8 Highly Rated & Fun Things To Do Near Fresno, CA

With its abundant ash trees and sweeping views, Fresno, California, is one of the largest cities in the state. Near the geographic center of California, there's a wealth of fun-filled things to do in Fresno. The area is home to many museums, shopping centers, and historical sites ready to explore. That said, Fresno is probably best known for its spacious parks and outdoor attractions. Three national parks are within a few hours' drive of Fresno, making the city ideal for a day trip full of exploration and adventure.

Fresno has so much to offer, whether you enjoy indulging in retail therapy or spreading out a picnic under the shade of a massive tree. Here are eight highly-rated things to do in Fresno.

Originally established in 1949, the Fresno Art Museum quickly became a hotspot for outstanding art exhibitions and educational programs. Today, the museum houses thousands of works from artists like Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, Norman Rockwell, Pablo Picasso, and Ansel Adams. While the Fresno Art Museum is well-known for its impressive collection of contemporary art, it also houses a beautiful selection of Pre-Columbian works from Mesoamerica and the Andes and folk art of Mexican origin.

In addition to the permanent collections, the Fresno Art Museum hosts a revolving selection of touring exhibitions, special museum events, and panel discussions. Visit the museum store for beautiful jewelry, accessories, prints, and fabulously decorated notebooks.

As one of America's most renowned national parks, Yosemite is a must-visit for anyone in the Fresno region. The park is a two-hour drive from the heart of Fresno, making it ideal for a wondrous day trip. There's a lot to see in Yosemite National Park, including winding hiking trails and quiet spaces to enjoy the stunning scenery with friends and family. For hiking enthusiasts, there's something for every skill level, promising incredible vistas and a memorable time.

Located within the protected area of Sequoia National Forest, about 1.5 hours from Fresno, Hume Lake is a manufactured space with an extensive recreation area. Originally built to support a commercial logging operation, Hume Lake is a top destination for anyone who enjoys boating, fishing, mountain biking, or camping.

If you have time, explore the rest of the Sequoia National Forest, where you’ll find more than 50 campgrounds, glistening ponds and lakes, and world-class white-water rapids. While Hume Lake is especially popular in summer, it is well worth visiting in the fall, when the breeze is slightly cooler and the crowds aren't quite as bustling.

Nestled in the heart of north Fresno, the Forestiere Underground Gardens is one of the area's highest-rated and most naturally beautiful attractions. The gardens were designed and sculpted by Baldassare Forestiere, a Sicilian immigrant. Made up of many underground passages, patios, and garden courts, visiting the Forestiere Underground Gardens is an experience unlike anything else in California.

The gardens are open for tours seven days a week. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, and it is recommended to dress in layers, as temperatures can fluctuate while you are exploring the many tunnels and winding underground spaces.

There are several zoos in the Fresno area, but the Fresno Chaffee Zoo rises above the herd. More than 200 species call the Fresno Chaffee Zoo home, including lions, elephants, exotic lizards, and tropical birds, and it is the experiences with nature that make this zoo so special. Guests can enjoy the opportunity to feed a giraffe, pet a stingray, or excavate prehistoric fossils in the Dino Dig area.

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo hosts many events throughout the year, including “Roar and Pour,” a social outing that showcases local breweries and food trucks. Sample delicious small bites and brews while wandering around the most beloved zoo in Fresno.

The Warnors Center for the Performing Arts includes three separate venues: The Theater, Star Palace, and Frank’s Place. While all of these centers are well worth a visit, the Theater may be the most impressive. Warnors Theater is vital to Fresno's history, and the interior has been impeccably preserved, with grand flourishes that make it a treat for the senses and seating for 2,000 patrons.

Warnors Theater features a full schedule of events, including concerts, comedy performances, plays, and movies. During your visit, make sure to check out the historic pipe organ, a haunting reminder of days gone by.

Far more than a shopping destination, River Park Shopping Center features a movie theater, multiple restaurants, and plenty of wide open spaces for relaxing and watching the world go by. After you've picked up the latest fashions from the many upscale shops, including designer clothing boutiques and handcrafted candle stores, enjoy a pedicure or massage at one of the on-site health and beauty spas, or check out the adjoining art gallery.

River Park Shopping Center is a community hotspot, hosting an outdoor flea market with a wide variety of food trucks and vendors every Tuesday and Saturday. Whether you are looking to connect with others at an event like outdoor yoga or listen to local bands at a live music night, there's always something on the calendar at River Park Shopping Center.

There's so much to do in and around Fresno for those who love history. At the top of that list of must-sees is the Kearney Mansion Museum. Located west of downtown Fresno, the Kearney Mansion Museum offers up a fascinating look at the history of California through vintage artifacts and home furnishings. Special events are held at the Kearney Mansion Museum year-round, including tea parties and lectures. Christmas at Kearney is a particular favorite with locals. This festive holiday celebration sees the museum decked out with multiple Christmas trees, each decorated to represent a local designer's interpretation of a beloved toy.

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