visalia. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Imagine U Children's Museum and Regal Visalia ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
"The neighborhood was very safe and the accommodations were comfortable."

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2025

Private Guest Suite
Historic Visalia 3br/2ba - Walk to Downtown

Historic Visalia 3br/2ba - Walk to Downtown

Visalia
Stay at this vacation home in Visalia. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Visalia Fox Theatre and Valley Strong Ballpark are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (84 reviews)
"Great location for our adventures into Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks."

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Historic Visalia 3br/2ba - Walk to Downtown
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

Activities

Reviews of Fresno

3.2
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
0
5 - Excellent 0%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
9
3 - Okay 69%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 8%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Gateway city to the national parks, lots of shopping, restaurants, gas stations etc. Not sure how safe it is - noticed lots of security cameras at Walmart.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Went to the cheesecake shop for dinner lovely food and service then shopped afterwards. Only an overnight stay

2/5 - Disappointing

E

Couldn’t wait to leave

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Locals didn’t seem to think there was anything to do so didn’t do anything there