30 Best Things To Do In Clovis, California

1. Soak in nature at Sierra National Forest

The Sierra National Forest is the second-largest forest reserve in California, with over 24000 square kilometers (926.65 square miles) of mountainous forests and lakes. There are over a 1000 miles (1609 km) of trails in the park, both for campers and horseback riders. There are special sites like the Fresno Dome, Mile High Vista, and Nelder Grove. A tour around here can take days, and you can camp out for the night in certain areas. Note that you’ll need to secure permits from the forest office to do campfires, group treks, and other activities.

Sierra National Forest

Address: 1600 Tollhouse Rd Clovis, California (Main Office)

Website: Sierra National Forest

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: Free (permits required for certain activities)

2. Tour the Dan Rouit Flat Track Motorcycle Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This museum aims to preserve a part of America’s rich motorcycle history. Flat track racing is a type of racing where competitors go around a dirt oval track in horses, cars, or motorcycles. This is the most common form of racing, thanks to its accessibility to most locals. With a large display of motorcycles, posters, trophies, plaques, jackets and even helmets, the museum tells a great story about flat track motorcycles.

Dan Rouit Flat Track Motorcycle Museum

Address: 309 West Rialto Ave Clovis, California 93612-4331

Website: Dan Rouit Flat Track Motorcycle Museum

3. Have fun at Wild Water Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Get wet at the Wild Water Park. With high-thrill rides like the Drop Zone, Vortex, and the Banzai Pipeline, you can enjoy an adrenaline rush. If you’re not as daring, there are still enjoyable rides like the Rapids, Blue Wave, and King’s River. Kids can also enjoy their own rides, like the Adventure Bay, a collection of mini slides with different designs. There are plenty of rest cabanas, sports venues, and barbecue places you can enjoy while dry too. You’ll enjoy a whole day here at this wild water park!

Wild Water Adventure Park

Address: 11413 East Shaw Ave. Clovis, CA 93619

Website: Wild Water Adventure Park

Price: 39 USD (general admission)

4. Sample craft beers at Tactical Ops Brewing

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Run by a group of military veterans, Tactical Ops Brewing is one of the best craft beer places in Fresno. Take samples of all their drinks on tap, from lighter ones like the YCBAR lager, Recon Red ale, Pineapple hefeweizen, and Scottish Ale, to the stronger drinks like the Black Rye IPA, Double Nickel Nine IPA, and the strongest of them all, the Griffin Venom. Drinks come in pint-size, growler-size, and a 22-ounce bottle. And if you can’t decide on what to drink, you can always ask the very friendly and accommodating staff. They’ll make sure you have a good time here!

Tactical Ops Brewing

Address: 1131 Railroad Avenue Clovis, CA 93612

Website: Tactical Ops Brewing

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat: 2pm - 10pm; Sun: 2pm - 8pm

5. Try the pizzas at Luna Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This family-run restaurant has been serving great Italian pizza for 50 years and continues to do so today. You can savor their lunch favorites, like Calzone, Tortellini pasta, and their cheese pizza. Dinner favorites include fettuccine Alfredo, chicken parmigiana, and Manicotti pasta. Sandwiches, soups, and salads are also available. Dishes served here are made with fresh and high-quality ingredients. All in all, Luna Pizzeria has been considered by many as the best Italian restaurant in town.

Luna Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant

Address: 349 Pollasky Avenue Clovis CA 93612

Website: Luna Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm; Sat: 11:30am - 9pm (closed on Sun)

6. Knock some pins at Bowlero Clovis

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Bowlero is one of the coolest hangout spots in Clovis, with colorful disco interiors, billiards corners, and a large arcade section for non-stop fun. The highlight of this place though is the 40 lane facility, which provides round after round of bowling action. You can also enjoy dinner here, with supersize dishes like their signature Monster Burger, Chicken Sandwiches, and their Mega Dog. Drinks like cocktails, beer towers, and the giant Dunk Tank (meant for sharing) are also highlights here. Everything is larger than life here in Bowlero, so you can have large fun.

