Best Places to Visit in Fresno
Fresno is California’s fifth largest city and is located in the middle of the San Joaquin Valley. The city was founded after the California Gold Rush of 1856 and was named for the abundance of ash trees along the San Joaquin River. The city has mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers that attract many people as they rarely drop below freezing several times a year.
Have a look at our list of the Best Places to Visit in Fresno and make your trip enjoyable.
10 Best Places to Visit in Fresno
Let’s explore the top 10 Most Beautiful and Best Places to Visit in Fresno:
1. Yosemite National Park
More than 3 million people visit Yosemite National Park each year, many of whom visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Yosemite Valley. The national park covers 747,956 acres and extends into the Sierra Nevada. The area is known worldwide for its incredible granite cliffs and beautiful waterfalls. There are more than 800 miles of trails in the park, ranging from small easy hikes to strenuous multi-day hikes in the various park mountains.
2. Island Water Park
If you’re looking for a low cost and fun day out with your family, an island water park tour might be just what you need. This huge water park has enough slides and wave machines to engage even the shortest attention span. You can explore the horror tunnel or take a walk in the Mumbai monsoon. When you want to take a break from all the fun in the water, you can dine at one of the 7 food and beverage stalls. The park is closed year-round due to the weather, so be sure to check online before you arrive.
3. River Park
Opened in 1996, Fresno River Park has more than 75 stores. The park is divided into three main areas. There is a “Shop in River Park” with various shops, a movie theater and some restaurants. The second part is called “River Park’s Market” with a variety of big box stores and finally “River Park Plaza” with more restaurants and a craft shop. The cinema has 21 screens, which ensures there is always a seat for the latest releases.
4. Tower Theater
Fresno’s Tower Theater opened in 1939 and is still thriving today. Various restorations have been made over the years, and the theater is now considered the best of its kind in California. The theater simultaneously accommodates 761 people, with three floors on either side of the auditorium. Tower Theater always has a full schedule, and many shows are shown only a few nights before the next one starts, so always check the box office to see what’s next.
5. Chukchansi Park
The Fresno Grizzlies have played home games at Chukchahi Park since the stadium was completed in May 2002. The Fresno Grizzlies are a minor league baseball team with a long history of breaking into the major leagues. The park is known for the views the stadium offers throughout the league, and you can also enjoy stunning views of downtown Fresno while enjoying the backdrop of the Sierra Mountains. After the game, stop at the Phoenix Club for a meal and a few drinks while we discuss the details of the game of the day.
6. Woodward Park
Located next to the San Joaquin River is Woodward Park. The largest park in the Fresno area was donated to the city in 1968 by Ralph Woodward. Every November, the park hosts the CIF Cross Country National Championships. A highlight of Woodward Park is the Woodward Shakespeare Festival, also known as Shakespeare in the Park. The company has been performing here for years and presents its most famous plays on the DSF stage.
7. BigFresno Fair
More than 600,000 people come to the Greater Fresno Fair in the Central Valley each year. The two-week fair features a variety of exhibits, including livestock shows, horse races, and live music. The fair aims to educate the valley dwellers about the agricultural history of the region. A number of competitions are held each year at the fair, including livestock, fur and feathers. When there is no show, the space will be used for exhibitions and events and will continue to generate revenue for the City of Fresno.
8. The Save Mart Center
Located on the campus of California State University, the Save Mart Center is a multi-purpose venue that opened in 2003. The center is home to the Fresno State Bulldogs basketball team but has previously hosted boxing, ice hockey, hockey, rodeo, and wrestling. Several live music events have also been held here over the years, including the first performance by Andrea Bocelli. Outside the arena is a 37-foot-high 13-story clock tower named after the founder of Producers Dairy Foods, who donated $3 million for construction costs.
9. Warnors Theater
The Warnors Theater is located in downtown Fresno and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 2,000-seat venue opened in 1928 and was named the Pantages Theater after its owners at the time. A year later, the theater was sold to Warner Bros., which was renamed Warner again in 1960 due to trademark issues. The theater now plays comedy and live music alongside many classic films.
10. Saint John
In 1978, Catholics in Fresno realized they needed to build a church and began raising money for the project. Four adjacent parcels were eventually purchased and construction of the church began in 1880. The church was completed in 1882, and Fresno Catholics had a new church to attend. By 1902, the church was no longer large enough to house the congregation.
The church was destroyed and a new church was built on the outskirts of the city. The new church was built in 1903 and has been preserved to this day. The church is made of red brick and has two towers and the church was built in the Gothic Revival style.
Conclusion:
Hope you like our choice of the best places to visit in Fresno. If you think there are some more beautiful places to visit in Fresno, we should cover them. Write us below in the comment box.