Best Day Trips From Fresno To Take This Summer
Fresno, California, and its surroundings are home to some of America's most surreal vistas, adorable towns, culture, wildlife, and natural environments. Fresno's geography is one of a kind, offering hundreds of destinations just a day trip away where one can soak in the ultimate California dream. Whether you are an outdoor adventurist or one who loves to spend a relaxing day by the beach, these day trips from Fresno provide the perfect opportunity to explore and make the most of your summer.
Paso Robles
This 107-mile day trip from Fresno to Paso Robles is filled with adventure and must-see California locations. In the heart of wine country, this sustainability-minded area is a network of agricultural paths to a cultural destination that will quell any big-city anxieties that you may have. Grab a drink in Paso Robles at Tablas Creek Vineyard, a vineyard with regenerative and organic qualities, or head down Paso Robles Distillery trail to enjoy the sunshine while sipping on a variety of grappas, gin, rye, whiskey, and limoncellos. Enjoy the sunshine along pastoral landscapes of abundant land, and when the sun sets, head down to the year-round light display Sensorio, 15 acres of sparse land covered with over 100,000 fiber optic LED spheres. With amazing immersive arts, delightful culinary experiences, and expansive cultural experiences, Paso Robles offers a fresh perspective on California living.
Sequoia National Park
Located south of Kings Canyon, this 97-mile trip from Fresno to Sequoia National Park is the perfect Californian day trip. Sequoia National Park is home to some of the tallest trees in the world and some of the highest mountains in all of the United States. Drive through the tunnel log, experience the natural waterfalls, and sit on the edge of Tokopah Falls, or head to the lookout at Moro Rock Trail for an exhilarating view of the majestic forests below. Get in the car in the morning and be home in the evening after witnessing one of Extend this day trip by adding a stop at Wild Water Adventure Park to drop down a massive water slide before throwing your hiking boots on and walking through the trunk of some of the most massive trees in the world. The day trip from Fresno to Sequoia National Park is filled with excitement and opportunities to experience the culture of California.
Monterey
Soak in the sun, throw those toes in the sand, and take in the best that California has to offer during this 152-mile drive from Fresno to Monterey. Monterey is a city by the sea and home to some of the greatest climates in central California. Pack your bathing suit because it is easy to access Carmel by the Sea, Pebble Beach and Big Sur on this leisurely day trip. Go whale watching, see the sea lions frolicking on the shorelines, and ride on the giant waves that crash against the beach in Monterey. Seaside restaurants provide visitors with some of the greatest culinary experiences. The beaches can be enjoyed on foot or by horseback, and Ford Ord, a vast military camp that offers miles of hiking trails with scenic views to enjoy. No matter where people go in Monterey, they are sure to have a great time.
Yosemite National Park
One of the world's greatest attractions, Yosemite National Park, is a 60-mile road trip making it one of the shortest drives for a day away from Fresno, California. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and famous for its surreal vistas, granite formations, and glacier-formed rock cuts, Yosemite National Park is home to iconic cliffs, plunging waterfalls, and outstanding views. Check out Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfall in North America, and then grab a drink and a bite to eat at the Awahnee Dining Room, a massive timber-style ranch with wrought iron embellishments and massive picture windows. An outdoor enthusiast's Californian dream, Yosemite National Park offers dreamy sunsets, abundant visions of vistas, and proximity to wildlife that is unmatched, making a day trip from Fresno to Yosemite National Park one that visitors will remember for a lifetime.
Hearst Castle
This drive from Fresno to Hearst Castle is a 146-mile trek through Central California and a scenic adventure along the Pacific coastline. The estate of Heart Castle began in 1865 with 40,000 acres developed into ranchland. A perfect getaway, Hearst Castle is a retreat and immersive arts space that offers lush gardens, opulent swimming pools, historic architecture and a gallery filled with an astonishing collection of art from Chinese and Near Eastern Art, Renaissance Art and pieces of old antiquity from Egypt, Greece and Rome. Take in this eclectic and diverse environment and look back through history at the Heart Castle Theater which boasts a five-story screen and is included in the ticket price. This immersive arts experience located on fabulous ranch land provides visitors with one of the most significant and moving experiences in California.
