Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Madera, CA

Madera is a city with a population of approximately 66,000, situated within the San Joaquin Valley of Madera County. While one of the city’s main attractions is its Wine Trail, Madera offers a diverse array of experiences beyond this.

In Madera, visitors can explore numerous parks, dining establishments, and shopping centers, such as Madera Marketplace, Bethard Square Shopping Center, and The Crossroads.

Additionally, the city of Fresno and its various attractions are located just 20 miles away, while mountainous regions are easily accessible.

Throughout the year, Madera hosts a variety of festivals and events, including the Pomegranate Festival and the Madera District Fair.

Below are 15 of the most notable activities to experience in and around Madera, California.

1. Learn About Local History at the Madera County Museum

The most effective way to discover Madera and its surroundings is by visiting the Madera County Museum.

Housed in the former Madera County Courthouse, which dates back to the early 1900s, the museum boasts an extensive collection of artefacts that document and preserve the city’s history.

As you navigate through the museum, you will encounter a variety of photographs, documents, and items illustrating life in the region. Exhibits encompass Native American history, agriculture, logging, and pioneering families.

2. Sample Local Wine at the Toca Madera Winery

For those seeking a distinguished winery set amidst stunning scenery, Toca Madera Winery, located in the hills of Madera, is an ideal destination.

This award-winning winery is encircled by picturesque vineyards and provides a vibrant atmosphere conducive to wine tasting and socializing with friends and family.

Among the wines available for sampling are Dulce Rojo, Mirame Rose, 2017 Marsanne, and 2014 Companero. A selection from the Wildlife Conservation Series is also available, with proceeds supporting an animal conservation initiative.

Certain evenings feature live music performances at the winery.

3. Get Some Fresh Air at Lions Town & Country Park

When exploration becomes exhausting, numerous green spaces within Madera provide opportunities to unwind in a serene environment with access to outdoor facilities.

Lions Town & Country Park offers a range of amenities, including an amphitheater, walking paths, sports fields, and picnic spots.

4. Enjoy a Meal at California Grill

At California Grill in Madera, patrons can indulge in a diverse menu of delectable dishes prepared with the freshest available ingredients.

The menu includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta dishes, and entrees such as grilled chicken, hot turkey dinner, and Baja fish, alongside vegetarian options.

5. Take a Tour of the Forestiere Underground Gardens

The Forestiere Underground Gardens, located in nearby Fresno, offer a one-of-a-kind experience. This remarkable site was designed by Sicilian immigrant Baldasare Forestiere and is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Over four decades, Forestiere transformed a plot of farmland into a ten-acre labyrinth of tunnels, featuring underground rooms and gardens, all constructed with only hand tools.

Access to the site is provided through an hour-long guided tour. During this experience, you will explore various distinctive rooms, including bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living area complete with a fireplace.

Additionally, you will encounter a fishpond, stone walls, splendid archways, and other architectural marvels, with some fruit trees reaching nearly a century in age.

6. Tee off at Madera Municipal Golf Course

Madera Municipal Golf Course is located in a tranquil and scenic area on the outskirts of Madera. This 18-hole, par-72 championship course is often regarded as one of the finest in the region.

The pro-shop on-site provides the latest golf equipment, alongside lesson availability. The Clubhouse Restaurant offers a range of breakfast and lunch selections.

7. Spend an Evening Out at ApCal

For an exhilarating evening that encapsulates what Madera is renowned for, ApCal presents an ideal location to enjoy a night out.

This outdoor venue provides a lively atmosphere that feels rural yet is conveniently located just a short distance from the city center. Guests can savor local wines and beers from the impressive 75-foot bar while interacting with locals and fellow visitors amidst beautiful vineyards.

Throughout the evening, guests can dance to lively music or relax on a blanket to stargaze. A diverse menu is offered, ensuring that there is always something delectable to accompany your beverage.

8. Visit the Fresno Chaffee Zoo

The primary mission of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo is to safeguard the rare species residing there. Visitors have the opportunity to engage with over 190 different animal species.

As you traverse the zoo, diverse interactive exhibits await, including Zoorassic Park, African Adventure, Dino Dig, and Stingray Bay.

These displays showcase a variety of wildlife, such as elephants, lions, tigers, cheetahs, wolves, and sloths, along with exciting experiences that include a petting zoo.

9. Explore The Nelder Grove

Nelder Grove, situated within the Sierra National Forest, is a vast area home to more than 100 mature Giant Sequoia trees.

In this 1,540-acre natural reserve, visitors can find numerous opportunities to appreciate and capture the beauty of these magnificent trees. Well-maintained nature trails wind through pristine wilderness, allowing exploration of diverse flora, fauna, and distinctive rock formations.

Picnic areas are accessible, and for those wishing to extend their stay, a campground is available for overnight accommodations.

10. Tour the Madera Wine Trail

Madera is renowned for its exceptional vineyards and wineries. While the variety of options may appear overwhelming, especially for those with time constraints,

the Madera Wine Trail has been established to facilitate visits to multiple wineries and vineyards, optimizing your experience in the region.

As you traverse this remarkable grape-growing area, stops at various wineries allow patrons to enjoy local wine tastings in their inviting tasting rooms.

Additionally, numerous events are organized along the Madera Wine Trail, including Ladies Night and Yoga sessions.

11. Learn About Science and History at The Discovery Center

The Discovery Center, located in nearby Fresno, serves as an interactive science and education facility featuring a range of exhibits and educational experiences.

The museum houses displays addressing electricity, nature, space, paleontology, and Native American history.

The exterior of this five-acre site showcases a cactus garden, a Dino Dig area, a tortoise enclosure, and traditional Miwok Indian houses.

12. Beat the Heat at Wild Water Adventure Park

Located in nearby Clovis, Wild Water Adventure Park serves as an amusement venue filled with diverse attractions suitable for all ages, both aquatic and terrestrial.

The park’s most popular attraction is the exhilarating GhostSlider, alongside numerous other water activities, such as the largest wave pool in the state and an engaging children’s play area at Adventure Bay.

Fishing opportunities are available at the three lakes situated within the park, where anglers can catch catfish, crappie, and bass.

Furthermore, several volleyball courts and horseshoe pits can be found throughout the premises, along with multiple snack bars and cafes.

13. Immerse Yourself in Culture and Art at Arte Americas

Arte Americas in Fresno presents Latino art within a spacious 10,000 square-foot gallery. Visitors can gain insights into Latino culture while appreciating artistry across various mediums, including film, music, poetry, and visual arts.

During the summer months, concerts at La Plazita frequently occur on select evenings throughout the week.

14. Sample Local Craft Beer at the Three Monkeys Brewing

Since its establishment in 2013, Three Monkeys Brewing has been dedicated to crafting high-quality, flavorful beers for both locals and visitors. They employ sustainable practices throughout their distinctive brewing processes.

Visitors can sample a wide variety of offerings, including Gold Monkey IPA, Red Monkey, Brown Barrel Ale, Yosemite Falls Imperial Double IPA, and Monkey Mouth Stout.

15. Browse the Vineyard Farmers’ Market

At the Vineyard Farmers’ Market located in Fresno, patrons can explore a diverse collection of quality products for sale. For nearly 40 years, this market has consistently provided the finest locally-grown produce throughout the year.

As you navigate the market, you will encounter an assortment of homemade baked goods, honey, coffee, chocolates, and various other locally-produced items.