Fresno is a bustling metropolis positioned 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 encircling areas. Thankfully, Fresno is surrounded by lovely landscapes, historic websites, and quaint cities, making it an incredible start line for a wide range of day journeys.
On this article, we’ll discover a few of the finest day journeys you may take from Fresno. Whether or not you hire an condo 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 likely one of the most iconic nationwide parks in the USA and is positioned about three hours east of Fresno. This park is thought for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, and big sequoia bushes, making it a prime vacation spot for outside fans and nature lovers.
One of the vital fashionable sights 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 by the valley, or discover it on foot by mountaineering one of many many trails that wind by 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 about tenting, Yosemite Nationwide Park gives a wide range of campgrounds, from primitive backcountry websites to extra developed campsites with facilities like showers and laundry amenities.
2. Kings Canyon Nationwide Park
Kings Canyon Nationwide Park is a shocking pure vacation spot positioned about 90 miles east of Fresno. This nationwide park is thought for its deep canyons, towering granite cliffs, and scenic vistas.
One of the vital fashionable sights in Kings Canyon Nationwide Park is the Basic Grant Tree, which is the third-largest tree on the earth. Guests can take a brief hike to succeed in this big sequoia tree and marvel at its huge measurement.
There are lots of different mountaineering trails in Kings Canyon Nationwide Park that supply spectacular views of the encircling wilderness. Among the fashionable hikes embody the Mist Falls Path, the Zumwalt Meadow Path, and the Rae Lakes Loop Path.
If you happen to’re excited about tenting, Kings Canyon Nationwide Park gives a number of campgrounds the place you may spend the night time surrounded by nature. The park additionally has picnic areas the place you may get pleasure from a meal whereas taking within the scenic views.
3. Shaver Lake
Shaver Lake is a good looking mountain lake positioned about an hour and a half northeast of Fresno. It’s a preferred vacation spot for day journeys, providing a spread of out of doors actions and scenic magnificence.
One of many principal sights at Shaver Lake is, in fact, 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 encircling mountains and forests. Common trails embody the Shaver Lake Loop Path and the Dinkey Creek Path. For these in search of a little bit of journey, Shaver Lake additionally gives alternatives for zip lining, mountaineering, and ATV using.
If you happen to’re feeling hungry after a day of out of doors actions, be sure you take a look at Shaver Lake Pizza, an area favourite recognized for its scrumptious pies and laid-back ambiance.
4. Sequoia Nationwide Forest & Park
If you happen to’re a nature lover, don’t miss Sequoia Nationwide Park and Sequoia Nationwide Forest. Each positioned about two hours from Fresno, these locations supply gorgeous landscapes, mountaineering trails, and tenting alternatives.
In Sequoia Nationwide Park, you may see a few of the world’s largest bushes, whereas Sequoia Nationwide Forest options towering mountains, dashing rivers, and dense forests. Whether or not you favor a leisurely stroll or a difficult hike, these parks have one thing for everybody.
5. Paso Robles
Paso Robles is a captivating city positioned in San Luis Obispo County, a few two-and-a-half-hour drive south of Fresno. It’s a preferred day journey vacation spot, providing a spread of actions and sights.
One of many principal attracts of Paso Robles is its wine nation. The city is dwelling 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 few 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 encircling space. The Ravine Water Park is a well-liked spot for households, providing water slides, a lazy river, and different sights.
In relation to eating, Paso Robles gives a spread of choices, from informal cafes to upscale eating places. Among the native favorites embody Artisan, Il Cortile Ristorante, and Thomas Hill Organics.
6. Santa Cruz Seashore Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Seashore 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, positioned about 2.5 hours west of Fresno, boasts basic 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 about browsing, there are a number of surf colleges and rental outlets within the space.
7. Merced
Merced Nationwide Wildlife Refuge is a good vacation spot for nature lovers in search of a day journey from Fresno. Situated about an hour northwest of Fresno, the refuge encompasses over 10,000 acres of wetlands and grasslands which are dwelling to over 300 chicken 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. Among the mostly seen birds on the refuge embody 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 statement platforms and blinds positioned 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 a captivating vacation spot for a day journey. The park is thought for its distinctive rock formations, numerous wildlife, and scenic mountaineering trails.
One of the vital fashionable 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 fashionable hikes is the Bear Gulch Cave Path, which takes hikers by a sequence of talus caves and previous towering rock formations.
Pinnacles Nationwide Park can be an incredible place for wildlife watching. The park is dwelling to over 30 species of mammals, together with coyotes, bobcats, and California condors. Guests may spot a wide range of birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
For these excited about mountaineering, Pinnacles Nationwide Park gives difficult routes which are fashionable amongst skilled climbers. There are additionally a number of campgrounds and picnic areas inside 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 positioned about two hours west of Fresno. It’s a preferred day journey vacation spot, providing a spread of sights and actions.
One of many principal attracts of Monterey Bay is its gorgeous shoreline. You’ll be able to stroll alongside the seashore, watch the waves crash towards the rocks, and even spot some marine life like sea otters and harbor seals. If you happen to’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 sights. 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 spread of marine life reveals and interactive experiences.
In relation to eating, Monterey Bay gives a spread of choices, from recent seafood to worldwide delicacies. Among the native favorites embody 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 fans 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 reveals, which showcase a wide range of plane, engines, and different aviation-related artifacts. Highlights of the indoor exhibit embody the SR-71 Blackbird, the B-29 Superfortress, and the B-52 Stratofortress.
Along with the indoor reveals, guests may discover the outside air park, which options a wide range of navy plane, from World Struggle II-era planes to trendy fighter jets. Guests may even climb into a few of the plane and expertise what it was wish to be a pilot.
Be taught extra about Fresno
Fresno Points of interest: Prime Sights and Actions to Expertise as a Native or New Resident
Is Fresno a Good Place to Stay? Exploring the Professionals and Cons
