Things to Do in Fresno

>> Cheap airline tickets >> Fresno things to do

Fresno is located in the heart of California’s agricultural region. As a tourist destination, Fresno is often overlooked. It is not as large and diverse as Los Angeles or San Francisco and not as naturally beautiful as nearby Yosemite National Park. But Fresno does have its charms. The successful agricultural industry means that there are farmers markets almost daily and fresh, local ingredients used in restaurants. Fresno’s culture includes a lively theater and music scene, plenty of history and a healthy dose of excitement.

When making your itinerary, be certain to include these Fresno sites.

Budget

Bentley’s Farmer’s Market offers special events like live music and car shows in addition to the usual produce stalls. Many events are scheduled for Thursday and Friday evenings. Even without the extra entertainment, Bentley’s is a fun place to visit. The market stalls offer fresh food and endless photo ops.

Value

It is no surprise that other farmers markets in Fresno are equal to Bentley’s in terms of social atmosphere and fresh offerings. The Vineyard Farmer’s Market (Blackstone Street) is the city’s most expansive markets. It is open on Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning. On Friday evening, there is a similar market in the Old Town of Fresno suburb Clovis.

Yosemite National Park, famous for its granite cliffs and old forests, is about one-and-a-half hours from Fresno by car. Vehicle permits cost $20. There are enough trails, forests, waterfalls and activities in Yosemite to warrant spending several days there. However, it is possible to travel to the park, see the sights, and return to Fresno in a single day.

The Forestiere Underground Gardens (5021 West Shaw Ave) are, as their name suggests, a series of underground gardens created by an Italian immigrant. Some of these underground displays are more than 100 years old. This is definitely one of the most unique sites in Fresno.

Splurge

Nonini Winery (2640 N. Dickenson) is one of many wineries in the area. Wine enthusiasts and curious tourists are drawn by daily tours and wine tasting events. It is often possible to contact an area winery and arrange for your own tour and tasting session.

Bentley’s Patio is a classy outdoor eating spot. It is not your typical patio restaurant. There are nine different counters serving unique dishes, which range from a sushi to cheeses to a salad bar. There are huge fountains on the patio and live music is performed on the weekends.