Find cheap flights to Fresno from $74

Fresno is the 5th-largest city in California and sits in the San Joaquin Valley in central California. Temperatures in Fresno vary quite significantly, from somewhat cool to sweltering, with much of the year being comfortably warm. It’s very sunny in Fresno, with little rain and no snow. If you visit during the peak tourist season in summer, you should book your flights and lodgings in advance. The daily high temperatures in June – August range from 95 – 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack your swimsuit, sunscreen and a hat. Spring is a lovely season to visit, with trees and flowers blooming, and comfortable temperatures of 72 – 86 degrees Fahrenheit. This is, however, another busy time for visitors. You might consider a fall vacation with warm sunny weather and fewer tourists; you can count on a great holiday. If budget is a concern, a winter visit might be best. You can probably find deals on flights and accommodation, and with high temperatures between 58 – 69 degrees Fahrenheit, you can leave your parka at home, so just remember to pack a jacket.

Downtown Fresno is relatively compact and very walkable, and you’ll seldom need an umbrella, except possibly to keep the sun out of your eyes! For getting around the rest of this sprawling city, rely on the local buses, call for a taxi, or use Lyft or Uber ride-share services. Many visitors to Fresno plan a side trip to one of the three nearby National Parks, Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. There are buses traveling to these regularly, or you can rent a car and get there on your own schedule.

Buses

Fresno Area Express (FAX) buses serve the entire city with a fleet of 100 buses and 16 routes. An adult fare is $1.25 USD and transfers are free. Children under 6 ride for free with a paying adult. You can also buy a 10-ride pass for $11.25 USD. You can ride a YARTS bus to Yosemite National Park for $30.00 USD, or travel with Big Trees Transit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for $15.00 USD, including park entrance fees.

Taxis

Taxis are easily available in Fresno. You can hail one outside of attractions and hotels or call for a ride. Flag drop is $3.40 USD, followed by $2.50 USD per mile with a waiting charge of $40.00 USD per hour. Call Uber or Lyft and you’ll likely save a few dollars, depending on the day and time.

Things to do and places of interest in Fresno

Fresno is a great place to spend time outdoors. It boasts 75 urban parks and mostly dry, sunny weather. Here are some more suggestions for your itinerary, when you travel to Fresno.

• You can’t visit Fresno without traveling to the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains to check out the magnificent National Parks. Yosemite is the most famous, but Sequoia and Kings Canyon are also worth seeing.
• Fresno is surrounded by farms and orchards, so the culinary scene here is amazing. While you’re here, you can sample fresh California cuisine at top restaurants like Parma, Pismo’s Coastal Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Bar, and House of Juju.
• If you come in February and March, drive the Blossom Trail, a scenic route through orchards and fields in riotous bloom. Peaches, plums, nectarines and almonds in shades of pink or white, and hot yellow mustard blooms create an over-the-top display of color.
• Check out the fascinating Forestiere Underground Gardens created by the Italian immigrant Baldassare Forestiere. He spent his life digging and tunneling this amazing underground warren of patios, gardens and grottos.
• Bring your children to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo which began as a home for unwanted pets rather than an actual zoo. They’ll be thrilled to see elephants, cheetahs, gorillas, and much more.
• On a hot day, take the family to cool off at Island Water Park. With exciting waterslides, wave pools and more, it’s splashy fun for everyone.

Tips and tricks for visiting Fresno

Summer high temperatures and poor air quality can sometimes spell trouble for those with asthma or other breathing issues. If you suffer from any of these, pay attention to air quality reports, and plan indoor activities at air-conditioned malls or attractions.

While California has a reputation for being an expensive place to visit, you’ll be happy to discover that Fresno is the exception to that rule. There are plenty of affordable or free events and places worth seeing. Check out the local farmers’ markets, or Fresno’s Art Hop, for example.