Fresno

Welcome to Fresno

Fresno’s claim to fame

Nearby attractions

A glimpse into Fresno’s past

• Once home to the Yokuts, an indigenous tribe native to Central California, Fresno was a fertile agricultural region. The Yokuts found the area perfect for irrigation and soon put down roots here.
  
  

• The Yokuts were Fresno’s only inhabitants until halfway through the 19th century when the Spanish arrived. The onset of the California Gold Rush witnessed a population boom that started in 1848. 
  
  

• In 1871, the Central Pacific Railroad Company (CPRC) conducted an inspection of the lands near Fresno, specifically A.Y. Easterby’s 2,000-acre ranch. Impressed by its quality, director Leland Stanford ordered the establishment of a town in this area. 
  
  

• The CPRC officially founded Fresno in 1872. The city soon skyrocketed in agricultural and economic development and reached over 10,000 residents by 1890. 
  
  

• Over the next few years, Fresno County would make its mark as the country’s largest exporter of agricultural goods. Among the crops produced were peaches, almonds, nectarines, and cotton. The city also supplied wine, glass, fruits, vegetables, dairy, forest products, and carpets. It had notable ties to the machinery and electronics industries.
  
  

• Today, Fresno County is an agricultural powerhouse, netting over $3 billion in annual sales of agricultural products.
  
  

The Best Neighborhoods in Fresno, CA

Woodward Park

Tower District

Fig Garden

Copper River Ranch

Sunnyside

Downtown Fresno

Fresno High

Living in Fresno, CA

Shopping and dining

• Fashion Fair Mall on East Shaw Avenue is a premier shopping and dining destination offering upscale fashion, lifestyle, and culinary experiences. It holds a wide selection of beauty, kids’ apparel, travel, luxury, health, pet care, and electronics brands. Retailers include Forever 21, Michael Kors, Pandora, and Aldo, and dining spots like Fleming’s and The Cheesecake Factory.
  
  

• River Park Shopping on Via La Plata is an outdoor shopping center housing high-end brands, local merchants, and well-known restaurants, as well as a lineup of art galleries and office spaces. The one-stop shop has a packed events calendar that includes the local farmers market, concerts, mobile pet adoption centers, community yoga programs, and senior bingo nights. 
  
  

• Fig Garden Village is Fig Garden’s designated commercial center offering a mix of chain stores and local shops, including Starbucks, Pottery Barn, Patio Cafe, and Out of the Barrel Taproom.
  
  

• Heirloom Eats is a slow-food restaurant with a colorful seasonal menu featuring the finest local ingredients. 
  
  

• Pismo’s Coastal Grill serves everything from seafood platters, specialty salads, classic American burgers, and mouthwatering desserts.
  
  

• Sam’s Italian Deli and Market is one of the most highly-ranked specialty markets in Fresno. The place offers Italian fare, wine, sandwiches, cold cuts, and fresh meat.
  
  

• Mad Duck Craft Brewery is a neighborhood pub that produces handmade brews in small batches, with blends ranging from classic pub ale to oatmeal stout and American wheat beer. 

Entertainment and attractions

1. Forestiere Underground Gardens
   
   
   In the 1900s, self-taught builder and citrus farmer Baldassare Forestiere started transforming large portions of unused farmland into an underground retreat. The result was one of the most intricate subterranean networks in local history.
   
   
   For over 40 years, Forestiere built passageways, grottos, and courtyards filled with fruit trees and grapevines. His elaborate handwork can be seen in the stone walls, arches, and vaults, largely inspired by the ancient catacombs from his hometown in Sicily. Using only simple farming tools and a local hardpan, he managed to create an impressive 10 acre-retreat that goes as deep as 25 feet belowground.
   
   
   Guests can explore this remarkable landmark any day of the week. You can also learn more about its history through a guided tour.
   
   
2. Fresno Art Museum
   
   
   At the Fresno Art Museum, visitors can view a mesmerizing permanent collection exhibiting over 3,600 paintings, prints, photographs, and sculptures. The collection acts as a window to the past, showcasing art pieces from the Pre-Columbian periods of Latin America all the way to the 21st century. It also offers an immersive experience through rotating exhibits, educational arts programs, and artist forums.
    
   Keep an eye out for works by renowned artists like Salvador Dali, August Madrigal, Pablo Picasso, Diego Rivera, Norman Rockwell, Nancy Youdelman, Andy Warhol, and Ansel Adams.
   
   
3. Rogue Festival
   
   
   The Rogue Festival is an annual Fresno tradition that supports the city’s independent artists and fringe acts. The non-juried arts showcase is open to all performances and mediums, including film, theater, comedy, magic, spoken word, music, dance, and much more. The entire event takes place over the course of 6 days and features over 100 local talents.
   
   
4. Film Festivals
   
   Fresno hosts two prominent annual film festivals. The Fresno Film Festival, a three-day event in November, presents a selection of local and international movies and documentaries that explore the stories of Fresno and the Central Valley. It also highlights homegrown talents and films.
   
   
   In September, Fresno Reel Pride takes center stage, spotlighting LGBTQ+ films and filmmakers from Fresno and across the country. This inclusive festival provides a valuable opportunity for dialogue and appreciation of local LGBTQ+ cinema.

Outdoor recreation

• Woodward Park is Fresno County’s largest park encompassing 300 acres of trail, gardens, playgrounds, and pet-friendly spaces. You’ll find miles of trails for walkers, cyclists, and hikers to explore. Here are some points of interest:
  
  

• The Lewis S. Eaton Trail, a 7.7-mile route, goes all the way to the ridges of the San Joaquin River with the Sierra Nevada Mountains as its backdrop. This is considered a moderate hike, better suited for those who want a challenge.
  
  

• The historic Shinzen Friendship Garden has vibrant blossoms, bonsai trees, and a tranquil koi pond. 
  
  

• The Woodward BMX Course is the perfect venue for riders who want to hone their technique, compete in a bike race, or join a mountain biking course.
  
  

• For golf enthusiasts, there are various golf courses in the Fresno area. The Copper River Golf Course is a members-only 18-hole championship course developed by David W. Pfaff and set on the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The Sunnyside Golf Course was designed by William Parker Bell and is also a championship course. It spans 6,950 yards and features challenging bunkers, tree-lined fairways, and bentgrass greens. Among the tournaments hosted here are:
  
  

  • Fresno City Amateur
    
    

  • USGA National Junior Championship
    
    

  • California State Open
    
    

  • NCPGA Pro Scratch
    
    

  Other courses in the city include the Riverside Municipal Golf Course, Fig Garden Golf Course, and Airways Municipal Golf Course.
  
  

• Kings Canyon National Park is often called the land of the giants. Only an hour away by car, the park is home to some of the largest trees on earth, including the famous General Sherman Tree which stands at an astounding 84 meters tall and is thought to be around 2,500 years old. Apart from the giant sequoias, visitors can also enjoy the scenic beauty of Crescent Meadow, experience the adrenaline rush of climbing Moro Rock, or delve into the rich history of Crystal Cave.
  
  

• Yosemite National Park is one of the most famous natural wonders in the country, if not the world. With plenty of hiking trails, waterfalls, and lush orchards to see, this national park has no less than 4 million visitors every year.

EXPLORE REAL ESTATE IN FRESNO, CA WITH JOHN & SHERRI DUBEAU