Fresno

Many visitors find themselves stopping in Fresno on the way to Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, or other destinations in the Sierras. The Save Mart Center at California State University, Fresno ("Fresno State") has also played host to concerts featuring high-profile acts.
Fresno's most famous son is the writer William Saroyan, after whom a local theater is named. The city has a large Hmong community.

Climate

Winter weather typically features highs around , and "extreme" lows in the low to mid 30s F, often with morning fog and sometimes frost. Rain fall is sparse and occurs exclusively in winter and early spring months. Most rain storms last less than 2 days and are often spread weeks apart. It is not uncommon to experience hail, however it is very rare to see snow fall on the valley floor. The few times it does snow, the snow rarely sticks over night. While winter temperatures can reach below freezing, most all storms feature "warm fronts" that more or less eliminate the chance for snow (mid to low 40s F is a typical "cold" rain storm).
Summer temperatures average in the mid-90s F. Days with high temperatures or above are not uncommon. Humidity is only around 20% in the afternoon, though, making for a more bearable dry heat. The chance to find over 110° days commonly occurs beginning late July and continuing to mid August. During these days the low nighttime temperature will only get down to the mid 80s F. It is common for a heat wave to last two weeks.

By plane

• Fresno/Yosemite International AirportServed by carriers: Allegiant, American Airlines/American Eagle, Delta Air Lines/Skywest, Horizon, Mexicana, and United/United Express. Non-stop flights to Dallas/Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and to Guadalajara, Mexico. Flights to Los Angeles or San Francisco may seem overpriced, but if you are continuing your journey, you might find that the Fresno leg of the trip won't dramatically increase the cost of your ticket.

By train

Amtrak serves Fresno with six trains a day via its San Joaquin route, running south to Bakersfield and north to either Sacramento or Oakland. is in a historic Santa Fe Passenger Depot at 2650 Tulare St.
Fresno is also planned to become one of the first stops of the LA to San Francisco high speed rail system that is under construction, with a planned partial opening in 2022.

By car

Almost everybody gets to Fresno by car. The drive to Fresno takes about 3 hours from San Francisco, 3.5 hours from Los Angeles, and 5.5 hours from San Diego. Coming from the southern Peninsula or South Bay, most people take U.S. Highway 101 to Gilroy, State Highway 152 over Pacheco Pass and through Los Banos, then State Highway 99 south to Fresno. From the northern Peninsula, one might take highway 92 over the San Mateo Bridge, to 880 North, then 580 East to 205 East to 5 North to 120 East to 99 South. From Los Angeles, take Interstate 5 north and State Highway 99 north. Fresno is accessible from the southern Central Coast by State Highway 41, usually used with State Highway 46. Fresno is the largest city in the United States without an Interstate highway running through it, but 99 provides much of that function and is slated to be upgraded to Interstate status.

By bus

Greyhound has a terminal next to Amtrak in downtown Fresno. Exercise caution in this area at night.

• Yosemite Area Regional Transit SystemThe YARTS shuttle travels on Highway 41 between Fresno and Wawona and Yosemite Valley, with stops at the Fresno Amtrak/Greyhound station, Fresno airport, CSU Fresno (Shaw & Barton), North Fresno (Howard & Fresno), and the Highway 145 Park & Ride. Ticket prices include park entry, and can be purchased from the shuttle driver.

By car

As is typical in California Central Valley cities, a car is useful and often necessary to access most parts of town. There is a modest bus system, Fresno Area Express (FAX), but a car would be advised. Traffic congestion in Fresno is not as bad as larger places in California, but Shaw and Herndon avenues can get quite crowded, especially since there is no east-west freeway through the north side. CA-99 runs along the west side of the city, becoming semi-rural before exiting Fresno County on the northwest side of Fresno. CA-41 runs down the middle of the city. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s these were the only freeways in Fresno, but a surge in growth has spurred the development of the CA-180 and CA-168 freeways.

By bike

In 2011, Fresno became the first town or city in the Central Valley to earn a Bronze Medal Designation from the League of American Bicyclists, recognizing Fresno as a bicycle friendly community. The city is in the process of further expanding its bike lanes in an effort to improve bike access.

