Fresno

Travel Guide
Fresno featuring modern 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 kilometers) 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 center 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 kilometers) 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 center. Explore the area by car or cycle in many bike-friendly neighborhoods.

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

5/5(1 area review)

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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Tower District

While there might not be top attractions in Tower District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Fresno Chaffee Zoo and 2nd Space Theater.

Tower District
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Pinedale

You'll appreciate the shopping during your time in Pinedale and you might want to plan a stop by Riverpark Shopping Center and Woodward Park while you're in the area.

Pinedale
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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
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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
Ramada by Wyndham Fresno North
Ramada by Wyndham Fresno North
3 out of 5
324 E Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
The price is €75 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
€75
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
6/10 (1,012 reviews)
"The Ramadacin North East Fresno is justcacfew blocks from the places I go. It is so convenient and the stFf is always so helpful, thoughtful and courteous (even if my day left me on the other side of the fence). I stay there EVERY TIME I visit my family."

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

Ramada by Wyndham Fresno North
Hotel Piccadilly
Hotel Piccadilly
3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
The price is €90 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€90
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,829 reviews)
Clean and well appointed
"Room is clean and well appointed. Refrigerator is noisy. Breakfast so so. Sits down too early. Rugs outside of entrance doors really dirty."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Hotel Piccadilly
Sonesta ES Suites Fresno
Sonesta ES Suites Fresno
3 out of 5
5322 N Diana St, Fresno, CA
The price is €120 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
€120
per night
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free breakfast, WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Out of the way. Staff is very accommodating."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Sonesta ES Suites Fresno
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.
Historic Visalia 3br/2ba - Walk to Downtown
Historic Visalia 3br/2ba - Walk to Downtown
Visalia
Stay at this vacation home in Visalia. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Visalia Fox Theatre and Rawhide Ballpark are located nearby. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
Adorable Home
"We enjoyed our stay in this home. Its antique charm was so welcoming. It was clean and comfortable for our family. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Historic Visalia 3br/2ba - Walk to Downtown
Cozy Contemporary Home in North Fresno
Cozy Contemporary Home in North Fresno
Fresno
Stay at this vacation home in Fresno. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a Smart TV. Popular attractions Riverpark Shopping Center and Shizen Friendship Garden ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Fresno visit
"Easy check in and communication. Place was excellent and would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2024

Cozy Contemporary Home in North Fresno
Hidden Gem Upgraded 4/2 Quiet + Safe NW Fresno
Hidden Gem Upgraded 4/2 Quiet + Safe NW Fresno
Fresno
Stay at this vacation home in Fresno. Enjoy WiFi, barbecue grills, and a patio. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Forestiere ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
Perfect home away from home
"Beautiful and cozy home"

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Hidden Gem Upgraded 4/2 Quiet + Safe NW Fresno
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

Things to do

Reviews of Fresno

3.4
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
" "5 - Excellent 14.285714285714286%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 28.571428571428573%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 42.857142857142854%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 14.285714285714286%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
23 Jun 2019

Just stayed 1 night in Fresno without visiting