Fresno

Although it’s in the heart of California’s most productive agricultural region, Fresno is also a sophisticated city of gorgeous gardens and parks, with a vibrant creative community and one unforgettable (and underground) attraction you won’t find anywhere else. It’s also the Central Valley’s largest city.

Fresno’s History

Founded in 1872 by the Central Pacific Railroad, the city of Fresno rapidly grew as an agricultural hub, thanks to the fertile soil of the San Joaquin Valley and the region’s favorable climate. Fresno's identity is deeply intertwined with its farming roots, particularly in grape cultivation, leading to its recognition as the "Raisin Capital of the World." Major crops in the area also include almonds, cotton, peaches, and nectarines. The city's growth continued to surge in the 20th century, fueled by an influx of immigrants from around the world, which gives the city a diverse, international feel.

Things to Do in Fresno

Start your explorations in the Downtown District. Radiating out from Courthouse Park—the epicenter of community activity since the 1870s—the downtown area is home to many of the city’s most beloved restaurants and bars (see Ale Trail), as well as the city’s famed Mural District. It’s also got a buzzing creative area: Gallery Row is the city's artistic heart, featuring scores of galleries with local paintings, photography, pottery, performances, and more. Catch this scene at its most dynamic during the every-first-and-third-Thursday open-art program, ArtHop, held in studio and gallery spaces downtown and in other parts of the city. Although individual galleries’ days of operation and hours can vary, all are open during ArtHop, transforming the area into a creative hub.

Fresno’s Tower District and Art Museum

Just to the north of downtown is the Tower District neighborhood, a shopping, dining, and a nightlife hot spot named for its centerpiece—a landmark, neon-lit Art Deco theater that opened in 1939. The Fresno Art Museum is also a must, both for its beautifully displayed permanent collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and also its innovative exhibitions showcasing everything from children’s book illustrations to contemporary works from Mexico.

Fresno’s Woodward Park and Fresno Chaffee Zoo

Along the San Joaquin River, 300-acre Woodward Park, the biggest in the city, truly has something for everyone: five miles of trails, an authentic Japanese garden, and three playgrounds. Speaking of the kids, across town they’ll also love the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, where they can watch wildlife frolic in natural environments. If you’ve ever wanted to pet a stingray or feed a giraffe, this is the place to get up close and personal with remarkable creatures from around the world. Located in the city’s Roeding Park, the zoo has a number of naturalistic enclosures, including the 13-acre African Adventure, a great place to watch lions lounge on boulders and elephants rumble across a savanna-like expanse. Special Behind-the-Scenes Encounters show how zookeepers work with such animals as rhinos, giraffes, and sloths, and you can even participate in training sessions with seals and sea lions.

Fresno’s Underground Attraction

For an unforgettable only-in-Fresno experience, explore a subterranean living space at Forestiere Underground Gardens, a labyrinth of stone walls, tunnels, and courtyards hand-dug by an Italian immigrant, who had decided that living underground was the best way to keep cool during the Central Valley’s hot summers. With its handcrafted stone walls and graceful arches, the gardens resemble some ancient archaeological wonder that has been unearthed and restored. But this designated California state landmark is very much a living place, complete with productive fruit trees and grapevines. Take an hourlong guided tour to marvel at it all and learn more.

Restaurants in Fresno

From farm-to-table eateries to international cuisine, the city offers something for everyone. The Annex Kitchen sources ingredients locally and specializes in rustic, regional Italian dishes, including handcrafted pastas like sweet corn agnolotti. There are also (of course) pizzas served fresh out of a wood-fired oven, and hearth specialties such as ribeye with a porcini rub. For a similarly upscale experience, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar offers premium steaks and an extensive wine list, making it a popular spot for special occasions. Pismo’s Coastal Grill is a local favorite for fresh seafood; various Asian cuisines are well represented with places like Sabaidee (Thai Lao), Namikaze and Umi Sushi (Japanese), and LimeNBasil, where you can order up some of the best Vietnamese pho—both spicy and sour versions—in town. For a post-meal something sweet, Ampersand Ice Cream offers small-batch ice cream in both classinc and seasonal flavors.

Professional Sports in Fresno

For sports fans, there’s Pacific Coast League baseball at Chukchansi Stadium—home of the Fresno Grizzlies—and pro soccer thanks to the Central Valley Fuego FC, of the United Soccer League 1. Meanwhile, the teams at Fresno State University have earned one of the most avid followings of any college in the country (and Bulldog alums include pro athletes such as New York Yankee Aaron Judge).

Outdoor Activities in and Around Fresno

At some point, be sure to get out into the farmland surrounding Fresno. In spring, drive or bike the 62-mile Blossom Trail, a loop lined by brilliantly blooming fruit and nut trees. During summer, the drive morphs into the Fresno County Fruit Trail (map), with produce stands overflowing with fresh picked strawberries, blueberries, cherries, apricots, peaches, and more. Beginning in late May, the Fruit Trail also brings festivals and cultural events to other area cities such as the Sanger Farmers Market and Street Faire (typically every Saturday in May and June), Clovis’ Big Hat Days (mid-June), and Kingsburg’s Summer Band Concerts Under the Stars (typically Thursdays in June and July).

If your travels around the county whet your appetite for more exploration, learn about those cities and a dozen more on this overview of “Fresno County’s 15 Treasured Cities.”