Jennie's Guidebook to Fresno & Local Activities
Parks & Nature
Iconic. Must see at least once in your lifetime!
Designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite is internationally recognized for its scenic views & biological diversity. 95% of the park is designated wilderness. In a day visit you can see: Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, Lower Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Village, Tenaya Creek Isles, Vernal Falls.
There can still be snow on the ground into May, while Fresno can be hot!
https://www.myyosemitepark.com/park/which-yosemite-entrance
https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
995 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Йосемітський національний парк
Iconic. Must see at least once in your lifetime!
Designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite is internationally recognized for its scenic views & biological diversity. 95% of the park is designated wilderness. In a day visit you can see: Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, Lower Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Village, Tenaya Creek Isles, Vernal Falls.
There can still be snow on the ground into May, while Fresno can be hot!
https://www.myyosemitepark.com/park/which-yosemite-entrance
https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
While you must see the giant sequoias at Sequoia Grove, the 2 largest trees in the world!! Sequoia National Park is more than just big redwoods!
Must see: Crystal Cave, Moro Rock, Tunnel Log, Congress Trail that walks you past the Giants, keep going and to the Trail of the Sequoias, Tokopah Falls and catch a view of the Watch Tower, also Hume Lake, Mt Whitney, Crescent Meadow, Mineral King -- all worthy of a visit.
Sequoia National Park & Kings Canyon National Park lie side by side in the southern Sierra Nevada east of the San Joaquin Valley. Connected through Sequoia to Kings Canyon by the Generals Highway.
https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm
393 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Sequoia National Park
While you must see the giant sequoias at Sequoia Grove, the 2 largest trees in the world!! Sequoia National Park is more than just big redwoods!
Must see: Crystal Cave, Moro Rock, Tunnel Log, Congress Trail that walks you past the Giants, keep going and to the Trail of the Sequoias, Tokopah Falls and catch a view of the Watch Tower, also Hume Lake, Mt Whitney, Crescent Meadow, Mineral King -- all worthy of a visit.
Sequoia National Park & Kings Canyon National Park lie side by side in the southern Sierra Nevada east of the San Joaquin Valley. Connected through Sequoia to Kings Canyon by the Generals Highway.
https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm
Hidden treasure in Fresno. Inside Woodward Park. Beautiful entrance, tea house, walk through the garden and enjoy the beauty and peace of the gardens.
23 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Японський сад Шінзен
114 W Audubon DrHidden treasure in Fresno. Inside Woodward Park. Beautiful entrance, tea house, walk through the garden and enjoy the beauty and peace of the gardens.
This is approximately a 10 minutes walk from the house in a lovely neighborhood. It is open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/oso-de-oro-lake-park-fresno
Парк Осо де Оро
5550 N Forkner AveThis is approximately a 10 minutes walk from the house in a lovely neighborhood. It is open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/oso-de-oro-lake-park-fresno
Arts & Culture
FAM has great exhibits, never boring, always new exhibits -- so check website for current exhibits & events.
Open Thursday-Sunday, adult admission is $10.
31 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Fresno Art Museum
2233 N First StFAM has great exhibits, never boring, always new exhibits -- so check website for current exhibits & events.
Open Thursday-Sunday, adult admission is $10.
FRESNO ART HOP, first and third Thursday of the month.
Food, music, open to public from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Downtown Fresno where you can mingle, meet and greet with local artist in an open studio format. http://fresnoartscouncil.org/arthop/
Additionally the Fresno Arts Council also manages the landmark Fresno Water Tower: http://fresnoartscouncil.org/water-tower/
You can find information on the City of Fresno, gifts and art from local area artists.
Fresno Arts Council
1245 Van Ness AvenueFRESNO ART HOP, first and third Thursday of the month.
Food, music, open to public from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Downtown Fresno where you can mingle, meet and greet with local artist in an open studio format. http://fresnoartscouncil.org/arthop/
Additionally the Fresno Arts Council also manages the landmark Fresno Water Tower: http://fresnoartscouncil.org/water-tower/
You can find information on the City of Fresno, gifts and art from local area artists.
Shopping
This is a great outdoor shopping area; lots of good restaurants, Whole Foods, US Post Office, Williams-Sonoma, along with clothes shopping, spa's and great bakeries, etc. I really do miss the local shops of days gone by, but it is still very enjoyable shopping center.
49 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Fig Garden Village
790 W Shaw AveThis is a great outdoor shopping area; lots of good restaurants, Whole Foods, US Post Office, Williams-Sonoma, along with clothes shopping, spa's and great bakeries, etc. I really do miss the local shops of days gone by, but it is still very enjoyable shopping center.
Food Scene
Food Trucks and Music.
Thursday, Friday and Saturdays -- dog friendly, go early, everything shuts down by 9:00 p.m.
46 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Gazebo Beer Garden
3204 N Van Ness BlvdFood Trucks and Music.
Thursday, Friday and Saturdays -- dog friendly, go early, everything shuts down by 9:00 p.m.
