10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Fresno (2024)

Fresno is a fun tourism city in NorCal and also one of the largest in San Joaquin Valley. The city offers both indoor and outdoor tourism attractions in the form of museums, galleries, theatres, Regional Parks, and gardens. Though Fresno is normally known for its historical sites and indoor museums, the trails and parks are equally mind-blowing, and the ones who have ever crossed the Blossom trail would completely agree with the fact.

Fresno got its name after a large number of ash trees along with the San Joaquin River, and its history dates back to the Californian Gold Rush in 1856. Summers here are dry and hot, whereas winters cold and moist. The temperature here rarely goes below 3 degrees Celsius and above 38 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for roaming around and keeping yourself entertained. For your next trip here, keep our 10 Top-rated Tourist attractions in Fresno in your itinerary. Have a look:

10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Fresno

1. Fresno Chaffee Zoo

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a small 39 acres Zoo located three miles from the downtown, right at the Roeding regional park. Initially, in 1908 it begun as a rescue center for unwanted and abandoned pets, however later in 1929, it was recognized as an official Zoo. Today, it is home to over 190 species of wild and domestic animals, birds, amphibians, mammals, and reptiles. One of the latest and most loved attractions in this Zoo is named the African Adventure and Wilderness Fall that houses African elephants, cheetahs, Giraffe, Gorillas, and more. While you are here you can also be a part of events and activities like animal meet-and-greets, Zoo talks, summer caps, the scenes tour, and learn more about the wilds. Fresno Chaffee Zoo is operational all throughout the week, and tickets as well are quite affordable.

2. Woodward Regional Park

Located at the north of the city, the 300 acres Woodward Regional Park is one of the best tourism spots in Fresno and is loved by visitors of all age groups. This regional park features a Japanese garden, a bird century, lakes, ponds, fun hills, multiple trails, Japanese-style bridges, Koi ponds, fountains, and several other beautiful things that keep one captured and entertained. You can often spot photography enthusiasts and strollers here in the park. There’s also a Rotary Amphitheatre with more than 2000 seating capacity, which gets jam-packed during summers for the Woodward Shakespeare Festival. If lucky enough, you might encounter a herd of peacocks and peahens enjoy their time near the Japanese garden.

3. Downtown Fresno

Downtown Fresno is the central attraction of Fresno and a great place to spend your evening and night hours at. The downtown area is home to several attractions, including Courthouse Park, Old Fresno Water Tower, Fresno City Hall, and the Chukchansi Park.  When here, you can shop some great stuff from the boutiques and retail venues or munch on some authentic local delicacies in the array of restaurants. Downtown Fresno has undergone a huge revitalization in the past decade, and today the magnificent street art makes it a mesmerizing experience while you stroll down the lanes. Late evening hours here are always celebrative with outdoor events, music performances, food fest, and street parties.

4. Fresno Blossom Trail

Of all the things Fresno is proud of, the Blossom trail is surely one magnificence amongst them. The trail is located in the Southeast of the city, highlighting the agricultural abundance via its extensive fruits, flower, and nuts orchards. It has 63 miles of the scenic driving route where one can view the most varied apricots, extremely colorful apples, and lushly loaded peach trees all throughout. Even though one can explore it any time of the year, still, if you want to capture the best view, the first 3 to 4 weeks of spring are preferably the best time. It is the time when both trees and pathways are loaded with pink and white blossom, the atmosphere is pleasantly aromatic. Further, if there’s any space left, wildflowers make sure to complete this flower heaven in the best possible way.

5. Warnors Theatre

A historic theatre with 2000 seats, the Warnors Theatre is a nationally recognized venue for performing arts. Today, the theatre is famous for live music performances, classic movies, comedy movies, private parties, weddings, and kid’s performances. One of the notable display here is a unique orchestra which though is basically a pipe organ but is meant to replicate orchestra sounds. Date night concerts at Warnors Theatre are extremely famous amongst the local couples, and the wonderful staff & service add delight to the experience. Image Source

6. Forestiere Underground Gardens

Forestiere Underground Gardens is a magnificent creation of Baldassare Forestiere who took about 40 years (1906 to 1946) to build the complete spot. It is a series of subterranean structures located northwest of downtown Fresno (less than 10 miles) and surely one of the unique examples of human creativity and architecture. These Underground gardens were initially built to get a cool and relaxing place during summers, and with results, even today, you can feel the difference in temperature and heat while exploring the sight. This unique structure has an array of rooms, passageways, summer & winter bedrooms, a parlor with a fireplace, a functional kitchen, and a small fish pond. Forestiere Underground Gardens is one of the unique gems to explore in Fresno, and when here, do not miss the chance to pay a visit.

7. Fresno Art Museum

A popular museum in Fresno, the Fresno Art Museum is home to a collection of Modern and contemporary art, pre-Columbian sculptures, and Mexican & Mexican-American art. The permanent collection here includes more than 3600 artwork, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, and other forms of media. Some of the noteworthy exhibitions/ events that one must not miss are the exhibition of Feminist Art and the Trashique art and fashion show. Though the Art museum is relatively a small space with only six rooms, there’s also a huge explorable exterior and showcasing the astonishing stonework by the contemporary artists of Fresno.

8. Kearney Mansion Museum and Park

The Kearney Mansion Museum and Park is a 1903 museum along with 225 acres of extensive parkland located to the west of downtown. The museum mansion constitutes two buildings designed in the French Renaissance style along with Victorian stock molding and is surely one marvel of architecture in Fresno. Their sophisticated exterior look is inspired by Schwab’s residence in New York City. The museum mansion exhibits more than 60% of the original furnishing, light fixtures, wallpapers, and antiques, along with some restorations and replicas. Further, while you will explore the park, you will come across species of shrubs, roses, trees, & vines, which are more than any equal area in America. You can play some games here or plan a peaceful family picnic and enjoy your day.

9. Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company Beer Garden

A local microbrewery and a beer Garden, the Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company is one of the places you must try when in Fresno. It is a must-see place in downtown Fresno with an excellent selection of craft beers and a small cozy garden. You can visit the site to taste some world-class varieties of beer of some specifics are personally created by Kevin Cox, who is an award-winning master and brewery artist. The adjacent beer garden is not only a regular garden but a place where you can play some games or can be a part of art shows, live concerts, and some great food truck festivals. The atmosphere at Tioga-Sequoia is really great, and the affordable price makes it even a notch better.

10. Island Waterpark

If you are looking for some adventure and adrenaline rush in Fresno, you can never go wrong with the Island Waterpark. It is a popular waterpark in Fresno that offers water rides and pool slides for visitors of all age groups, along with endless other family-friendly activities. Rides here are uniquely named like Singapore Tsunami, Mumbai Monsoon, Tokyo Typhoon and undoubtedly offer high thrill and excitement. Some other hotspots at the Island Waterpark include a lazy river, rented cabanas, a wave pool, relaxing grassy areas, and a dedicated kid’s play area. If you happen to visit here during the summers, make sure you do not miss the night event called After Dark Fridays.