Fresno, California is a great city in South California that offers zoos, beaches, national parks, waterfalls, and much more. There is incredible food and a wide variety of comfortable places to stay. Something can be found for everyone in Fresno, be it shopping or a visit to the local park or zoo. In the Tower District of Fresno for example, this is an area where you can find everything from great dining to arts, entertainment and more. There are so many businesses here that you will not get bored and you will surely find something great to see or buy. There are nightclubs here, cafes, performing arts venues, and other experiences. Find great Mexican food or do some easy shopping, see amazing natural sights at national parks, or enjoy a night at a clean and spacious hotel like the Garden Inn and Suites Fresno which is a family owned hotel in the region that has a great pool area. Here is a list below of a few suggestions for places to visit while on your stay in Fresno.
# 10 – Fresno Chaffee Zoo
This zoo has a variety of animals to see. You can also attend the gift shop if you want to pick something up to remember your stay and vacation to Fresno, California. This animal park is almost 40 acres and has more than 150 different species to see. There is a Sea Lion Cove, a Stingray Bay, and much more. If you want to have fun and learn about some amazing animals while having fun with the family too, then Fresno Chaffee Zoo is the place to do it.
# 9 – Kings Canyon National Park
This is about an hour drive away from Fresno downtown area. If you don’t mind a little bit of a drive then you will be able to get to a very special place. Kings Canyon National Park is a national park and it has become well known for its stunning sequoia trees. You can see beautiful granite canyon walls, there are trails to follow and enjoy a good hike, but you will want to watch out for animals like cougars and bears. There might be a few snakes that you could come across as well so wear some comfortable walking shoes and keep a lookout.
# 8 – Sequoia National Park
For a trip to a beautiful park area there is always the Sequoia National Park which is about an hour and 20 minutes drive from Fresno depending on the traffic. The Sequoia National Park is right beside the Kings Canyon National Parks area and so it would make a great day trip to plan to see both at the same time. You can find spaces for camping and there are wilderness permits that you might need to obtain, reservations for those could be needed. For these areas it is important to plan ahead and consider weather, know where you are going to explore so that you do not get lost.
# 7 – River Park Shopping Center
The River Park Shopping Center is a great shopping location for you to start with that is an outdoor shopping area if you are looking to do a little bit of shopping while you are in Fresno, California. Find the perfect summer dress or a gift for someone back home. If you want to eat or do something like see a movie there are also options for that as well. You can find an IMAX cinema here and there is also a children’s play area too so it makes it accessible for families as well. If you want to do shopping with the kids then feel free to bring them with you to this shopping area that even has a farmers market nearby too.
# 6 – Fashion Fair Shopping Place
Fashion Fair shopping center is both an indoor and outdoor shopping experience in Fresno, California. Here you are going to find well known brands and lots of food options too. You can shop from morning until night. They also offer entertainment and events too so it would pay to check on their site for that information before coming. You don’t want to miss a good show. Spend the day shopping and then grab a bite to eat after at some place great, Fashion Fair has many choices for you.
# 5 – Island Waterpark
Its gets pretty hot in Fresno, California especially during the summer months, so one of the 10 Best Things to do in Fresno, California is to visit the area’s greatest water park. Island Waterpark is the perfect escape from the California heat for the entire family. Rent a cabana, relax down the lazy rivers, enjoy a thrilling ride on one of the great waster slides. You can also relax on a beach chair while enjoying a chilled ice cream cone. Its simply perfect.
# 4 – Fresno Art Museum
If you are an art fan and want to take in some great art while in Fresno then the Fresno Art Museum has that for you. This is a museum that houses a collection including modern art and contemporary pieces as well. There is plenty of Mexican art and Mexican-American art to see, along with other selections. For history and a great art experience, make a trip here to the Fresno Art Museum.
# 3 – Roeding Park
This is a great little park if you are looking for a relaxing place to go for a walk. Sit down and have lunch with your loved ones or take a few pictures to share with friends and family back home. Roeding Park is one of 4 different regional city parks that are available to experience in the Fresno area. It’s a 90 acre park that offers you a lake to enjoy, there are several different ponds too, and many plants and flowers to see.
# 2 – Forestiere Underground Gardens
A trip to Forestiere Underground Gardens will surely be a memorable experience. This Fresno garden space was built over a span of several decades by an immigrant from Sicily and the grounds are still kept by the family today. It is through the Forestiere Historical Center that they maintain the underground garden space and it is truly a spectacular sight to see. If you love nature and garden spaces then you will truly love this place.
# 1 – Woodward Park
This is a public park space that is going to offer stunning views of the San Joaquin River. There are several public parks in Fresno, and this is the largest of the most prominent ones. At this park area you will be able to find a fenced dog park, there is also an exercise course, and great flower and garden spaces to see. Walk around the water area by the trees or sit and enjoy the sunset. This would make a great spot to start with on any trip to Fresno.
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