Learn more about Fresno California

FRESNO, CALIFORNIA 1

Fresno is the 5^th largest city in the state of California. It was formed in 1856 after the California Gold Rush. This beautiful, busy city lies in the center of the San Joaquin Valley. Are you planning a visit to California soon? Consider stopping by Fresno, and seeing what this great city can offer. Below are some great ideas on places to visit!

FORESTIERE UNDERGROUND GARDENS

Baldasare Forestiere built these gardens, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, over a period of 40 years. This 10-acre man-made creation, started in 1906, and continued until his death in 1946. Visitors can explore beautiful features, including a winter bedroom, a summer bedroom, a parlor with a fireplace and even a fishpond. Those who love architecture will enjoy the archways and stunning stonewalls. Visitors can also browse the amazing plants, some of them being over 90 years old!

ADDRESS-5021 W. Shaw Ave

PHONE-559-271-0734

THE DISCOVERY CENTER

This science education center was founded in 1954. It offers a number of memorable hands on learning experiences. Visitors will find various exhibits that discuss the mysteries of physical and environmental sciences. They can also explore the over 5-acre park. It houses the museum as well as various other outdoor attractions such as the Miwok Indian houses, a historical barn, the Deutsch Cactus Garden, a Dino Dig for and even a tortoise enclosure! Some of the exhibit areas focus on magnets and electricity, paleontology, space and natural sciences.

ADDRESS-1944 N Winery

PHONE-559-251-5533

WOODWARD PARK

Being the largest regional park in Central Valley, Woodward Park is packed with great things, making sure visitors have a wonderful outdoor adventure! A Fresno resident donated the land, that upon his death, had hopes that the park would be a welcome sanctuary to those who visited donated most of the land. In addition to an expansive bird park, you can find a 2,500-seat amphitheater, a fenced dog park, an exercise course and an authentic Japanese garden!

ADDRESS-7775 Friant Rd

PHONE-559-840-1264

SHINZEN FRIENDSHIP GARDEN

You can find this beautiful garden inside Woodward Park. It was constructed to honor Fresno’s sister city Kochi, Japan, as well as to help promote cultural and educational awareness. This traditional northwestern American Japanese Garden was created around the four seasons, and the five-acre garden is filled with various structures that focus on stone, rock, and water. Some beautiful features to enjoy include Moon Gate and Entry, Ume Grove, which is filled with waterfalls, the Double Moon Bridge, and the Clark Bonsai Collection.

ADDRESS-114 W Audubon Dr.

PHONE-559-840-1264

FRESNO ART MUSEUM

Originally created by a group of local artists in 1940, as a place for them to exhibit and critique other’s work, it is now an active venue for art exhibitions. It is also used to host education programs, workshops, and artist talks. Visitors of any ages and any skill level can participate in various art classes through the year. Some of the amazing exhibits that can be found in the permanent collection include Kenneth E Stratton’s Collection of Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican Art: earth, Fire, and Stone, as well as the Andean pre-Columbian Textiles and Artifacts.

ADDRESS-2233 North First Street

PHONE-559-441-4221

FRESNO CHAFFEE ZOO

Visiting this zoo is sure to be one of the most fun-filled time of anyone’s vacation! You can find awesome animal exhibits that include not only an adventure, but also an educational experience. Therefore, the kids will have a great time, and might learn a thing or two while making great memories! There are over 190 species of animals. 94 of these species are part of the Species Survival Plan, which focuses on the breeding the protection of rare animals. There are up close and personal opportunities with the animals in the African Adventure Safari, the Valley Farm petting zoo, and other exhibits as well.

ADDRESS-894 W Belmont Ave

PHONE-559-498-5910

ROGERS ROCK’A DINNER THEATRE

Opening in 1978, this theatre has been entertaining the locals and visitors of Fresno with refreshing productions of many of the nation’s favorites. Over time this great theatre continues to improve, and now has over 180 productions under its belt. Some of the past productions include Bye Bye Birdie, Guys & Dolls, and The Sound of Music. This beloved institution is a must-visit place for not only its reputation for great shows but also for dining. Visitors are sure to enjoy not only the food and the showing, but the eye-catching architecture of the theatre, as well!

ADDRESS-1226 N Wishon Ave

PHONE-559-266-9494

ARTE AMERICAS

The largest non-profit Latino cultural center in the Valley area, this organization began in a modest one-room office in 1987. It is not an integral part of Downtown Fresno’s Cultural Arts District. Visitors enjoy exploring the center, which joins an eclectic collection of works from not only Latino filmmakers, but also Latino musicians, poets, photographers and artists. This 10,000 square foot gallery also offers areas for performance, classrooms, and meeting spaces. In the summer, visitors can spend their evenings in the adjoin La Plazita and enjoy Friday night concerts.

ADDRESS-1630 Van Ness

PHONE-559-266-2623