Visit Fresno, California
Spanish for "ash tree", Fresno, CA sits in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, and was named for the abundant ash trees that line the San Joaquin River. Founded in 1872, the 5th-most populous city in California is known for being pioneers in the raisin industry and is home to the Sun Maid Raisin company.
The Best Time to Visit Fresno, California
Fresno, CA experiences a Mediterranean climate. Summers are very long, hot and dry, while winters are generally mild, with little rainfall. The hottest months fall between June and August, with highs averaging at around 100°F. The coldest months fall between December and January, with lows averaging at around 38°F.
Hotels in Fresno, CA are busiest between June and August. Hotels in Fresno, CA are cheapest in November.
Getting Around Fresno, California
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), approx. 5 miles away, serves Fresno, CA. The most convenient way to get to downtown Fresno from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is via taxi. Taxis are available at the airline terminal curb, and may be utilized on a first come, first serve basis. The journey will take 8–10 minutes, and costs between US$14–US$18.
Driving is a popular way of getting to and around Fresno, CA. Car rental agencies have desks conveniently located within the terminal. Alternatively, Trip.com offers a wide selection of cars to book, with free cancellation and no credit card fees. You can explore car rental options here.
The city of Fresno's Public Transportation Department offers 16 fixed routes across via Fresno Area Express (FAX). The FAX bus service runs from approx. 05:30–22:00, Mondays–Saturdays, and from around 06:30–19:00 on Sundays. Single ride fares cost US$1.25. FAX provides the cheapest way of getting from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) to downtown Fresno via the Line 35 bus.
Things to Do in Fresno, California
Located 8.5 miles away from downtown Fresno, the Forestiere Underground Gardens features subterranean tunnels, grottoes, and gardens that span across 10 acres and go as deep as 25 feet underground. The magnificent attraction was painstakingly excavated by Sicilian immigrant and citrus grower, Baldassare Forestiere, for over 40 years starting in 1906. The Forestiere Undergound Gardens is open daily from 09:00–15:00, May–October. Admission costs US$21, and includes a guided hour-long walking tour.
Enjoy a family-fun day at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, located in Roeding Park, just 4 miles away from downtown Fresno and 1.5 miles west of the historic Tower District. Initially an unwanted pet home in 1908, The Chaffee Zoo is now home to almost 190 different animal species, and an amphitheater. The zoo opens daily, from 09:00–19:00, Sunday to Thursday, and 09:00–20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission costs US$14.95.
Very Good
125 Reviews