Fresno County Day Trips Where to Go What To See

Fresno County is one of California’s most prominent, with nearly 6,000 square miles. Our List of Fresno County day trips has something for everyone: tourist attractions, national parks, hidden gems, and family-friendly destinations. Whether you are a local or just passing through, Fresno County offers plenty of fun places to visit. If your favorite site is not on the list, let us know, and we will check it out.

Forestiere Underground Gardens

A must-see for any visitor to Fresno County is Forestiere Underground Gardens. The project’s scope is hard to take in, as visitors imagine Forestiere slowly working through the earth, creating this labyrinth. Maze-like passages weave underground, connecting more than 90 rooms filled with skylights.  Travelers will not want to miss this remarkable historic landmark in Fresno, California.

Mercey Hot Springs

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Western Fresno County is the hidden gem called Mercey Hot Springs. Guests can soak in tubs filled with hot mineral water. Swim in a beautiful heated pool, play frisbee golf, hike, or mountain biking. Mercey Hot Springs is a great place to relax and rejuvenate.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo

The Fresno Zoo is a perfect family day trip destination. Located in the center of Roeding Park in Fresno, California, the smaller-than-average zoo sits on 46 acres and is home to nearly 700 animals. Visitors from all over the state see the zoo’s various animals in habitats that mimic their own, including a walk through a rainforest and the world’s first computer-controlled reptile habitat.

Yosemite  Sugar Pine Railroad

The Yosemite steam train ride lasts about one hour and takes you through the beautiful Sierra National Forest. You travel over four miles on the historic Madera Sugar Pine Railroad, and this trip is pet-friendly, and dogs ride free. The two steam locomotives operate daily during the summer months, while the railroad’s Model A “Jenny” railcars, capable of carrying about a dozen passengers, run on the line during the off-season—only a one-hour drive from Fresno.

Mono Hot Springs

Mono Hot Springs is located in the Sierra National Forest, northeast of Fresno. If you are looking for a fantastic wilderness experience with some of the comforts of home, then Mono Hot Springs Resort is defiantly worth checking out. Natural Hot Springs dot the area. The two most popular places to soak Old Pedro and Iodine Spring are within an easy walk of the resort. These concrete line pools average about 100 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Tucked side by side in the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains, east of the San Joaquin Valley. These two National Parks were established 50 years apart but are now connected by a single road that provides nearly 866,000 acres of outdoor adventure in the “Land of the Giants.” Plan on spending several days exploring the wonders of these amazing national parks.

Huntington Lake

Located 80 miles northeast of Fresno in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is pretty Huntington Lake. The lake is a popular destination for those who want an unspoiled and beautiful mountain setting, camp, or rent a cabin. It is the perfect place to recharge and connect with nature. Famous for water sports, the lake is also well known for camping, and several campgrounds are around the area.

Bravo Farms Kettleman City

Bravo Farms is a roadside attraction on Highway 99 Tulare and Fresno. Kettleman City is the largest of the four locations. The theme here is the wild west, complete with a ghost town, restaurant, and farm store; there is even an area for dogs to play. Bravo Farms’ great place to stop on a road trip along the I-5 corridor is much more than the usual pit stop. Bravo Farms is open seven days a week.

Bass Lake Recreation Area

Conveniently located just 14 miles from the Southern gate of Yosemite National Park and just 56 miles north of Fresno – Bass Lake is truly a unique resort-style retreat. Bass Lake is considered a warm water lake with temperatures reaching nearly 80 degrees during the summer months, thus attracting thousands each year for swimming, fishing, and water-skiing.

Boyden Cavern Kings Canyon

Boyden Cavern makes an interesting stop while visiting Kings Canyon. Tours are available from April through November, depending on weather conditions. The time lasts about 45 minutes and takes visitors nearly a quarter of a mile beneath  Kings Gates mountain. Boyden Cavern tours are operated by a park vendor and are not included in the admission fee for Kings Canyon National Park.

Hillcrest Farm and Railroad

Hillcrest Farm is a stop along the Fresno Blossom Trail. Hillcrest is unique in that a train layout with steam locomotives pulls guests around on a 15-minute tour of the farm.  What started as a Christmas Tree Farm became a fun, family-friendly attraction. Hillcrest Farm and Railroad are open seasonally on weekends. Events include a rail Festival, Pumpkin Patch, and Christmas with Steam Trains. Address: 6943 S Reed Ave, Reedley, California.  Hillcrest Farm

Shaver Lake Fresno County

Shaver Lake is a popular day trip and overnight camping destination.  The little town of Shaver Lake makes a good home base for exploring the region. There are several campgrounds, RV parks, and cottage rentals around the lake. Fishing, boating, hiking, and sightseeing are just some reasons to visit Saver Lake for a day or an entire vacation.

Project Survival Cat Haven

Project Survival is dedicated to the preservation of wild cats. Funds from tours are used for feeding the cats and conservation efforts. Project Survival is a beautiful place to see and learn about cats. Guests can get close to large and small felines, unlike a zoo. There are more than 30 species of wild cats at the Project Survival Cat Haven. Address 38257 E Kings Canyon Rd Dunlap, CA 93621. Phone (559) 338-3216 website

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