Introduction
Fresno, California, is a large city with a small-town vibe. It has a rich history and diverse population that makes it one of the most charming cities in America. You can find everything from museums and gardens to festivals and sports teams here in Fresno. Here are some of the best things to do in Fresno:
Forestiere Underground Gardens
The underground gardens in Fresno are something that should be on your list of things to do when you visit California. The Forestiere Underground Gardens were created by Baldassare Forestiere, an Italian immigrant who moved to Fresno in the early 1900s.
He began digging tunnels under his house and eventually expanded it into a series of underground paths with various plant species from around the world. Today, visitors can tour these beautiful gardens and learn about how they were created.
What makes this place unique?
- The garden is an example of how people used to live during the early 20th century and is still preserved today! It’s like stepping back in time!
- The plants found here are very rare so it’s nice to see them inside their natural environment (instead of just seeing pictures online).
The Big Fresno Fair
The Big Fresno Fair is one of the biggest agricultural fairs in California, and it’s held every year in September. You can see all kinds of livestock and learn about their care, as well as food and entertainment.
The fair has over 2,000 exhibitors each year, including farmers, ranchers, vendors selling their products, animal breeders and trainers, cooking demonstrations—you name it! It’s a great place to see the latest innovations in agriculture as well as meet some new friends who share your love for all things rural life.
Fresno Art Museum
The Fresno Art Museum is a museum of art located in Fresno, California, United States. It has a permanent collection of over 8,500 works of art,[1] including paintings by Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh. The museum also hosts special temporary exhibitions for touring galleries from around the world.[2]
The museum was founded in 1954 and opened its doors to the general public two years later.[3] It was originally located downtown on Mariposa Street but moved to its current location on Van Ness Avenue in 1992.[4][5]
Chinatown
With the neighborhood’s quaint and colorful atmosphere, it’s easy to forget that Fresno used to be a major stop on the Transcontinental Railroad. The city is rich in history and culture, with Chinatown being one of its most popular attractions. If you’re looking for things to do in Fresno, this is a great starting point!
The location of Chinatown is perfect for visitors who are not from California or even from the United States. It’s within walking distance from many popular hotels such as Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fresno Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Fresno Bee Canyon Conference Center Hotel, and Courtyard by Marriott Fresno Downtown/River Park hotel.
If you’re looking for some good restaurants in Chinatown then check out Fu Loi Chinese Restaurant and Nam Wah Tea Parlor & Restaurant where they serve up delicious dim sum dishes like sticky rice cakes filled with pork sausage or chicken feet steamed with black bean sauce among other traditional favorites!
Storyland
Storyland is a theme park for children located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It has a water park and a zoo, as well as many rides for kids. The miniature train takes you around Storyland and lets you see all that it has to offer. You can also go on one of the rides like “The Little Engine That Could” or “Cinderella’s Carousel.” If your child or grandchild loves trains then this might be a good option for them!
Meux Home Museum
The Meux Home Museum is a historic house museum located in Fresno, California. Built-in 1883 by George Meux and designed by architect John Galen Howard, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
The house consists of four buildings: an 1890s Victorian-style home; a carriage house; a barn and garage; and an outbuilding that used to be the laundry building but now serves as office space for staff members.
Save Mart Center
- Save Mart Center was built in 1988 with a capacity of 12,500 seats and expanded to 17,259 in 2000.
- It is the largest arena in Fresno and has hosted some big-name concerts including Kanye West and Coldplay.
- The arena also hosts professional sports teams including the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA G League (formerly the Los Angeles D-Fenders) and Fresno Monsters of the American Indoor Football League.
Shinzen Japanese Friendship Garden
The garden is a gift to the city of Fresno from the people of Japan, and it’s a symbol of friendship between Fresno and Japan. The garden was built in 1980, and it’s open to the public.
You can enjoy some quiet time in this peaceful setting for reflection, meditation, or just relaxing with friends. The Shinzen Japanese Friendship Garden is located at 180 E Bullard Ave in downtown Fresno.
Kearney Mansion Museum
Kearney Mansion Museum is a historic museum in Fresno, California. It is located at 1042 Kearney Blvd, Fresno, CA 93721, and is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. This museum has been around since the early 20th century when it was built by Charles H. Kearney as his private residence.
