31 Things To Do In Fresno, California | An Underrated City (2024)

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The best things to do in Fresno, including what to eat and where to stay.

If you want to know what California is all about, don’t go to San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego. Go straight to the heart of the state, the city of Fresno.

Hear me out. Fresno is an overlooked metropolis, a pass-through between the popular coastal cities for tourists flocking to the Golden State. But it’s also full of surprises.

For example, Fresno is the only California city centered between three national parks: Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia are only a 90-minute drive from Fresno.

Fresno is also the number one agricultural-producing county, not only in California but in the nation.

And it’s a place where immigrants from across the world came to achieve the dream of their own piece of land.

There’s the Sicilian farmer who built a subterranean palace with a chisel and the son of Mexican immigrants who built a successful vineyard.

And there are roots from the Hmong hill tribes of Laos, who cultivate most of the Central Valley strawberries.

Everyone has a story to tell here, and Fresno’s vibrant arts scene reflects these stories.

Downtown Fresno is full of high-quality restaurants, as you would expect from the nation’s food-producing capital.

However, it’s also full of museums, art galleries, and theaters celebrating Fresno’s diverse cultures.

Don’t just drive by, go and see for yourself how people built their California dream here with our list of the best things to do in Fresno.

Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel adviceand tips.

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Table of Contents

Map of Things to do in Fresno

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Top Things to do in Fresno

Forestiere Underground Gardens

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Fresno’s don’t-miss attraction is the Forestiere Gardens, a subterranean garden created completely from hand tools by one man over one hundred years ago.

In the early 1900s, Sicilian immigrant Baldassare Forestiere took a piece of sun-baked land in the Central Valley and hatched a plan to create a shady retreat on his ten acres.

By hand-chiseling an extensive network of underground structures, the citrus farmer re-created the ancient catacombs of his youth and made a beautiful oasis in the desert.

Now an open-air museum, the catacombs, passageways, and grottos of Forestiere Underground Gardens are a testament to the creativity and hard work of one man, who achieved his dream over 40 years.

Forestiere Underground Gardens are accessible only through a one-hour guided tour.

The museum, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is by far one of the most popular things to do in Fresno.

Fresno Blossom Trail

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Celebrate the return of spring on the beautiful Fresno Blossom Trail, a self-guided tour of Fresno’s fruit orchards as they burst into life.

Walk, drive, or cycle through the orchards.

You can admire the delicate white blooms of apricot, almond, and plum mixed with the bright fuchsia petals of peach and nectarine trees as you pass through.

Oranges, mandarins, and lemons are also grown along the Blossom Trail.

If the timing is just right, your photos of colorful blooms will have the snowy Sierra Nevadas as a stunning backdrop.

It’s one of the most spectacular things to see in Fresno.

Start the 62-mile Blossom Trail at Simonian Farms, where you can browse the quirky antique market and pick up some delicious dried fruit.

Next, head to Blossom Trail Cafe, where you can refuel with pancakes and coffee.

Continue on your loop as you pass by orange groves (roll down your window for the sweet scent of citrus blossoms), peach orchards, and fruit stands.

Typically, the Blossom Trail is best between mid-February and mid-March. The blossoms are fleeting, so keep an eye on @GoBlossomTrail on Twitter for updates.

And don’t forget, these farms are all private property, so enjoy the show from the road.

Read our guide to the best blooms and flower fields in California.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo

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Take your family for a fun day out at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.

This well-maintained zoo offers a variety of exhibits, with plenty of space for the animals to roam. It’s one of the best attractions in Fresno for families.

To get the most out of your visit, book a Behind the Scenes Adventure, where you can feed a giraffe, scratch a rhino, and touch a stingray.

Aside from watching the animals, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo has a Dino Dig exhibition, where kids can flex their paleontology skills by digging for full-size T-Rex and other fossils.

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is open daily, from 9 am to 4 pm. If you’re visiting during the summer months, aim to get there early because the afternoons get hot.

Shinzen Friendship Garden

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Take a quick trip to Japan by visiting Shinzen Friendship Garden to admire the colorful koi, graceful bridges, and verdant landscaping.

