13 fun things to do in Fresno as recommended by the locals

Founded in 1872, Fresno, California was initially a railroad town before becoming the agricultural hub it is today. It grew rapidly with the development of irrigation, attracting a diverse population of Latinos, Punjabis, Armenians, Hmong, and many other communities from around the world. Today, that diversity contributes significantly to the city’s shifting vibe as it balances its agricultural identity with urban growth, particularly through revitalization efforts in downtown and the Tower District.

Visitors to Fresno often remark on the city’s sense of community and the fantastic, farm-to-table food scene, but there’s a lot more to see and do here. Are you a fan of the great outdoors? Three of America’s most iconic national parks are within a few hours’ drive. Art lover? Fresno’s is among the most exciting up-and-coming art scenes in central Cali. There are kid-friendly activities, historical adventures, and plenty of nightlife, too.

So, where’s a visitor to begin? We asked some of Fresno’s local movers and shakers for advice on where to go and what to do while in their city, and they did not disappoint. Read on for some of the best things to do in Fresno, as recommended by the locals!

1. Get in touch with nature

“As a local realtor in Fresno, I always tell visitors that one of the city’s best features is its mix of outdoor adventure, culture, and great food,” says Linda Peltz of eXp Realty of California. “Fresno is the gateway to some of California’s most iconic natural landmarks, so a trip to nearby Yosemite, Kings Canyon, or Sequoia National Park is a must. You can do anything from hiking and sightseeing to simply enjoying the scenery!”

2. Stroll Woodward Park

“Closer to home, Woodward Park is perfect for walking trails & picnics,” says Peltz. Beyond hiking and picnicking, the 300-acre park has something for almost everyone. There are plenty of lakes and ponds, an 18-hole disc golf course, and even a BMX track for riders. There’s also an amphitheater that hosts concerts and events year-round. One of the park’s most popular attractions, however, is the Shinzen Japanese Friendship Garden with its koi ponds, bonsai garden, and peaceful walking paths.

Good to know: The park is generally open in daylight hours. There’s usually a small per-vehicle charge during peak times for access and maintenance.

3. Catch a festival or stock up at the farmer’s market

“Also, I always recommend checking out local wineries, farmers’ markets, and seasonal festivals,” Peltz told us. There are the big festivals, like the Spring Blossom and Selma Raisin festivals, but you can also find a great time at the Hmong New Year, Swedish and Greek Fests, and the Scottish Highland Games. And, as you might expect from an agricultural hotspot that grows everything from wine grapes to pistachios, Fresno goes big when it comes to its farmers’ markets. “These experiences truly showcase Fresno’s laid-back lifestyle and welcoming community, which is one of the main reasons visitors often end up wanting to call Fresno home.” Check out visitfresnocounty.org for an updated calendar of events.

4. Go on a restaurant tour

Eating well is on many Fresno natives’ preferred list of things to do. Central Valley Event Planning’s Humza Chowdhry’s list includes “lots of teppanyaki options and sushi Hino Oishi!” Looking for something a little brunchier? “Try Yava Cafe, with its mixed Yemeni options.” Maybe want a more upscale date-night option? “A nice high-end restaurant with a nice ambiance is Saizon,” Chowdhry says. Just be sure to make a reservation, as this contemporary restaurant fills up pretty fast!

5. Release your wiggles at Kids Empire

Fresno gets hot during the summertime, with average temps between 90 and 105 degrees, which is not such great weather for playing in the park. Chowdhry pointed us to other options for entertaining the kids during the dog days of summer. “For the kids, try Kids Empire for that indoor park experience.” They’ve got slides, floor-to-ceiling climbing zones, mazes, ball pits, and an area just for toddlers. (Parents can climb and play, too!)

Good to know: Kids Empire is typically open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 10 AM to 10 PM Friday through Sunday. Tickets are $19.90 per child ages 1-17 with 2 free adults for all-day, unlimited play.

6. Wow the kids at John Incredibles

Looking for an indoor play option with food? Chowdhry recommends John Incredibles, an epic pizza place with rides (yes, like a scaled-down carnival), games, laser tag, bumper cars, and bowling. Dining is buffet style with a huge selection of all-you-can-eat fare ranging from chicken nuggets to 16 types of pizza to quinoa salad. It’s the perfect place to feed and entertain your little travelers for the day!

Good to know: They’re typically open from 11 AM to 9 PM Sunday through Thursday and 11 AM to 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.

7. Marvel at the Forestiere Underground Gardens

“If you do one thing in Fresno, make it the Forestiere Underground Gardens. I’m serious,” says Anthony Haddad, media operations lead for GVWire.com. “Because nothing explains Fresno better than a man who looked at brutal Central Valley heat and said, “Fine. I’ll just build underground. That level of stubborn ingenuity? That’s Fresno.”