Then it was taken over by the Fresno City Park Department during its centennial celebration in 1956 and transformed into a museum to showcase the local history and culture of Fresno County.
The exhibits here include paintings of landscapes made by local artists such as George Washington Eastman and Leighton Farr; furniture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for his own home; Chinese artifacts collected from Chinese immigrants who came to work on railroad lines; photographs documenting various events in history such as World War II.
Art pieces depicting Native Americans living near Mount Whitney Lake where they hunted deer or gathered acorns while camping out under the stars at night without flashlights that could disturb other people living nearby because they didn’t have electricity yet back then (it wasn’t until after World War II ended that everyone had access again).
San Joaquin River Parkway and trail
The San Joaquin River Parkway and trail is a great place to walk, jog, or bike. The parkway runs from Friant Dam on the north side of Fresno to Millerton Lake on the south end of Selma. The trail is home to many species of birds and animals, including red-winged blackbirds, tundra swans, great blue herons, egrets, and various species of ducks. Fishermen frequent this area as well; there are many spots along the river where you can pull up your boat or put in some fishing line!
Children’s Museum of the Sierra
The Children’s Museum of the Sierra is located at 730 E. Barstow Ave., in downtown Fresno. With over 30 exhibits and activities, there’s something for everyone! The museum offers a variety of experiences including:
- A 3-D movie theater that shows movies related to science, technology, and math (STEM) topics.
- A state-of-the-art planetarium that shows educational full-dome movies about our solar system and beyond.
- An art studio where children can create art projects inspired by artists around the world. But don’t worry if you don’t want your child to get their hands dirty! There are plenty of other options available such as building blocks and cars they can play with while they wait their turn on one of the many interactive exhibits throughout the museum or use their imagination while acting out scenes from popular movies such as Toy Story or Inside Out using props provided by staff members dressed in costumes from those films!
The cost is $8 per person (2+ years old) which includes 1 adult chaperone gratuity included if purchased through their website.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a zoo in Fresno, California, United States. It is the largest zoo in the U.S. state of California and home to over 3,000 animals from around the world. The zoo has two sections: one for hoofstock (horses and other ungulates) and another for primates (monkeys and apes).
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo was started by a group of people who believed that Fresno needed a zoo so that its residents could enjoy viewing animals from around the world without having to travel far distances. In 1955 the initial funds were raised to start construction on this new facility which would house all kinds of animals including those from Africa, Asia, and South America.
Fresno Metropolitan Museum
The Fresno Metropolitan Museum is a must-see for any visitor to the area. Located in downtown Fresno, it’s just a short walk from the historic Tower Theater and other attractions in this area of town.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., with extended hours on Thursdays until 8:00 P.M. General admission is $12 per person, but there are several discounts available for seniors and children under 12 years old (free entry for kids under 4). You can also purchase tickets online and skip waiting in line at the ticket booth!
The museum houses over 30 galleries that display everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern art by local artists like Dale Chihuly and Robert Arneson; there are even exhibits dedicated specifically to California history or outdoor recreation like camping gear used by early pioneers who traveled westward through the state during America’s expansion period following its birth as a nation back then when cowboys roamed wild territories out west where nothing was safe except maybe their courage – which they needed plenty of because they had no way of knowing what these places might hold…
Eaton Plaza Farmers’ Market
When you’re in Fresno, California, be sure to stop by the Eaton Plaza Farmers’ Market. It’s located at Eaton Plaza Shopping Center and is open every Saturday from 9 am until 1 pm. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, you can also find baked goods, flowers, and more at this market. If you’re looking for an opportunity to learn about local farmers or food producers while shopping for great produce and artisanal products, this is an option that should be on your list of things to do in Fresno!
Takeaway: There’s a lot to do in Fresno California!
Of course, if you’re looking for a great place to visit, Fresno California is an excellent choice. There are many things to do here and you could spend a week here and not get bored. The weather is mild, the food is great, the people are friendly and the scenery is beautiful!
Conclusion
There is a lot to do in Fresno, California. The city has a rich history, great food, and culture, as well as plenty of parks and gardens for recreation. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day trip or an exciting weekend getaway, Fresno has something for everyone!
