Planning a weekend getaway to Fresno County? Surrounded by three national parks (Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon) and home to several unique attractions, there are so many options for you. Whether you're traveling here with family or on your own, we've put together the best two-day itinerary for you. You'll want to drive in the night before to make the most of your two-day adventure. Find hotels and motels in Fresno and Clovis here.
DAY 1
Wake Up & Breakfast
There's a big day ahead! Start the day right with a good breakfast. If you're wanting to get out of the hotel for breakfast, you'll want to head over to a local favorite in Clovis, Jus' Jo's. Try their delicious homemade cinnamon rolls and specialty syrup on top of warm waffles. They offer top-tier customer service and everything is made using local ingredients. If all you need is coffee in the morning, there are plenty of coffee shops to choose from. Stop by Kuppa Joy in Clovis for an iced Hallelujah (white chocolate, vanilla and cinnamon coffee) and a breakfast burrito or Mi Cafesito in Fresno for a horchata latte and chilaquiles. Find more coffee shops here.
Kings Canyon National Park
Head out on a short drive into Kings Canyon National Park where giant sequoias, rushing waterfalls, and clear blue lakes sit within the deepest canyon in the United States. The park is quieter than neighboring national parks in the state, but the views are just as incredible. Explore various trails whether you're an experienced hiker looking for challenging treks or a beginning hiker just looking for beautiful views. On your way out, take a detour a visit Project Survival Cat Haven, where you’ll learn about the conservation efforts for some of the rarest big cats in the world. Take a guided tour along a .25 mile trail to see 15 different species of cats, including jaguars, leopards, lions and tigers! National park lovers can also see Yosemite and Sequoia National Park just a short drive from Fresno.
INSIDER'S TIP: Who says you need a beach for a breathtaking sunset? Fresno County is a beautiful backdrop for the most gorgeous sunsets. Watch as the rolling granite hills turn into a beautiful shade of purple while driving out of Kings Canyon National Park at sunset.
Brewery District
Back in Fresno, end your day by stopping by the Brewery District in Downtown Fresno which features local breweries like Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company. The beer garden offers craft beer named after iconic landmarks including Half Dome in Yosemite and the General Sherman in Sequoia National Park. If you'd prefer a cocktail, walk over to The Modernist for handcrafted cocktails.
INSIDER'S TIP: We recommend the Half Dome at Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company and the Spice Margarita at The Modernist.
Tower District
After a drink in the Brewery District, head over to the Tower District for dinner! The Lincoln Pub & Grub is a great place for shareable bites and unique mixed drinks inspired by President Abraham Lincoln and other U.S. presidents. Or sit outside on the patio and enjoy delicious food at El Patio Mexican Restaurant.
INSIDER'S TIP: Be sure to check out the penny bar at the Lincoln Pub & Grub, it's made entirely out of pennies!
Family-Friendly Evening
Looking for a more family-friendly evening? Head over to Old Town Clovis for dinner at DiCicco's Italian Restaurant or 99 Craft Pizza in Fresno. Parents, if you still want to try local craft beer, Crow & Wolf Brewing Company is a family-friendly brewery that offers plenty of space to sit and has food trucks parked on-site every day of the week. Try one of their beers (we love the Lucidity West Coast IPA) or one of their award-winning seltzers (the Dark House is a must-try).
DAY 2
Must-Sees in Fresno and Clovis
Day one was so much fun. Sleep in a bit and then head out for another great day! It's time to see the sights in Fresno and Clovis! If you're visiting from March through November, you'll want to stop by the Forestiere Underground Gardens, a home carved by hand beneath Fresno's surface. Inspired by the catacombs in Sicily, tour through the winding tunnels and see 100-year-old hybrid citrus plants. The gardens have their own microclimate, making the tunnels 10-20 degrees colder than the surface level, making it a great place to visit during the warm Fresno summers. Spend more time enjoying time with your family and less time juggling fast passes when you visit the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. See more than 200 species within their interactive exhibits for a fraction of the cost of other nearby zoos. Join one of the behind-the-scenes experiences to help train sea otters, feed a giraffe, and touch a stingray.
Grab a Bite to Eat
Refuel by grabbing lunch at one of the many restaurants in Fresno or Clovis! Get fresh barbecue at Westwood's BBQ or stop for ramen and noodles at Rock & Noodles. After lunch, head out for a sweet treat at Kogetsu-Do Confectionary in Fresno's Chinatown. This Japanese confectionary shop has been around for more than 100 years and sells authentic Japanese mochi and other Japanese treats.
Old Town Clovis
After lunch, take a stroll through Old Town Clovis, a charming western-themed downtown that's home to unique shops and restaurants. Browse antique stores and stop by the Clovis Veterans Memorial District and Clovis Community Heritage Museum which showcases Clovis' history and pays tribute to local veterans. End the evening by grabbing dinner in Old Town Clovis, couples and friends can enjoy a luxury dinner at Trelio Food & Wine. The menu changes seasonally and the chef sources locally-grown ingredients for all dishes. More family-friendly options include House of Juju and Salsa's Cantina.
Extra Day
Stay for an extra day and experience more Fresno County favorites. Take a walk through the Clovis Botanical Garden to see a variety of beautiful plants including cacti and colorful plants native to the Mediterranean Sea, which has a similar climate to Fresno County. Hear the sounds of trickling water and wind chimes inside the sensory garden and let your kids play inside the children's garden. Visit Simonian Farms, a fun stop to find fresh produce and get a taste of life in the Old West. The family farm grows nearly 200 fruits and vegetables, and produces premium dried fruits and nuts. Take a tour at Kearney Mansion Museum to learn about Fresno County's vast agricultural footprint and how it started.
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