Fresno Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Fresno Travel & Tourism, Free Fresno Travel Guide Online
Fresno Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Fresno Travel & Tourism, Free Fresno Travel Guide OnlineOnce a dry desert, Fresno, and a million acres surrounding it, are now lush with vineyards, orange groves, and plantings of cotton and other crops. In fact, Fresno County is one of the nation's agricultural leaders. Conveniently located in the central San Joaquin Valley, this is one California city not to be missed. Just to the west it is predominantly flat, with the land devoted to agriculture. To the east, the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains rise out of the low foothills. Blossom trail is a scenic, 63 mile self-guided tour encompassing vineyards, orchards, and historical points of interest.It serves as an orientation to the area. The trail passes almond, peach, apricot, plum, and nectarine trees in blossom from late February through March. With four very moderate seasons, Fresno's weather is generally mild throughout the year. Summers are dry and warm; winters are cool and sometimes a little misty. The scenic mountain elevations above 5000 feet are sprinkled with snow in late fall and winter, adding to the beauty of the area. The first European settlement of the Fresno region was by the Spaniards as they searched for suitable mission sites. It was declared to be the property of the United States in 1846 following the Mexican War. Today the city and the entire county play host to thousands of visitors who come to enjoy including the nearby National Parks. Fresno is the only city in the United States with three National Parks within an hour and a half drive. Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia are three spectacular sites. One of the most popular is Yosemite National Park., renowned for its magnificent valley, great granite domes and peaks, waterfalls, giant sequoia, and spectacular high country. Sequoia National Park is an unspoiled treasure of some of the most striking scenery in the world. Its towering giant sequoia trees and soaring mountain peaks, its cascading creeks, flowering meadows and star studded evening skies adorn this masterpiece of nature. Spring and summer offer sensational hiking, horseback riding, fishing and cave tours. Winter boasts cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding in the Sierras. Kings Canyon's461,901 acres are largely wilderness. The park features summits of the High Sierras and two huge canyons on the Kings River. Kings Canyon was established as a national park in 1940 and adjoins Sequoia. They are administered as one unit. In addition to visiting the nearby National Parks, there is much to see and do within the city. The Chaffee Zoo offers visitors the opportunity to experience a diversity of animal and plant life. This unique zoo focuses on our good fortune in having such diversity of life on our planet At the Downing Planetarium, visitors have the opportunity of gazing into the stars. With a 74 seat theater and a 30-foot dome, the planetarium allows visitors to experience the heavens without even going outside. For those who just want to splash around and have some fun, the Fresno Island Water Park is a must visit attraction. With over 20 water slides and rides, a huge arcade, as well as an amusement park and miniature golf, it's fun for the whole family. The Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art, History, and Science is fascinating for all ages. It displays memorabilia from author William Saroyan, a native of Fresno. A science gallery has more than 40 interactive stations with exhibits geared toward children. Forestiere Underground Gardens is an amazing underground retreat designed and created by hand to resemble the Roman catacombs by Sicilian immigrant Baldasare Forestiere in the early 1900s. Under the earth are extensive rooms, passageways, gardens, patios, and courtyards filled with exotic plants. The rooms are lit by skylights. Another favorite site is Roeding Park which features Rotary Playland with a carousel, rides, a miniature railway and the Japanese War Memorial. Whatever the reason for visiting, whether business or pleasure, Fresno leaves its visitors breathless from its unparalleled beauty and eager to return for another visit. Fresno Attractions: Fresno Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Fresno Travel & Tourism, Free Fresno Travel Guide OnlineChaffee Zoo 894 West Belmont Avenue Fresno, California 93728 559-498-2671 Hours: Open daily 9 am to 4 pm Admission Charged A Word from the Director: "Each of us was born into a world of incredible diversity of animal and plant life. Throughout our lives most of us marvel at the diversity and uniqueness of life. We visit zoos and watch nature programs on television and are astounded by the strangeness of the creatures we see. I believe that future generations will judge us not by what we have created for them, but by what we have saved for them." Downing Planetarium 5320 N. Maple Ave. M/S DP132
