Things to Do in Fresno

What started as a rescue centre for unwanted pets and animals has now grown into a nationwide recognised wildlife park accommodating over 190 species of animals, from tigers, giraffe to bears and orangutans. The place had its origins around 1905 and is spread over an area of 39 acres. One of the popular adventure destinations among tourists, the park is known for its variety of attractions including dino dig, african adventure, sea lion cove or stingray bay. Feed the giraffe, go for the games or just stroll through the zoo, rest assured to enjoy some quality time here.

Anyone travelling to Fresno must definitely visit this place at least once during their trip. The place is an unusual mix of creativity and engineering and considered to be a great example of vernacular architecture. This one of a kind garden is home to numerous variety of plants such as Kumquat, Carob, Dates and Quince along with plants of grapes and wine. Built over a period frame of 40 years, this unique man made creation was forged by Baldasare Forestiere who got the idea from ancient Roman Catacombs. The place also has bedroom, kitchen ,fishpond and fireplace that perfectly compliments its enticing exterior. Bask in the warmth of its stone based archways and spend some time enjoying this underground abode.

Donated by a kind hearted resident Ralph woodward in 1968, this chunk of land was later revamped as an regional park and bird sanctuary housing a wide variety of winged birds. Spread over an area of 300 acres, the park today stands as an amazing getaway for visitors with its vast range of amenities including multi-use amphitheatre, play grounds, waterbodies, dog park, Barbeque zone and furnished picnic areas. The place is also a home to Shinzen Friendship Garden, a Japanese styled American garden featuring a beautiful koi pond exhibiting the different aspect of Japanese culture. The garden, spread over an area of 5 acres poignantly holds up the Japanese belief of inculcating all the fours seasons in their architecture with each of them marked differently with a granite marker. Decked with places such as Double Moon Bridge, Ume Grove, Tea House and Clark Bonsai Collection, the place makes a great spot for visitors to visit and explore.For more adventurous souls, the park offers numerous trail to tread on and enjoy. An open park, the place makes a perfect spot to visit with your companions and go for a afternoon picnic or camping. 

People interested in arts and history will find this place intriguing. The museum was built in 19th century and reflects the quintessential architectural style of Victorian era. The two story building with its composed roof and elongated high chimneys along with an elaborate exterior donned with varied textures including shingles and shiplap makes it the perfect muse for anyone who wish to have a peek in the time back then. The building was registered in 1975 and located in downtown Fresno. Photographers can also come here to spend some in this architectural marvel while clicking photographs and enjoying its elegant ambiance.

Tired of exploring the city and want a place to relax in? Then this is the one for you. The amusement park is a family park for people to come and enjoy for a while. Accommodated with numerous attractions including various water slides along with a quaint peaceful picnic area and a large barbeque zone, the place appeals to people of all the ages. The are few food joints around the place that are known to sell delicious reasonably priced food. Enjoy a stroll along the ‘Lazy River’ or spend some time with you friends in little pop up tents camping, rest assured to have a great time.

The museum was established by a native group of artistic individuals in 1940 with an agenda to bring forth a platform where performers can not only showcase their talent but gauge and improve each other’s work as well. Travellers with an inclination towards arts and music will find this place enthralling, all thanks to its vast range of activities that seamlessly touch different aspects of art and music including informative exhibitions and gripping performances. The place is also popular for hosting educational programs and workshops for art lovers. Housed with varied kind of materials such as sculptures, painting, and photographs along with different items of fine crafts, the museum has become an intriguing attractions among travellers.

A historic museum located nearby the downtown Fresno And is situated in the lap of Kearney park, a commonly frequented park in the city. Surrounded by lush greenery and calm atmosphere, the park makes a perfect place for visitors to take a leisurely stroll or two. Standing proudly in the center of the park is the Kearney Mansion museum with its elaborately designed interiors and well maintained exteriors.Built in the French Renaissance style, the place comprises of two buildings decked with large well furnished bedrooms, and downstair parlors all bespeaking of the legacy of M Theo kearney. A good place to visit if you are interested in historical places and their designs.

The place was established in 1954 as a Jr. Museum of Science and Natural History which was renamed decades later as ‘The Discovery Center’. It offers a great deal of activities to visitors specifically children who get to go on the field trips, science camps and other learning expeditions. The Discovery Center is situated over a land of 5 acres and accommodated with reptile room and other areas inhabiting different animals. The surrounding gardens with its green landscape and a beautiful pond only seems to add to its beauty. Can be visited for a nice family excursion.

Storyland, just like its name, is a land of stories and fairy tales. The amusement park got its roots in around 1955 when playland was built as an exclusive playzone for children only to be followed by the construction of storyland seven years later. With an aim to renew children’s interest in this genre, the story land started hosting exhibits and events where families can take their children to spend some time. The place is housed with number of interesting attractions including the Willis B. Kyle Express Train and Daniel R. Martin Children’s Theater. There is a large artificial dinosaur in the park too which is visible to viewers during their train ride. A great place to take your children to and watch them get amazed with all the things they get to do here.

A place to hop, shop and eat, it embodies everything you might be looking for during your exciting shopping spree. The place although medium sized, accommodates various kinds of shops and food joints for tourists to visit and enjoy. From high end shops to a local one, the place is packed with all. Not to forget all the delicious food the restaurants are known for. Take a stroll through the different parts of the building, buy a souvenir, have a bite and just relax.

A beautiful museum dedicated to relay the story of war and struggles that had been a part of American history. Built in downtown Fresno, the museum exhibits numerous artefacts and pictures reflecting the wars of the past along with equipments and weapons used during that time. The museum came to life as a combined efforts from the members of Legion of Valor community and their wives. Also known as Home of the Legion of Valor, the building is a great place for explorers who wish to know more about America’s history.

It is a premier convention center situated in the Fresno’s downtown and is managed and maintained by SMG. Thanks to the number and variety of events it hosts, the place has become a popular destination among art lovers. People flock to this place to witness its concerts and stage shows along with numerous sports and community events. People who are interested in arts can choose one of the many events to go to and enjoy. Now a widely recognised platform, the place provides refuge to the budding talent of the country and help grow and establish themselves.

‘To make central California a flourishing place for Latino arts’ With a motto as such, this place functions to provide its visitors a thorough peek into the world of latino arts. It is spread over an area of 10,000 square feet and is home to various gallery and meeting spaces for people to visit. Its vast variety of exhibits including visual arts, dance performances and literature workshops where artists, both Indian and international grace the place with their imaginative and brilliant works. One can visit the gallery and see the paintings and other items put on display there or be a part of one of its renowned events.

The beautiful cathedral is the mother church of Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno and situated near the centre of the city. What initially started as a brick structure built to serve only five catholic families in the area expanded into a stunning Romanesque style church and frequented by many visitors today. The beauty and elegance the place has along with its intriguing history makes it a great destination for historians and travellers to visit. One must definitely take some time out of their schedule to walk around the premises and feel the serenity and calm the place embodies.