Fresno is located in the heart of California in the fertile Central Valley area. Itеs a fast growing city that still maintains its rural charm, and is also the perfect base for expeditions up into the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Yosemite, King’s Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, all within 90 minutes driving time from the city center. Getting around with a rental car is the best option, allowing you to plan your own itinerary.
Getting there
Fresno’s Yosemite International Airport is situated eight kilometres from downtown, serving mainly domestic flights. International visitors either catch a connecting flight or arrange car rental at either Los Angeles or San Francisco. Bus no.26 runs to downtown Fresno or you can take a faster, more expensive taxi. Over the summer a private charter bus makes daily runs from the airport to Yosemite National Park. Amtrakеs San Joaquins train service runs from Sacramento to Bakersfield via Fresno. Greyhound buses also offer services throughout the area.
If you’ve decided on car rental, make sure you check out national travel deals online or at the airport for the best price. Fresno is on the main route to the Sierra Nevada, which runs through the San Joaquin Valley on California 99 heading towards Bakersfield. Driving here is a good experience, especially in spring, and the I-5 gives a fast route between San Francisco and Los Angeles, with numerous exits off to the east and into the valley.
Key attractions
Fresno boasts several fine museums, including the Fresno Art Museum with its Mexican and French post-impressionist artworks and the Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art, History and Science. Forestiere Underground Gardens is the life’s work of a former New York Subway worker who carved more than 10 acres of elaborate subterranean rooms and gardens. At night, you can head to the Tower District where you can enjoy a vast range of shops, bars and restaurants. The Tower Theater screens free retro movies on its lawn every Tuesday night during summer.
Out and about
Fresno’s most popular attractions are found in its surrounding natural beauty and contrasting scenery perfect for outdoor activities and scenic drives. From its forested southern borders to the Sequoia and Kingеs Canyon National Parks, this is car country, giving superb views at every turn in the road. Giant sequoias are found in Grant Grove near the entrance of King’s Canyon and Giant Forest and include the famous General Sherman Tree, the largest living thing in the world with its huge, over two-meter-thick branches. Beautiful lakes and caves complete the picture.
Leisure options
Heading further north through the spectacular Sierra Nevada will take you to Lake Tahoe on the California-Nevada border. It’s the biggest alpine lake in the country and offers superb swimming, sailing, hiking and camping in summer and skiing on the heights in winter. The exciting city of San Francisco is just over three hoursе drive away by rental car, and booking in advance using national travel deals ensures you get the model you want, even in the high season.
Safety
Fresno is generally a safe city, and driving here isn’t a strain, especially on the open road. However, care should be taken on the switchback routes in the mountains, especially if youеre visiting during the snowy season. Itеs recommended that travel insurance should be purchased by all visitors to the region.