About Fresno
Fresno is a city in the San Joaquin Valley of California, United States. It is the county seat of Fresno County and the largest city in the greater Central Valley region, as well as the most populated city in Central California. It covers about 114.7 square miles (297 km2) and had a population of 542,107 as of the 2020 census, making it the fifth-most populous city in California, the most populous inland city in California, and the 33rd-most populous city in the nation.
Places to visit in Fresno
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Forestiere Underground Gardens
Historic · 5 mi from centreA network of underground rooms, courtyards and passages hand-dug by a Sicilian immigrant over decades, with citrus and fruit trees growing up through openings to the sky.
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Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Zoo · 3 mi from centreA zoo in Roeding Park with a large African savanna area, a sea lion exhibit and a Southeast Asian section with tigers and elephants, an easy half-day outing.
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Woodward Park
ParkA large park along the San Joaquin River bluffs with trails, lakes and the Shinzen Japanese Garden, which features koi ponds, bridges and seasonal plantings.
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Tower District
NeighborhoodFresno's arts and entertainment neighborhood, centered on the Art Deco Tower Theatre, with independent restaurants, vintage shops, coffee houses and the city's liveliest nightlife. Evenings are the liveliest time to visit.
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Meux Home Museum
Historic · 3 mi from centreA restored Victorian home downtown that shows how a prosperous Fresno family lived in the late nineteenth century, with period furnishings and guided tours led by docents.
Where to stay in Fresno
Popular hotels in Fresno, out of 96 properties you can book.
Best Western Plus Fresno Inn
From $115 per night
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fresno Northwest
From $113 per night
Ramada by Wyndham Fresno Northwest
From $71 per night
Hotel Piccadilly
From $89 per night
Best Western Clovis Cole
From $151 per night
Homewood Suites by Hilton Fresno
From $296 per night
Comfort Suites Clovis
From $147 per night
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Clovis Fresno Area
From $147 per night
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites River Park
From $152 per night
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Fresno North, CA
From $138 per night
Best Western Plus Fresno Airport Hotel
From $120 per night
Fairfield by Marriott Fresno River Park
From $262 per night
Best time to visit Fresno
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Fresno is April and October, when average daytime highs are around 74–81°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Fresno weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 73° 55° 52%
- Thu 22 Oct 71° 57° 58%
- Fri 23 Oct 73° 58° 4%
- Sat 24 Oct 78° 62° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 81° 64° 2%
- Mon 26 Oct 81° 66° 2%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/Los_AngelesUTC−7
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Fresno
These are the airports closest to central Fresno. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- FCH Fresno Chandler Executive Airport4 mi (6 km) from the city centre
- FAT Fresno Yosemite International Airport4 mi (7 km) from the city centre
Getting around Fresno
As is typical in California Central Valley cities, a car is useful and often necessary to access most parts of town. Traffic congestion in Fresno is not as bad as larger places in California, but Shaw and Herndon avenues can get quite crowded, especially since there is no east-west freeway through the north side. CA-99 runs along the west side of the city, becoming semi-rural before exiting Fresno County on the northwest side of Fresno. CA-41 runs down the middle of the city.
By bus
There is a modest bus system, Fresno Area Express (FAX), but a car would be advised. The city has a bus rapid transit line.
By bike
In 2011, Fresno became the first town or city in the Central Valley to earn a Bronze Medal Designation from the League of American Bicyclists, recognizing Fresno as a bicycle friendly community. The city is expanding its bike lanes further in an effort to improve bike access.
Fresno travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Fresno?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Fresno is April and October, when average daytime highs are around 74–81°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.
What is the weather like in Fresno?
July is usually the warmest month in Fresno, with average highs of 104°F (40°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 42°F (5°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 119 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Fresno?
Fresno Chandler Executive Airport (FCH) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (6 km) from the centre of Fresno. Other nearby airports include Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT, 4 mi).
What time zone is Fresno in?
Fresno uses the America/Los_Angeles time zone (currently UTC−7). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Fresno?
As is typical in California Central Valley cities, a car is useful and often necessary to access most parts of town. Traffic congestion in Fresno is not as bad as larger places in California, but Shaw and Herndon avenues can get quite crowded, especially since there is no east-west freeway through the north side.
What are the best places to visit in Fresno?
Top sights in Fresno include Forestiere Underground Gardens, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Woodward Park and Tower District. A network of underground rooms, courtyards and passages hand-dug by a Sicilian immigrant over decades, with citrus and fruit trees growing up through openings to the sky.
Where should I stay in Fresno?
Popular areas for hotels in Fresno include Yosemite International Fresno Airport and Clovis, California. Well-reviewed options include Best Western Plus Fresno Inn and La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fresno Northwest.
How many hotels can I book in Fresno?
Destina Holidays currently lists 96 properties in and around Fresno, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