Bowlero Clovis

Address: 140 Shaw Ave. Clovis, CA 93612

Website: Bowlero

7. Solve your way out of Fresno Escape Room

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Are you and your friends clever enough to rise up to the challenge? The escape rooms are a physical adventure game where you are placed into a room and have to use wits and teamwork, along with whatever the room can give you, so you can solve a series of puzzles, find clues, and escape the room within a set time limit. Each room has a unique and engaging storyline, along with an appropriate theme, that allows the players to interact with their environment. If you feel you are ready, make your escape!

Fresno Escape Room

Address: 290 Shaw Ave, Suite A Clovis, California 93612

Website: Fresno Escape Room

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 11pm

Price: 23 - 26 USD

8. Enjoy go-kart racing at MB2 Raceway

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Take it to the limit and cross the finish line in this indoor kart track in the heart of Clovis. The MB2 Raceway is open to anyone over six years old and is a great place to feel the rush of speed. Karting camps are also available if you want to get better and go even faster around the track. There are also Grand Prix packages, so you and other racers can put in laps for practice, qualifying, and the race itself. When you are ready to win and break lap records, the starting grid awaits you.

MB2 Raceway

Address: 1200 Shaw Avenue Clovis, CA 93612

Website: MB2 Raceway

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm

Price: 30 USD for 2 races, up to 60 USD for Grand Prix races

9. Check out rare gemstones and fossils at Foxtail Gallery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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The Foxtail Gallery is part jewelry store and part natural history exhibit. You can browse the gallery and marvel at the large collection of rare stones and artifacts. Many gemstones and minerals are on display, and can even be worth thousands of dollars and have very unique histories. Fossils, petrified wood, and even meteorite fragments are on display from time to time. If you are a serious collector, some of these items are collectible and will only get more valuable over time, making them a good investment in the long run.

Foxtail Gallery

Address: 614 Fifth St. Clovis, CA. 93612

Website: Foxtail Gallery

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

10. Play laser tag at No Surrender Adventure Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Your first-person shooter game comes to life here in No Surrender, with over 17000 square feet (1579.35 square meters) of playing space, and multiple elevations. Up to 45 people can play all at once, for non-stop action. The field has many mission modes, so you and your teammates will have to work together to get to the goals without being eliminated all at once. The adventure park also has a diner, where you can choose from pizzas, burgers, and sides to enjoy after an adrenaline-pumping game.

No Surrender Adventure Park

Address: 1200 Shaw Ave #103, Clovis, CA 93612

Website: No Surrender Adventure Park

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm

Price: 12 USD

11. Visit the Forestiere Underground Gardens

This garden is a historic site, unlike most others. Created by Baldassare Forestiere from 1906 to 1946, this garden features an elaborate network of passageways connecting 65 rooms. These rooms were built to allow plants inside to survive through the winter months. Inspired by the strong Roman catacombs, the arches, walls, and even plants have stood the test of time. Tours here take an hour, and the guide will tell you about Forestiere’s life and works, and just the scale of the achievement of this structure.

Forestiere Underground Gardens

Address: 5021 W. Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93722, USA

Website: Forestiere Underground Gardens

Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Tue, and during winter months)

Price: 19 USD for adults, 9 USD for children aged 5 - 17, free for children 4 and under

12. Take in the wonders at Clovis Botanical Garden

The Clovis Botanical Garden is a demo garden that houses plants fixed in setups appropriate for the California Central Valley’s summers and winters, and also acts as to show visitors some water conservation techniques. It covers three acres of land right beside the Dry Creek Park. Different varieties of cacti, shrubs, and grasses demonstrate different environments, like Australia, the Mediterranean, and California. You can also arrange for group tours around the garden.