Go here for the delicious food and FABULOUS Happy Hour! Happy Hour from 4:30-6:00 p.m., Tuesday - Thursday.
Sabor Mexican Bar & Bistro
7845 W Figarden DrGo here for the delicious food and FABULOUS Happy Hour! Happy Hour from 4:30-6:00 p.m., Tuesday - Thursday.
GREAT brunch. GREAT eggs benedict!!! Bring cash and be prepared to wait. Lines are long, so either go early or wait :-)
14 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Benaddiction
10063 W Bullard AveGREAT brunch. GREAT eggs benedict!!! Bring cash and be prepared to wait. Lines are long, so either go early or wait :-)
Great out door seating. Good for breakfast, brunch, lunch or just a coffee and a pastry.
http://www.laboufresno.com/
29 місцеві жителі рекомендують
La Boulangerie
730 W Shaw AveGreat out door seating. Good for breakfast, brunch, lunch or just a coffee and a pastry.
http://www.laboufresno.com/
Outdoor seating with live music. GREAT cocktails and food is delicious and not over priced.
8 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Starving Artist's Bistro
9447 N Fort Washington RdOutdoor seating with live music. GREAT cocktails and food is delicious and not over priced.
A little hole in the wall, with GREAT tasting food. Service is great, the folks that work here are gracious and kind.
The pizza has a softer crust so a little limp in the middle, but the flavor is DELICIOUS!!!
Not really set up to eat on site, although they do have some outside seating if the weather permits. Or grab some food and head to Oso de Oro park for some shady seating.
Mama Mia Pizzeria
737 E Olive AveA little hole in the wall, with GREAT tasting food. Service is great, the folks that work here are gracious and kind.
The pizza has a softer crust so a little limp in the middle, but the flavor is DELICIOUS!!!
Not really set up to eat on site, although they do have some outside seating if the weather permits. Or grab some food and head to Oso de Oro park for some shady seating.
There are 4 In-n-Out Burgers in Fresno, 5106 W. Shaw Avenue is the closest to my home, the next closest is: 4302 N. Blackstone Ave, Fresno
Enjoy!!
In-N-Out Burger
5106 W Shaw StThere are 4 In-n-Out Burgers in Fresno, 5106 W. Shaw Avenue is the closest to my home, the next closest is: 4302 N. Blackstone Ave, Fresno
Enjoy!!
Quick and easy, sandwiches, salad, pastries, etc. If you don't want fast food, but something slightly nicer.
https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/home.html
Panera Bread
3590 W Shaw AveQuick and easy, sandwiches, salad, pastries, etc. If you don't want fast food, but something slightly nicer.
https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/home.html
Close by, full bar, decent wine selection, great food. Eclectic mix of Mexican, America, California Cuisine. Service is always very good.
12 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Max's Bistro & Bar
1784 W Bullard AveClose by, full bar, decent wine selection, great food. Eclectic mix of Mexican, America, California Cuisine. Service is always very good.
Located in Fig Garden Village. Casual dining, good food, okay service, but a full bar. Can eat on the outdoor patio or inside.
27 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Elbow Room Bar & Grill
731 W San Jose AveLocated in Fig Garden Village. Casual dining, good food, okay service, but a full bar. Can eat on the outdoor patio or inside.
Sightseeing
Unusual, not something you are likely to see anywhere else. One of those places you should experience at least once. Forestiere Underground Gardens is a California Registered Historical Landmark.
They are open March through November.
It does not look like much on the outside, but give it a chance and go in!!!
Check website to make sure they are open -- they close early, around 4:00 p.m.
132 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Підземні сади Форест'єра
5021 W Shaw AveUnusual, not something you are likely to see anywhere else. One of those places you should experience at least once. Forestiere Underground Gardens is a California Registered Historical Landmark.
They are open March through November.
It does not look like much on the outside, but give it a chance and go in!!!
Check website to make sure they are open -- they close early, around 4:00 p.m.
Step back in time, take a tour of Kearny Mansion on Saturday's and Sunday's and explore the Valley's agricultural beginnings. Very interesting.
11 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Kearney Mansion Museum
7160 W Kearney BlvdStep back in time, take a tour of Kearny Mansion on Saturday's and Sunday's and explore the Valley's agricultural beginnings. Very interesting.
Fresno has an amazing zoo. They sponsor many events such as winetasting, dinner/breakfast with the animals, etc.
Check out their website for the latest events:
https://fresnochaffeezoo.org/experiences/
150 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Fresno Chaffee Zoo
894 W Belmont AveFresno has an amazing zoo. They sponsor many events such as winetasting, dinner/breakfast with the animals, etc.
Check out their website for the latest events:
https://fresnochaffeezoo.org/experiences/
Hearst Castle is a National Historic Landmark and California Historical Landmark located on the Central Coast of California, United States.
A little piece of California history, combine this with a little wine tasting and it is a great destination to incorporate into your sightseeing of California.
Make sure to book your tickets ahead of time, especially during the busy summer months.
http://hearstcastle.org/
68 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Hearst Castle Visitor Center
700 Hearst Castle RdHearst Castle is a National Historic Landmark and California Historical Landmark located on the Central Coast of California, United States.