• Forestiere Underground Gardens

  phone: +1 559-271-0734
  address: 5021 West Shaw Ave
  Summer Schedule: Wednesday through Sunday. Off-Season: Weekends (Weather Permitting). Call for times and reservations (required). The Forestiere Underground Gardens are a complex of underground gardens and rooms built by Sicilian immigrant Baldasare Forestiere between 1906 and his death in 1946.

• Fresno Chaffee Zoo

  phone: +1 559-498-5910
  address: 894 West Belmont Ave
  A zoo in Roeding Park near downtown Fresno that features many popular animal exhibits including the Winged Wonders Bird Show.

• Fresno Art Museum

  phone: +1 559-441-4221
  address: 2233 N. 1st St
  The only modern art museum between Los Angeles and San Francisco. FAM's collection includes contemporary art, and a large collection of Mexican art from pre-Columbian times to the present.

• Nonini Winery

  phone: +1 559-275-1936
  address: 2640 N. Dickenson
  Wine tasting and tours M-Sa 9AM to 4PM. Call ahead to schedule a tour.

• Fresno Grizzlies

  phone: +1 559-320-4487
  address: 1800 Tulare St
  Triple-A Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Washington Nationals. is located downtown, built in 2002 specifically for the team.

• Fresno State Bulldogs

  phone: +1 559-278-DOGS
  address: 1600 E. Bulldog Ln. (south entrance to Bulldog Stadium)
  The sports teams of Fresno State (formally California State University, Fresno), competing in a total of 20 sports (8 for men, 12 for women), with almost all teams in the Mountain West Conference. Football has traditionally been the highest-profile sport, with men's basketball a close second, but many other sports are nationally competitive, notably baseball and softball. Essentially all venues are on campus, most notably Bulldog Stadium (football) and the city's main indoor venue, Save Mart Center (basketball).

• Fulton Mall

  address: Fulton St
  Traffic is being reintroduced to this formerly traffic-free six-block pedestrian mall. The mall features a large collection of public art and holds a spot on the California Register of Historical Places. Though the area does not have a robust retail or restaurant scene, it is home to Fresno Brewing Company (coffee and craft beers), Twee (artsy, hip, and often local home goods and gift items), and several other retail and dining outlets.

• Fresno FC

  phone: +1 559 320-2525
  address: 1800 Tulare Street Fresno, CA 93721
  Fresno Football Club is the first professional soccer team in the San Joaquin Valley. They are a member of the United Soccer league (one division below Major League Soccer). Their first season was in March 2018 and they play in Chuckchansi Parki in down town Fresno.

== Do==

• Island Waterpark

  - located in Fresno

• Rogue FestivalModeled on the Canadian and North American Fringe Festivals, the Rogue showcases both local and national artists, with dance, music, comedy, film, art, and theatre at venues around the Tower District. Performers come from around the state, and even as far as Vancouver and London.

• Shakespeare in the Park

• Tower District Mardi Gras Parade

• Reel PrideThe sixth oldest Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in the country takes place every year in Fresno's Tower District.

• Island Water Park

  phone: +1 559-277-6800
  Water slide park open between June and mid-September.

• Blackbeards Family Fun Center

  phone: +1 559-292-6386
  address: 4055 N. Chestnut
  Has batting cages, bumper boats, paintball, miniature golf, sprint cars, water slides and arcade games.

• About Town Taste - Walking Tours of FresnoUnique walks through Fresno, featuring art, architecture, food, and local history. Advance reservations needed via info@AboutTownTaste.com. Four tours available: Downtown Art & Architecture; Art Born of Graffiti: Murals; Art & Antiques: Old Town Clovis; and Tower Art Taste.

• Back Country Off Road Tours

  phone: +1 559-470-8086
  address: 37604 Cardinal Ln. Squaw Valley, Ca. 93675
  Tour eastern Fresno County and the Sierra Nevadas with a local who has 30 years of experience as a guide of nearby parks. Tours may include waterfalls, meadows, fishing, camping, beautiful vistas and trails, and also information about historical logging operations, efforts to preserve the world-famous redwood groves, and stories of historical figures. Tours can be tailored to areas of specific interest. Call for details.

Fresno State University is noted for its agricultural programs, and many Fresno State students and faculty travel to developing nations on agricultural assistance programs. Fresno City College, a 2-year community college, is also in the city. Fresno Pacific University is an accredited private Christian university offering many bachelors and master's degrees as well as other satellite locations across Central California (Merced Regional Center, North Fresno Regional Center, Visalia Regional Center, Bakersfield Regional Center).

• Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market

  address: 5368 N. Chestnut Ave
  As long as you're right in the middle of California's agricultural heartland, try the local produce. Fresno State's Farm Market sells the produce grown by the university's agriculture department, plus fresh cheese, ice cream and wine. Fresno State is one of a few universities in the United States with a wine-making program that can sell its products to the public.

• Sierra Nut HouseIf you're looking for a souvenir of the San Joaquin Valley, try the Sierra Nut House for dried fruit, nuts, jams & jellies, and coffees & teas.

• The Vineyard Farmer's MarketThe largest and most extensive of the farmer's markets in the area. Open year round twice a week on Wednesday afternoons from 3-6PM and Saturdays 7AM till noon. During summer, there is also one in Old Town Clovis every Friday evening.

• Riverpark Shopping Center

  address: Corner of Blackstone Ave. and Nees Ave.
  The most popular shopping center and hangout in the city of Fresno. Contains Edwards Movie Theatres, the famous Dai-Bai-Dang Chinese restaurant, Lowes, Sam's Club, Barnes & Noble, Pier 1 Imports, Target, and many more stores.

River Park Plaza contains many popular chain restaurants, including The Elephant Bar, Tony Roma's, Logans Steak House, Yoshino's Sushi House, and Hooters. For a large and diverse concentration of local establishments, head to the Tower District (http://www.towerdistrict.org/). There are also many notable restaurants sprinkled elsewhere throughout the Fresno area.

• Campagnia

  phone: +1 559 433-3300
  address: 1185 E. Champlain Dr
  Upscale dining with great food and a nice bar.

• Dai Bai Dang

  phone: +1 559 448-8894
  address: 7736 N. Blackstone Ave
  Great Chinese cuisine.

• Dusty Buns

  address: 608 E. Weldon Ave
  Gourmet sandwiches with local, seasonal ingredients.

• George's Shish Kebab

  phone: +1 559 449-0100
  address: 3045 W. Bullard Ave
  Armenian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

• Giulia's

  phone: +1 559 276-3573
  address: 3050 W Shaw Ave
  Slightly more "upscale" Italian eatery.

• Grandmarie's Chicken Pie Shop

  phone: +1 559 237-5042
  address: 861 E. Olive Ave
  Serving breakfast and chicken pot pies; go for the mid-century-era electric green booths and stay for the food.

• Irene's Cafe

  phone: +1 559 237-9919
  address: 747 E Olive Ave
  A traditional coffee shop, known for its breakfast.

• The Landmark

  phone: +1 559 233-6505
  address: 644 E. Olive
  Basque and traditional American food. Often live music.

• Luby

  phone: +1 559 439-8357
  address: 1075 E Bullard Ave
  Chinese food. Only has a few tables.

• Max's Bistro & Bakery

  phone: +1 559 439-6900
  address: 1784 W Bullard
  French-inspired California cuisine.

• Mone`s International Market & Deli

  phone: +1 559 438-8975
  address: 7975 North Cedar Ave
  Great Armenian, Russian, and Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as some very interesting international products.

• Parma

  phone: +1 559 432-3389
  Italian food, with homemade pastas.

• Slates

  phone: +1 559 256-4141
  address: 7455 N. Fresno St
  One of Fresno chef Roy Harland's creations, featuring contemporary American cuisine.

• Tahoe Joe's

  phone: +1 559 299-9740 (Cedar), +1 559 277-8028 (Shaw)
  address: 7006 N. Cedar and 2700 W. Shaw
  Steakhouse that now has multiple locations in the state, but started in Fresno.

• Taqueria Don Pepe

  phone: +1 559 224-1431
  address: 4582 N. Blackstone
  Look for the old style of KFC building. Fast food (but good) style Mexican fare.

• Thai House

  phone: +1 559 221-7245
  address: 1069 E Shaw
  Thai food.

Night life in Fresno is great if you're in the right areas.

