Whether you’re looking for a hidden gem like the historic Forestiere Underground Gardens or love big crowds at sporting events, you can find it in Fresno. We’ve collected the best of the best and packed it into a fun Fresno itinerary.
Vacationing in a rented RV offers nearly endless possibilities of places to go and things to see in this eclectic city. You have the flexibility to move from place to place without the hassle of changing hotel rooms. Plus, you’ll be less than two hours from Yosemite and Sequoia national parks if you want to extend your stay.
Search RV rentals in the Fresno area.
Preparing for Your Fresno RV Trip
With a Fresno RV rental, you can choose just the right model for your trip. Motorhomes range from bus-like Class A rigs to smaller campervans, or you can choose a trailer you can tow with your truck or SUV. You can search our listings for a model with the amenities you want, such as slide-outs, showers, or a backup camera. Many owners offer delivery and setup options.
We’ve assembled some guides to help you get the most out of your RV adventure.
• 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Renting an RV and Helpful Hacks
• How to Choose the Best RV Size for Your Trip
• What Happens After I Book My RV?
Once you’ve decided on an RV to rent, next comes the task of picking the perfect campground. You’ll find RV campgrounds within Fresno’s city limits, like the Fresno Mobile Home & RV Park. You can also find gorgeous campgrounds a little farther out that are vacation destinations in themselves, like Riverbend RV Park or Kings River RV Resort.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Fresno.
Day 1: A Day of Diverse Activities
Morning: Go Wild at the Zoo
To see and learn about animals from all over the world, visit the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. This facility focuses on enrichment activities for the animals for their physical and mental well-being. Animals are often more active in the morning when it’s still cool out. Visiting during the Fall Enrichment Festival affords more opportunities to watch the animals play as the enrichment programs works to simulate their natural behaviors of foraging and hunting.
Lunch: Authentic Ethnic Cuisine
The Phoenician Garden Mediterranean Bar & Grill is located about 12 minutes from the Fresno Art Museum. It offers dishes with the flavors of Lebanon. Lunch options will satisfy vegetarians and meat eaters alike.
Afternoon: Immerse Yourself in Culture
The Fresno Art Museum is a cornerstone of the city’s cultural scene and offers a rich array of contemporary and modern exhibits. The museum is a dynamic space that presents local and international artists. It also offers educational programs and hosts events throughout the year.
Setting Up Camp
Head back to your chosen campground to set up your temporary home. The campground will have sent you information about their check-in procedures when you made your reservation. If you chose to have the owner deliver and set up the RV, you’re all set!
Dinner: Camp Cooking
Depending on the RV model you chose, you might have a stovetop, oven, refrigerator, and microwave on board. Cooking a delicious meal is easy and saves your vacation money for the attractions. You could also go the easy route and roast hot dogs and marshmallows over the campfire.
Day 2: Find Uniquely Fresno Activities
Morning: A Hand-Carved Wonder
No trip to Fresno is complete without visiting the historic Forestiere Underground Gardens. It took Sicilian immigrant Baldassare Forestiere 40 years to hand-carve all the rooms and tunnels. Fruit trees that he planted 90 years ago still bear fruit. It’s best to make a reservation for the one-hour guided tour, which is suitable for all ages.
Lunch: You Gotta Have Soul
For the best soul food, head to Rhapsody’s for lunch. The menu offers favorites like smothered chicken, a variety of seafood, and daily specials. Just make sure to leave room for something from the dessert menu!
Afternoon: Time to Cool Off
It gets hot in Fresno, so one of the best ways to spend a summer afternoon is at the Island Waterpark. You can have a leisurely float along the endless Waimea River or get the adrenaline pumping on the Thrills of Fiji waterslide. The park offers food, and you can rent a cabana for a more relaxing time. Other times of the year, you can enjoy miniature golf and the arcade at Ghost Golf.
Evening Theater
Combine dinner with your evening’s entertainment at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater. Depending on the day of the week, you can catch a matinee or evening performance. The menu changes slightly depending on the play.
Day 3 and Beyond in Fresno
If you have more than two days in Fresno, there are many great things to do in and around the city. Both locals and visitors enjoy these activities:
• Yosemite and Sequoia national parks are within a couple hours’ drive from Fresno. Both parks are known for stunning beauty and abundant wildlife. Plan ahead, and reserve a spot at an RV campground to get the most out of these parks.
• The Shinzen Friendship Garden is a premier Japanese garden in the north of Fresno. In addition to the remarkable natural landscapes, they offer evening programs, such as concerts and Japanese ceremonies like the floating lantern celebration.
• Seasonally, catch a game of Fresno’s Minor League Baseball team, the Fresno Grizzlies. Chukchansi Park also puts on a spectacular Fourth of July program.
Winter Holiday Activities: Light It Up!
IllumiNature at Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a multicultural extravaganza from November through January. Walkways are lit with handmade Chinese lanterns of various sizes and shapes. You can sample holiday treats, see reindeer, and get a photo with Santa. You can also cruise the two-mile track of Christmas Tree Lane, a 100-year-old tradition of fantastical home holiday lights.
Indoor Activities
Whether you’re escaping the heat or looking to get out of the rain, Fresno has plenty of indoor activities to delight all ages. You can visit the Meux Home Museum, a 16-room Victorian mansion built in 1888. For something different, try your hand at throwing weapons at Bad Axe Throwing. Or, you can test your sleuthing skills at Method of Escape escape room.
Fresno has activities to delight all ages whether you’re looking for a cultural experience or an adrenaline rush. Exploring in and around the city in a rental RV provides the greatest flexibility to do what you want when you want.
