Located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley and named after the ample number of ash trees on both sides of the San Joaquin River, Fresno, California, is an economic hub with important contributions to agricultural production. This beautiful metropolitan covers an abundant area of 112 square miles (290 km2) and it has many popular neighbors simply a two-hour drive away. From the stunning beauty of rolling mountains and lush forests to the modern simplicity of Victorian buildings and paved roads, California is a land of treasures best accessed from the lovely city of Fresno. Architectural gems, exciting activities, and hidden places in Fresco provide unique experiences. Accommodations, such as hotels with an in-room kitchen, luxurious resorts, and homey Airbnb vacation rentals are also available. If you’re in town and looking for something to do outside the city, read our list of the best day trips from Fresno, California.
1. Shaver Lake
Shaver Lake is a serene destination in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, offering a peaceful escape from city life. It is a popular destination amongst outdoor lovers, where they can enjoy various outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking.
One of the unique features of Shaver Lake is its crystal-clear water, which provides an ideal setting for swimming and other water activities. Visitors can also explore the nearby hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
2. Bass Lake
Bass Lake is a serene getaway just a short drive from Fresno, California, offering an ideal setting for visitors seeking a peaceful escape from city life.
One of the unique features of Bass Lake is its emerald-green water, which provides an ideal setting for swimming and other water activities. Visitors can also explore the nearby hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the Sierra National Forest.
Camping is also a favorite here, with several campgrounds around the lake. Campers can enjoy a campfire under the stars and wake up to the peaceful sound of birds chirping.
3. Sierra National Forest
One of the prestigious U.S. National Forests, Sierra National Forest is a picturesque land space bordered by the Yosemite National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. Best known for the beautiful winding mountains, the forest is absolutely a must-see for those looking to bask in nature. With a myriad of recreational activities such as fishing and hiking to enjoy, Sierra National Forest is home to some of the gorgeous lakes and tallest trees in the world.
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4. Ficklin Vineyards
From the award-winning work of Peter Ficklin is America’s most esteemed port winery - Ficklin Vineyards. This gem is a chic warehouse with outstanding ports that are sure to suit the fancy of even the least avid fan of port wine. With a rich, layered flavor and a wide variety at many price points, the winery also offers free wine tastings and tours for those who call ahead. A terrific chance to learn from the immensely knowledgeable host himself, visitors to Ficklin Vineyards are sure to walk away more than satisfied with an armful of delicious ports.
5. Sequoia National Park
The Sequoia National Park is a UNESCO site with a dynamic landscape of mountainous terrain, deep canyons and lush forests, it’s also home to some of the largest living beings on Earth. Contingent to the forest of Giant Sequoias, the peaks of these giants pierce the azure skies, rendering the park into an epic that piques the fancy of the awe-struck heart. Also home to a diverse array of plant species and habitat to innumerable wildlife, hikers and campers alike will positively adore this lovely park.
6. Big Sur
Visiting Big Sur should be on the list of every traveler on a weekend trip from Fresno. This mountain range is a rugged landscape rising out of the Pacific Ocean. Regarded as a national treasure, its dramatic scenery and splendid coastline lined with majestic redwood trees, make it a popular tourist destination for locals and expats alike. The raw, unspoiled natural beauty of Big Sur is palpable both in the rich sun rays of the day and under the delicate moonlight as stars twinkle gently above.
7. Yosemite (from USD 149.0)
Yosemite is one of the most popular national parks in the United States and is regarded as an iconic symbol of America’s unparalleled natural beauty. This magnificent valley shines with the brilliance of glaciers, tranquility and the persistence of life. Best known for the handsome waterfalls flowing through the valley, Yosemite also boasts idyllic meadows, giant sequoias and more. It offers some of the best tours near Fresno as well. Opt for a guided tour now for an informative, all-inclusive tour of the best that High Sierra can offer.
Full-Day Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour Including Hotel Pickup
Duration 9 hours
8. Hume Lake
This breathtaking cerulean reservoir is a popular place for recreational water activity. Located near the entrance to Kings Canyon National Park in the Sequoia National Forest in the Sierra Nevada, this body of water branches off Kings River and runs parallel to Hume. Lush green trees line both sides of Hume Lake and gentle mountainous peaks reach towards the sky in the distance, rendering Hume Lake a picture-perfect landscape.
9. San Francisco
Shaped like a giant’s thumb, San Francisco is a fun-filled metropolis with plenty to see and do. This tenacious city has evolved from revolutions and natural disasters into an innovative town that is constantly pushing the limits of what’s possible. From the Aquarium of the Bay to the best clubs of the West Coast, San Francisco is filled with interesting tourist attractions that are sure to keep you occupied all day and night. Experience the unique grandeur of watching fog rolling over the Golden Gate Bridge whilst strong winds stir the tall trees beyond and charming Victorian buildings stand proudly along the streets.
10. Los Angeles
Known as “The Creative Capital of the World”, Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States with almost four million residents. Widely considered the cultural and economic hub of California, most people know it best as the home of the Nation’s entertainment industry - Hollywood. Visitors to this modern metropolitan will also be pleasantly surprised at the rich cultural climate and vibrant arts scene hidden behind all the glitz and glamour of the Venice Beach Boardwalk and Hollywood Walk of Fame.
11. Sacramento
The fastest-growing city in California, Sacramento is an important hub for education and healthcare with several renowned medical centers and universities. Often called the most “hipster city” in the region, Sacramento was also dubbed “America’s Most Diverse City” by the Harvard University Civil Rights Project and it has one of the largest LGBT populations in the United States. Though its appeal is often overshadowed by the international popularity of neighboring regions such as Los Angeles, Sacramento is still an interesting tourist spot with a wide variety of unique museums like the California State Railroad Museum, Crocker Art Museum and the California Hall of Fame. Families will also enjoy the zoo and a relaxing stroll in historic Old Sacramento along the peaceful waterfront.
12. Bakersfield
Bakersfield is a modest city and an agricultural hub, as well as the cradle of the Bakersfield sound in country music. Situated on the fertile banks of the Kern River, the city has a firm emphasis on a strong sense of community and a love for locally sourced fresh produce. The charming town not only has lovely food and culture to warm the soul, but also an interesting Museum of Natural History and the California Living Museum which explores the region’s unique geology and nature. Avid fans of nature will also love the peaceful trailheads which take you through the winding mountains in Sequoia National Forest.
Explore California
Fresno, California, is the perfect place to explore the region from. Clean and comfortable, Fresno is located near many popular tourist spots. Take a day trip to one of the surrounding cities to explore as much of Californian culture as possible or weave through them all as you amble through the stunning beauty of Sequoia National Forest. Either way, be sure not to miss out on our best day trips from Fresno, California!