Fresno Weekend on a Budget

The center of California's Central Valley, Fresno is not the first destination that pops up on travelers' minds as a weekend getaway. Think again...Fresno not only serves as a gateway to two of the country's best national parks...Yosemite and Sequoia...but also offers the curious tourist some exciting off-the-radar activities and sights. As a bonus, you'll never see a crowd here and it's very easy on the budget.

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Springhill Suites Fresno
Of the big chain hotels in California, this is our favorite. Nice, large two room accomodations with lots of room to spread out and relax. Free wifi, pool (including a lift for the handicapped at this location), and fitness room. Located in a nice area a little northeast of downtown, it's easy to get to and easy on the budget...don't f... More >
Of the big chain hotels in California, this is our favorite. Nice, large two room accomodations with lots of room to spread out and relax. Free wifi, pool (including a lift for the handicapped at this location), and fitness room. Located in a nice area a little northeast of downtown, it's easy to get to and easy on the budget...don't forget that rate includes a full, hot breakfast in the morning. Around $90 - 110 per night.
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Forestiere Underground Gardens
What a weird, whacky, and wonderful place this is. Trying to escape the soul-killing summer heat of Fresno, Baldasare Forestiere, literally dug his way out of it with this underground home. A maze of tunnels leading to different rooms, the home is now an historical landmark and open to the public. Adults $14, kids $7.
Free wifi, pool (including a lift for the handicapped at this location), and fitness room.
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Storyland & Playland
Something for the kids is in order here. Storyland is a walk-through attraction featuring dioramas of familiar fairy tales and fables. Playland is a small amusement park with rides next door. It's a nice, relaxed atmosphere that kids will love and parents can also enjoy. $5 parking, $5 admission to Storyland, Free admission to Playland... More >
Something for the kids is in order here. Storyland is a walk-through attraction featuring dioramas of familiar fairy tales and fables. Playland is a small amusement park with rides next door. It's a nice, relaxed atmosphere that kids will love and parents can also enjoy. $5 parking, $5 admission to Storyland, Free admission to Playland and ride tickets start at 50 cents.
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Ski China Peak
An hour's drive away from Fresno is this big ski resort in the Sierra Nevada mountains with 1200 acres, over 1600 vertical feet, and a longest trail (a beginner's slope from the top) of 2.25 miles. In the summer, ride the lift with your mountain bike and cruise down, try your hand at fly fishing, or take in a summer concert. Lift ticke... More >
An hour's drive away from Fresno is this big ski resort in the Sierra Nevada mountains with 1200 acres, over 1600 vertical feet, and a longest trail (a beginner's slope from the top) of 2.25 miles. In the summer, ride the lift with your mountain bike and cruise down, try your hand at fly fishing, or take in a summer concert. Lift tickets start at $59 with many discounts available.
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Fresno Grizzlies Baseball
Chukchansi Park...try saying that three times fast...is home to the Grizzlies, the AAA minor leageu affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Great baseball action just one level below the majors at a fraction of the price, you might also see a big star coming here for a rehab game while on the disabled list. Gorgeous downtown stadium wit... More >
Chukchansi Park...try saying that three times fast...is home to the Grizzlies, the AAA minor leageu affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Great baseball action just one level below the majors at a fraction of the price, you might also see a big star coming here for a rehab game while on the disabled list. Gorgeous downtown stadium with great seating all around. Tickets start at $8.
Gorgeous downtown stadium with great seating all around.
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Shepherd's Inn Restaurant Menu
For us, the best food in the valley is found in the numerous Basque restaurants. This is the best in Fresno. Be away that almost any Basque restaurant looks like a dive, but give it a try. Great food in heaping quantities for little money...that's the Basque way. You won't leave hungry. Under $15 per person. More
For us, the best food in the valley is found in the numerous Basque restaurants. This is the best in Fresno. Be away that almost any Basque restaurant looks like a dive, but give it a try. Great food in heaping quantities for little money...that's the Basque way. You won't leave hungry. Under $15 per person.
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About the Author

Darryl Musick
Darryl Musick
I produce a travel blog with my son, Tim, who uses a wheelchair. You can see our adventures at http://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com and you can send us a message at dmusick61-at-gmail.com
Websitefacebook.com/darryl.musick
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