Constructed to honor Fresno’s Japanese sister city, Kochi, the beautifully designed gardens are the perfect place to slow down and appreciate nature while staying in the city.

And the garden is located within Woodward Regional Park, which is also a beautiful spot to explore.

Shinzen Friendship Garden is also home to the world-class Clark Bonsai tree collection, open on weekends and holidays.

If you can, go in the morning on the third Saturday of the month to watch skilled gardeners prune the trees.

Shinzen Friendship Garden is open daily except for Mondays and Tuesdays, while the Clark Collection is open on weekends.

Give yourself between one and two hours to take the self-guided tour. There’s an entrance fee for Shinzen Friendship Garden, plus a parking fee of $5 for Woodward Regional Park.

Meux Home Museum

Step back in time to tour a 16-room Victorian mansion and glimpse life as it was in California back in the 1880s, at the Meux Home Museum.

The elaborate Victorian gothic flair of the exterior is mirrored on the interior, where nothing is left plain or undecorated. Most of the furnishings are original to the home.

Built in 1889 by Dr. Meux, a Tennessee native who moved to the Central Valley for his wife’s health, the beautiful home stayed in the family until 1970.

It was then bought by the city of Fresno for its historical and architectural significance. Meux Home Museum is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

The hour-long tour is ideal for visitors who want to know more about Fresno’s (and California’s) history.

In addition to Forestiere Underground Gardens, this is where you can discover a lot about the pioneers of the Central Valley.

Tickets include a guided tour of Meux Home Museum and access to the tranquil gardens.

Fresno Discovery Center

If you’re traveling with kids, take them to this hands-on science museum where they can learn as they play.

Fresno Discovery Center exhibits include digging for dinosaur fossils, a build area with blocks and magnetic tiles, a sandbox, and much more. Outside, there is a play structure and a huge meadow to play in.

The museum also hosts a live reptile exhibit with knowledgeable carers who can answer the many questions kids have about these cool animals.

And adults and kids will both enjoy the Deutsch Cactus Garden, which is filled with all kinds of spiky plants.

This is one of the top things to do with kids in Fresno, along with the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Island Waterpark, and Rotary Storyland Playland.

Island Waterpark

Beat the summer heat with a trip to a water park. Island Water Park has slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and heated tubs. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Fresno!

Older kids will love the thrilling water slides, while younger children can safely splash about in the lagoon.

If you’re staying for the day at Island Waterpark, rent a cabana where you can take a rest between rides.

There are several different types available, from simple shade structures with sling chairs to more premium areas with lounging furniture and ceiling fans.

Another benefit to reserving a cabana is the drinks service, which includes alcohol, so you can enjoy a resort experience.

And, unlike some amusement parks, Island Waterpark allows you to take in a cooler with your own food and drink, just don’t bring in any glass.

Lockers are also available if you don’t think you’ll be sitting still long enough to use a cabana.

Fresno Art Museum

Although Fresno is best known for its agricultural roots, this is also a college town with a thriving arts and entertainment scene.

Fresno’s cultural center is at the Fresno Art Museum, which has an impressive permanent collection that includes works by Pablo Picasso, Ansel Adams, and Diego Rivera.

A popular exhibit is the intriguing collection of pre-Columbian Meso-American art, showcased in a tomb-like gallery, reflecting the burial chambers where these artifacts were discovered.

The museum also welcomes temporary exhibitions throughout the year, many of which seek to shine a light on marginalized communities and local artists.

Rotary Storyland Playland Family Amusement Park

Playland is a whimsical, fairytale-themed amusement park centered around imagination and play.

It’s perfect for toddlers and younger children who will love the 13 rides, including a Ferris wheel, teacups, and a carousel. In the summer, the splash park is another popular attraction.

Buy tickets for individual rides or a wristband for the day. Next door to Playland is Storyland, which has a train and a theater, where kids can enjoy storytime or a magic show.

Rotary Storyland Playland is a beloved fixture in Fresno, entertaining generations of kids since Playland opened in 1955. Both parks, located next to each other in Roeding Park, received a revamp in 2016.

If you have young children, this would be a great outing combined with the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, which is also located in Roeding Park.

