If you ever find yourself in or around California's San Joaquin Valley area, be sure to make a
stop in Fresno.
This city in central Cali has countless attractions that appeal to everyone, from nature lovers
to city slickers.
From charming parks to subterranean gardens, Fresno is a city that has a broad range of
truly unique activities to do and intriguing places to explore.
Natural attractions aren’t the only ones that Fresno is famous for.
The city is a lively metropolis that’s home to many shopping, dining, and entertainment
options.
While days spent in and around Fresno are perfect for getting in touch with mother nature,
come nightfall, Fresno boasts one of the most lively nightlife scenes in California.
Being the fifth largest city in the state, Fresno was founded right after the California
Gold Rush in 1856.
It was given its name after the significant number of ash trees that sit along the banks
of the San Joaquin river.
The city has a mild, moist climate in the winter months and can be quite hot and dry
in the summer.
Since temps rarely drop below freezing, Fresno is particularly popular with snowbird travelers.
If you want to know what California is really all about, you don't need to go to cities
like LA, San Diego, and San Fran.
While all of those places are certainly worth adding to your travel buck lists, if you really
want to get a taste of the Californian vibe, go straight to the heart of the state, to
the great city of Fresno.
If you want a few pointers as to where to start your Fresno journey, keep watching to
see Viewcations picks of the best things to do in Fresno, California.
The Underground Gardens
Forestiere Underground Gardens is one of the most unusual, albeit incredibly fascinating,
tourist attractions in Fresno.
The gardens are the life-long work and vision of Baldassare Forestiere.
In 1901, Forestiere ran away from his home city of Sicily and made his way out to the
United States.
Once in America, he spent the majority of his free time digging this elaborate underground
labyrinth of gardens, grottos, and patios.
The gardens were all constructed without a plan, and every room was built as a work in
progress.
For four decades, Forestiere continued his work until he completed the amazing creation
that we can visit today.
There are several varieties of fruit-bearing trees to see, including lemons, grapefruit,
and oranges.
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo
This zoo got its start as a sanctuary for unwanted, abandoned pets.
The exact history of the zoo is obscured in mystery as no official records were kept,
but it appears as if it was established in 1908.
As time went on, more and more animals were donated to the zoo, and eventually, an amphitheater
was constructed.
In 1929, the zoo was officially recognized and opened its doors to the public as the
Roeding Park Zoo.
Since then, over the decades, the zoo has undergone numerous expansions and renovations.
Most recently an African Adventure area was built that effectively doubled the size of
the zoo.
With that expansion also came the addition of creatures like elephants, gorillas, cheetahs,
and lions.
Yosemite National Park
Annually, more than 3 million visitors come out to see Yosemite National Park.
The majority of park guests pay a visit to the Yosemite Valley which has been designated
a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This world-famous national park spans an area of more than 747,000 acres and extends all
the way across the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountain range.
Yosemite is famous the world over for its mind-blowingly beautiful granite cliffs and
towering waterfalls.
There are more than 800 miles of hiking trails within the park that range from beginner trails
to challenging, multi-day, expert-level hikes that take adventurous visitors over various
mountain ridges.
Before we discuss our other favorite things to do in Fresno, California, please take a
moment to show us some support by giving this video a like and subscribing to the Viewcation
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Island Water Park
For an affordable, fun day out in the sun with your family, consider visiting Island
Water Park.
This enormous water park has dozens of slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool to keep even
those in your party who have the shortest of attention spans thoroughly entertained.
Guests can explore the thrilling Tunnel of Terror or get drenched at the Mumbai Monsoon.
While splashing about and working on your tan, you might work up a bit of an appetite.
If so, the park has seven food and drink stalls to satisfy your cravings.
The park naturally is only open during the summer months, and it's always best to consult
the weather before going.
That being said, we can't think of a better way to cool off on a hot summer day.
River Park
After opening to the public in 1996, River Park quickly became one of the most popular
shopping hubs in Fresno.
Today, the area is home to more than 75 shops and restaurants.
The park is divided into three primary areas.
First up, you have The Shops at River Park area, which features dozens of stores, a movie
theater, and a nice mix of dining establishments.