California State University, Fresno
Fresno, CA 93740 559-278-4121 Hours: Call for performance schedule Admission Charged The Downing Planetarium has a 74-seat star theater with a 30-foot dome. The planetarium shows are run with a Minolta MS-8 star projector, two video projectors, and 29 slide projectors; all controlled by a computer program. Fresno Metropolitan Museum 1515 Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, CA 93721 559-441-1444 Hours: Closed Mondays, Tuesday - Sunday 11am - 5pm, Dollar Nights - Thursday 5pm – 8pm The Fresno Metropolitan Museum features art, history and science. This is a perfect place to take children or explore on your own. Madera Wine Trail 800-733-8068 Hours: Call for additional information Admission Free It's the Valley's best kept secret - working wineries just a few minutes drive from downtown Madera and just across the river from Fresno. Meux Home Museum 1007 R Street Fresno, CA 93710 559-233-8007 Hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, noon – 3:30pm The Meux Home Museum recaptures the flavor of Victorian Fresno by presenting a middle-class residence -- furnished in the period, as a representative house museum. A costumed docent leads a one hour tour of this restored urban dwelling of the 1890's. By modern standards elaborate, the Meux Home was nonetheless a middle-class residence, built for $12,000 from a carpenter's catalog. Blackbeard's Family Fun Center
4055 N. Chestnut
Fresno, CA. 93726
559-292-9000 Boomers
7354 N. Abby St.
Fresno, CA. 93720
559-432-9684 Forestiere Underground Gardens 5021 W. Shaw Avenue
Fresno, CA 93722
559=271-0734 Hours: Call for additional information Admission Charged A subterranean network of over a hundred niches, courtyards, patios, rooms and passageways. Interesting to say the least. Fresno Island Water Park 1401 N. Wishon Avenue
Fresno, CA 93728 559-277-6800 Hours: Vary, call for exact schedule Admission Charged Family fun year-round with over 20 water slides and rides, a huge arcade, amusement park, miniature golf. Rotory Storyland and Playland
890 W. Belmont Ave.
Fresno, CA. 93728
559-486-2124 Nearby Attractions: Wild Water Adventures 11413 E. Shaw Ave. Clovis, California Located approximately 9 miles from Fresno 800-564-9453 Hours: Open seasonally May – September, call for additional information Admission Charged A 52-acre water amusement park with fun for the whole family. Sierra Summit Ski Resort 59265 Highway 168
Lakeshore, CA 93634 Located 45 miles from Fresno 559-233-3330 Hours: Open seasonally, call for additional information Admission Charged Sierra Summit has 200 acres of skiable terrain with runs up to 2 ¼ miles long. Rental and Sports Shop are on the premises. Nearby National Parks Yosemite National Park Renowned for its magnificent valley, great granite domes and peaks, waterfalls, giant sequoia, and spectacular high country, Yosemite is only 1 1/2 hours from Fresno. Kings Canyon National Park 866-KCANYON Kings Canyon National Park is located about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The parks are about a five-hour drive from each city. The park is approximately a one-hour drive from the city of Fresno. The park offers visitors fishing, boating, hiking and some 4-wheel driving. Pine Flat Reservoir is located approximately 20 miles from Fresno off Highway 180. Fresno Events: Fresno Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Fresno Travel & Tourism, Free Fresno Travel Guide Online
Events
February
Boat Show
Held late February Location: Exhibit Hall, 848 M St 559-431-0336 Call for additional information
Viva El Mariachi Festival
Held in late February Location: Exhibit Hall, Selland Arena 559-621-4700 Call for additional information
Fat Tuesday
Held in late February Location: Tower District 559-497-8362 Mardi Gras Week and Parade
March
Autorama Car Show
Held late March Location: Fresno 559-621-4711 Call for additional information This annual car show features custom cars Home and Garden Show Held early March Location: Fresno Fairgrounds 800-897-7899 Call for additional information
Antique and Collectible Fair
Held late March Location: Old Town Clovis, 4th and Pollasky 559-298-5774 Call for additional information
April
Blossom Days Festival Held in early April Location: Sanger 559-875-4575 Call for additional information
CSUF Vintage Days
Held in mid April Location: Shaw and Cedar 559-278-2741 Crafts Faire with over 160 craft vendors, Boomtown Carnival with student organizations sponsoring food and game booths, Kid's Day with arts & crafts, bounces houses, pony rides and petting zoo.
