Fresno Explore Local With RVshare

It may not get the same kind of glory as say, Los Angeles or San Francisco. But Fresno is an incredible inner-California gem and a great place to call home. Tucked into the shadow of a wide range of national parks and other outdoor recreation areas, Fresno is also the birthplace of Sun-Maid Raisins, and is now home to more than half a million people.

Get wild at the Chaffee Zoo or kick back at The Library, or get ready for some of the most exciting outdoor activities of your life. No matter what you’re into, Fresno has something to offer you — and probably more than you expected, at that.

Without further ado, here are our favorite places to explore and top things to do in Fresno.

One of the coolest things about being in Fresno is how close you are to a plethora of preserved wildernesses and outdoor recreation opportunities. Here are the state and national parks that exist right in the shadow of Fresno, CA.

• Millerton Lake State Recreation Area is only 20 miles outside of Fresno, and its 47 miles of lake shoreline make it a popular destination amongst Californians looking for a place to engage in their favorite water-based recreational activities. Along with the lake, the park is also home to miles of hiking trails and tons of wildlife, including bobcats, coyotes and mountain lions.

• Roeding Park is one of the four regional parks in Fresno, and offers eight reservable areas, including shelters, for events as well as a lake, several ponds, and stands of local trees including ash, cedar, pine and eucalyptus. It’s also the home of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, as discussed below.

• Trolley Creek Park offers children’s playgrounds, a sandlot, replicas of area landmarks and is also home to the famous Fresno water tower. There are also, of course, trolleys to ride, as the name suggests!

• Sierra National Forest is a sprawling 1.3 million acre wilderness that’s located right in Fresno’s backyard: just a 45 minute drive will land you at its border. Of course, the many areas ripe with opportunities for camping and recreating within might require more drive time, but they’ll doubtless be worth it; this is one of the most famous wildernesses in the entire country for a reason.

• Kings Canyon National Park is just over an hour away from Fresno, and like its neighboring park, Sequoia (which we’ll get to in just a moment), is home to some of the biggest and most impressive trees in the entire world. It’s best known for the so-called General Grant Tree, which was named by President Coolidge to be “The Nation’s Christmas Tree.”

• Sequoia National Park is also a relatively short drive from Fresno, and is also known for the namesake trees it boasts. Along with trees so big you can walk through them, Sequoia National Park is also highly regarded for its hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing opportunities.

• Yosemite National Park is one of the most famous in the American register for a reason — and lucky for those who call Fresno home, it’s just an hour and fifteen minutes away from town. Gaze up at the imposing granite face of El Capitan and remember the brave climbers who’ve scaled it… or, if you’re really feeling adventurous, take to the wilderness yourself! (As cool as Alex Honnold’s stunt is, we highly recommend using a rope.)

Even if you don’t want to get in the car and head an hour or more outside of town to one of the many preserved wildernesses outside of Fresno, there are plenty of places to get your boots on the ground — literally. Here are some of the best hiking trails in the immediate Fresno area.

Lewis S. Eaton Trail

A moderately-rated trail located inside Woodward Park, the Lewis S. Eaton Trail measures about 7.7 miles altogether out and back, and sees just under 250 feet of elevation gain. Six miles of the trail are complete and paved, making it a great opportunity for those pushing strollers or wheelchairs or looking for a bikeable path. It’s also open to dogs, though they must remain leashed at all times.

Tom Macmichael Senior Trail

A moderately-trafficked loop, the Tom Macmichael Senior Trail sees about three-and-a-half miles of distance and 160 feet of elevation gain, and winds visitors by the riverside and through forest cover. It’s also common to find people fishing along the way, so if you want to see if you can reel in dinner, be sure to bring a rod!

Hidden Homes Nature Trail

While there are plenty of more strenuous adventures in the Sierra National Forest, the Hidden Homes Nature Trail is a great option for those looking for a quick and easy jaunt: it’s only half a mile in length and is pretty level, but visitors frequently see bunnies, birds, lizards and more. A great opportunity if you want a trail you can bring the kids to! 

