Fresno, California: Things to Do, Where to Stay, and Why It’s Not Just Raisins

Fresno? I say Fres-yes! I visited Fresno, California for a work meeting, not expecting much beyond a hotel room and maybe a raisin or two. But what I found was a surprisingly charming mix of quirky art, warm hospitality, and fascinating local flavor. If you’re wondering what to do in Fresno, or whether it’s worth a visit, read on for the scoop!

Where Is Fresno and What Is It Known For

Located smack-dab in California’s Central Valley, Fresno is the 5th largest city in the state and just 60 miles from Yosemite. Known as the Raisin Capital of the World (yes, really), it produces over 16% of California’s agricultural output, including 100% of the U.S. raisin supply.

“Fun” Facts:

• Fresno is the largest US city not directly linked to an Interstate highway.
• People from Fresno are called Fresnans.
• Fresno means “ash tree” in Spanish. Indeed there were many ash trees around when the city was settled in 1872.
• The dance style “Popping” was founded in Fresno in the 1970s.

Sure, it’s also known for some not-so-great things (ahem, air quality), but let’s focus on the good stuff for now, shall we?

Fresno Hotel Review: Staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton

Why I Picked the DoubleTree

I decided to stay at the DoubleTree Hotel because it was rated pretty well online, and it’s a Hilton hotel now and Hilton has a pretty good points program. Even one stay at a Hilton Hotel can earn you some money (in points) off your next stay.

The Hilton has an app you can download and use to check in and get your digital key before you even arrive. You can also choose your exact room from a map. Pretty cool I must say. So you can bypass checking in at the front desk entirely and proceed directly to your room as soon as you get there.

One nice (and corny) thing I’ll admit is the Hilton app sent me a notification when I was on my way that I was all set to proceed to my chosen room, but there would be a warm chocolate chip cookie waiting for me at the front desk. This actually brought a smile to my face like I was in an AT&T commercial. (Sadly, I forgot about my cookie in the excitement of arriving though) 😄

I selected a room on the 7th (top) floor, and I was very happy with it. Spacious, clean, view of the city, coffee maker, bath tub, iron and ironing board. Yes, I actually ironed because I was attending a work meeting! Crazy!

I went down to the Atrium Lounge for dinner (Turkey Club), which was good. In the morning I grabbed a coffee from the lobby’s Starbucks, as well as an appetizer cup of coffee in my room when I first woke up. 😉

Would I Stay Here Again?

The hotel is probably at least 30 years old and shows its age if you look for it. But everything was in good shape, clean and comfortable. I recommend it and would stay here again!

Quick video tour of the DoubleTree Hotel

What It’s Really Like to Explore Downtown Fresno Solo

My Hotel was in Downtown Fresno, near the Convention Center, Saroyan Theater and the Selland Arena. I can imagine that when there are events going on at these venues the area is hopping. However, when I was there, it was a ghost town!

The hotel seemed well occupied, and there were lots of cars parked outside of the various buildings and government offices Downtown. Yet surprisingly few people to be seen on the streets anywhere. I also noticed how clean it seemed Downtown. Maybe because no people were walking around dropping garbage?

I suspect Fresno’s Downtown area is facing challenges like many other cities after the Pandemic. However, it’s clean appearance really gave me a sort of hopefully feeling for it, like it’s on the cusp of something new. In fact you can see on the Downtown Fresno website they have committees and students actively working on fresh ideas for revitalization.

Downtown Fresno Murals: A Self-Guided Art Walk

I looked for anything interesting to see in Fresno and saw that there is a Mural District right near Downtown. So, I took about an hour to check out a few of them, and I must say I was impressed and delighted! I am no New York Times Art Reviewer, despite what you probably think, but I found the murals to be impactful, impressive and even beautiful. I would like to see more of them next time I’m in Fresno. Check them out!

Note that while downtown felt quiet, eerily so, I never felt unsafe walking around during daylight. That said, I wouldn’t go mural hunting solo after dark. A few places like Kuppa Joy and Hummus Republic caught my eye for next time!

Why I’m Planning a Return Trip for the Forestiere Underground Gardens

Before this work trip even came up, I had Fresno on my radar for one reason: the Forestiere Underground Gardens. I’d read about this fascinating, hand-dug maze of underground rooms and orchards built over 40 years by an Italian immigrant looking to escape the Central Valley heat, and I was hooked.

Forestiere Underground Gardens consists of 65 rooms dug into the ground. It was built with “skylights” intersperced in the structure, and trees were planted which grew up through them. The trees and plants in the structure were protected from the harsh climate and have thrived!

Unfortunately, I visited in winter when the gardens are closed (December–February). But that didn’t stop me from peeking at photos online and imagining what it must feel like to walk through that cool, shaded labyrinth, past citrus trees growing up through skylights. It’s part architecture, part agriculture, and part pure determination.

As a traveler who loves unique, local stories I knew instantly that I’d have to come back. If you’re planning your own visit to Fresno, and you’re there in spring or fall, I’d definitely bump this to the top of your must-see list. I know I will.

Is Fresno Worth Visiting? Here’s My Honest Take

My quick trip to Fresno turned out to be unexpectedly delightful! From mural-hopping downtown to a comfy stay at the DoubleTree and a longing peek at the Forestiere Underground Gardens, this Central Valley city surprised me in all the best ways.

Art, cookies, and underground gardens? Yes, please.

Would I go back? I think so. Especially when Forestiere is open!

Got tips for what to do in Fresno next time? Drop them in the comments, I’m all ears!