From the 1872 railroad station to Baldassare Forestiere's hand-dug underground gardens, Fresno's history is close to the surface.
Fresno grew around a Central Pacific Railroad station founded in 1872 and became the county seat two years later. The Meux Home, finished in 1889, is now a museum, and the Forestiere Underground Gardens preserve the rooms and courtyards Baldassare Forestiere dug by hand between 1906 and 1946. Use the linked sources to go beyond the brief timeline, then confirm opening days and tours with each site.
Pick a starting point and build from there. Confirm opening hours, access and reservations with the venue; this guide does not imply availability or an affiliation with the places mentioned.
The Elbow Room is a steakhouse and bar in Fresno's Fig Garden Village that has served the city since 1955. Its kitchen pairs Central Valley tradition with modern American cooking, centered on dry-aged steaks, alongside…
MOTO Delicatessen & Bodega is a Fresno deli and bodega serving made-to-order sandwiches such as the Clubber Lang and the Goodfellas, along with catering, gift cards and occasional special dinner events hosted by its…
Patio Cafe is a cafe in Fig Garden Village serving organic breakfasts, which are served all day, and lunches. Guests can sit on its outdoor patio or inside the cafe, and take-out is also available.
Santa Fe Basque Restaurant and Bar serves traditional, family-style Basque meals as well as American-style plates, with lunch, dinner, bar and banquet menus. Its bar completes a casual, comfortable setting, and its…
Wassabi Off The Hook, at Shaw and Palm, is a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar suited to large parties or intimate gatherings. This location has spacious patio seating, a private banquet room and a bar lounge with a…
Cultural stops in Fresno
Museums, galleries, theaters and landmarks from our directory, ordered by how many Google reviews each has. Check opening days before setting out.
The Armenian Museum of Fresno was founded by the Armenian Technology Group in 2001 and incorporated as a nonprofit in 2003. It is housed at the University of California Center exhibition hall on East Shaw Avenue, and…
Arte Américas is a Fresno cultural center that creates exhibitions and programming featuring artists with diverse expressions of Latinx cultures. It offers tours, bilingual storytime and art workshops, in-school…
Ballet Folklorico y Marimba de Fresno teaches ballet folklórico classes in Fresno and performs at community events. Its class schedules, history, highlights and upcoming events are posted on its website, which also…
The Fresno Art Museum reflects the diversity of the San Joaquin Valley through exhibitions, education and cultural arts programs. Its permanent collection includes art of the ancient Americas, alongside changing…
Fresno Chaffee Zoo in Roeding Park inspires people to care for animals, create connections, build community and save wildlife. Visitors can buy tickets and memberships, explore its exhibits and plan seasonal visits…
The Fresno Discovery Center offers hands-on STEAM experiences for families, from dinosaurs to outer space, with the aim of making science exciting and affordable. Its exhibits and programs are listed on its website.
Historic places in Fresno
National Register of Historic Places listings in the city, from Wikidata. Many are private property; view them from the street unless a site says it is open.