Kearney Mansion Museum

For a “taste” of history, tour the former home of Fresno’s Raisin King.

The Kearney Mansion Museum, located seven miles west of downtown Fresno, was part of an ambitious ranch complex that was never completed.

The French Renaissance-style building was intended to be the residence for the ranch’s superintendent, plus the servants’ quarters.

Kearney Mansion Museum is a beautiful house that hints at the grandeur of the project that Theo Kearney, one of California’s ranching pioneers, envisioned.

Completed in 1909, Kearney Mansion Museum now stands in a beautiful 225-acre park as a museum of Fresno’s agricultural history.

Much of the interior and furniture has been restored to how it would have been at the turn of the century.

The hour-long guided tour is a good way to learn more about the history of Fresno and the grounds are ideal for a picnic. You can buy tickets ahead of time here.

Woodward Regional Park

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On a hot day, head to Fresno’s biggest park for a shady stroll in a redwood grove, a cycle around the lake, or a quiet picnic next to the San Joaquin River.

Sporty types might like to check out Woodward Regional Park’s BMX tracks, the disc golf course, or go horseback riding, but most stop by to enjoy the tranquility of this urban oasis.

In addition to these activities, there are three playgrounds and several trails to explore.

The Shinzen Japanese Gardens are also located within Woodward Regional Park, although note that they have an additional entrance fee.

If you’re interested in wildlife, take your binoculars: this park is popular with birds as well as humans. Colorful ducks and even the occasional bald eagle have been spotted here.

Moravia Wines

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Try wine tasting at one of Fresno’s up-and-coming wineries, Moravia Wines. It’s a welcoming spot with an outdoor patio where you can enjoy a picnic and a bottle of wine.

Parents will especially appreciate the outdoor play structure, where the kids can burn some energy while the adults sit and sip.

Moravia Wines is open to the public on weekends, where groups of less than six can turn up without a reservation for a tasting.

If you want to tour a few vineyards, try Fresno State Winery, Nonini Winery, Engelmann Cellars, and Kings River Winery, which have tasting rooms open on weekends.

Make another stop at Ramos Torres, the vineyard owned by Oscar Ramos-Torres, the Californian son of Mexican farm workers. He grew up in the Central Valley and now produces his own barrel-fermented wines.

The Fresno County Wine Journey website has more information on where you can sample beer, wine, and spirits in Fresno County. The group holds events throughout the year.

Yosemite National Park

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Fresno is a 90-minute drive from Fish Camp, the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park.

You could easily see Yosemite’s famous waterfalls and views as a day visit, or as part of a road trip from Fresno.

Yosemite National Park is one of California’s top attractions, drawing around four million visitors a year. And a trip to Yosemite is one of the best things to do near Fresno.

There are trails for everyone, from wheelchair-accessible paved paths to the famously challenging Half Dome climb.

If you’re planning a one or two-day visit, don’t miss Yosemite Falls and Horsetail Fall, which are both easily found on a short trail through the pines.

For an iconic Yosemite experience, drive to Tunnel View, where the description “breathtaking” is no exaggeration at all.

The walk to Mirror Lake is slightly longer but a worthy destination, especially in the fall when the colorful trees are reflected in the water.

Yosemite National Park is a year-round destination. To see the waterfalls at their best, visit during the spring.

Winter brings road closures and tougher hikes, but there is snow play, ice skating, and beautiful snowy vistas to make up for it. Plus, if you visit in February, you might be able to see the Yosemite Firefall.

Summer is the most popular time of year to visit. This is when people escape the heat of the valley by heading to higher elevations and taking dips in the cool rivers and alpine lakes of Tuolumne Meadows.

Fees are payable at the entrance or you can show your America the Beautiful Pass (and you also don’t want to forget your national park passport).

Parking can be tricky during popular months, but Yosemite National Park runs a free shuttle service between the central area and the trailheads during the summer.

Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks

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Knock two more stunning national parks off your bucket list by visiting these Sierra Nevada gems.

Like Yosemite, it’s a 90-minute drive to the park entrances to both Kings Canyon and Sequoia.

These side-by-side parks were founded separately but the National Park Service started jointly running them in 1943.

