Welcome To Fresno To Do

  • Swing for a Cause: “FORE! The House” Golf Tournament Returns This October

    Header: Our Blog
    Category: Community Bulletin / Fundraisers

    The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley (RMHC) is once again teeing up for a cause that truly matters. Join them this October at the FORE! The House Golf Tournament.

    🗓️ Event Highlights:

    Whether you’re a golfer or simply want to support a worthy cause, this event offers a way for everyone to get involved. Proceeds help RMHC Central Valley provide a “home away from home” for families with children receiving care at local hospitals.

    🎯 Why It Matters:

    Your participation helps cover housing, meals, and support services during a family’s medical journey. Every swing makes a difference!

    📍 Copper River Country Club, Fresno, CA

    Trademark Notice:
    All RMHC and McDonald’s-related names and logos are trademarks of McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates.

    Want to join or become a sponsor? Visit the official RMHC Central Valley website for more info and registration.

  • 7 Best Reasons the San Joaquin River Gorge Should Be on Your Fresno To Do List

    7 Best Reasons the San Joaquin River Gorge Should Be on Your Fresno To Do List[ez-toc]

    📍 How to Get to the San Joaquin River Gorge from Fresno

    If you’re planning your next Fresno to do adventure, here’s how to find the Gorge:

      • 🚗 From Fresno, take CA-168 E toward Auberry Road.

      • Turn left onto Auberry Road and follow signs for San Joaquin River Gorge Management Area.

      • Look for the Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh Trailhead, just past the old power station.

      • Free day-use parking is available; some areas may require BLM permits.’

    🌄 Why Locals and Visitors Love This Gorge (and You Will Too)

    1. Hiking Trails for All Levels

    From easy loops to challenging climbs, the Gorge features over 6,700 acres of public land and dozens of trails, including:

    • Bridge Trail (2 miles) – gentle incline with river views

    • Pa’san Ridge Trail (5+ miles) – panoramic scenery and wildflowers

    ✅Vist San Joaquin River Gorge Visitor Center

    2. Cultural History of the Yokuts People

    The name “Gorge” doesn’t tell the whole story. This land was once home to the Dumna and Kechayi Yokuts tribes, and the term “Ahoul” reflects a nearby village. Interpretive signs and BLM materials at the visitor center offer insights into their history.

    3. Perfect Spot for Group Camping

    Planning a weekend retreat or scout trip? The Gorge includes group campgrounds with clean bathrooms, maintained trails, and easy reservation options via the BLM.

    ✅

    4. Photographer’s Paradise

    Bring your camera — the Gorge is full of Instagram-worthy moments:

    • Sunrise over the canyon

    • Eagles soaring over the San Joaquin River

    • Native wildflowers in spring

     

    5. Eco-Friendly and Clean

    The Gorge emphasizes Leave No Trace practices:

    • Pack in, pack out

    • Separate trash and recyclables

    • Fire restrictions in summer

    6. Wildlife and Caution Alerts

    It’s nature — so be mindful:

    • 🐍 Watch for rattlesnakes

    • 🌿 Identify poison oak

    • 🔥 Check fire restrictions

    • 🐕 Pets allowed but must be leashed

    7. Free and Open All Year

    Open daily from 10 AM to 2 PM, with trails available all day. Entry is free, but camping groups may need a special BLM permit.

    📎 Fresno To Do Recap Table

    Feature Details
    📍 Location San Joaquin River Gorge, 45 mins from Fresno
    🥾 Activities Hiking, biking, camping, photography
    📜 History Yokuts tribal heritage, interpretive signs
    🔥 Warnings Rattlesnakes, poison oak, fire risk
    ♻️ Clean Camp Tips Leave No Trace, recycling stations
    🚗 How to Get There CA-168 → Auberry Rd → Trailhead

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  • Top 5 Peaceful Spots to Unwind at Park in Fresno City

    1. Woodward Regional Park

    Spanning over 300 acres, Woodward Park is Fresno’s largest park, offering a diverse landscape of rolling hills, lakes, and shaded groves. The park features the Shinzen Friendship Garden, a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden ideal for quiet contemplation. With extensive walking trails and picnic areas, it’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors seeking peace and relaxation. Visit Fresno County+4Go To National Parks+4Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4Go To National Parks+4

    2. Oso de Oro Lake Park

    Oso de Oro Lake Park is a hidden gem in northwest Fresno. This park combines functionality with tranquility, featuring shaded picnic areas, accessible playgrounds, and a serene lake frequented by ducks and geese. The park’s design ensures a peaceful environment, making it an excellent spot for unwinding. Wanderlog+4Yelp+4ownacar.com+4

    3. Roeding Park

    Established in 1903, Roeding Park is one of Fresno’s oldest and most historic parks. The park boasts expansive lawns, mature trees, and several ponds, creating a calm and picturesque setting. It’s also home to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and Storyland, but there are plenty of quiet areas perfect for relaxation. PlanetWare+4Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4

    4. Kearney Park

    Located west of downtown Fresno, Kearney Park offers 225 acres of open space, tree-lined avenues, and the historic Kearney Mansion. The park’s vast lawns and shaded areas provide a peaceful retreat from city life, ideal for picnics, leisurely walks, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Wanderlog+3PlanetWare+3Wikipedia+3

    5. Figarden Loop Park

    Figarden Loop Park is a smaller, community-focused park in northwest Fresno. Despite its size, it offers a tranquil environment with well-maintained lawns, a splash pad for children, and shaded picnic areas. It’s a perfect spot for families looking to relax in a peaceful setting. ownacar.com+1PlanetWare+1

    Each of these parks provides a unique setting to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Fresno. Whether you’re seeking solitude or a quiet place to gather with loved ones, these spots offer the perfect backdrop for unwinding.