Breakfast with the Animals
Held mid April Roeding Park, Chaffee Zoological Gardens 559-274-5988 Call for additional information Selma Raisin Festival Held in late April – early May Location: Lincoln Park 559-896-3315 Call for additional information
The Great Western Southern Gospel Fan Festival
Held in late April Location: Save Mart Center 559-347-3400 Call for additional information
May
Basque Picnic
Held in early May Location: Coombs Riverbend Ranch, Madera 559-275-6192 Call for additional information
Concours d' Elegance
Held mid May Location: CSU Fresno 559-438-6367 Call for additional information
Strawberry Jamboree and Car Show
Held early May Location: Sierra Vista Mall 559-299-7363 Call for additional information
Riverdale Spring Festival and Rodeo
Held in early May Location: Riverdale 559-867-3310 Call for additional information
Springfest
Held in early May Location: Cottonwood Park 559-299-0392 Call for additional information
E Street Fair
Held in mid May Location: Downtown Fresno 559-441-7915 Call for additional information
June
Great Taco Festival
Held in early June Location: Eaton Plaza, Fresno & O Streets 559-621-6602 Call for additional information
July
Fourth of July Celebration
Held on the fourth of July Location: Varies throughout the city 559-846-6343 Call for additional information
August
Serendipity Antique Show
Held mid August Location: Fresno Fairgrounds 559-434-9160 Call for additional information
Riverbend Smooth Jazz Festival
Held in late August Location: Coombs Riverbend Ranch, Madera 559-230-4329 Call for additional information
Farmers Market
Held in late August Location: Farmer's Market, Old Town 559-298-5774 Call for additional information
Greek Food Festival
Held in late August Location: St. George Orthodox Church on N. Orchard Avenue 559-233-0397
September
Kerman Harvest Festival & Parade
Held in early – mid September Location: Kerckhoff Park 559-546-6343 Call for additional information
Reel Pride Film Festival
Held in mid September
Location: Tower Theatre 559-443-0600 Call for additional information
Caruther's District Fair
Held in late September – early October Location: Fresno 559-864-3768 Call for additional information
October
The Big Fresno Fair
Held in early – mid October Location: Big Fresno Fairgrounds 559-650-FAIR Call for additional information
November
Serendipity Antique Show
Held early November Location: Fresno Fairgrounds 559-434-9160 Call for additional information
Fall Color Festival
Held in early November Location: Shinzen Friendship Garden, Woodward Park 559-226-8034 Call for additional information
Kearney Park Renaissance Faire
Held in mid November Location: Kearney Park 559-392-0965 Call for additional information
December
Santa Lucia Festival
Held in early December Location: Swedish Village, Kingsburg 559-897-1111 Call for additional information Entertainment
Fresno Ballet
1401 N. Wishon Avenue
Fresno, CA 93728 559-23-DANCE A complement of vibrant, young men and women bring a new dimension and versatility to the repertoire.
Fresno Philharmonic
2610 West Shaw Lane
Fresno, CA 93711 559-261-0600 The Fresno Philharmonic strives to present high quality, live orchestral music to audiences throughout the San Joaquin Valley.
The Save Mart Center at Fresno State
2650 East Shaw Avenue Fresno, CA 93710 559-347-3400 Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:30am - 4:30pm, Saturday - Sunday (non-event days, non-on sale days): closed The Save Mart Center at Fresno State is one of the premier event centers on the West Coast. With a seating capacity around 16,000 the center is perfect for a variety of concerts, sporting events, family shows and more.
