Find cheap flights to Fresno (FAT), United States

Many visitors are tempted to book hotel rooms in Fresno because of its close proximity to three major national parks: The Sierra National Forest, Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park. Each of these beautiful wooded areas in the Sierra Mountains offers opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing and even skiing. Yosemite National Park is also within driving range, just over two hours to the north.

When in town, be sure to check out the Forestiere Underground Gardens, one of California’s best oddities. It’s part-mansion and part-arboretum, all within about 10,000 square feet of hand-dug underground caverns. The complex is the life’s work of Baldasare Forestiere, an Italian immigrant who worked painstakingly on the effort from 1906 to 1946.

Other local highlights include the Fresno Art Museum, with multiple permanent installations of Mexican, French, American and pre-Columbian art, and the A. Nonini Winery, a historic winery and vineyard known for its antique grape crusher, entertaining tours and delectable wine tastings.

While you’re in the area, give plenty of thought as to where to eat, because Fresno’s incredible diversity has given way to an immense variety of international restaurants. Many of the city’s best ethnic eateries are operated by first and second-generation Americans using authentic recipes from around the world.