Top 25 Attractions and Activities to Experience in Fresno, CA

Fresno is the fifth largest city in California and is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. Established shortly after the California Gold Rush in 1856, it is named after the plentiful ash trees along the San Joaquin River. The climate features mild, moist winters paired with hot, dry summers, making it an attractive place for visitors as temperatures rarely dip below freezing.

Fresno offers a wealth of entertainment options for both locals and visitors. Below are the top 25 attractions to experience in Fresno.

1. Explore The Underground Gardens

The Forestiere Underground Gardens represent a compelling and unique attraction. Created by Baldassare Forestiere, an immigrant from Sicily who arrived in 1901, these gardens are a testament to his dedication over 40 years. Without a predefined design, the underground maze of patios, gardens, and grottos evolved organically. Today, visitors can appreciate a diverse array of fruit trees, including oranges, lemons, and grapefruits.

2. Visit Fresno Chaffee Zoo

Initially established as a refuge for unwanted pets, Fresno Chaffee Zoo traces its origins back to 1908. As community donations increased, the zoo transformed significantly, officially opening as the Roeding Park Zoo in 1929. Over the years, it has expanded its offerings, recently introducing an ‘African Adventure’ exhibit that has doubled its size and showcases elephants, cheetahs, gorillas, and more.

3. Discover Yosemite National Park

Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, Yosemite National Park, particularly the Yosemite Valley—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—spans 747,956 acres across the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Renowned globally for its majestic granite cliffs and impressive waterfalls, the park features over 800 miles of trails suitable for casual walks or challenging multi-day hikes.

4. Enjoy Island Waterpark

For an enjoyable and affordable family day out, Island Waterpark is an excellent choice. Featuring numerous slides and wave machines, it caters to all ages. Adventurous visitors may try the Tunnel of Terror or Mumbai Monsoon, while those needing a break can dine at one of the seven food stalls. Please note that the park operates seasonally, so checking the schedule before visiting is advisable.

5. Shop at River Park

Opened in 1996, River Park hosts over 75 retail establishments divided into three main sections: ‘The Shops at River Park,’ featuring various boutiques, a cinema, and restaurants; ‘The Marketplace at River Park’ with big-box retailers; and ‘River Park Plaza,’ home to additional dining options and a craft store. The cinema offers 21 screens, ensuring a wide selection of films to view.

6. Experience Shows at Tower Theatre

Inaugurated in 1939, Tower Theatre has undergone numerous renovations and is now regarded as the premier theater in California. With a seating capacity of 761, it features a beautifully designed auditorium with three tiers. The theater hosts an extensive array of shows that frequently rotate, encouraging audiences to check for upcoming performances.

7. Attend a Game at Chukchansi Park

Chukchansi Park has been the home of the Fresno Grizzlies, a minor league baseball team, since its completion in May 2002. Known for its stunning views of downtown Fresno framed by the Sierra Mountains, the park provides an inviting atmosphere. After the game, fans can visit The Phoenix Club for refreshments and to discuss the match.

8. Watch Shakespeare in Woodward Park

Situated along the San Joaquin River, Woodward Park is the largest park in Fresno and was generously donated to the city by Ralph Woodward in 1968. Each November, it hosts the CIF Cross Country State Championships. A highlight of the park is the Woodward Shakespeare Festival, which has presented many of the Bard’s most renowned plays on the WSF Stage for several years.

9. Explore Roeding Park

Roeding Park spans approximately 90 acres and features a large lake alongside several smaller ponds, as well as groves of cedar, ash, pine, and redwood trees. The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is located within its grounds, and the park offers various amenities, including picnic areas, tennis courts, and horseshoe pits.

10. Enjoy The Big Fresno Fair

Each year, over 600,000 attendees flock to the Big Fresno Fair, a two-week event showcasing diverse exhibits, including livestock displays, horse racing, and live music. The fair aims to educate local residents about the agricultural history of the region. Numerous competitions take place yearly, encompassing livestock, fur, and feathers. Outside of the fair, the facility serves as a venue for various exhibitions and events, contributing to the revenue of Fresno.

11. Attend Events at Save Mart Center

Located on the campus of California State University, the Save Mart Center is a versatile venue that has operated since 2003. Primarily the home of the Fresno State Bulldogs basketball team, it has also hosted boxing, ice hockey, rodeo, and wrestling events. Live music performances have been featured here, with the inaugural act performed by Andrea Bocelli. The venue’s exterior is marked by a 37-meter tall clock tower, housing 13 stories, donated by the founder of Producers Dairy Foods.

12. Enjoy Snow at China Peak

Located only 65 miles from Fresno, China Peak Mountain Resort is a sought-after destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. At an elevation just above 8,700 feet, the resort includes diverse terrain catering to all skill levels. Safety is prioritized here, with various fencing and signage ensuring visitors remain in appropriate areas based on their abilities.