2nd Space Theatre
Located on Olive Avenue in Fresno 559-266-0660 Enjoy some of the best entertainment in Fresno. The 2nd Space Theatre provides entertainment year round and is the perfect way to enjoy an evening.
Warnors Theater
400 Fulton St. Fresno, CA93721 559-264-2848 Performances year round, call for additional information
Sports
Fresno Grizzlies Baseball
Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants Games played at Grizzlies Stadium 1800 Tulare St. Fresno, CA
559-442-1994 Call for schedule Fresno Falcons Hockey
AA affiliates to the San Jose Sharks Games played at The Save Mart Center 2650 E. Shaw Avenue Fresno, CA 93710
559-485-PUCK Call for additional information and schedule
Fresno State Sports
1600 E. Bulldog Lane Fresno, CA 93740 559-278-DOGS Fresno takes pride in collegiate sports. Enjoy Football, Baseball, Basketball, Softball and more. Every year Fresno State is among the nation's best. Fresno Facts: Fresno Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Fresno Travel & Tourism, Free Fresno Travel Guide OnlinePopulation: 427,652 Elevation: 296 feet above sea level Land Area: 104.4 square miles Location: The city and county of Fresno is located in the central San Joaquin Valley of California. To the west it is predominantly flat, with thousands of acres devoted to agriculture. To the east, the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains rise out of the low foothills. It is the only county in the country that can claim three national parks in its backyard. Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (when it's noon in Fresno, it's 2pm in Chicago and 3pm in New York City). Fresno observes Daylight Savings Time from April - October Weather: | | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | | Averagetemp.(°F) | 46.0 | 51.3 | 55.4 | 60.9 | 68.5 | 75.8 | 81.1 | 79.7 | 74.5 | 65.0 | 52.7 | 45.3 | | Hightemperature(°F) | 53.7 | 61.3 | 66.1 | 73.9 | 82.8 | 91.1 | 96.8 | 95.1 | 89.1 | 78.5 | 63.3 | 53.7 | | Lowtemperature(°F) | 38.3 | 41.3 | 44.6 | 47.9 | 54.2 | 60.5 | 65.4 | 64.2 | 59.8 | 51.5 | 42.1 | 36.8 | | Precipitation(in) | 2.2 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 1.4 | Climate: | | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | | Dayswithprecipitation | 8 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | | Windspeed(mph) | 5.2 | 5.7 | 6.7 | 7.4 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 7.4 | 6.8 | 6.1 | 5.2 | 4.7 | 4.9 | | Morninghumidity(%) | 91 | 89 | 86 | 80 | 71 | 65 | 61 | 66 | 71 | 77 | 87 | 91 | | Afternoonhumidity(%) | 68 | 56 | 47 | 35 | 27 | 24 | 22 | 24 | 28 | 35 | 54 | 68 | | Sunshine(%) | 47 | 65 | 77 | 85 | 90 | 95 | 97 | 96 | 94 | 88 | 66 | 46 | | Daysclearofclouds | 5 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 27 | 26 | 24 | 20 | 12 | 7 | | Partlycloudydays | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 6 | | Cloudydays | 19 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 18 | | Snowfall(in) | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | Local Seasons: Summer tends to be the busiest time of year as visitors from around the globe come to the area to visit the National Parks as well as many of the local attractions. Overall, Fresno's weather is generally mild and pleasant throughout the year. Summers are dry and warm; winters are cool and sometimes foggy. Elevations above 5,000 feet have snow from November to March.In the peak summer months, the temperatures can reach into the mid 90's F during the day but with the humidity usually in the mid 20% range, it feels much cooler. During this season, the local attractions as well as the numerous nearby National Parks are quite busy. It's a perfect time to enjoy the out of doors. Spring and fall are cooler and quite pleasant, both during the day as well as in the evening. Watching the area transform itself from season to season is reason enough to visit the area. Nature comes alive with new life each spring as a multitude of colors embrace the area. Fall offers a full array of red, orange, yellow and other colors as the leaves drop and winter arrives. Winters are