Mission District
Visit the epicenter of Latino and Chicano culture on this 186-mile ride from Fresno to Mission District in San Francisco. Head down to La Taqueria for a world-class burrito and stay in the area for the exciting nightlife at Lolo or Beretta, restaurants boasting some of the best mixologies in California. Walk down Valencia Street in the heart of Mission District and take in the culturally relevant murals that color the walls of the historic buildings. Walk the tree-lined 24th street to grab some high-quality goods when visiting several Latino-owned boutiques. Take a gander down the trendy 20th street, where you'll find the most sought-after culinary experience in San Francisco. This neighborhood visit is a great way to spend the day and experience historic sites, cultural experiences, and a culinary experience that remains unmatched across the United States.
Solvang
Solvang is 203 miles from Fresno and provides visitors with a Danish experience unlike any other. Wine-tasting rooms, windmills, and Danish treats characterize this historic small town making it one of the most eclectic day trips from Fresno. A short skip and a jump away from Santa Barbara, Solvang has a small-town ambiance, a unique shopping experience, and a true Danish-American experience. Established in 1911 by Danish folks traveling from the Midwest, the history has been captured over time in its replication of a beautiful and quaint Danish village. Check out the Old Mission Santa Ines museum and take in the arts, culture and history of the region before feeding ostriches at Ostrichland USA and then head down to Mission Drive, the main downtown run of Solvang. Wander the cobblestone streets and discover the landmarks of Denmark by getting a photo with the giant red clog. A great way to spend the day, Solvang offers wine tours among pastoral landscapes and some of the most luscious desserts from world-class bakeries, including Olsen's Danish Village Bakery and Mortensen's Bakery. This day trip from Fresno offers a cultural adventure through one of the most fascinating Danish experiences.
Bakersfield
One of the largest agricultural producing areas in the world, Bakersfield is a 108-mile drive away from Fresno, California, and the perfect day trip for anyone looking for a getaway across the sunshine state. Visit the historic gem at the uber-hip Padre lounge and experience the sound of Bakersfield by walking down the antique district, where you can visit Dewar's Candy Shop and pick up some sweets, including the world's finest taffy and afterward, head over to grab a bite to eat at the last operating Woolworth's Lunch Counter in all of the United States. Outdoor enthusiasts can spend a day in the sun on the golf course or bring out the adventure on a journey of white water rafting on Kern River. Grab a drink on the Bakersfield Kern Country Brewery Trail and listen to the twang of the Nashville West at Buck Owens Crystal Palace, an all-in-one venue with a restaurant and museum. Check out the memorabilia and old-style Americana of Bakersfield on this adventure-filled day trip from Fresno.
San Luis Obisco
Often called Slocal, San Luis Obisco is a perfect day trip from Fresno, California. This road trip brings you to the charming and enchanting stop halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. This charming town, backed by the Santa Lucia Mountains, is one of the oldest communities in California, making it a must-see for any fans of American history and culture. Throw on some walking shoes to hike Bishop Peak, rising 470 meters above sea level. It is a mountain in the volcanic chain of the nine sisters and offers scenic views of vistas, oak groves, and panoramic views. Walk among the Monarch Butterfield between December and February and check out the Freemont Theater, a historic cinema that opened its doors in the important year of 1942. Grab a bathing suit and head down to Pismo Beach or chew some gum and stick on Bubblegum Alley, a 20-meter-long, 4-foot-high alley covered in chewing gum. There are hundreds of beautiful attractions to enjoy while visiting San Luis Obisco, California.
Get in the car and take advantage of the wonderful attractions within close proximity of Fresno, California. Throw some bubblegum on a wall, ride some waves, or take some of the world's most scenic hikes. Live the California dream and visit some of the most historic attractions and most modern experiences available in the sunshine state. These road trips can be extended for multiple days as each location has more than enough attractions to keep you busy for weeks.