13. Watch Movies at Warnors Theater

Warnors Theater, located in downtown Fresno and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, opened in 1928 as Pantages Theater. It was later sold to Warner Brothers, leading to its name change in 1960. Today, the venue showcases classic films, comedy acts, and live music performances, continuing its tradition of entertainment.

14. Visit Saint John The Baptist Cathedral

In 1978, the Catholic community in Fresno recognized the need for a new church, leading to the acquisition of four adjacent lots and subsequent construction beginning in 1880. The cathedral was completed in 1882, but by 1902 a larger structure was necessary, resulting in the construction of a new church on the outskirts of the city, finished in 1903. This Gothic Revival-style church is notable for its red bricks and twin steeples.

15. Discover The Peoples Church

The Peoples Church was founded by a group of local families who converted a row of old turkey houses to establish their first place of worship. As the congregation expanded to 2,000 members, a new structure was constructed at its current site. This church features two Sunday school rooms, facilities for youth, a dedicated ministry wing, and a new chapel, actively engaged in community outreach, particularly in performing arts.

16. Walk Through Shinzen Friendship Garden

Shinzen Friendship Garden, located in Woodward Park, is a traditional Japanese garden established in recognition of Fresno’s sister city, Kochi, Japan. Originally situated on a dry valley floor, the garden has been transformed with waterfalls, a lake, and streams. In spring and summer, visitors can enjoy cherry trees in bloom and a serene pond populated with vibrant Koi fish, complemented by seven authentic Japanese-style bridges.

17. Visit Meux Home Museum

Originally from Tennessee, Dr. Meux served as an assistant surgeon in the Confederate Army before relocating his family to Fresno, where he acquired this historical property. The Meux Home Museum showcases Victorian architecture, featuring two stories and a distinct roof design lined with numerous chimneys. Visitors are greeted by staff members in traditional attire who provide guided tours of the building, which has been part of the National Register of Historic Places since 1975.

18. Explore The Discovery Center

The Discovery Center surpasses conventional museum experiences by encouraging visitors to interact with various exhibits. Covering topics such as botany, geology, electricity, and dinosaurs, it offers hands-on learning opportunities. After a major renovation between 2011 and 2013, the center reopened to enthusiastic acclaim from visitors.

19. Tour Historic Kearney Mansion

Kearney Mansion is a stunning architectural piece, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Comprising two buildings—the main residence and servants’ quarters—the mansion features a design reminiscent of French renaissance architecture, built by the owner’s staff. The estate is set on 225 acres of parkland and has been described as “the most beautiful park on the west coast.”

20. Taste Fine Wine at Moravia Wines

For wine enthusiasts, Moravia Wines opened in 2012 with the goal of producing award-winning wines using San Joaquin Valley grapes. The winery quickly garnered accolades, continuing to host tastings every weekend. Additionally, family-friendly events occur periodically on Fridays throughout the year, creating a vibrant atmosphere for relaxation after a long week.

21. Discover LoMac Winery

LoMac Winery is another destination for wine lovers, frequently hosting tasting events throughout the year as part of the Fresno County Wine Journey. The winery prides itself on using local grapes to create remarkable wines. The owners personally lead many tasting sessions, sharing their passion for wine with visitors, including a notable Merlot worth trying.

22. Try Craft Beer at Tioga-Sequoia

California also boasts several exceptional craft breweries, among them Tioga-Sequoia. Established in 2007, this brewery focuses on producing high-quality beers while promoting the conservation of the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Regular events encompass food trucks, live music, and beer tastings, making it a popular locale.

23. Stay at DoubleTree By Hilton

For those seeking a comfortable stay, the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Fresno provides accessible accommodations near major attractions. The modern hotel features state-of-the-art amenities, including spacious rooms with large flat-screen TVs. Visitors can enjoy various on-site dining options or unwind at the Lounge, offering cocktails with views of a cascading waterfall. The hotel also has a 24-hour fitness center and an indoor heated pool for active guests.

24. Experience Sam’s Deli

For those wishing to indulge in exquisite cheeses, olives, and cured meats, Sam’s Deli is a must-visit. Sam and Angela, along with their son Nick, bring a touch of Southern Italian heritage to the Joaquin Valley. The deli features imported pastas and olive oils, while homemade bread and focaccia are crafted on-site. The selection includes carefully sourced meats and cheeses from Italy, along with specially prepared pasta meals for take-out.

25. Relax at The Spokeasy

The Spokeasy is a popular bar in Fresno, known for its impressive selection of craft beers available on tap and in bottles. The knowledgeable bartenders can offer recommendations and engage in discussions about the various options. Uniquely, patrons can bring their own food. Additionally, the bar features a selection of retro arcade games that serve to entertain guests.