  • San Joaquin River Access Points

    1. Friant River Access

    Location: Friant, CA 93626
    Notes: Possibly the best wheelchair-accessible river access point.

    2. Lost Lake Park

    Location: X7H9+37P, Lost Lake Rd, Friant, CA 93626

    3. Wildwood Native Park

    Details: [More information needed]

    4. Spano Park

    Notes: Steep and long hike down to the river — thanks to Foxbert for the tip. Not ideal for those with limited mobility.

    5. Woodward Park

    Note: Not recommended for river access due to the long walk from the parking lot.

    6. Riverbottom Park

    Overview: Offers natural river access in Fresno. Requires walking through uneven terrain.

    🚶‍♂️ Trail Access

    A short, unpaved trail leads from the bluff to the riverbank. While manageable for most, it can be steep and uneven. Sturdy shoes are recommended, especially after rain.

    🛶 Water Activities

    Great for kayaking, fishing, and wading. No official boat ramp—carry watercraft by hand. Always check the current before entering the water.

    🚗 Parking and Entry

    Parking is limited. Most visitors park along nearby streets. Follow local signage to avoid tickets.

    ⚠️ Safety Considerations

    • No Lifeguards – Swim at your own risk.

    • Wildlife – Respect local animals and avoid disturbing them.

    • No Facilities – No public restrooms or drinking fountains. Come prepared.

    Video Tour: YouTube – Foxbert

    7. Sycamore Island

    Access Fee: $9.00 per vehicle
    Website: riverparkway.org – Sycamore Island
    Note: Riverview Trail is not recommended for river access.

    8. Skaggs Bridge Park (Near Kerman)

    Size: 17 acres
    Amenities: Turf areas, trees, playground, restrooms
    River Access: Direct access to the San Joaquin River
    Activities: Ideal for fishing, picnics, and family outings
    Location: Near Highway 145

  • Mysterious Place Names on Google Maps Near Fresno – Explained

    [ez-toc]

    Google Maps. Copyright ©2025 Google LLC.

    🗺️ What Are Locans, Ivesta, and Clotho?

    Click Here to see this on Google Map

    If you’ve ever zoomed in on Google Maps around Fresno, you might have noticed unusual place names like Locans, Ivesta, and Clotho. They aren’t neighborhoods, cities, or towns most locals are familiar with—but they show up anyway. So what are they?

    It turns out these are abandoned rail stops—tiny historic sidings that once played a vital role in Fresno County’s agricultural and transportation boom. Today, they remain as faint names on the map, holding stories of the past beneath modern farmland.

    🚂 Historical Rail Sidings in Fresno — By Railroad Company

    These former railroad sidings in Fresno were established by different companies, mainly for shipping crops, lumber, and supplies. Here’s a breakdown of key sidings and farming settlements—many now forgotten—organized by their original railroad operators.

    🚆 Southern Pacific Railroad (SP) / Stockton & Tulare Railroad

    1. Locans
    • Location: Temperance Ave, south of Butler Ave, Fresno, CA
    • Coordinates: 36.7311°N, 119.6842°W
    • History: A rail siding used to support local farming operations along the Southern Pacific’s Stockton & Tulare line. Though not one of the earliest, it was essential to nearby ranchers.
    1. Ivesta
    • Location: Leonard Ave near Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA
    • Coordinates: 36.7375°N, 119.6600°W
    • History: Marked on the 1891 Thompson Atlas of Fresno County, Ivesta was an active stop along the SP line—likely used for seasonal crop transport.
    1. Clotho (aka Granville)
    • Location: McCall Ave, about 1 mile east of Leonard Ave
    • Coordinates: 36.7375°N, 119.6450°W
    • History: Another small siding listed on early maps, Clotho likely served agricultural or granary purposes. Its alternate name “Granville” is sometimes found in older documents.

    🚆 Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway (Santa Fe)

    1. Lone Star
    • Location: South of Jensen Ave & Fowler Ave
    • Coordinates: 36.6900°N, 119.7000°W
    • History: A siding on the Visalia District branch of Santa Fe Railway. Lone Star was tied to farming activity and may still be referenced by locals in ag operations.

    🛤️ Union Pacific Railroad (UP)

    1. Wolf Siding
    • Location: Unknown – believed to be in southeast Fresno County
    • Status: Historical records exist, but the exact site has faded. Local historical societies may be able to help verify the precise spot and its role.

    🧭 Why Do These Names Still Appear?

    These names persist on maps due to historical land surveys, railroad documentation, and legacy data embedded in systems like Google Maps and USGS topographic maps. Even if there’s no active town or station there, the Fresno hidden history lives on in satellite view.

    Read about this on our Fresno to do events