A city of nearly a half million people in California's Central Valley, Fresno serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities such as biking, jogging, baseball, basketball or rollerblading in its parks and nature trails. The city is also home to lakes, rivers, and hiking trails, as well as wineries and farmers markets.
Parks
At many parks in Fresno, you can find one or more sports facilities with baseball or softball fields, tennis courts, soccer fields, football fields, golf courses, handball courts, in-line hockey fields, basketball courts or volleyball courts. Many parks also have family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, ponds, lakes, picnic shelters or dog-walking sections. Located in Northeastern Fresno, Woodward Park serves as a major bird-watching spot. The park is home to the Lewis S. Eaton Trail, a 4-mile-long nature trail that takes you past the San Joaquin River with views of the Sierra Mountains. Visitors can go jogging, rollerblading or horseback riding on the trail, or explore a Japanese garden with a bridge, a koi pond and a walking path. Woodward Park also has a lake and multiple ponds for fishing.
Public Pools
If you want to go for a leisurely swim, Fresno has centers with outdoor swimming pools. Many of the city's public pools feature open swimming times for adults and children. Some public facilities, such as Mosqueda and Frank H. Ball community centers, offer children's swim, lifeguard training, snorkeling or adult water aerobics classes for low fees. Children as young as 3 years old can learn basic swimming and water safety skills at public pools in Fresno.
Community Centers
Many neighborhood community centers in Fresno have basketball courts and playgrounds for younger or older children. Some centers offer children's sports leagues, summer camps, aerobics or exercise classes, or senior nutrition programs. Inside of the gymnasium at the Mosqueda Community Center, senior citizens can take aerobics or exercise, martial arts or dance classes. Children and teens can do tricks on their bicycles, using ramps, bowls and rails at an onsite bike park.
Farms and Vineyards
Fresno is a major agricultural center within California, which means you can explore vineyards and farms. You can see orchards, vineyards and farms while you walk along the Blossom Trail, which extends 62 miles through Fresno and surrounding communities. The best time to walk the trail is in February and March, when fruits in the area are starting to bloom; depending on the time of your, you may see fields of fruit such as grapes, apples, plums, figs and apricots. Fresno also offers vineyards and wineries with wine tasting events, guided tours or nature trails.
Farmers Markets
You can support the local agricultural community, buying fruits, vegetables and other goods at Fresno's weekly farmers' markets. At Vineyard Farmer's Market, you can often learn how to cook healthy dishes, such as pumpkin soup or mixed greens and strawberry salad, from local chefs. The market is open all year long, every Wednesday and Saturday offering foods such as sushi, strawberries, plums, cucumbers, bell peppers, cantaloupe, tomatoes, grapes and sweet potatoes.
Member Comments