Fresno is a bustling metropolis situated within the coronary heart of California, providing loads of issues to do and see. Nevertheless, generally it’s good to get out of town and discover the encompassing areas. Fortuitously, Fresno is surrounded by stunning landscapes, historic websites, and quaint cities, making it an incredible place to begin for a wide range of day journeys.
On this article, we’ll discover a number of the greatest day journeys you possibly can take from Fresno. Whether or not you lease an house in Fresno or personal a house in Fresno, taking a day journey from town is a good way to discover the area and expertise all that California has to supply.
1. Yosemite Nationwide Park
Yosemite Nationwide Park is among the most iconic nationwide parks in the US and is situated about three hours east of Fresno. This park is understood for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, and large sequoia timber, making it a prime vacation spot for outside fanatics and nature lovers.
One of the vital well-liked points of interest in Yosemite Nationwide Park is Yosemite Valley, a 7-mile-long valley that’s surrounded by towering granite cliffs, together with El Capitan and Half Dome. Guests can take a scenic drive via the valley, or discover it on foot by mountaineering one of many many trails that wind via the world.
One other must-see attraction in Yosemite Nationwide Park is Yosemite Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in North America. Guests can view the falls from varied vantage factors all through the park, together with from the Yosemite Falls Path, which takes hikers to the highest of the falls.
For these excited by tenting, Yosemite Nationwide Park gives a wide range of campgrounds, from primitive backcountry websites to extra developed campsites with facilities like showers and laundry services.
2. Kings Canyon Nationwide Park
Kings Canyon Nationwide Park is a surprising pure vacation spot situated about 90 miles east of Fresno. This nationwide park is understood for its deep canyons, towering granite cliffs, and scenic vistas.
One of the vital well-liked points of interest in Kings Canyon Nationwide Park is the Common Grant Tree, which is the third-largest tree on the planet. Guests can take a brief hike to succeed in this large sequoia tree and marvel at its huge dimension.
There are a lot of different mountaineering trails in Kings Canyon Nationwide Park that supply spectacular views of the encompassing wilderness. A few of the well-liked hikes embrace the Mist Falls Path, the Zumwalt Meadow Path, and the Rae Lakes Loop Path.
When you’re excited by tenting, Kings Canyon Nationwide Park gives a number of campgrounds the place you possibly can spend the evening surrounded by nature. The park additionally has picnic areas the place you possibly can get pleasure from a meal whereas taking within the scenic views.
3. Shaver Lake
Shaver Lake is a wonderful mountain lake situated about an hour and a half northeast of Fresno. It’s a well-liked vacation spot for day journeys, providing a variety of outside actions and scenic magnificence.
One of many essential points of interest at Shaver Lake is, after all, the lake itself. The clear blue waters are good for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and boating. There are additionally a number of seashores and picnic areas alongside the shoreline, offering the right spot for a soothing day by the water.
There are additionally loads of mountaineering and biking trails within the space, providing breathtaking views of the encompassing mountains and forests. Common trails embrace the Shaver Lake Loop Path and the Dinkey Creek Path. For these on the lookout for a little bit of journey, Shaver Lake additionally gives alternatives for zip lining, mountain climbing, and ATV using.
When you’re feeling hungry after a day of outside actions, make sure you take a look at Shaver Lake Pizza, a neighborhood favourite recognized for its scrumptious pies and laid-back ambiance.
4. Sequoia Nationwide Forest & Park
When you’re a nature lover, don’t miss Sequoia Nationwide Park and Sequoia Nationwide Forest. Each situated about two hours from Fresno, these locations supply beautiful landscapes, mountaineering trails, and tenting alternatives.
In Sequoia Nationwide Park, you possibly can see a number of the world’s largest timber, whereas Sequoia Nationwide Forest options towering mountains, speeding rivers, and dense forests. Whether or not you like a leisurely stroll or a difficult hike, these parks have one thing for everybody.
5. Paso Robles
Paso Robles is an enthralling city situated in San Luis Obispo County, a few two-and-a-half-hour drive south of Fresno. It’s a well-liked day journey vacation spot, providing a variety of actions and points of interest.
One of many essential attracts of Paso Robles is its wine nation. The city is house to over 200 wineries, producing a wide range of award-winning wines. You’ll be able to take a tour of the wineries, pattern a number of the native vintages, and be taught concerning the winemaking course of.
Along with wine tasting, there are additionally a number of different actions in Paso Robles. You’ll be able to go to the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum, which showcases the historical past of the city and the encompassing space. The Ravine Water Park is a well-liked spot for households, providing water slides, a lazy river, and different points of interest.
