10 Things To Do in Fresno
Being the fifth-largest city in California, Fresno has 1.88 million acres of the world's productive agricultural land, hundreds of crops are produced yearly and the city continues to compete to be the Nation's #1 agricultural producer. Did you know that 99% of raisins in the U.S. come from Fresno County? Moreover, Fresno County not only supplies crops and produce for the United States but the world. Read more here.
While Fresno is definitely different than most touristy spots like San Francisco and Los Angeles, our beautiful city has plenty of things to offer! I am so excited to share a list of things to do while visiting the best little city in the USA!
1. Murals & Public Arts
We can't be talking about Fresno and not talk about Public Arts because the city is home to many creative artists. Visit Downtown Fresno and Tower District to see beautiful and unique murals and public arts. Also, make sure not to miss the Art Hop!
2. Art Galleries & Museums
While here, don't forget to take a tour of our unique museums. I would suggest checking out the Clovis Museum, Fresno Art Museum, Kearney Mansion Museum, Meux Museum, Discovery Center, Water Tower, and Veteran's Memorial Museum.
3. Wineries
I just talked about agriculture and raisins, so you can be sure we have some grapes vineyards, and wineries. I truly believe we have the best agriculture program at Fresno State. Y'all should check Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. For awesome wine tasting, I definitely recommend Fresno State Winery, Madera Wine Trail, Cardella Winery, Moravia Wines, San Joaquin Wine Company, Fasi Estate Winery, Simonian Farms, and Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company.
4. Local Parks & Lakes
Outdoor activities are definitely something we Fresnans take advantage of. After all, we have a wide selection of lakes and parks. Woodward Park, Shinzen Friendship Garden, Roeding Park, Clovis Botanical, Millerton Lake, Pine Flat Lake, Shaver Lake, and Huntington Lake to name some.
5. National Parks
And how cool that we are centrally located in the middle of three National Parks? Yosemite National Park is about an hour and a half North of Fresno, while Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are an hour and a half South. Because of our perfect location, the city is a destination stop to tourists and do get A LOT of international visitors.
6. Farmer's Market
Two reasons I love Farmer's Market. 1. I love supporting our local farmers and 2. these vegetables are fresh and do not have unnecessary packaging. My favorite is Gibson Farm Market (because I love Fresno State!) but I also enjoy Old Town Clovis Farmer's Market on Friday Evenings, River Park Farmer's Market on Tuesday Evenings, or Saturday Mornings, and Vineyard Farmer's Market on Wednesday afternoons, or Saturday Mornings!
7. Simonian Farms
From vineyards to museums, this spot is a must-visit!
8. Fresno Chaffee Zoo
A fun stop for a family looking for some adventure. Enjoy the beautiful exhibits, watch the sea lion, enjoy the bird show, touch the stingray, and/or feed the giraffe.
9. Forestiere Underground Gardens
A hidden gem made by a Sicilian immigrant, Baldassare Forestiere back in 1900s. This registered historical landmark showcases beautiful handmade subterranean structures and a garden with fruit-bearing citrus trees.
10. Annual Attraction & Events
Catch one of Fresno's Seasonal and Yearly Attraction or Events such as Blossom Trail, Big Hat days, Clovis Rodeo, Vintage Days during Spring, Wild Water Park Adventure, Island Water Park in the Summer, Clovis Fest & Hot Air Balloon, Big Fresno Fair during Fall, and Christmas Tree Lane and Christmas Parade in the Winter.
Even though the Covid-19 pandemic is still going on, these places are still accessible and is doing their best to practice social distancing and safety regulations for their guests' safety. Unfortunately, many of our annual events had to be canceled this year but I am hopeful to see them back this 2021. Please check the hours of operations due to frequent changes.
