Fun Things to do in Fresno
California
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city guide
Fresno, the fifth-largest city in California, is a vibrant destination that offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors and locals alike. Nestled in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, Fresno boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and a thriving arts and entertainment scene.
One of the must-visit attractions in Fresno is the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, home to over 190 species of animals from around the world. Visitors can explore the zoo's various exhibits, including the African Adventure and Sea Lion Cove, and even participate in special events and animal encounters.
For those interested in history and culture, the Fresno Art Museum and the Discovery Center are excellent places to explore. The Fresno Art Museum features a diverse collection of contemporary and modern art, while the Discovery Center offers interactive exhibits on science and technology.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Fresno, with numerous parks and recreational areas to explore. Woodward Park is a popular spot for picnicking, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors, while the nearby Sierra National Forest offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Foodies will delight in Fresno's vibrant culinary scene, which features a mix of local eateries, food trucks, and fine dining restaurants. From farm-to-table cuisine to international flavors, there's something to satisfy every palate in Fresno.
To stay updated on the latest events and activities in Fresno, consider following these social media accounts:
- Visit Fresno County on Instagram (@visitfresnocounty)
- City of Fresno on Facebook (@CityofFresno)
- Fresno Convention & Visitors Bureau on Twitter (@FresnoCVB)
For more in-depth recommendations on things to do in Fresno, check out publications such as Fresno Magazine and the Fresno Bee's lifestyle section. These sources often feature articles and guides on upcoming events, local attractions, and hidden gems in the city.
Best time to go
The cool season lasts for 3.1 months, from November 20 to February 22, with an average daily high temperature below 64F. The coldest month of the year in Fresno is December, with an average low of 40F and high of 57F.
Fun city facts and activities
- Fresno is the fifth-largest city in California and it has to offer many great, free activities to keep both visitors and locals entertained. Many tourists believe that Fresno is a great place to visit for a vacation.
Neighborhoods to explore
- Woodrow Park
Fig Garden
Tower District
Sunnyside
Central Fresno
Mural District
McLane
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- Tamales, tortillas, tostadas, mole, menudo, pozole, sopes, chile relleno and enchiladas. In addition to Mexican food, California restaurants serve up nearly every variation of Central American food there is.
Fresno Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Take a tour of the historic Fresno Water Tower.
2. Visit the Fresno Chaffee Zoo for a fun-filled day of animal spotting.
3. Spend an evening at Max's Bistro and Bar, a restaurant housed in a historic building from the late nineteenth century.
4. Take your pick from one of Fresno's local wineries and sample some of the area's best wines.
5. Enjoy a day of shopping at the eclectic boutiques that line the streets of Fresno's Tower District.
6. Visit the Fresno County Blossom Trail in the spring and take in the spectacular sights of the area's blooming wildflowers.
7. Visit the Fresno Art Museum to explore the city's rich artistic culture.
8. Take a stroll through the Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art and History and learn about the area's history and culture.
9. Spend an evening at the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra, Fresno's premier classical music venue.
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
1. Forestiere Underground Gardens
The Forestiere Underground Gardens is a beautiful garden and historical landmark.
It is a subterranean home illuminated by natural skylights.
2. Fresno Chaffee Zoo
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo, which opened in 1929, is home to more than 190 animal species.
3. Woodward Park
Woodward Park is a beautiful urban park that is a local favorite for its family-friendly amenities and picturesque sceneries.
4. The Discovery Center
The Discovery Center or the Fresno Discovery Center is a renowned science museum.
5. Blackbeards Family Entertainment
Blackbeards Family Entertainment is an amusement park catering specifically to families.
6. Island Waterpark
The Island Waterpark is a premier water park in Fresno. It features a plethora of fun rides and attractions for the whole family to enjoy.
7. Storyland
Storyland is officially known as the Rotary Storyland Playland Family Amusement Park.
8. Johns Incredible Pizza
Johns Incredible Pizza is a pizzeria like no other.
9. Aerozone Trampoline Park
The Aerozone Trampoline Park is a trampoline center offering fun packages for families.
10. Oso de Oro Lake Park
Oso de Oro Lake Park is a postcard-perfect city park featuring playgrounds, sports courts, a lake, and many more facilities.
City data and FAQ
What is Fresno known for?
Chaffee Zoo. Shinzen Garden in Woodward Park. Tower District.
Debbie Goodman Lives in Fresno, CA
Landmarks in the city
Fresno, California, offers a variety of landmarks and tourist attractions for visitors to explore. Here is a list with short descriptions of some of the notable ones:
1. Forestiere Underground Gardens: A unique network of underground passageways, rooms, and gardens hand-built by Italian immigrant Baldasare Forestiere.
2. Fresno Chaffee Zoo: Home to over 190 species of animals, this zoo offers interactive exhibits and educational programs for all ages.
3. Tower District: A vibrant neighborhood known for its historic buildings, art galleries, theaters, restaurants, and nightlife.
4. Woodward Park: A spacious public park featuring beautiful gardens, walking trails, a Japanese garden, and the Shinzen Friendship Garden.
5. Fresno Art Museum: Showcasing contemporary and modern art, this museum features rotating exhibitions, a sculpture garden, and educational programs.
6. Kearney Mansion Museum: A historic mansion built in 1903, offering guided tours that provide insight into the history of the Central Valley.
7. Meux Home Museum: A Victorian-era house museum that offers guided tours to showcase life in Fresno during the late 1800s.
8. Save Mart Center: A multi-purpose arena that hosts concerts, sporting events, and entertainment shows throughout the year.
9. Fresno County Blossom Trail: A scenic drive through orchards and fields, showcasing the beauty of blooming fruit trees in the spring.
10. River Park Shopping Center: A popular shopping and dining destination with a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
These landmarks and attractions offer a diverse range of experiences for visitors to enjoy while exploring Fresno, California.