In total, the two parks cover 1,353 square miles. If you want to see giant sequoias, the biggest trees in the world, these are the national parks to visit.

See the General Sherman Tree, the world’s largest tree by volume, in Sequoia National Park, and General Grant Tree, the second biggest, in Kings Canyon.

In the summer months, intrepid hikers can climb the 350 steps to the summit of Moro Rock, the granite dome that looms over Sequoia National Park. There are handrails, but it’s considered a strenuous walk.

The parks also offer opportunities for backcountry hiking and camping.

A wilderness permit allows adventurers to stay outside designated campsites and go for longer treks along the 800 miles of trails.

Another popular attraction is Crystal Cave, a spectacular cavern within Sequoia National Park.

Due to the fragile formations found in the cave, this attraction is only accessible on a guided tour. You’ll need to book tickets in advance online, as they’re not sold in person.

I’d recommend reserving your spot two months in advance, as the tour is extremely popular and there are limited places available.

A free shuttle is also offered to take visitors between trailheads. As with Yosemite, fees are payable at the entrance, or you can buy an annual America the Beautiful Pass in advance.

Clovis Botanical Gardens

As I mentioned above, Fresno County is California’s agricultural heart and produces more food than any other county in the nation.

But the summers are long, hot, and dry, with so little rain that the southern part of the Central Valley is considered a desert.

It’s a very Californian conundrum, which is driving a growing interest in water-wise gardens.

The Clovis Botanical Gardens, in neighboring Clovis, is a great place to discover more about this movement.

The beautiful plants and trees cultivated in this three-acre demonstration garden are all designed to thrive in Central Valley’s low-water environment.

If you need inspiration for your own garden and are interested in how we can make better use of our landscapes, or you just enjoy strolling among pretty flowers, this is a lovely spot to visit.

Warnors Theater

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Originally built for vaudeville acts, the 2,000-seat Warnors Theater opened in 1928 and was taken over just a year later by the Warner Brothers to show their silent films.

The studio renamed the theater from Pantages to Warner’s Theater, and the venue remained a cinema up until the 1970s when it was threatened with demolition.

Fortunately, the building changed hands again, and the name was tweaked to avoid copyright entanglements.

It’s now a Fresno landmark on the Register of Historic Places and has circled back to become a performing arts venue once again.

Thanks to careful maintenance over the years, the interior has pretty much stayed unchanged.

The theater has retained its beautiful ceiling and still even has a working pipe organ, which was used during the silent films of the 1930s.

This is a great venue to catch a concert or to simply check out an interesting piece of cinema history.

Warnors Theater is currently closed for a refurb, but nearby Frank’s Place is regularly hosting live music and comedy nights, proceeds of which benefit the theater.

Downing Planetarium

Enjoy an evening of stars at the Downing Planetarium, part of Fresno State University.

On the weekend, shows are open to the public, where you can learn about NASA projects, physics, and the environment.

In addition, the telescope is available for viewing on weekend nights, weather permitting.

Astronomers are on hand to explain the star clusters, planets, and nebulae visible through the telescope.

Tickets should be booked in advance as the shows are popular. Parking is available at Downing Planetarium, and it is free.

The Tower District

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If you’re sightseeing in Fresno, head to The Tower District for dining, bars, and entertainment.

The neighborhood is named for its iconic Tower Theater, a vintage venue on the National Register of Historic Places, which still shows live performances.

And everything is within walking distance in the district.

This means you can catch a show at Tower Theater or Strummer’s, sip craft beers at Sequoia Brewing Company, and grab a bite at local’s favorite Veni Vidi Vici, all in one night.

During the day, browse the art galleries, vintage clothing stores, and eclectic coffee shops.

It’s also home to the Rogue Festival, which celebrates local performers who challenge and entertain crowds over ten days in March.

Free Things to do in Fresno

Simonian Farms Old Town Country Store

This quirky produce market/museum/Old West Saloon is one of the more unusual things to do in Fresno.

Check out the vintage farm equipment and eclectic antique collection before enjoying a wine tasting at the saloon.

And kids and non-drinkers don’t have to be left out of the experience, as the store also sells 100 types of bottled soda.

