Attractions Nearby Fresno, Day Trips and Excursions

(Fresno, California - CA, USA)

Due to its relatively central setting in the state of California, Fresno is within reach of many of the state's biggest and most visited attractions, a number of which are perfect for day trips.

Directly north of Fresno is the Wassama Round House State History Park, and further north, the Yosemite National Park, both of which are popular excursions. Further afield and a little more than 200 miles / 322 km to the south is the coastline of Southern California and the lively beach resort of Santa Barbara, while excursions to the northwest will lead you to the epic city of San Francisco in slightly over three hours, thanks to the presence of the West Side Freeway (Interstate I-5).

Moderately closer to Fresno is the city of Sacramento, which also lies to the northwest and is in the region of 170 miles / 274 km away. The attractions of Stockton are closer still and are just over two hours away by car, being 125 miles / 201 km to the northwest. However, there are certainly plenty of day trips far closer to home.

General Information

Reachable in just 15 minutes and often treated as a suburb of Fresno is the neighboring town of Clovis, to the northeast, which is known for its historical Old Town character and plentiful stores crammed with antiques.

Roughly 20 minutes away and to the north, next to the town of Friant, Millerton Lake is another attraction suitable for day trips and is simple to reach by following the Yosemite Freeway (US-41) and North Friant Road. Created by damming the San Joaquin River in the year 1944, Millerton Lake offers a choice of recreational activities, including swimming, various water sports, camping and fishing.

During the summer months, excursions from Fresno include the foothills surrounding the Sierra Nevada mountains, being popular with both locals and tourists alike. Various recreational attractions are based around this mountainous region, such as Shaver Lake, approximately one hour to the northeast, via Highway US-168.

Further day trip possibilities around the Sierra Nevada range include Bass Lake (one hour north, Highway US-41), Huntington Lake (one hour and 30 minutes northeast, Highway US-168) and Pine Flat Lake (55 minutes east, Highway US-180 / North Piedra Road).