Clovis Botanical Garden

Address: 945 N Clovis Ave Clovis, CA 93611

Website: Clovis Botanical Garden

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed on Mon, Tue & holidays)

Price: Free

13. Plan a night out at Saddleback Bar & Nightclub

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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After a whole day of going around Clovis, you can stop by the Saddleback Bar & Nightclub, one of the liveliest places in the Old Town area. Jam to the beat of the music on the dance floor, and watch performances by different artists. Choose from a wide selection of drinks, and ask the bartender for some great cocktails. The TVs in the bar also show the occasional live sports, on event days. You can dance, meet new friends, and just have a good time here.

Saddleback Bar & Nightclub

Address: 446 Clovis Avenue Clovis, CA 93612

Website: Saddleback Bar & Nightclub

Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 7pm - 2am (closed Sun - Wed)

14. Dine at House of JuJu

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

You get some great food from the House of Juju. Burgers, salads, and wraps are the favorites in this restaurant. You can select the meat of your burger, with sides to match. The salads are also hearty and made fresh; you can also order it wrapped in a tortilla. Sides like chili bowls and potatoes are also available, along with ice cream. There is a good selection of beverages, and their root beer is worth a try. This is a great place to dine during the farmer’s market event.

House of JuJu

Address: 565 Pollasky Ave Ste 101 Clovis, California 93612

Website: House of JuJu

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm

15. Explore the Clovis-Big Dry Creek Museum

The Clovis Museum houses a gallery of photos and artifacts of Clovis Cole, Marcus Pollasky, and many people from Clovis. Other artifacts like 65 years of graduation pictures from the local school, portraits of early families, and photos from war veterans are also present. The museum itself resides in an old bank building from 1912, which also has its own history. The curators can guide you across the collection. And if you happen to visit the museum on a Friday, you can visit the bustling Farmer’s Market later in the evening.

Clovis-Big Dry Creek Museum

Address: 401 Pollasky Avenue Clovis, CA

Website: Clovis-Big Dry Creek Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed on Sun & Mon); open by appointment

Price: Free

16. Add to your personal stack from A Book Barn

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A Book Barn is one of the most popular book stores in the city. Inside, it feels like one of those classic wood bookstores. The wooden shelves house a wide selection of books spread across the two floors. These include rare and out-of-print books and first editions. The bookstore specializes in children’s books and California/Western history, so there will be more of those available here. You can also sell tour old books to the store so that someone else can read them too.

A Book Barn

Address: 640 Clovis Ave Clovis, CA 93612

Website: A Book Barn

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

17. Drop by the Friday Night Farmer’s Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Shop for the freshest produce here at the Farmer’s Market on Pollasky Avenue, a popular event in this part of town. Different farms sell different produce here, all of the highest quality. Many food vendors are also lined up across the market, including Glacier Bay Shave Ice, Good Time Kettle Korn, Sanchez Corn, Scoops, Soups & More, and Two Cities Coffee. You can also dine in the nearby restaurants during this time, including the House of JuJu and Luna Pizzeria (both are listed in this article). The music runs through the market in the evening, so you’ll be immersed in the festivities.

Friday Night Farmer's Market

Address: Pollasky Ave (between 3rd and 5th Streets), Clovis CA

Website: Friday Night Farmer’s Market

Opening hours: Fri: 5:30pm - 9pm ; Sat: 9am - 11:30am (from May to September only)

Price: Free

18. Stroll through Cottonwood Park

If you want a park where you can feel secluded and quiet, Cottonwood Park is the right place to go. With many trees providing cover, you can just sit back and read a book, or meditate. You can also walk your dog here. There is a pond nearby, and you’ll notice geese moving around. The Dry Creek Trail also runs through the park, so you can hike along this path from the park. Lastly, across the intersection from Cottonwood are Dry Creek Park and Clovis Botanical Garden.

