LEARN
The fifth-largest city in California, Fresno is a major agricultural hub that cultivates a significant portion of the world’s grapes and raisins, earning it the nickname “Raisin Capital of the World.” Stop by the iconic Sun-Maid plant, located 20 minutes from the city off U.S. Highway 99, where you can see the world’s largest raisin box, discover the company’s history, and shop at the Sun-Maid Market. Experience agritourism with a visit to Simonian Farms, a family farm that grows around 200 fruits and vegetables, has an Old West Saloon, and offers the chance to mine for gold and gemstones. Fresno Chaffee Zoo offers interactive exhibits and immersive experiences where you can feed a giraffe, pet a stingray, or help train sea otters.
EAT & DRINK
Elsewhere in Fresno County, Old Town Clovis is a charming neighborhood that is home to a variety of restaurants, taverns, and breweries, including The Backyard Social Club, a two-story bar with 30 brews on tap; Papa’s Place, which serves New Orleans-inspired cuisine and craft cocktails; Neighbors OTC, where you can watch sports on 10 different TVs; and popular nighttime spot Old Town Saloon, which hosts karaoke, live music, DJs, and billiards.
EXPLORE OUTDOORS
Fresno is a gateway to several famous national parks, all of which are just over an hour’s drive from the city. Kings Canyon National Park is home to scenic trailheads, waterfalls, thousands of sequoia trees, and one of the country’s deepest canyons. In Sequoia National Park, go on a guided tour of Crystal Cave, a marble cavern that includes a half-mile roundtrip hike. While exploring Mount Watkins Trail in Yosemite, enjoy views of Half Dome, a well-known rock formation. Wander around Forestiere Underground Gardens, where visitors can learn the history of the underground home and passageways built by Italian immigrant Baldassare Forestiere in the early 1900s.
LEARN MORE
Visit Fresno County
visitfresnocounty.org
Main Image: Fresno Chaffee Zoo; Credit: Visit Fresno County