moderate. How to Get There: By Air; Fresno Yosemite International Airport 4995 E Clinton Way Fresno, CA 93727 559-621-4500 The Fresno Yosemite International airport is an airport for the central San Joaquin Valley. More than 25 cities, with more than 100 flights, daily are served out of Fresno. Ground Transportation: Most of the major car rental companies as well as taxi, shuttle, and limousine service are available at the airport as well as throughout the city. By Car: The city is located on U.S. Highway 99, approximately 160 miles east of Monterey, California. If traveling on I-5 from either the north or south, take the Route 180 exit east into Fresno. By Train: Amtrak 2650 Tulare St. Bldg. B
Fresno, CA 93721 800-USA-RAIL By Bus Greyhound 1033 H ST
Fresno, CA 93721 559-268-1829 How to Get Around: With three National Parks in its backyard, including Yosemite, the best way to get around is by either personal or rental car. National Holidays: New Year's Day, January 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January President' Day, the third Monday in February Memorial Day, the last Monday in May Independence Day, July 4 Labor Day, the first Monday in September Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25 New Year's Eve, December 31 Fresno Kids Activities: Fresno Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Fresno Travel & Tourism, Free Fresno Travel Guide OnlineEvents February Boat Show Held late February Location: Exhibit Hall, 848 M St 559-431-0336 Call for additional information Viva El Mariachi Festival Held in late February Location: Exhibit Hall, Selland Arena 559-621-4700 Call for additional information Fat Tuesday Held in late February Location: Tower District 559-497-8362 Mardi Gras Week and Parade March Autorama Car Show Held late March Location: Fresno 559-621-4711 Call for additional information This annual car show features custom cars Home and Garden Show Held early March Location: Fresno Fairgrounds 800-897-7899 Call for additional information Antique and Collectible Fair Held late March Location: Old Town Clovis, 4th and Pollasky 559-298-5774 Call for additional information April Blossom Days Festival Held in early April Location: Sanger 559-875-4575 Call for additional information CSUF Vintage Days Held in mid April Location: Shaw and Cedar 559-278-2741 Crafts Faire with over 160 craft vendors, Boomtown Carnival with student organizations sponsoring food and game booths, Kid's Day with arts & crafts, bounces houses, pony rides and petting zoo. Breakfast with the Animals Held mid April Roeding Park, Chaffee Zoological Gardens 559-274-5988 Call for additional information Selma Raisin Festival Held in late April – early May Location: Lincoln Park 559-896-3315 Call for additional information The Great Western Southern Gospel Fan Festival Held in late April Location: Save Mart Center 559-347-3400 Call for additional information May Basque Picnic Held in early May Location: Coombs Riverbend Ranch, Madera 559-275-6192 Call for additional information Concours d' Elegance Held mid May Location: CSU Fresno 559-438-6367 Call for additional information Strawberry Jamboree and Car Show Held early May Location: Sierra Vista Mall 559-299-7363 Call for additional information Riverdale Spring Festival and Rodeo Held in early May Location: Riverdale 559-867-3310 Call for additional information Springfest Held in early May Location: Cottonwood Park 559-299-0392 Call for additional information E Street Fair Held in mid May Location: Downtown Fresno 559-441-7915 Call for additional information June Great Taco Festival Held in early June Location: Eaton Plaza, Fresno & O Streets 559-621-6602 Call for additional information July Fourth of July Celebration Held on the fourth of July Location: Varies throughout the city 559-846-6343 Call for additional information August Serendipity Antique Show Held mid August Location: Fresno Fairgrounds 559-434-9160 Call for additional information Riverbend Smooth Jazz Festival Held in late August Location: Coombs Riverbend Ranch, Madera 559-230-4329 Call for additional information Farmers Market Held