20 Places You Need to See on Your Fresno Vacation

Roeding Park, just east of Highway 99, is a 90-acre expanse designated as a historic place in July 2009. The park features groves of deciduous and coniferous trees, including redwood, maple, and ash. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas and tennis courts, or explore the 40-acre Chaffee Zoo, home to nearly 200 animal species. Roeding Park also offers a variety of recreational activities, including playgrounds and walking trails, making it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

For over a century, the Engleman family has produced Pinot Noirs, Merlots, and Moscatos from grapes grown in Fresno County’s fertile soil. The LoMac Winery offers visitors a chance to explore the history of their award-winning wines. Wine lovers can savor different flavors and textures, and might even get some chocolates to accompany their tasting. The winery also offers guided tours, providing insights into the wine-making process from vine to bottle.

Opened in 1981, this 5-acre Japanese garden was established to strengthen the relationship between Fresno and its sister city, Kochi. The garden’s design promotes cultural understanding through special events like the Toro Nagashi Lantern Event, as well as educational workshops. Visitors can learn about Japanese culture and traditions while strolling through meticulously landscaped gardens, featuring serene ponds and tranquil pathways.

Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company, located in downtown Fresno in the San Joaquin Valley, caters to beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. The brewery specializes in handcrafted beers that tantalize the taste buds and challenge the senses. Monthly events in their Beer Garden showcase these creations against the backdrop of the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains, making Tioga-Sequoia Brewery a must-visit for craft beer lovers.

Chukchansi Park is home to the Fresno Grizzlies, a Triple-A minor league baseball team. The park also serves as a venue for various local, national, and international sporting events, as well as music concerts. Baseball enthusiasts can enjoy the excitement of a live game, while the park’s central location provides easy access to nearby dining and entertainment options, making it a lively destination for sports fans and concert-goers alike.

Known for its waterfalls and breathtaking scenery, Yosemite National Park covers 1,200 square miles of valleys, wilderness, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore hiking trails year-round, with June to October being the best time to experience the park's full magnificence. Yosemite also offers camping grounds, provided you reserve a spot, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Woodward is an expansive regional park offering a variety of activities for individuals and families. Picnic areas, playgrounds, and dog parks provide ample space for leisurely outings, while trails lead into the Central Valley. Bikers can enjoy scenic views of snow-covered mountains, while birdwatchers can spot hundreds of geese, coots, and cormorants near the park’s ponds and lakes. Woodward Regional Park’s diverse offerings make it a popular destination.

The historic Tower Theatre, off Freeway 99 at the Olive Avenue exit, is a masterpiece of art deco style, with its distinctive 80-foot fluted tower. Originally built as a 20th Century Fox Movie House in the late 1930s, the theatre now hosts live music and comedy shows, special events, and movies. Its sculptured fittings and unique design make it an iconic destination for entertainment enthusiasts and history buffs.

Located at California State University Fresno, the Save Mart Center is a venue for school sports, including basketball, wrestling, and volleyball. It also hosts a variety of international entertainment events, from WWE Live to concerts by popular recording artists. The center’s inaugural performance in 2003 was an opera by Andrea Bocelli, highlighting its cultural significance and versatility as a venue for diverse events.

The China Peak Mountain Resort offers winter activities like skiing and snowboarding, making it a great destination for an active weekend. The resort’s lakes provide boating and camping opportunities in the summer, offering year-round recreation. With activities for all skill levels, China Peak is a versatile and scenic destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Fresno Art Museum features an expansive collection of over 3,600 modern and contemporary art pieces. Visitors can explore works by renowned artists such as Rolland Pickford, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol. The museum also showcases folk art from indigenous cultures, and rotating exhibitions explore relevant social and cultural issues. With diverse exhibits and interactive displays, the Fresno Art Museum provides an engaging cultural experience.

The Forestiere Underground Gardens, created by Sicilian artist Baldassare Forestiere, offer a unique exploration experience. Guided tours lead visitors through passageways, grottos, rooms, and courtyards hand-built over 40 years. The gardens feature shrubs, vines, and fruit trees, while Roman architectural elements like arches and vaults add to its charm. Temperature shifts of 10 to 20 degrees throughout the gardens make it a fascinating exploration of underground beauty.

The Meux Home Museum, built in 1888, offers a glimpse into Victorian-era Fresno. The 16-room house has remained relatively unchanged, allowing visitors to explore its 19th-century splendor. The museum features authentic furnishings, stained glass windows, and a gorgeous garden, offering insights into the life of Dr. Thomas Richard Meux. Guided tours provide an educational journey through the home’s architecture, artwork, and design.

The Fresno County Fruit Trail offers a self-guided tour through California’s heartland, celebrating the region’s flavors. Visitors can sample fresh fruits and produce, including over 100 varieties at Simonian Farms, which also features a Western-themed town with a tasting saloon and general store. The trail offers a scenic and flavorful way to explore Fresno County’s agricultural bounty.

The Kearney Mansion Museum, located in the 225-acre Kearney Park, was begun in 1892 by Martin Theodore Kearney. The mansion consists of two French Renaissance-style buildings with ornate pinnacles and lofty chimneys. Its Victorian-era interiors feature crown molding, wall finishings, and stair railings, providing a glimpse into California's 19th-century agricultural development. The mansion offers guided tours, showcasing its historical significance and architectural beauty.

The Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra offers live performances of classical and contemporary works by leading composers. The Fresno Pops series combines diverse genres such as jazz and Broadway, featuring top headliners. The orchestra also hosts Meet the Artist luncheons, allowing guests to converse with artists and musicians while enjoying a meal, making it a cultural cornerstone of Fresno’s music scene.

Blackbeard's Family Entertainment Center offers all-day excitement for families. The pirate-themed arcade features pinball and prizes, while three mini-golf courses guide players through pirate, storybook, and Old West themes. A 1,400-square-foot laser tag area offers thrilling challenges, while bumper boats, batting cages, Go-Karts, waterslides, and a rollercoaster provide endless entertainment options, making it a lively destination for families.

The Fresno County Blossom Trail offers a scenic self-guided bike tour through panoramic orchards. Blooming from April to November, the orchards feature over 200 varieties of plum, 100 types of peach and nectarine, and dozens of almond, apricot, apple, and citrus trees. The trail provides a colorful and fragrant way to connect with nature, making it a popular destination for seasonal exploration.

Island Waterpark provides aquatic adventures for all ages. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed ride down the Waimea River or experience thrilling slides like Nature's Furies and the Tsunami. Cabana rentals offer comfortable oases for up to 12 people, while festival favorites such as funnel cake, burgers, and ice cream satisfy cravings. Island Waterpark’s diverse attractions make it a go-to destination for summer fun.

Ram Tap Horse Park has been serving equestrians since the 1950s, offering thrilling classes and three-day events. The park hosts cross-country, dressage, and show jumping events, providing excitement for spectators and participants alike. Visitors can also enroll in Cross Country Schooling, making Ram Tap Horse Park a popular destination for both riders and horse lovers.