You won’t need a vacation from your vacation while you’re in Fresno County. No large
crowds, no high stress, just a different side of California that's worth the trip!
Snow or blossoms? Why choose? In Fresno County, winter looks like a day spent up in
the snow and another day driving through colorful blossoms. Stretching across 70 miles,
the Fresno County Blossom Trail is the early bloom of stone fruits and oranges from
mid-February to late-March. It’s a stunning reminder that the nation’s food is grown by
farmers in Fresno County. Take a self-guided tour to see the area in full bloom. If you
love snow, head up to the Sierra Nevada mountains, a short drive from Fresno and
Clovis, for skiing and snowboarding at China Peak. Or, for a view of the snowcapped
mountains and snow-covered sequoias, drive up to Yosemite, Sequoia, or Kings
Canyon National Park. Fresno is surrounded by all three national parks, which are only
90 minutes away. If you want to take it up a notch, check the times for sunrise and
sunset to see the Sierras at their absolute best.
You’re in the state’s fifth-largest city, and with the mild climate, locals don’t hibernate
during winter. The sun is still shining, perfect for grabbing a pint at one of many local
beer gardens and enjoying live music from local artists. In Clovis, raise a glass at Crow
and Wolf Brewing Company, where they offer delicious stouts and seltzers. The brewery
is family-friendly and dog-friendly. Looking for a truly spectacular experience without a
high price tag? Consider a day at the zoo… yes, Fresno has a zoo that’s about half the
cost of other major zoos. The Fresno Chaffee Zoo has several interactive exhibits,
including the Kingdoms of Asia and African Adventure, where you can see tigers,
rhinos, elephants (oh my!), and more. If you want a more intimate experience, behind-
the-scenes tours are available, allowing guests to feed a giraffe or participate in sea lion
training.
When it gets down to it, you’ll spend less time navigating theme park apps or trying to
make a reservation for a meal that will leave you hungry. The restaurants here aren’t
waiting for a tire company to tell them they have exceptional service and delicious food
– they’re serving it anyway. As the #1 agricultural producing county in the United States,
Fresno County’s food scene is unmatched. From luxury dining to hole-in-the-wall spots.
You’re getting your food as fresh as it comes. If you want a traditional farm-to-fork
experience, Heirloom is a local favorite that uses ingredients sourced from Fresno
County farmers. Stop in any time of year for one of their staple dishes, like the
mushroom taquitos, or try a seasonal menu item featuring in-season produce. If you’re
wondering, you can get great barbecue in California when you stop in at MEGA Texas
Barbeque. Named one of the Top 50 Barbecue Spots in the United States by Texas
Monthly and a celebrity favorite, their brisket is top-tier and even better when paired with their mac and cheese and bread pudding. Show up early if you want to get a taste, they frequently sell out.
Fly into the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, the only international airport in
California’s Central Valley, and was recently named one of the best small airports in the
country. The airport has non-stop flights to 11 other major cities. Roadtrippers can hop
on State Route 99; Fresno is about three hours from San Francisco, three hours from
Sacramento, and four hours from Los Angeles.