• Dirty Olive

  phone: +1 559 434-3077
  address: 9455 North Fort Washington Road #104

• Elephant Bar

  phone: +1 559 226-2110
  address: 7965 N. Blackstone Ave

• Five

  phone: +1 559 434-5553
  address: 1110 E Champlain Dr

• Last Call @ Zapp's Park

• Organic Pastures

  address: 7221 South Jameson Avenue
  California's last and only raw (unpasteurized) milk dairy. The owners are a family farm who are passionate about raw milk. You can buy fresh cold just milked milk and dairy products right from the farm itself.

• Spokeasy Public House

  phone: +1 559 4927765
  address: 1472 N Van Ness Avenue
  Bicycle-themed bar that offers craft beer and arcade games in the Tower District

• Strummer's Bar & Grill

  phone: +1 559 4855356
  address: 833 E Fern Avenue
  Music venue in the Tower District

Gay bars

• Alibi

  phone: +1 559 2522899
  address: 4538 E Belmont Avenue

• FAB

  phone: +1 559 4923911
  address: 716 E Olive Avenue

• The Red Lantern

  phone: +1 559 2515898
  address: 4618 E Belmont Avenue

• Courtyard Fresno

  phone: +1 559 221-6000
  address: 140 East Shaw Ave
  Near Bass, Shaver & Huntington Lakes for fishing, boating & hiking and also convenient to CSUF, Fresno Metropolitan Museum, Wildwater Adventures and the Muex Home Museum.

• Homewood Suites

  phone: +1 559 440-0801
  address: 6820 North Fresno St
  Suites with full kitchens, large work desk, free internet, flat screen TV. Guests have access to free hot breakfast, pool and fitness center.

• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fresno Riverpark

  phone: +1 559 449-0928
  address: 330 E. Fir Ave
  Free Wi-Fi and breakfast.

• Piccadilly Inn University

  phone: +1 559 224-4200
  address: 4961 N. Cedar

• Piccadilly Inn West Shaw

  phone: +1 559 226-3850
  address: 2305 W. Shaw

• Residence Inn Fresno

  phone: +1 559 222-8900
  address: 5322 N Diana Ave

• SpringHill Suites

  phone: +1 559 431-0004
  address: 6844 North Fresno St
  Suites with microwave, mini-fridge, free internet, flat screen TV. Guests have access to free parking, free hot breakfast, business center, pool and fitness center.

• Benson's Lakeside Resort

  address: 32451 E. Trimmer Springs Rd
  Sanger.

• Comfort Suites

  phone: +1 559-435-5650
  address: 102 East Herndon Ave
  All suites include micro/fridge, coffee/tea maker, free Wi-Fi,desk, two phone lines and sofa sleepers. Free hot breakfast served every morning, fitness room, indoor pool and hot tub.

• The Radisson Hotel & Conference Center

  phone: +1 559 268-1000
  address: 2233 Ventura St
  321 guestrooms with Sleep Number beds, beauty salon, Pizza Hut, Java Stop, gift shop, airport shuttle, and dry cleaning service.

• Vagabond Inn Fresno

  phone: +1 559 486-1188
  address: 2570 S. East Ave.

Crime presents considerable concerns in Fresno. Caution should be exercised in parts of the city located south of Shaw Avenue during daytime, and avoid those parts of the city at night. Exercise caution at night in the Tower District, which contains various options for nightlife.
Unlike other parts of California, earthquakes of any magnitude are infrequent in Fresno and surrounding areas. If felt, the quakes tend to cause very little (if any) damage.

• Fresno County Public Library Main Branch

  phone: +1-559-600-READ
  address: 2420 Mariposa St

• Woodward Park is a large grassy park on the north side of Fresno, on Friant Road. There is an entry fee of $5 per car,but if you get there early enough (usually before 7AM) there is no charge.
• Roeding Park is another large park in southwest Fresno. It contains the Chaffee Zoo and small amusement parks Storyland and Playland. It has the same $5 entry fee.

Consulates

• Mexico

  phone: +1 559 233-3065
  address: 7435 N Ingram Ave

The adjacent town of Clovis has a small "old town" with numerous antique stores. The last weekend of April the town hosts the Clovis Rodeo.
Millerton Lake is about 20 miles northeast of Fresno on Friant Road. It's a popular site for fishing and waterskiing.
Many locals escape the summer heat at the lakes in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. These lakes have recreation areas, campgrounds, and bed and breakfasts:

• Shaver Lake (with nearby Sierra Summit ski resort)
• Huntington Lake
• Bass Lake
• Pine Flat Lake