A little piece of California history, combine this with a little wine tasting and it is a great destination to incorporate into your sightseeing of California.
Make sure to book your tickets ahead of time, especially during the busy summer months.
http://hearstcastle.org/
CA Highway 1 has been closed for 16 months, it reopened, July 18, 2018 !!
Heading South, here are a few sights to see along Highway 1:
>>Bixby Bridge
>>McWay Falls -- fresh water flowing into the ocean
>>Pfieiffer Beach
>>Treebones Resort
>>Nepenthe Restaurant / Cafe Kevah -- food & views are not to be missed!!
>>Elephant Seal Rockery
Then head into San Simeon, and Hearst Castle, and more!! See my seperate listing for Heart Castle.
332 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Big Sur
CA Highway 1 has been closed for 16 months, it reopened, July 18, 2018 !!
Heading South, here are a few sights to see along Highway 1:
>>Bixby Bridge
>>McWay Falls -- fresh water flowing into the ocean
>>Pfieiffer Beach
>>Treebones Resort
>>Nepenthe Restaurant / Cafe Kevah -- food & views are not to be missed!!
>>Elephant Seal Rockery
Then head into San Simeon, and Hearst Castle, and more!! See my seperate listing for Heart Castle.
Entertainment & Activities
Toca Madera Winery
36140 Ave 9CRŪ Winery
20146 Rd 21Ficklin Vineyards
30246 Ave 7 1/2Fresno Grizzlies -- Minor League Baseball at it's best. Season opens in April check out schedule to see if they are playing while you are in town!
25 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Чукчансі Парк
1800 Tulare StFresno Grizzlies -- Minor League Baseball at it's best. Season opens in April check out schedule to see if they are playing while you are in town!
Central Coast Wine Tasting: Approximately 2 hours from Fresno, is Paso Robles. Along the coastline, and scenic Highway 1, there is some really great wine tasting! Check out the website as a starting point: https://pasowine.com/
I have some recommendations as well, just ask.
I lived 30 minutes from Napa, and would still choose to head to the Central Coast for the best wine tasting.
15 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Wine Tasting
3380 Branch RdCentral Coast Wine Tasting: Approximately 2 hours from Fresno, is Paso Robles. Along the coastline, and scenic Highway 1, there is some really great wine tasting! Check out the website as a starting point: https://pasowine.com/
I have some recommendations as well, just ask.
I lived 30 minutes from Napa, and would still choose to head to the Central Coast for the best wine tasting.
Yet another great Valley winery. Using San Joaquin Valley grapes to produce high quality wines. Every Friday evening, May through September they have a great music venue that is family friendly.
Moravia Wines
3620 N Bishop AveYet another great Valley winery. Using San Joaquin Valley grapes to produce high quality wines. Every Friday evening, May through September they have a great music venue that is family friendly.
Local chocolate factory that produces high end, award winning chocolate from scratch.
Call to schedule a tour, 45-60 minutes; (559) 424-3369. Experience how chocolate is made in a private guided tour where you will touch the cacao beans, smell the nibs, taste the chocolate from stone grinders, see the aged chocolate blocks and sample various single origin chocolate bars. In the end, you will know chocolate!
https://www.raphiochocolate.com/
Raphio Chocolate
783 E Barstow AveLocal chocolate factory that produces high end, award winning chocolate from scratch.
Call to schedule a tour, 45-60 minutes; (559) 424-3369. Experience how chocolate is made in a private guided tour where you will touch the cacao beans, smell the nibs, taste the chocolate from stone grinders, see the aged chocolate blocks and sample various single origin chocolate bars. In the end, you will know chocolate!
https://www.raphiochocolate.com/
Everything Else
Dried Fruit, Nuts, Wine...take a little of the Central Valley home with you.
To see all they have to offer and check hours of operation:
http://simonianfarms.com/
11 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Simonian Farms
2629 S Clovis AveDried Fruit, Nuts, Wine...take a little of the Central Valley home with you.
To see all they have to offer and check hours of operation:
http://simonianfarms.com/
Great place to purchase gifts and pick up a snack or two -- but they also have a full bistro to grab breakfast, lunch and even dinner. Check out their menu:
https://www.sierranuthouse.com/j-sorrenti-wine-bar-bistro/
Sierra Nut House
7901 North Blackstone AvenueGreat place to purchase gifts and pick up a snack or two -- but they also have a full bistro to grab breakfast, lunch and even dinner. Check out their menu:
https://www.sierranuthouse.com/j-sorrenti-wine-bar-bistro/
Fresno State University grown products are sold here -- product from the Valley. Including nuts, wine, dried fruits, jams, plants, etc.
https://www.fresnostate.edu/agf/farmmarket/freshproducts/index.html
Gibson Farm Market
5368 N Chestnut AveFresno State University grown products are sold here -- product from the Valley. Including nuts, wine, dried fruits, jams, plants, etc.
https://www.fresnostate.edu/agf/farmmarket/freshproducts/index.html