Fresno Attractions

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Fresno is not one of California’s major urban tourist destinations. This inland metropolis is known for its agriculture and for the natural destinations that sit outside city limits (Sequoia National Park and Yosemite National Park). These parks are a good reason to visit the area, but there is also plenty going on within the city of Fresno itself. Theater, music, annual events and local culture make Fresno worth more than a pit stop.

Budget

The Vineyards Farmer’s Market is the place to check out the varieties of locally grown produce and other farm goods. The stalls are open on Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning.

There are several annual festivals in the Fresno area. The Rogue Festival is akin to fringe theater festivals in other cities. Performance artists descend on the Tower District during the spring. The Tower District also hosts a Mardi Gras parade the Sunday before Fat Tuesday (Mid-February). For a more classical take on theater, visit the Shakespeare in the Park series, which is held each summer in various city parks.

Fresno State University is a major school in California’s state university system. The school is known for its agricultural science programs.

Value

Bentley's Patio (9439 N. Washington Rd) is one of the nicest outdoor venues in the city. Diners choose their food from one of the nine counters in the nearby food court and then take their dishes to the patio. The seating area boasts fountains and live music.

Riverpark Shopping Center (Blackstone Ave) is a huge mall with a movie theater, boutique-like shops, chain stores and restaurants. Locals and visitor find this a good place to get away from the heat of summertime afternoons.

Forestiere Underground Gardens (5021 West Shaw Ave) are a series of gardens built beneath the ground. They were constructed by an Italian immigrant in the early part of the 20th century. Tours are run daily during the summer and during weekends in the winter.

Splurge

The national parks of Yosemite and Sequoia are within a two hour drive of Fresno. Though each of these parks would take several days to explore in depth, it is possible to see the gigantic trees of Sequoia or the stunning waterfalls of Yosemite and return to Fresno on the same day. There are entrance fees charged to all vehicles entering the parks. Well-kept campgrounds are available for those who don’t mind spending the night in the great outdoors.