Top Six Things to Do in Fresno

The last time I was driving down Highway 99 from San Francisco to Los Angeles, I didn't even recognize Fresno. This booming Central Valley community has come a long way from the redneck bars and cow pattie bingo games that used to pass for entertainment. Today, Fresno is a diverse, thriving metropolis with culture and fun activities that keep anyone busy, any day of the week. From athletic games at Fresno State University to hanging out with artists and beautiful people in the Tower District, you'll have more than enough choices of places to eat and play. Even though the housing market collapse has affected the local economy, the energetic pursuits of small business owners, local government and creative types are keeping this city thriving. The next time you happen to be driving down Highway 99, exit the freeway and go exploring. Once you get past the city's old reputation and get out there, you'll see that Fresno has transitioned into the modern age.

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Woodward Park Dog Park
What better place to dodge the scorching summer sun than under the shaded canopy of trees in the 300-acre Woodward Park? The Central Valley's largest community park has plenty of places to relax or play, including five miles of multi-use paths that connect to the San Joaquin River Parkways Lewis S. Eaton Trail. There's also a lake, sev... More >
What better place to dodge the scorching summer sun than under the shaded canopy of trees in the 300-acre Woodward Park? The Central Valley's largest community park has plenty of places to relax or play, including five miles of multi-use paths that connect to the San Joaquin River Parkways Lewis S. Eaton Trail. There's also a lake, several small ponds and an equestrian trail. For the younger, more active members of your family, the park's multiple children's playgrounds and one acre dog park will tire out even the heartiest of kids. You'll need to get our your wallet, since it costs $5 to get into the park, but don't be dissuades, the fee is totally worth it. Woodward Park will keep you busy for an entire day.
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North Tower Circle
Fresno's Tower District is one of the most colorful areas of the city. Centered around the historic 1939 Tower Theater, you'll find this neighborhood just north of the downtown area. Once you're there, a huge variety of independent businesses are there to welcome you, along with festivals like October's "Pooch Parade, Canine Carnival &... More >
Fresno's Tower District is one of the most colorful areas of the city. Centered around the historic 1939 Tower Theater, you'll find this neighborhood just north of the downtown area. Once you're there, a huge variety of independent businesses are there to welcome you, along with festivals like October's "Pooch Parade, Canine Carnival & Costume Contest" and the "Grand Mardi Gras Parade." You'll also find North Tower Circle, a popular gay bar with music and dancing. North Tower Circle is the epicenter of Fresno's LGBT community and a place to enjoy after-work cocktails with friends, or party and dance on the weekeds.
The Dog House is a lively sports bar directly across teh street from Fresno State.
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Fresno Art Museum
Fresno's always had culture and art, it's just been hard to see it beyond the dusty cowtown reputation the city used to have. But the Fresno Art Museum has always set out to change this perception of the community, and since 1948 has been on a mission to show the world that art and culture can coexist with the agricultural roots of the Central Valley. Fresno Art Museum is the only one-stop shop for an art fix between San Francisco and Los Angeles. For a meagre five bucks, you can see the work of people whose art has played an important role in the shaping of the region, including Ansel Adams and Manyard Dixon. And because of the Central Valley's strong ties to the Latino population, there is also a huge collection of pre-Columbian and ... More >
Fresno's always had culture and art, it's just been hard to see it beyond the dusty cowtown reputation the city used to have. But the Fresno Art Museum has always set out to change this perception of the community, and since 1948 has been on a mission to show the world that art and culture can coexist with the agricultural roots of the Central Valley. Fresno Art Museum is the only one-stop shop for an art fix between San Francisco and Los Angeles. For a meagre five bucks, you can see the work of people whose art has played an important role in the shaping of the region, including Ansel Adams and Manyard Dixon. And because of the Central Valley's strong ties to the Latino population, there is also a huge collection of pre-Columbian and Mexican art. The museum offers art appreciation classes for adults and kids througout the year. If you visit, be sure to call ahead of time to make sure that all of the galleries are open (some can be closed when new exhibits are opening soon).
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Dog House Grill
Ask any local carnivore where to get the best tri-tip in town, and chances are they'll say that the Dog House Grill is where it's at. The Dog House is a lively sports bar directly across teh street from Fresno State. The place gets packed any day of the week and It's a carnivore's delight with items like pulled pork and tri-tip, with ... More >
Ask any local carnivore where to get the best tri-tip in town, and chances are they'll say that the Dog House Grill is where it's at. The Dog House is a lively sports bar directly across teh street from Fresno State. The place gets packed any day of the week and It's a carnivore's delight with items like pulled pork and tri-tip, with various other bar food selections to choose from. Many Fresneans come here for the party atmosphere and the food, and while the service is usually good, most of the servers are college kids, so brace yourself for that kind of experience. It's also quite noisy (perfect or kids!), and especially cacophonic during Bulldogs events. The biggest complaint people have about the Dog House is the parking. The lot is small, so if you're driving a big ol' Dodge RAM, don't even try to go inside, just park acros the street. But that's OK, since you'll need the exercise after eating the heaps of awesome food served up inside.
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Teazer World Tea Market
Tired of hanging out at generic multi-national chain coffee houses? Sick of coffee breath and stained teeth? Then chuck that coffee bean habit and get on over to Teazer's in Fresno. Since 2003 Teazer's has been serving up the language and culture of tea to Fresno. Their welcoming, calming ambiance and friendly approach toward educati... More >
Tired of hanging out at generic multi-national chain coffee houses? Sick of coffee breath and stained teeth? Then chuck that coffee bean habit and get on over to Teazer's in Fresno. Since 2003 Teazer's has been serving up the language and culture of tea to Fresno. Their welcoming, calming ambiance and friendly approach toward educating patrons about the many different types of tea is working; Teazer now has three stores in the city. Don't be shy if you're unfamiliar with the world of tea. Teazer's friendly staff will introduce you to many of their varieties to help you find your favorites. And with 200 teas in the house, you'll need to come back again and again to make sure you pick your best match. One local says "It's a cool place to meet up with friends, hold a meeting or just take a quick break from work. My favorite is the Honulu Samari style tea."
Fresno Art Museum is the only one-stop shop for an art fix between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
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Four Points by Sheraton Fresno
With so much to see and do in Fresno, you'll need a few days just to enjoy it all. You can spend the night at any of the nationally-known hotel chains, but there's only one with this calibre of service that will give you the most highly rated accommodations and service in Fresno by those who've been there. You'll get what you expect out of a Starwood property; clean rooms, comfy beds, free wifi, swimming pool and a knowle... More
With so much to see and do in Fresno, you'll need a few days just to enjoy it all. You can spend the night at any of the nationally-known hotel chains, but there's only one with this calibre of service that will give you the most highly rated accommodations and service in Fresno by those who've been there. You'll get what you expect out of a Starwood property; clean rooms, comfy beds, free wifi, swimming pool and a knowledgeable staff. There's a restaurant with a bar too that serves up a Sunday brunch. Just use care where you park your car, as this downtown neighborhood can be a bit sketchy at night. Hotel clerks advise patrons to park their cars in well-lit areas.
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About the Author

Rene Agredano
Rene Agredano
Partner, Agreda Communications, and co-founder of Tripawds.com, the world's largest community for three legged dogs and their humans. Seasonal adventure traveler, writer; and seeker of good times, tasty beverages and good people.
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