San Joaquin River Trail

Running a little more than three miles along the San Joaquin River, the San Joaquin River Trail is about three miles out and back and offers little elevation gain, making it relatively easy but also a great place to grab your afternoon stroll or morning run. 

With all the places to explore in Fresno, you’re going to have to stay well fueled to do a good job of it. Fortunately, there are plenty of incredible restaurants to choose from. Here are just a few.

Ovidio Italian Restaurant

When you’re looking for the best Italian restaurant in Fresno — or anywhere else, for that matter — what you’re probably looking for is a family-owned establishment that serves up generous and authentic fare in a casual but elegant setting. That’s exactly what you’ll get at Ovidio, so we recommend you head that way as soon as possible!

Sal’s Mexican Restaurant

Tamales? Check. Tacos? Check. Margaritas? But of course. Head to Sal’s Mexican Restaurant in Fresno for all your favorite Mexican eats in a creative and decorative environment, and don’t forget to save room for dessert!

Indian Kebab Palace

If you want dinner to be more like a whole dining experience, Indian Kebab Palace might be the perfect choice. Serving fresh and authentic Indian delights in a warm and friendly room — and with a full bar available — there’s no shortage of flavors to choose from, several of which you’ve probably yet to indulge in.

Raw Fresno

Looking for the very best vegan and vegetarian dining in town? Well, Raw Fresno is considered by some to be the best vegan eating in the world, so if you’re in the area, you might as well give it a shot.

Umi Sushi

Along with classic and specialty rolls, Umi Sushi serves bento boxes, noodles, sake, beer, wine and more. They focus on artistic presentation as well as fresh ingredients and authentic flavors, meaning you can’t go wrong whether you visit for lunch or dinner.

Fun Things to Do in Fresno

Eating and exploring the outdoors are just the beginning. Here are some of the top things to do in Fresno this weekend — or any old time at all — no matter what your situation and desires.

For Kids and Families

Got the kids along for the journey? That’s good news — because Fresno is chock full of fun, family-friendly diversions. Here are some of the best things to do in Fresno with kids and families.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo

As mentioned above, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo is tucked inside Roeding Park, covering 39 acres and hosting more than 190 species. Some of its most popular attractions include the Dino Dig, Stingray Bay, Sea Lion Cove, and the famous Ross Laird’s Winged Wonders Bird Show. Plus, you can enjoy year-round memberships starting at just $69!

The Discovery Center

The only hands-on, interactive science museum in the city of Fresno, The Discovery Center is an attractive place to spend a rainy afternoon for visitors of all ages. Many of the dynamic exhibits and educational experiences are specifically built with kids in mind, but adult curiosity will be inspired, too — and a walk through the cactus gardens is a quirky and kooky activity that will put a smile on anyone’s face, regardless of age.

Island Waterpark

California is lots of things, but one thing it definitely is, at least for part of the year, is hot — Fresno can get up to 99 degrees or even higher in July! If you’re looking for a way to cool off, look no further than Island Waterpark, where you can slip, slide, and dive to your heart’s content in cool, clean waters that will leave you refreshed, relaxed, and ready for another day in the California sun.

At Night

Clearly, there’s no shortage of things to do in Fresno during the day — and fortunately, the fun doesn’t stop once the sun sets, either! Here are some of our favorite after-hours Fresno activities.

The Library at Detention

If The Library at Detention sounds a little bit like what happened to the naughty kids in school, well… that might be the right instinct. Because this hidden speakeasy is a kind of classy, adult naughtiness. (Don’t worry, everyone keeps their clothes on!) Hidden up a fight of stairs behind a popular pool hall in Freno’s Tower District, this is a joint that’s easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for… but its handcrafted cocktails and snazzy atmosphere make it unmissable if you’re looking for great nightlife.

Madera Drive-In

Looking for something a little more wholesome to do after hours? The Madera Drive-In shows a wide range of films in the classic 1950s style: pull in with your vehicle (and your sweetheart), roll down the windows, and settle in for a nice, long evening in front of the screen. This definitely counts as one of our top recommendations for things for couples to do in Fresno!

