Fresno is a city in California located about three hours by car from both San Francisco and other parts of California. It’s a major city in the Central Valley, known for its fertile land and thriving agriculture, where tomatoes, raisins, cotton, and more are widely cultivated.
In the spring, you can drive along the Blossom Trail to enjoy fully blooming fruit trees. Tourism is also booming, with must-visit spots where you can experience nature and wildlife, like Yosemite National Park and the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Here are 8 top tourist attractions to fully enjoy Fresno.
1. Forestiere Underground Gardens
This underground garden was created by Forestiere, who spent most of his life building it in the 1900s. The garden contains around 100 rooms, including a kitchen, bedroom, bath, and church — all spaces where people could live. Forestiere himself lived there as well.
The skylights let in sunlight, and the sight of trees growing up from underground is striking. The many trees give the place a European village vibe. The fruit trees that reach up to the skylights help moderate the intense summer heat and winter cold, keeping the garden comfortable.
This is a beautiful tourist spot where you can feel the power of nature — definitely worth a visit.
Name: Forestiere Underground Gardens
Address: 5021 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93722
2. Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Perfect for families with children but also enjoyable for adults, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo originally opened as a sanctuary for abandoned animals. Over time, various animals were donated, and it officially opened as a zoo in 1908. Today, it is home to elephants, giraffes, lions, bugs, and many other animals, delighting both locals and tourists.
A major highlight is the newly opened African Adventure. Spanning an area equivalent to 13 soccer fields, cheetahs, rhinos, and lions roam freely, giving visitors the feeling of being on the savanna.
Name: Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Address: 894 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728
3. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park attracts 4 million visitors a year. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and twice the size of Tokyo, yet only a small portion is accessible to tourists — the majority remains untouched wilderness.
The park features sheer cliffs, valleys, lakes, and mountain ranges, leaving visitors awestruck by the grandeur of nature. Be sure to take pictures of the famous El Capitan and Half Dome rock formations.
Other popular attractions include Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point. The stunning waterfalls and rock views from above are truly breathtaking. You can also camp in the park to fully experience Fresno’s incredible natural beauty.
Name: Yosemite National Park
Address: PO Box 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Official/Related Website URL: http://www.visitcalifornia.com/jp/destination/spotlight-%E3%83%A8%E3%82%BB%E3%83%9F%E3%83%86%E5%9B%BD%E7%AB%8B%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92
4. River Park
Fresno isn’t just about sightseeing — shopping is also a highlight. With about 75 stores ranging from apparel to miscellaneous goods, River Park is a place where you’re likely to find what you’re looking for. The complex is divided into three shopping areas: The Shops at River Park, which includes a movie theater; The Marketplace at River Park, where large retail stores line the streets; and River Park Plaza, home to restaurants and small shops.
Just walking through the streets is enough to get you excited. It’s a convenient stop for shopping in between your Fresno sightseeing adventures, especially with so many restaurants to choose from.
Name: River Park
Address: 71 E Via la Plata, Fresno, CA 93720
5. Discovery Center
A recommended spot for families with children is The Discovery Center. With exhibits designed to be seen, touched, and felt, kids are sure to be captivated. They can even try out different careers — becoming a construction site supervisor or running a farm — allowing them to experience various real-world roles.
Of course, there are plenty of exhibits for adults to enjoy too. The outdoor area includes a beautiful cactus garden perfect for a stroll. Since many of the activities are indoors, it’s a great choice even on rainy days in Fresno. It’s a tourist spot that families can enjoy together, so be sure to stop by.
Name: The Discovery Center
Address: 1944 N Winery Ave, Fresno, CA 93703
6. Meux Home Museum
Registered as a U.S. historic building, the Meux Home Museum welcomes you at the entrance with staff dressed in traditional attire, instantly giving you the feeling of stepping back in time. This charming Victorian building was purchased by Dr. Meux — who served as a surgical assistant for the Confederate Army — for his family after moving from Tennessee to Fresno.
It’s a popular spot where you can get a glimpse of life in historical Fresno. It’s also perfect for photography, so take in the atmosphere of early America while you tour.
Name: Meux Home Museum
Address: 1007 R St, Fresno, CA 93721
7. Woodward Regional Park
For outdoor lovers, Woodward Park is a highly recommended spot. One of the largest parks in Fresno, it has running and cycling trails and is great for walking and exploring. Guided tours are also available and highly recommended.
The park also hosts many events such as cross-country championships and the Shakespeare Festival, making it a lively destination and popular tourist spot.
Name: Woodward Regional Park
Address: 14528 26 Mile Rd, Oakdale, CA 95361
8. Kearney Mansion Museum
Also registered as a national historic building, this museum is famous for having “the most beautiful estate on the West Coast.” Mr. Kearney, known as the Raisin King of Fresno and the most successful farm owner in California, planned this luxurious mansion in the French Renaissance style. Interestingly, it was not his own residence but was owned by one of his subordinates. Kearney had intended to build a grand castle-like estate but passed away before it was completed.
Tours are available for visitors, offering a look inside the mansion. The furnishings from that time are still on display, allowing you to glimpse life in early 20th-century Fresno.
Name: Kearney Mansion Museum
Address: 7160 W Kearney Blvd, Fresno, CA 93706
◎ Summary
The city of Fresno is blessed with rich natural surroundings and offers an abundance of tourist attractions. From Yosemite National Park to the popular underground gardens, you’ll feel the grandeur of nature. In addition to parks, there’s also shopping and museums, making for a diverse and exciting trip with no chance of boredom. Fresno is full of spots that can be enjoyed whether you’re traveling solo or with family, so be sure to visit.