in late August Location: Farmer's Market, Old Town 559-298-5774 Call for additional information Greek Food Festival Held in late August Location: St. George Orthodox Church on N. Orchard Avenue 559-233-0397 September Reedley Taste of the Town Held in early September Location: Downtown Reedley 559-638-5484 Call for additional information Kerman Harvest Festival & Parade Held in early – mid September Location: Kerckhoff Park 559-546-6343 Call for additional information Reel Pride Film Festival Held in mid September Location: Tower Theatre 559-443-0600 Call for additional information Kingsburg Crayfish Festival Held in mid September Location: Kingsburg 559-897-1111 Call for additional information Caruther's District Fair Held in late September – early October Location: Fresno 559-864-3768 Call for additional information October The Big Fresno Fair Held in early – mid October Location: Big Fresno Fairgrounds 559-650-FAIR Call for additional information November Kerman Ag Expo Held early November Location: Kerckhoff Park, 3rd & G St, Kerman 559-289-4384 Call for additional information Serendipity Antique Show Held early November Location: Fresno Fairgrounds 559-434-9160 Call for additional information Fall Color Festival Held in early November Location: Shinzen Friendship Garden, Woodward Park 559-226-8034 Call for additional information Kearney Park Renaissance Faire Held in mid November Location: Kearney Park 559-392-0965 Call for additional information
December
Santa Lucia Festival Held in early December Location: Swedish Village, Kingsburg 559-897-1111 Call for additional information Entertainment Fresno Ballet 1401 N. Wishon Avenue
Fresno, CA 93728 559-23-DANCE A complement of vibrant, young men and women bring a new dimension and versatility to the repertoire. Fresno Philharmonic 2610 West Shaw Lane
Fresno, CA 93711 559-261-0600 The Fresno Philharmonic strives to present high quality, live orchestral music to audiences throughout the San Joaquin Valley. The Save Mart Center at Fresno State 2650 East Shaw Avenue Fresno, CA 93710 559-347-3400 Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:30am - 4:30pm, Saturday - Sunday (non-event days, non-on sale days): closed The Save Mart Center at Fresno State is one of the premier event centers on the West Coast. With a seating capacity around 16,000 the center is perfect for a variety of concerts, sporting events, family shows and more.
2nd Space Theatre
Located on Olive Avenue in Fresno 559-266-0660 Enjoy some of the best entertainment in Fresno. The 2nd Space Theatre provides entertainment year round and is the perfect way to enjoy an evening. Warnors Theater 400 Fulton St. Fresno, CA93721 559-264-2848 Performances year round, call for additional information
Sports
Fresno Grizzlies Baseball
Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants Games played at Grizzlies Stadium 1800 Tulare St. Fresno, CA
559-442-1994 Call for schedule Fresno Falcons Hockey
AA affiliates to the San Jose Sharks Games played at The Save Mart Center 2650 E. Shaw Avenue Fresno, CA 93710
559-485-PUCK Call for additional information and schedule Fresno State Sports 1600 E. Bulldog Lane Fresno, CA 93740 559-278-DOGS Fresno takes pride in collegiate sports. Enjoy Football, Baseball, Basketball, Softball and more. Every year Fresno State is among the nation's best. Albany Travel Guide |Jackson Travel Guide |Jacksonville Travel Guide |Williams Travel Guide |Vienna Travel Guide |Miami Beach Travel Guide |Williamsburg Travel Guide |Richmond Travel Guide |Indianapolis Travel Guide |Hong Kong Travel Guide |St. Louis Travel Guide |Curacao Travel Guide |Geneva Travel Guide |Irving Travel Guide |Virginia Beach Travel Guide |Mississauga Travel Guide |Gulfport Travel Guide |Rapid City Travel Guide |Las Vegas Travel Guide |Kissimmee Travel Guide |Mount Pleasant Travel Guide |Miami Travel Guide |Wilmington Travel Guide |Edmonton Travel Guide |Barcelona Travel Guide |Orange Beach Travel Guide |Beaufort Travel Guide |Savannah Travel Guide |Niagara Falls Travel Guide |Destin Travel Guide |
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