Sometimes it feels like LA and San Francisco get all the attention. But Fresno is a booming city in its own right, and is a great option for your next west coast trip.
And Fresno is now a top destination for group travel. Fresno is becoming increasingly popular for corporate gatherings, team building, weddings, and more. It offers a wide range of restaurants ranging from cozy and charming to upscale, as well as plenty of cultural and outdoor activities. In short, there will be enough tourist attractions to keep everyone on the move before and after the main event. So if you find yourself booking a Fresno trip for a big group of people in 2023, we’re not surprised!
The key to a successful group trip is to plan ahead. So whether you’re responsible for organizing the itinerary for a work function, or just helping to iron out the details for a big family trip or wedding, it’s never too early to think about where everyone will eat, what they’ll want to do, and how to transport everyone during their trip to Fresno.
Here are some tips for mapping out that perfect Fresno trip if you’re planning for a big group.
Fresno is a unique and vibrant city in its own right. You’ll probably want to allow for some free time for everyone to explore the city on their own, and discover a few hidden gems.
But if your group is planning to stay in Fresno for several days or a week, rest assured that there are many options for you to choose from. Here are a few Fresno tourist activities that could easily take up several hours or even an entire day.
While other zoos in California may be better known, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo may just be the highlight of your trip. It’s well-regarded among locals and tourists alike. Recent visitors to the zoo recommend checking out the dinosaur exhibit, giraffes, and the sea lions. If you happen to be planning a class trip or field trip for the little ones, this zoo is a must-see.
Not every city has their own, stunning blossom trail. If you’re traveling in winter or early spring, this should be at the top of your list. Expect to see stunning colors against a clear, California sky as you stroll through this magnificent outdoor attraction that draws visitors from across the state.
With a focus on modern and contemporary art, this museum is a great option if you’re traveling with art enthusiasts. It’s on the small side, which means it’s not overwhelming, and is relatively easy for large groups to navigate. Even if you’ve frequented larger art museums, you’ll be impressed with this institution’s carefully curated exhibits and relaxing atmosphere.
While the outdoor Discovery Center is an obvious choice if you’re traveling with kids, the adults will enjoy it just as much. Complete with welcoming picnic areas, ponds, animal exhibits and more, this unique, family-oriented attraction will give you the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy the California sun for a day. And there will be more than enough entertainment for everyone to spend a few hours exploring.
Would it even be a true Califorrnia vacation without a winery day? Choose from a number of highly-regarded wineries in the Fresno region. You’ll get to try some new, locally sourced reds and whites, and also enjoy the scenic views of the Golden State. Do a bit of research to find the right winery for your group; some are more amenable to hosting large groups, and may even allow you to plan a private tour or tasting.
There’s more than enough to do in Fresno, but if you’re staying for a week or more, you might want to plan a group outing to go hiking in the gorgeous California countryside. Yosemite National Park is only about 90 minutes from Fresno, and while it’s a bit of a hiker if you’re only going for one day, the world-renowned views and hiking trails make that travel time worthwhile.
If you’re flying into Fresno, you’ll probably land at Fresno Yosemite International (FAT). It’s much smaller than SFO and LAX, and so it may cost you a bit more – but if you’re planning for a whole group, it will save you hours in a car and is well worth the extra cash.
Keep in mind that rideshare options may not be as available in smaller airports like FAT, especially if you’re arriving late at night or early in the morning. There also are not many convenient public transportation options; if you want to rely on a train or bus, expect it to take about 45 minutes at a minimum before you actually get to the hotel. If a large group of people are spending that amount of time in transit, it makes sense to hire a private airport pickup. Rent a minibus to charter bus to pick up everyone in your group in style. And for the ultimate convenience, reserve your Fresno charter bus and driver for your whole trip, so you can quickly transport everyone from the hotel, to their daily activities, to dinner, and back.
If you’re staying in a central location, Fresno is a very walkable city. But you should plan to have transportation ready for you if you want to book group activities and dinners.
Public transportation is available, but expect to do some walking. And you’ll have to plan for an extra 30-60 minutes to get from your hotel to the big attractions.
A private minibus is the best way to go if you’re traveling with a group. Private transportation allows you to set your own schedule, and you won’t have to worry about finding yourself in a sketchy neighborhood after hours.
Downtown Fresno hotels are probably your best bet for walking around, and finding meals or shopping in-between scheduled activities. If you’re going anywhere after dark, as in any city, be aware of your surroundings. If you’re traveling to and from your hotel at night, schedule private transportation in the Fresno area so no one is stuck outside waiting for a bus or an Uber.
Near downtown Fresno, this is a bustling and quirky arts district. You’ll find offbeat AirBnB’s for a charming and unique experience. The mural district is a great choice for groups that are looking for a different flavor of the city and will enjoy an arts and theater scene.
Woodrow is a quieter part of town, with plenty of cute shops and small restaurants. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a safe, laid back setting, but still want an easy commute to all the tourist destinations Fresno has to offer.
No matter where you stay, what you do, or how you get there, we hope you have an unforgettable travel experience in Fresno, CA!
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