The second area is known as The Marketplace at River Park.
Here you'll find big box department stores.
The last area is called River Park Plaza, and it's here that you'll come upon a craft
store and several other highly-recommended restaurants.
The Tower Theatre
Opened in 1939, the Tower Theatre has been going strong for the better part of the last
century.
Throughout its history in operation, the theater has undergone several restorations.
All of that hard work paid off, because today, the Tower Theatre is considered to be best
of its kind in the state.
The theater is capable of accommodating up to 761 guests and has three tiers on either
side of the auditorium.
You can view the theater's full schedule online to get a better idea of what kind of shows,
concerts, plays, and performances you can see.
Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as tickets regularly sell out.
Woodward Park
Resting alongside the beautiful San Joaquin River is Woodward Park.
The park happens to be the largest in the Fresno area.
It was donated to the city in 1968 by Ralph Woodward.
Every year in November, Woodward Parks hosts the CIF Cross Country State Championships.
Another noteworthy highlight from the park’s annual schedule is the Woodward Shakespeare
Festival, AKA Shakespeare in the Park.
The event has been held here every year for decades, with the company putting on some
of Shakespeare’s most famous plays on the WSF stage.
The Big Fresno Fair
Held annually in Central Valley, the Big Fresno Fair attracts more than 600,000 people.
The event takes place over two weeks and features a variety of exhibits, including horse racing,
live musical performances, and a livestock show.
The fair was devised with the aim of educating the local residents of the Central Valley
about the area's rich, and incredibly important agricultural history.
The fair puts on several competitions that take place every year involving things like
fur, feathers, and livestock.
When the fair isn't going on, the area is used for other exhibitions and events that
draw in thousands of visitors and millions of dollars in revenue for the city.
China Peak Mountain Resort
Calling all adrenaline junkies and winter sports fanatics, this ski resort, set on a
mountain that at its peak is a little over 8,700 feet above sea level, is located just
65 miles outside of Fresno.
Thousands of thrill-seekers flock here to practice their snowboarding and skiing skills.
There are numerous parks that cater to people of all ability levels.
Safety remains the resort's primary priority.
As such, a series of fences marked with highly-visible signs make sure visitors stay within areas
that suit their ability.
Saint John The Baptist Cathedral
The Catholic adherents of Fresno decided in 1878 that they needed to build a church.
With that intention, they started gathering together funds to complete the project.
In time, four adjacent land lots were purchased, and construction of the Cathedral began in
1880.
Two years later, the church was completed.
By 1902, the cathedral was already too small to hold all of the devoted congregants.
The decision was then made to destroy it and build a new one on the outskirts of town.
In 1903, the new church was finally completed, and it has stood in the same spot ever since.
The church is comprised of red brick and features two stately steeples.
For all you architecture buffs, it's worth noting that it was constructed in a Gothic
Revival style.
The Shinzen Friendship Garden
This garden is arguably one of the most beautiful places in Fresno.
It can be found inside the previously discussed Woodward Park and features a traditional Japanese
Garden.
Of note is the fact that Fresno's sister city is the Japanese town Kochi.
This tranquil garden was modeled after the gardens found there.
Initially, the garden sat on a dry valley floor, but over the years, it's been revamped
to incorporate waterfalls, a few streams, and a lake.
If you happen to visit in the spring or summertime, you can witness the cherry trees in bloom.
Coupled with the serene pond teaming with vibrant Koi fish, this garden is one of the
best places in Fresno for engagement photoshoots and weddings.
It also benefits from having seven authentic Japanese-style bridges.
Fresno, California, deserves a lot more attention than it typically receives.
Sure, it's no San Francisco or LA, but it's still a town that boasts a tremendous amount
of personality.
And as far as nature goes, the Fresno area is by far one of the most beautiful places
in the state.
Hopefully, you've enjoyed taking this little tour of Fresno with us.
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Did you know that Fresno was very close to Yosemite National Park and that it's home
to what's been called the best theater of its kind in the state of California?
Let us know in the comments.
If you've already visited Fresno, take a second to let our viewers know what some of your
favorite things to see and do in and around the city are.
As always, thanks for watching!
Be safe out there, and always remember to travel with Viewcation!