Fresno City Guide

Fresno History

The City of Fresno was incorporated in 1885. Before it became a city, Fresno was established in 1972 as a key stop along the Central Pacific Railroad. Surrounded by rich agricultural production, the station contributed to growing Fresno into the prime economic hub in California’s Central Valley that it is today. Today, Fresno is a key destination for agribusiness professionals, those looking to unwind, and nature-minded sightseers.

Transportation

It’s not hard to get around Fresno! Like most other metropolitan cities, Fresno has multiple forms of accessible transportation. Fresno’s public transit system, the Fresno Area Express (FAX), has bus routes which cover all major destinations in the city.  There are many competitively priced car rental businesses within walking distance of our Fresno airport hotel. Click here to view the locations closest to us.

Shopping

Fresno is also considered the shopping district of the San Joaquin Valley. In northwest Fresno, Fig Garden Village features a variety of the finest upscale stores in Fresno. The Fashion Fair Mall, Sierra Vista Mall, and the Shops at Riverpark are just a few short miles away. Don’t forget to check out the antique shops of Old Town Clovis if you’re on the hunt for something unique!

Food

With so much agriculture near Fresno, it’s no wonder that food is a major part of city life. Foods you should consider trying while in the city include bierocks (a round pastry filled with beef and cabbage), figs, raisins, Fresno State corn, and tri-tip. With large Latin American and Southeast Asian communities, the city of Fresno is also known for having many restaurants serving tacos and pho noodle soup.

Culture & Entertainment

• Fresno has many parks to visit, works of public art, professional sports, and more to provide entertainment for individuals and families alike. If you’re interested in culture, Fresno’s rich and diverse theatrical and entertainment sites are a great option. The Selland Arena, Saroyan Theater and Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra are just a few choices available for your pleasure. 
• Fresno’s downtown Tower District neighborhood is a good option for nights out and features restaurants, night clubs, performing arts venues, and unique retail stores.
• Fresno also has many excellent cultural museums, including the African American Cultural and Historical Museum, the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, Arte Americas, and the Mennonite Quilting Center. You can learn more about Fresno’s museums on the Fresno County website. 
• If you’re traveling with children, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo is an affordable destination for families! The zoo is home to many majestic animals including lions, kangaroos, and stingrays.
• If you visit the city in October, you may want to visit the Big Fresno Fair, known for its carnival, horse racing, and gigantic cinnamon rolls!

California State University & the Save Mart Center

Many prospective students stay at our airport hotel while touring the university. The Save Mart Center, located on campus, is a multi-purpose arena home to the school’s many fine sporting teams. You can also catch concerts performed by renowned touring artists. For more information on upcoming events at the arena, visit savemartcenter.com.

Agriculture

Fresno is the #1 agricultural city in the nation. The region is known for its export of grapes, almonds, tomatoes, pistachios, peaches, and plums. Every year, visitors to Fresno are invited to traverse the 62-mile loop drive through the pink and white colored blossoms. Click here for more information on the blossom trails, fruit trails, and farmers markets of Fresno.

Nature

In addition to the vast agricultural offerings of the area, there are lots of locations in and near Fresno to pull in nature lovers from around the world.

Woodward Park

A 21-minute drive from our Fresno airport hotel, Woodward Park takes up 300 acres along the San Joaquin river. The park boasts over five miles of trails, three playgrounds, and a Japanese garden.

National Parks Near Fresno

Fresno County is centered between three national parks: Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Sequoia National Park. Staying at our Fresno Airport Hotel gives nature-seekers a central position near all three parks without sacrificing downtown access.

Yosemite National Park

Providing excellent views of the world-famous Sierra Valley, Yosemite National Park is a stunning destination for hiking year-round. See the majestic waterfalls, giant Sequoias, meadows, and more. Many visitors to Yosemite National Park engage in birdwatching, fishing, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and horseback riding.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Visitors to the area are often most excited to see the groves of immense sequoia trees this location is known for, but there are many other things to see and do. While visiting, you can choose to take the 45-minute walking tour of Crystal Cave, an underground marble cavern. The park also offers ranger and naturalist-led programs for public enjoyment and education. For more information on these adjacent parks, visit the National Parks Service website.

Our Fresno Airport Hotel

The Piccadilly Inn Airport offers all the amenities of comfort in an ideal location to do and see the best of what Fresno has to offer. For more information on our hotel room, rates, and the perks we offer to guests, please contact us today. We can take bookings over the phone and on our website.