Cottonwood Park

Address: N Clovis Ave & Alluvial Ave, Clovis, CA 93612, United States

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

19. Walk around Pasa Tiempo Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Stroll around Pasa Tiempo Park, a modern and stylish park that shows a geometric outline when seen from the top. It is a place that is very friendly to joggers and dog-walkers. There are covered picnic areas, a playground for children, lots of walkways, and benches. Barbecue areas are also available if you want to prepare your picnic there. A car park and restroom are also available for your added convenience. There is also a smaller park just a short walk away called the Pasa Tiempo North Park.

Pasa Tiempo Park

Address: 3355 E Barstow Ave, Clovis, CA 93619, USA

Website: Pasa Tiempo Park

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

20. Relax at Sierra Bicentennial Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

A great place to end your day, or spend your weekend, is at the Sierra Bicentennial Park. The park is moderately large, has plenty of sports amenities, like a batting range to practice your swings, a baseball diamond, a basketball court, and a volleyball court. There is also enough open area to play soccer here. Smaller kids will enjoy the playground, too. You can rent pavilions for your gatherings, along with a barbecue grill. There is electricity, bathrooms, and parking too, to make sure you have all the convenience during your stay here.

Sierra Bicentennial Park

Address: 84 N. Sunnyside Ave. Clovis, CA, 93612

Website: Sierra Bicentennial Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free (82 USD for pavilion rental)

21. Get your pastry fix at Nothing Bundt Cakes

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Does your sweet tooth have you craving for some pastries? Then head over to Nothing Bundt Cakes in Clovis, to satisfy your cravings! You can choose from a variety of Bundt cakes in different flavors, like chocolate, vanilla, lemon, carrot, and even red velvet. They also come in different sizes; 8- and 10-inch cakes, tiered cakes, mini bundt cakes, and even bite-sized cakes. These cakes are perfect for gifts, anniversaries, congratulatory celebrations, or even just for cravings. You’ll get a unique cake experience here at Nothing Bundt Cakes!

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Address: 635 W Herndon Ave Suite 100 Clovis, CA 93612

Website: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm

22. Shop at Sierra Vista Mall

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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The Sierra Vista Mall is the largest shopping center in Clovis, covering 78 acres (31.6 hectares) of prime city space. There are almost 100 retail stores, from diners to clothing outlets. A department store and supermarket are also present, along with a large cinema complex. The mall regularly hosts events, and you might be able to catch one of them on your trip here. There is plenty of parking space around the building for your car. Also located here is the MB2 Raceway, where you can enjoy some go-karting!

Sierra Vista Mall

Address: 1050 Shaw Ave Clovis, CA 93612

Website: Sierra Vista Mall

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm

23. Hike the Clovis Old Town Trail

The Clovis Old Town Trail is 9.5 miles (15.2 km) long and can be completed on foot, or on a bike. You can also walk your dog along this trail, provided it is on a leash. The trail is well-paved and provides you with plenty of changes in scenery to keep you engaged, from houses to open grass, to a forested path, with some underpasses along the way. There are many entry and exit spots, should you want to end your trek early. The trail is very beginner-friendly, so everyone is encouraged to pass here

Clovis Old Town Trail

Address: Endpoints at Sugar Pine Trail at N. Willow Ave. and Clovis Ave. north of E. Shields Ave.

Website: Clovis Old Town Trail

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

24. Enjoy a game at Classic Billiards

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

“Cold beer, great food, and classic billiards” is the motto of this restaurant, and it does deliver. With many tables for 9- and 10-ball action, you and all your friends can play all evening long. The menu is also filled with great dishes, especially their popular oven-baked pizza and their juicy burgers. Select from a wide range of beers, all served very cold from uniquely-designed taps. There are TVs around the hall, so watching on football days are a blast. You’ll surely have a great time over at Classic Billiards.