The farm itself produces a huge array of fruits, which you can buy at the Simonian Farms Old Town Country Store, dried or fresh depending on the season.

If you’re looking to take home a gift, the boxes of dried fruits and nuts make for great California souvenirs.

Fresno County Fruit Trail

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After the blossoms come the fruit and time to hit the Fresno Fruit Trail.

Take the self-guided tour of Fresno’s fruit farms during harvest season for the freshest produce, right off the tree.

It’s a great opportunity to learn more about where our food comes from and how it’s produced.

What’s available from the farm stands, ranches,, and country stores listed on the tour depends on the season, so be sure to time your visit depending on your favorite fruit.

On some of the farms, U-Pick is also available.

Typically, strawberries and raspberries ripen in the spring and early summer up to May, while apricots and plums are at their best in the mid-summer months of June and July. Peaches are harvested in July, August, and into the fall.

The strawberries grown in Fresno County are said to be the sweetest in California, ripened by the strong San Joaquin Valley sunshine.

Most strawberry stands are run by farmers who have roots in the Hmong and Mien hill tribes of Laos, and who sell their produce.

And don’t wait until you get home to tuck into your fruit.

Store-bought fruit is usually picked early and sprayed with preservatives to help it last longer, whereas farm-bought fruit is best eaten immediately.

Murals of Downtown Fresno

Fresno’s vibrant art is not limited to galleries; it’s free to the public all over downtown.

Colorful works celebrating nature, music, and local businesses adorn buildings throughout the neighborhood.

On Fulton Street, you can also see sculptures by famed artists, including The Visit by Clement Renzi, Washer Woman by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Aquarius Ovoid by George Tsutakawa.

The most insta-worthy murals to check out include the Fresno Postage Stamp at 1315 Van Ness Ave., Welcome to Fresno at 746 Broadway St., and Fresno Mosaic at 2820 Tulare St.

ArtHop

Every first and third Thursday of the month, Fresno’s art galleries open their doors to the public for free from 5-8 pm.

It’s a tradition that has been going on in the city for 23 years, celebrating the diverse artistic talent found here.

ArtHop is an opportunity to meet artists, discover something new and perhaps come home with a unique souvenir.

The historic Fresno Arts Council Water Tower located at Eaton Plaza in downtown Fresno serves as the headquarters for the event and is a good place to start.

Most events include live music and performances in addition to the art shows, adding to the lively atmosphere. It’s one of the best things to do in Fresno at night.

Saint John’s Cathedral

One of Fresno’s most elegant buildings, Saint John’s Cathedral, is beautiful both inside and out.

It’s worth stopping by to admire the artistry of the stained glass windows, murals, and statues that adorn the church.

Built in 1902 in the Gothic style, Saint John’s Cathedral is the oldest remaining Catholic Church in Fresno.

Visitors are welcome to attend Mass or just to step inside and appreciate the cathedral’s serenity.

Unique Things to do in Fresno

Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater

Enjoy dinner and a show at the unique Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater. The theater restaurant has been a Fresno institution since 1978 and has staged hundreds of shows.

The venue’s resident performers, the Good Company Players, stage six musical comedies a year accompanied by a delicious meal from award-winning chef Eric De Groot.

Patrons can attend a dinner and show, or show only.

The food and drink pair well with the performance, so for example, you can watch Elf, the Musical with a delightful caramel vodka and butternut schnapps cocktail in hand.

If you’re looking for a unique date activity, Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater is one of the most romantic things to do in Fresno.

Vineyard Farmers Market

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Art and agriculture go hand-in-hand in Fresno. Pick up some local produce and browse the stalls of Vineyard Farmers Market, a market set in an elegant outdoor venue.

Shop below redwood arched tresses, lit with twinkling lights.

Vendors sell seasonal produce, fresh flowers, coffee beans, artisan bread, and small-batch chocolate. It’s one of the most unusual, delightful places to visit in Fresno.

The market is open year-round, on Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons from 3-6 pm.

Downtown Fresno Ale Trail

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Fresno is well known for its wine, but there’s also a burgeoning craft beer scene emerging in the city.

Take a self-guided tour of downtown Fresno’s breweries, including Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company, Full Circle Brewing Co., Quail State, and 411 Broadway Ales and Spirits.