In terms of eating, Paso Robles gives a variety of choices, from informal cafes to upscale eating places. A few of the native favorites embrace Artisan, Il Cortile Ristorante, and Thomas Hill Organics.
6. Santa Cruz Seaside Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Seaside Boardwalk is a well-liked vacation spot for a day journey from Fresno, particularly for many who get pleasure from amusement park rides and seashore actions. The boardwalk, situated about 2.5 hours west of Fresno, boasts traditional rides just like the Big Dipper picket curler coaster, the Cave Practice Journey, and the Sea Swings. Along with the rides, there are many video games, meals choices, and outlets to discover.
After a day of rides and video games, guests can chill out on the seashore or take a stroll alongside the Santa Cruz Wharf, which options eating places, fishing alternatives, and scenic views of the ocean. For these excited by browsing, there are a number of surf faculties and rental outlets within the space.
7. Merced
Merced Nationwide Wildlife Refuge is a superb vacation spot for nature lovers on the lookout for a day journey from Fresno. Situated about an hour northwest of Fresno, the refuge encompasses over 10,000 acres of wetlands and grasslands which can be house to over 300 hen species and a wide range of different wildlife.
Guests to the refuge can take a driving tour or hike alongside the numerous trails to watch birds and wildlife of their pure habitats. A few of the mostly seen birds on the refuge embrace sandhill cranes, Canadian geese, and geese, particularly in the course of the winter months once they migrate to the world. There are additionally a number of commentary platforms and blinds situated all through the refuge that present wonderful views of the wildlife.
8. Pinnacles Nationwide Park
Situated about two hours south of Fresno, Pinnacles Nationwide Park is an interesting vacation spot for a day journey. The park is understood for its distinctive rock formations, various wildlife, and scenic mountaineering trails.
One of the vital well-liked issues to do at Pinnacles Nationwide Park is mountaineering. The park gives a wide range of trails that vary from straightforward strolls to difficult treks, all with breathtaking views of the park’s distinctive panorama. One of the vital well-liked hikes is the Bear Gulch Cave Path, which takes hikers via a collection of talus caves and previous towering rock formations.
Pinnacles Nationwide Park can be an incredible place for wildlife watching. The park is house to over 30 species of mammals, together with coyotes, bobcats, and California condors. Guests can even spot a wide range of birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
For these excited by mountain climbing, Pinnacles Nationwide Park gives difficult routes which can be well-liked amongst skilled climbers. There are additionally a number of campgrounds and picnic areas throughout the park, making it an incredible vacation spot for a day journey or in a single day keep.
9. Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay is a picturesque coastal city situated about two hours west of Fresno. It’s a well-liked day journey vacation spot, providing a variety of points of interest and actions.
One of many essential attracts of Monterey Bay is its beautiful shoreline. You’ll be able to stroll alongside the seashore, watch the waves crash in opposition to the rocks, and even spot some marine life like sea otters and harbor seals. When you’re feeling adventurous, you too can go kayaking or paddleboarding within the bay.
Along with the shoreline, Monterey Bay can be recognized for its historic points of interest. The city was as soon as the capital of Alta California, and you’ll go to a number of museums and historic websites to find out about its wealthy historical past. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one other must-visit attraction, that includes a variety of marine life displays and interactive experiences.
In terms of eating, Monterey Bay gives a variety of choices, from recent seafood to worldwide delicacies. A few of the native favorites embrace The Fish Hopper, Cannery Row Brewing Firm, and Bistro Moulin.
10. Fortress Air Museum
Fortress Air Museum is a must-visit vacation spot for aviation fanatics and historical past buffs alike. Situated about 20 minutes north of Merced and an hour and a half southeast of Fresno, the museum homes over 70 plane and different historic artifacts associated to aviation and aerospace expertise.
Guests to the museum can discover the indoor displays, which showcase a wide range of plane, engines, and different aviation-related artifacts. Highlights of the indoor exhibit embrace the SR-71 Blackbird, the B-29 Superfortress, and the B-52 Stratofortress.
Along with the indoor displays, guests can even discover the outside air park, which options a wide range of army plane, from World Conflict II-era planes to fashionable fighter jets. Guests may even climb into a number of the plane and expertise what it was prefer to be a pilot.
Study extra about Fresno
Fresno Points of interest: High Sights and Actions to Expertise as a Native or New Resident
Is Fresno a Good Place to Reside? Exploring the Professionals and Cons
