Fresno County: California With a Different View and a Heck of a Lot More

© Courtesy of Fresno County

Fresno County: California With a Different View and a Heck of a Lot More

Welcome to Fresno County, the heart of California. Here, the sun shines for more than 300 days of the year, making us a great stop in every season—and that sunshine is clear in our hometown pride.

We have something to offer everyone: from thrilling outdoor adventures and affordable family-friendly activities to the heartland of farm-to-fork dining and unique shopping and entertainment. Even better, our events calendar is filled with fun year-round—no matter the season, every trip to Fresno County is sure to be one to remember. Whether you’re here with family and friends or out on a solo journey, when you stay in Fresno County, you really can experience it all.

Underground Experiences

If you’re looking for crowded amusement parks, lots of traffic, and expensive meals—Fresno County isn’t for you. This heart of California is for travelers looking for unique experiences. Wander through the Forestiere Underground Gardens, an underground wonder carved by hand in the early 1900s. In the summer, the gardens have their own microclimate that makes the tunnels 10-20 degrees colder than the surface level.

Visit the Fresno Chaffee Zoo to see more than 200 species within their interactive exhibits for a fraction of the cost of other nearby zoos. Help train sea otters, meet an elephant, or feed a giraffe in one of their behind-the-scenes experiences. Stop by Old Town Clovis, where you can get a feel of the Old West and support local businesses. Learn about the city of Clovis’ beginnings and dedication to honoring veterans in the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.

Outdoor Adventure is Second Nature

A short drive from Fresno and Clovis, you can experience three of California’s beautiful national parks—Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. See the famous El Capitan Mountain, climb Half Dome, and sit beneath the giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove in Yosemite. In Sequoia National Park, stand beside the General Sherman, the largest tree in the world. Escape the crowds of Yosemite and discover Kings Canyon National Park.

Deeper than the Grand Canyon, Kings Canyon is 8,200 feet at its deepest points, rewarding hikers with incredible views. For guided tours, tag along with Authentic Adventures Central California. Lakeside is Fresno County’s best side, whether you want to get out on the water or spend a day on the lakeshore. Shaver Lake is an hour northeast of Fresno, perfect for jet skiing, canoeing, wakeboarding, and more. Take a wild ride 10 miles down the Kings River, located an hour east of Fresno and Clovis. The Kings River Expedition Class 3 whitewater rafting trips are thrill rides that lead through winding channels and cold waters.

Farm Fresh Isn't a Season, It's a Way of Life

As one of the top-producing agricultural counties in the United States, farm fresh isn’t some trend to chase. In Fresno County, it’s a way of life. Visitors can not only taste a variety of fresh fruits on the Fresno County Fruit Trail but also meet the farmers who grow, pick, and package them. Stop for spicy handmade salsas at Sweet Girl Farms. Get fresh fruits and vegetables at Simonian Farms, and enjoy wine tasting or old-fashioned soda inside their Old Town Saloon. Artisan food makers also sell their products at local farmers markets like the Vineyard Farmer’s Market and Old Town Clovis Farmer’s Market.

Getting There

Your trip to Fresno County is one plane ride away. Fly direct from Dallas into Fresno-Yosemite International Airport with daily flights from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport via American Airlines and Dallas Love Field via Southwest Airlines.

For more information, go to visitfresnocounty.org