Fresno’s breweries and gastropubs often take part in ArtHop and other local events, so keep an eye on the community Facebook page for upcoming events.

Arte Americas

Arte Americas celebrates Latinx culture, holding art exhibitions, concerts, and events for the whole community.

If you’re in Fresno during the summer months, stop by to see if they’re hosting an evening performance on the plaza outside.

The outdoor summer concerts are a popular and family-friendly fixture in downtown Fresno. Arte Americas also offers art programs for kids and teens during the day.

The center, which has 10,000 square feet of exhibition space, is entirely run by volunteers. It’s the largest Latinx cultural center in the San Joaquin Valley.

African American Museum

The African American Historical and Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley (AAHCSJV) is dedicated to telling the stories of the African-Americans who built the Central Valley and celebrating Black and African culture.

The museum holds events marking important dates and festivals, including Martin Luther King Jr Day, Juneteenth, and Kwanzaa. The goal is to educate through exhibits, theater, and music.

Check the museum’s Facebook page for the latest updates on events and exhibitions.

Big Fresno Fair

Visiting Fresno in October? Don’t miss the Big Fresno Fair, the city’s annual carnival.

Featuring horse racing, live music, food, and fairground rides, it’s one of the best attractions in Fresno during the fall.

There are plenty of free, family-friendly events held at the fair. The main event, horse racing, is free to watch if you don’t mind standing.

But there are also off-the-wall events like pig racing, circus performances, and clowns. The party continues into the evening as fairground rides light up the night.

And, of course, there’s fair food as well, including deep-fried everything, as well as authentic Mexican food and fresh fruit.

Check the Big Fresno Fair website for dates and events for this year’s fair.

Blackbeard’s Family Entertainment Center

Climb aboard Blackbeard’s Family Entertainment Center for a day your kids will love.

There’s laser tag, mini-golf, water slides, an arcade, bumper boats, a rollercoaster, and a ropes adventure course.

Bring your own picnic or grab something from the snack bar, which serves the usual kid-approved fare of pizza, hot dogs, and nachos.

Rocky Oaks Goat Creamery and Sweet Thistle Farms (Clovis)

Visit a goat farm to learn more about Fresno’s agricultural heritage and, you know, pet cute goats.

Rocky Oaks Goat Creamery isn’t open to visitors year-round but holds regular events at the family-owned ranch throughout the year.

The farm produces high-quality goat cheese, which you can buy from the Vineyard Farmers Market, and is also used in dishes at many of Fresno’s restaurants.

Keep an eye on their Instagram page for upcoming open days and events.

Rocky Oaks also shares part of its land with Sweet Thistle Farms, a beautiful flower farm.

During May and June, stop by on Saturdays for flower picking or just to take stunning portraits of yourself and your friends in the sunflower fields.

Where to Eat & Drink in Fresno

Where to Stay in Fresno

Best Time to Visit Fresno

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There’s no bad time to visit Fresno, but bear in mind Central Valley summers are extremely hot.

If you plan to go during the months of June-September, expect highs of 90 F to over 100 F in the afternoons.

Spring and fall bring cooler weather. If you want to see the magnificent blossoms in Fresno’s orchards, plan to visit between mid-February and mid-March.

May and June are good months to find strawberries, while other fruits, such as apricots and peaches, are available in the mid-summer months. Apples and pears are ripe in the fall.

The Big Fresno Fair is an annual event that takes place in October.

Tips for Visiting Fresno

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  • If you’re visiting in the summer months, plan your day around the heat with outdoor activities organized in the morning.
  • For the Blossom Trail, be sure to check social media for dates when the blooms will be at their peak.
  • Book a show at the theater or planetarium ahead of time, as these are often sold out by the day of.
  • Bring comfortable shoes suited to hiking and trips to the farm.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat, especially during those hot summer months!

What to Pack for Fresno

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Sarah McDonald

Sarah McDonald is a travel writer based in the Bay Area. She writes for the national parenting website Red Tricycle and on her own family travel blog, Tiny Trailblazers. She loves exploring California’s outdoors and has a weakness for a national park gift shop.

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