Fresno County, nestled in California’s San Joaquin Valley, spans nearly 6,000 square miles of stunning landscapes—from soaring Sierra peaks to lush farmlands. Our handpicked day trips showcase the county’s finest offerings: iconic national parks, quirky roadside stops, hidden natural wonders, and family-friendly escapes. Whether you’re a local craving a weekend adventure or an I-5 traveler seeking a detour, unforgettable experiences await.
Forestiere Underground Gardens: A Remarkable Subterranean Complex
A must-see for any visitor to Fresno County is Forestiere Underground Gardens. The project’s scope is hard to take in, as visitors imagine Forestiere slowly working through the earth to create this labyrinth. Maze-like passages weave underground, connecting more than 90 rooms filled with skylights. Travelers will not want to miss this remarkable historic landmark in Fresno, California. Location: 5021 W. Shaw Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722 (just east of Highway 99). Website.
Mercey Hot Springs: Historic, Eco-friendly Resort and Spa
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Western Fresno County is the hidden gem called Mercey Hot Springs. Guests can soak in tubs filled with hot mineral water. Swim in a beautiful heated pool, play frisbee golf, hike, or mountain bike. Mercey Hot Springs is a great place to relax and rejuvenate. Location: 62964 Little Panoche Rd., Firebaugh, CA 93622 (western Fresno County, near the borders with Merced and San Benito counties).
Fresno Chaffee Zoo: A Popular Family Destination
The Fresno Zoo is a perfect destination for a family day trip. Located in the center of Roeding Park in Fresno, California, the smaller-than-average zoo sits on 46 acres and is home to nearly 700 animals. Visitors from all over the state see the zoo’s various animals in habitats that mimic their own, including a walk through a rainforest and the world’s first computer-controlled reptile habitat. Location: 894 W. Belmont Ave., Fresno, CA 93728, inside Roeding Regional Park (east of SR 99, off CA-180).
Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad: Historic Narrow-gauge Steam Train
The Yosemite steam train ride lasts about one hour and takes you through the beautiful Sierra National Forest. You travel over four miles on the historic Madera Sugar Pine Railroad, and this trip is pet-friendly, and dogs ride free. The two steam locomotives operate daily during the summer months, while the railroad’s Model A “Jenny” railcars, capable of carrying about a dozen passengers, run on the line during the off-season—only a one-hour drive from Fresno.Location: 56001 Highway 41, Fish Camp, CA 93623 (in the Sierra National Forest, near the Fresno County line).
Mono Hot Springs: Rustic Retreat in the Sierra National Forest
Mono Hot Springs is located in the Sierra National Forest, northeast of Fresno. If you are looking for a fantastic wilderness experience with some of the comforts of home, then Mono Hot Springs Resort is definitely worth checking out. Natural Hot Springs dot the area. The two most popular places to soak, Old Pedro and Iodine Spring, are within an easy walk of the resort. These concrete-lined pools average about 100 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, open seasonally (typically late May to late October), with no winter access due to heavy snow and road closures.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: Twin Gems in California’s Sierra Nevada
Tucked side by side in the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains, east of the San Joaquin Valley. These two National Parks were established 50 years apart, but are now connected by a single road that provides nearly 866,000 acres of outdoor adventure in the “Land of the Giants.” Plan on spending several days exploring the wonders of these amazing national parks. Open year-round, though winter snow limits access to high elevations.
Huntington Lake is a Scenic High-Sierra Adventure
Located 80 miles northeast of Fresno in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is pretty Huntington Lake. The lake is a popular destination for those seeking an unspoiled, beautiful mountain setting, camping, or a cabin rental. It is the perfect place to recharge and connect with nature. Famous for water sports, the lake is also well known for camping, with several campgrounds in the area.
Bravo Farms, Kettleman City, a Family-Friendly Roadside Attraction
Bravo Farms is a roadside attraction on Highway 99 in Tulare and Fresno. Kettleman City is the largest of the four locations. The theme here is the wild west, complete with a ghost town, restaurant, and farm store; there is even an area for dogs to play. Bravo Farms’ great place to stop on a road trip along the I-5 corridor is much more than the usual pit stop. Bravo Farms is open seven days a week. Address: 33341 Bernard Dr, Kettleman City, CA 93239 (off I-5 Exit 309; head north on Hwy 41 for 0.5 miles, right on Bernard Dr).
Bass Lake Recreation Area: a Year-Round Haven for Adventures
Bass Lake Recreation Area, located in the Sierra National Forest at 3,400 feet, is a 4.5-mile-long reservoir surrounded by pine forests and granite outcrops. Just 14 miles from the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park and 56 miles north of Fresno, it serves as a unique retreat. With summer temperatures reaching nearly 80 degrees, Bass Lake attracts many visitors for swimming, fishing, and water skiing.
Boyden Cavern, Kings Canyon: Discovered in the Early 1900s by a Prospector
Boyden Cavern makes an interesting stop while visiting Kings Canyon. Tours are available from April through November, depending on weather conditions. The time lasts about 45 minutes and takes visitors nearly a quarter of a mile beneath King’s Gates mountain. A park vendor operates Boyden Cavern tours and is not included in the Kings Canyon National Park admission fee. The cavern is open seasonally and is perfect for a half-day escape along the scenic Kings Canyon Byway.
Hillcrest Farm and Railroad: A Delightful Family-Friendly Destination
Hillcrest Farm is a stop along the Fresno Blossom Trail. Hillcrest is unique in that a train layout with steam locomotives pulls guests around on a 15-minute tour of the farm. What started as a Christmas Tree Farm became a fun, family-friendly attraction. Hillcrest Farm and Railroad are open seasonally on weekends. Events include a rail Festival, a Pumpkin Patch, and Christmas with Steam Trains. Address: 6943 S Reed Ave, Reedley, California. Hillcrest Farm
Shaver Lake, Fresno County: A Year-Round Outdoor Playground
Shaver Lake is a popular day-trip and overnight-camping destination. The little town of Shaver Lake makes a good home base for exploring the region. There are several campgrounds, RV parks, and cottage rentals around the lake. Fishing, boating, hiking, and sightseeing are just some reasons to visit Saver Lake for a day or an entire vacation.
Project Survival Cat Haven
Project Survival is dedicated to the preservation of wild cats. Funds from tours are used to feed the cats and support conservation efforts. Project Survival is a beautiful place to see and learn about cats. Guests can get close to large and small felines, unlike a zoo. There are more than 30 species of wild cats at the Project Survival Cat Haven. Address 38257 E Kings Canyon Rd, Dunlap, CA 93621. Phone (559) 338-3216 website