The Gardens were built by Baldassare Forestiere when he immigrated to Fresno from Sicily in the early 1900s. The hardpan soil and brutal summer heat made conventional farming nearly impossible, so he took matters into his own hands and grew his fruit trees and grapevines underground. The gardens span over 10 acres and feature over 60 rooms on multiple levels, including summer and winter bedrooms, a kitchen, a bath, a fishpond, and grottoes modeled after his hometown of Filari, Sicily. The site is recognized as a California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“Baldassare Forestiere spent decades hand-digging tunnels, courtyards, and arches because it was cooler below the surface. You walk down there, and it’s suddenly quiet. The temperature drops. Sunlight filters in through perfectly carved openings. Fruit trees grow in unexpected pockets. It feels improbable. It feels scrappy. It feels like someone refused to leave and instead created something brilliant with what they had. That’s the story of this city,” says Haddad. “It’s not flashy. It doesn’t beg for attention. But it survives. It adapts. It builds something meaningful in conditions most people complain about.”

Good to know: The gardens are open seasonally, typically from spring through fall. Visits are by guided tour only (about 1 hour long). Visit www.undergroundgardens.com for more information on hours and FAQs.

8. Visit the Fresno Art Museum

Michele Ellis Pracy, executive director and chief curator of the Fresno Art Museum, suggested we begin right there! Since 1949, the museum has been an anchor of the fine arts and culture scene in Fresno, where visitors can enjoy modern and contemporary art from around the world as well as from local artists. The Exhibits rotate regularly, giving visitors the chance to enjoy a range of fascinating works from different genres and media.

Good to know: The museum is open Thursday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM.

9. Celebrate Latinx culture at the Arte Américas Cultural Center

The Latinx community in Fresno is vibrant, so it makes sense that Arte Américas is also on Pracy’s must-see list for visitors. Founded in 1987, the center nurtures and preserves Latino/a/x cultural traditions through art, education, community events, performances, and more. It’s hugely popular, hosting tens of thousands of visitors every year, and plays a pivotal role in Fresno’s arts ecosystem by shining a spotlight on Latinx artists and traditions.

Good to know: The center is open on Thursdays from 12 PM to 8 PM and Friday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM.

10. Learn about the city’s agricultural history at Kearney Mansion

Established in the late 1800s, the Kearney Mansion was part of Martin Theodore “M. Theo” Kearney’s Fruit Vale Estate. Kearney was known as an influential agricultural figure in Fresno during that time, developing modern colony farming techniques and helping establish small-farm leadership in the valley. The Kearney Mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s, preserving it as a piece of Fresno’s agricultural heritage.

Visitors to the mansion can take guided tours that include stories about Kearney’s life and the city’s rich agricultural history, view special exhibits in the gallery, and explore the grounds of Kearney Park (a great place to relax and have a picnic after the tour!). There are also special gallery viewings spotlighting specific areas of Fresno’s history. Currently, it’s “From China to Fresno: A 150-Year Cultural Journey,” an exhibit highlighting the history of the Chinese American community in Fresno and the Central Valley. The exhibit is fascinating and features stories and artifacts from Fresno’s old Chinatown that had been stored away for decades.

Good to know: Guided tours are available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at noon, 1:30 PM, and 3 PM.

11. Chill at the Woodward Library

If you’re a library fan, many of the locals cite Woodward Park Regional Library as one of their favorite branches for its comfortable environment and community atmosphere. It’s a great place to come in from the heat or take shelter from the rain, browse their extensive collection, or, if you time it right, you can listen to an author talk, take a class, or take the kids to storytime.

Good to know: The library is open Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 9 PM; Friday and Saturday, 9 to 5; and Sunday, noon to 5 PM.

12. Wander the Mural District

Downtown Fresno is in the middle of a renaissance, complete with its own outdoor public art collection rivaling those in bigger California cities. The Mural District isn’t just one street; it’s a walkable area encompassing many city blocks that complements the district’s restaurants, breweries, boutiques, and entertainment venues. Visitors can tour the art on their own or check it out at Downtown’s monthly ArtHop event, learning about the city’s history, creativity, and community through the eyes of the local artists who created it.

13. Eat, drink, and be merry in the Tower District

Many of the murals featured in the Mural District are concentrated on streets that run through or are adjacent to the Tower District, considered Fresno’s arts and entertainment hub, and one of the hippest places to live and play in the city. Many of the district’s buildings date from the 1920s-1940s, giving the area a historic charm that complements its contemporary vibe. Not only is it home to art galleries, live music venues, and theaters, but it also has a really diverse culinary scene, with everything from upscale dining to coffee shops to ethnic cuisine. Its bars, breweries, and clubs make it a popular nightlife destination, too.

Explore Fresno

If you’ve ever paid attention to the produce from your local grocery store, you may have noticed that a lot of it comes from beautiful Fresno, California. The city may sit right in the heart of one of the most productive farming areas in the world, but, as the locals have shown us, there’s much more to Fresno than its gorgeous fruits and vegetables! The arts and culture scene here is thriving, fueled in part by education, history, diversity, and the love its people have for their unique city. If you’re planning a visit to Fresno, we hope our list of things to see and do has given you some ideas for where to begin! If you’re looking to stay, check out some of these fantastic apartments in Fresno.