If you are looking for things to do in Fresno CA, you have come to the right place. The City of Fresno is situated in the heart of the state in the lush green San Joaquin Valley. From the agricultural meadow on the valley floor to the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevadas, the Fresno area offers something for everyone. Fresno is the fifth biggest city in the state of California. It is the financial, trade, industrial, and commercial capital. This lively city is the center of a region rich in heritage, resources, and people. It offers the best of urban facilities and opportunities with the distinct charms and easy living of a little town. There are many great cultural and recreational things to do in Fresno CA. It is recommended that you and your family take the time to travel around the area. Here are some of the top things to do in Fresno CA.
Top things to do in Fresno CA
1.) The Forestiere Underground Garden
The Forestiere Underground Gardens is situated on Shaw Avenue in north Fresno. It is at a small distance east of Highway 99. Visiting this garden is one of the best things to do in Fresno CA. It is a mixture of underground caverns, patios, caves, and garden courts surrounding the underground home of Baldasare Forestiere. The various sections are interconnected with underground passages and promenades together with an 800 ft (approx) long auto tunnel. These passages are adorned with planters of different shapes and sizes. Most of them are with built-in seats of hardpan, cement and mortar. Some ceilings are arched and carved like upturned tea cups. While others have skylights decorated with redwood arbors and pergolas with gushing grapevines.
2.) Oso de Oro Lake Park
Visiting this place is one of the nice things to do in Fresno CA. Oso de Oro Lake Park is spread on a 9.3-acre park. It features a Margaret Hudson California Grizzly Bear sculpture and 2 interpretive mazes as well. The park also includes picnic areas, a basketball court, a playground and many other fun things. A nice place to have a fun time with your friends and family.
3.) Shizen Japanese Garden
The Shinzen Japanese Garden was constructed as a symbol of friendship for the Sister city of Fresno, Kochi. It hosts many annual events, such as the Floating Lantern Ceremony, The Shinzen Cultural Fairee and The Spring Blossom festival. A nice place for a great time.
4.) Meux Home Museum
The Meux Home appears to be like it’s from another era. You will feel like you are in the Victorian era. The Muex Home Museum was built by a Civil War veteran, Dr. T.R. Meux. He built it for his family at a princely sum (in those days) of $12,000. It was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It is now serving as a museum. At this Museum, visitors can know about the Victorian time of Fresno’s history. The place offers tours of the home’s various rooms. It also includes the Master Bedroom and the Parlor.
5.) Arte Americas
Arte Americas is an excellent place to have some fun. It presents a new family friendly and learning exhibits every few months. Their museum has two gift shops with distinctive, genuine Mexican handcrafts, jewelry and home decorations at great prices. They include everything from art exhibits and shows to theater classes, spoken word programs, and events. Their summer concert series offers a diverse group of musical performances in their glamorous plaza. Their biggest events comprise the Dia De Los Muertos and Mother’s Day celebrations. Also, they offer free admission and parking. Visiting here is among the best things to do in Fresno CA.
6.) Fulton Mall
Fulton St is among the old main shopping and business area. It is located in downtown Fresno. In the 1960s, this core stretch was transformed into the pedestrianized Fulton Mall. The pedestrianized of the middle downtown street was done so as to revitalize the area. It was done to capture both the attraction of the new shopping centers, which were drawing people from downtown and also from Old-European -world feel.
7.) The Tower Theatre and District
The Historic Tower Theatre is the gem of Fresno’s rocking nightlife neighborhood. The theater is an excellent venue to host a social event such as a wedding, church, school function, holiday event, seminar. It is also available for commercial and video shoots. It is among the best things to do in Fresno CA. The theater is located in the heart of The Tower District at Wishon & Olive Avenues. The remodeling of the place now features a lovely gift shop which during special events also serves as a lounge. A must-see place for visitors.
8.) Chukchansi Park
Chukchansi Park is home to the Fresno Fuego minor league soccer teams and the Pacific Coast Fresno Grizzlies baseball. Earlier the stadium was originally owned by the city. But it is now supported by the Indian casino corporation. The Indian casino corporation operates a gambling casino located between the Fresno and Yosemite National Park. The Stadium also has a kids’ playground and the old-fashioned carousel. The Stadium is also very near to the Greyhound Bus Terminal.
9.) Old Fresno Water Tower
The Old Fresno Water Tower is an attractive and famous old water tower. It is a key landmark in downtown Fresno. It is also one of the oldest surviving structures in the region. It is basically a Romanesque Revival -style structure. It looks loosely like a romanticized version of a castle. At present. It serves as a visitor center. Inside, one can have tourist information, buy artwork, trinkets, and souvenirs. Don’t forget to see the brick ceiling above which is the water tank.
10.) Fresnos State Farm Market
If you’re in the Fresno area, remember to visit the Farm Market for some produce, ice cream, and wine. The Farm Market is situated on the Fresno State campus on the edge of Barstow and Chestnut. The Market’s products are produced by Fresno State’s agricultural department. The Produce varies from season to season. It can be anything from peaches, cucumbers, corn, grapes, peppers, tomatoes, etc. A nice place to visit. The market is also famous for the wine and the ice cream. The dairy division includes cheese, fresh milk and some of the best ice cream. If you are looking for some wine, Fresno State has their own Viticulture and Enology department. The market offers a variety of white, red, blush, and dessert wines.