Classic Billiards Clovis

Address: 711 W Shaw Ave Ste 117 Clovis, California

Website: Classic Billiards

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 3pm - 1:30am; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 1:30am

25. Go skating at Rotary Skate Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Located in Letterman Park, Rotary Skate Park is a place where you can show your skills. You can come in with a skateboard, inline skates, or a scooter. With over 27000 square feet of concrete skate space, with a variety of ledges, rails, ramps, and stairs, there are plenty of challenges for you. The place is also well-lit, allowing you to play all the way to the evening. You will be required to wear safety gear when you go skating here.

Rotary Skate Park

Address: 1008-1010 Villa Ave, Clovis, CA 93612, USA

Website: Rotary Skate Park

Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)

Price: Free

26. Try your luck at The 500 Club Casino

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Take your chance at a win, at the 500 Club Casino! Card games like poker, blackjack, and baccarat are frequented here and can get very competitive. The casino also has a full dining area, with a wide selection of food - from fresh salads to mouthwatering steaks and pasta. Drinks are served in the bar, as well. Sports lounges are also available if you want to watch football or basketball games. There is plenty to enjoy at The 500 Club Casino!

The 500 Club Casino

Address: 771 W Shaw Ave., Clovis, CA 93612

Website: The 500 Club Casino

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

27. Pack a picnic to Railroad Park

Railroad Park is a simple but beautiful park located beside the famous Candy Cane Lane. There are two well-separated playgrounds, one for toddlers, and the other for larger kids. You can rent the covered pavilions if you want to hold your own gathering, complete with a barbecue grill. At the edge of the park, you can hike or bike along the Fresno-Clovis Rail Trail that follows the path of an old railroad and is the longest trail in the city. The park is a perfect afternoon hangout right before viewing the lights of Candy Cane Lane.

Railroad Park

Address: 805 N. Peach Ave. Clovis, CA, 93611

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free (pavilion rent is 82 USD per day)

28. Tour the Candy Cane Lane

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Christmas season comes to life here in Clovis. The residents of Wawona Ranch Estates, located near the intersection of Peach and Alluvial Avenues, light up their houses with plenty of colorful Christmas lights. Other decorations like canes, lamp posts, elves, costumes, and so much more fill the roadside with life. The whole spectacle comes alive at night, making this a great and colorful way to end your day. Note that this only happens from December 1 to 25, so consider a Christmas vacation here in Clovis.

Candy Cane Lane

Opening hours: Dec: 6pm onwards

Price: Free

29. Host barbecue gatherings at San Gabriel Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

You can unwind after a long day around Fresno in San Gabriel Park. It is located just west of the shopping strip. There is a mini-playground and plenty of open space for the kids to run around. You can also play sports here, as there is a court for basketball and volleyball games, and a backstop for baseball. There is parking in the adjacent lot for your cars. Lastly, you can rent the pavilion and barbecue if you want to host your own gatherings.

San Gabriel Park

Address: 730 W San Gabriel Ave, Clovis, United States

Website: San Gabriel Park

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free entry (106 USD for pavilion rental)

30. Enjoy DJ nights at Old Town Saloon

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Old Town Saloon is regarded as the best bar in Fresno. During the day, it serves as a popular sports bar, and at night it becomes one of the liveliest dance floors. You can dance to the music five nights a week, from Tuesday to Saturday. When the football season starts, the Saloon opens on Sundays, where you can watch on any of five large TVs. You can enjoy any of the drinks of the day while cheering on your favorite team to win the next game.

Old Town Saloon

Address: 450 Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA 93612, USA

Website: Old Town Saloon

Opening hours: Mon: 4pm - 10pm; Tue - Fri: 2pm - 2am; Sat: 1pm - 2am; Sun: 10am - 10pm (open only during NFL season)

Clovis: your historic gateway to the Sierras

The former railroad city of Clovis clearly boasts all the comforts of modern urban living, while still keeping some of its heritage. With so many museums, green spaces, and great restaurants, this historic town remains very much alive! All these options for fun, dining, and leisure make Clovis a great choice for your next vacation!