Located in the heart of Central California, Fresno offers much to see and do. While you are just a few short hours from the majestic Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, there is plenty to keep you busy in the city too! We're proud to be the home of the Bulldogs!
The City of Fresno was incorporated in 1885. Before it became a city, Fresno was established in 1972 as a key stop along the Central Pacific Railroad. Surrounded by rich agricultural production, the station contributed to growing Fresno into the prime economic hub in California’s Central Valley that it is today. Today, Fresno is a key destination for agribusiness professionals, those looking to unwind, and nature-minded sightseers.
It’s not hard to get around Fresno! Like most other metropolitan cities, Fresno has multiple forms of accessible transportation. Fresno’s public transit system, the Fresno Area Express (FAX), has bus routes that cover all major destinations in the city. There are many competitively priced car rental businesses within walking distance of our Fresno airport hotel. Click here to view the locations closest to us.
Fresno is also considered the shopping district of the San Joaquin Valley. In northwest Fresno, Fig Garden Village features a variety of the finest upscale stores in Fresno. The Fashion Fair Mall, Sierra Vista Mall, and the Shops at Riverpark are just a few short miles away. Don’t forget to check out the antique shops of Old Town Clovis if you’re on the hunt for something unique!
With so much agriculture near Fresno, it’s no wonder that food is a major part of city life. Foods you should consider trying while in the city include bierocks (a round pastry filled with beef and cabbage), figs, raisins, Fresno State corn, and tri-tip. With large Latin American and Southeast Asian communities, the city of Fresno is also known for having many restaurants serving tacos and pho noodle soup.
Many prospective students stay at our airport hotel while touring the university. The Save Mart Center, located on campus, is a multi-purpose arena home to the school’s many fine sporting teams. You can also catch concerts performed by renowned touring artists. For more information on upcoming events at the arena, visit savemartcenter.com.
Fresno is the #1 agricultural city in the nation. The region is known for its export of grapes, almonds, tomatoes, pistachios, peaches, and plums. Every year, visitors to Fresno are invited to traverse the 62-mile loop drive through the pink and white colored blossoms. Click here for more information on the blossom trails, fruit trails, and farmers markets of Fresno.
Providing excellent views of the world-famous Sierra Valley, Yosemite National Park is a stunning destination for hiking year-round. See the majestic waterfalls, giant Sequoias, meadows, and more. Many visitors to Yosemite National Park engage in birdwatching, fishing, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and horseback riding.
Visitors to the area are often most excited to see the groves of immense sequoia trees this location is known for, but there are many other things to see and do. While visiting, you can choose to take the 45-minute walking tour of Crystal Cave, an underground marble cavern. The park also offers ranger and naturalist-led programs for public enjoyment and education. For more information on these adjacent parks, visit the National Parks Service website.