Cheap and Free Things to Do in Fresno

It’s true: you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a whole lot of enjoyment out of your Fresno experience! Here are some of the best low-cost and free things to do in town.

St. Johns Cathedral of Fresno

Built in the early 20th century and representing a parish that’s been in place since 1882, St. Johns Cathedral of Fresno is a beautiful structure designed in a Gothic-Romanesque style by Thomas Bermingham. The church is free to enter when services are not being held, though you certainly wouldn’t regret sitting through one of those, either.

Oh Wow Nickel Arcade

When’s the last time you went somewhere where a nickel actually bought you something? At Oh Wow Nickel Arcade, a nickel can buy you a few minutes of fun — and a handful of nickels can keep you occupied for an hour or more. Enjoy classic games in a fun and inviting atmosphere, or plan your birthday party or other event on-site!

Clovis Botanical Garden

Offering three acres of water-wise plant life to see, experience and enjoy, Clovis Botanical Garden is a relaxing place to take a walk any time of day… and although donations and support are welcome, you don’t have to pay an admission fee to get in. 

Spas in Fresno

Everyone needs some R&R from time to time — and if you’re looking for a place that’ll make you feel as good as you look, here are our suggestions for the best day spas in Fresno.

Muses Day Spa & Wellness Center

Whether you need a massage, facial, other skin treatment, or a classic salon service like a haircut, color, or nail care, Muses Day Spa & Wellness Center will leave you looking and feeling relaxed and inspired. It’s been voted #1 in Fresno for seven years in a row — and counting!

Amenities Day Spa & Salon

Some people simply won’t go to a salon or spa if it doesn’t use Aveda products — and if that’s you, Amenities Day Spa & Salon is what you’re looking for. Enjoy naturally derived ingredients and sensual, indulgent treatments that work for both you and mother earth.

Best Gyms & Yoga Studios

Keeping up with your gym routine isn’t just about how you look. In fact, if anything, it’s more about how you feel. Here are the best places to get your sweat on in Fresno.

Fort Washington Fitness

The gym doesn’t have to be scary — but it does have to be well-stocked and staffed by knowledgeable, friendly professionals. That’s exactly what you get when you sign on at Fort Washington Fitness, and best of all, memberships start at only $29 per month! Free weights, cardio machines, fitness classes, and more are all available in a comfortable and luxe atmosphere, so you can actually enjoy your workout (yes, really).

Blue Moon Yoga

Some like it hot — and if that’s you, Blue Moon Yoga is the perfect place to get sweaty. Offering heated yoga and pilates classes as well as an on-site juice bar, there are series and practices built to suit every yogi, no matter your experience level.

Tower Yoga

If you believe yoga is about more than your body — but about the body of the community at large — you belong at Tower Yoga, a Fresno institution that makes caring about people a priority. Teacher training is also available, as are interactive YouTube videos and classes for those staying home!

Clearly, there’s no shortage of things to hold your interest in Fresno itself. But if you’re hungry for even more California goodness, here are some day trips and weekend getaways worth considering.

Central Cali Coast

We went with this headline because we couldn’t pick between Monterey, Big Sur, and Carmel-by-the-Sea, all of which are central California coastline gems just a couple of hours from Fresno. Do yourself a favor and visit all three… or even schedule a whole long, lazy drive along Highway 1 (otherwise known as the Pacific Coast Highway)!

Los Angeles

The City of Angels is just a few hours away, so if you’re in the mood for some bright lights, loud music, or just a relaxing cruise on Mulholland Drive, why not make the trip? L.A. is well known for its ability to cater to just about every set of tastes, whether you’re looking to go out clubbing or chill on the beach. Best of all: when you’ve had your fill, you get to leave.

Area National Parks

As mentioned above, Fresno is lucky enough to be in close proximity to not one, but several beloved national parks, including Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite. All three of these are just an hour away from town, but there are plenty of other national parks within easy driving distance if you expand your reach a bit, too. For instance, Death Valley is about five hours away (though it’s closer as the crow flies, it requires dipping south through Bakersfield), and the boat to the Channel Islands is only three and a half hours south towards Los Angeles.