Fresno, CA | Marijuana Travel Guide

Source: Visit California

This park is the largest in Fresno and sits along the San Joaquin River north of downtown. It’s a wonderful spot to aimlessly wander and enjoy the well-manicured gardens and the numerous bird species. Mountain bikers will revel in the opportunity to test their mettle in the mountain bike skills park that includes a timed single-track run. Conversely, the beauty, grace and serenity of the Japanese Shinzen Friendship Garden filled with meticulously placed plants, rocks, stones and water is the ideal spot to relax and find your inner Zen. The display of over 100 Bonsai trees is particularly fascinating and a great destination for any visitor.

Source: The Tower District Facebook

Most of the city’s nightlife and artistic activity takes place in this hip district filled with an assortment of Art Deco buildings and other structures of historical note. There are plenty of lively restaurants, pubs, coffeehouses and theaters to ensure that you’ll have a great night out on the town. The district itself is named for The Tower Theatre, a neon-lit Art Deco masterpiece and National Historic Landmark built in 1939 (see more below) and designed by S. Charles Lee, who was the architect behind many iconic Art Deco buildings in Los Angeles including: the Fox Wilshire (Saban) Theatre and the Max Factor Building (now the Hollywood Museum).

Source: KMPH

Often called the Cultural Arts District, downtown Fresno's Mural District blends the best of previous generations with current, trendy themes. The neighborhood is widely known as one of Fresno's artistic hubs because of the namesake murals that are prevalent on the walls of buildings throughout the area. There are over 200 documented murals (the number is growing daily) in Fresno that touch on everything from pop culture to history to cultural diversity. The city has some of the best upcoming urban art in the country thanks to a variety of sponsoring organizations and collectives, along with several downtown developers and contractors who are receptive to attractive urban art.

Source: Visit Fresno County

It’s a cliché to say that something is a “must see,” but this open-air museum in Fresno should not be missed. The underground labyrinth is named for Baldassare Forestiere, a Sicilian immigrant who came to the United States in 1901. Instead of becoming a citrus farmer as he expected, Baldassare began to build a subterranean network of garden courts, bedrooms, patios and grottos using only a pick, a shovel and a wheelbarrow. His inspiration  for his creation was the catacombs he had enjoyed as boy back in Sicily. Over the course of about 40 years he was able to excavate over 10 acres of land. As you descend into the gardens, the temperature will drop about 20 degrees and the bizarre network of Forestiere’s world will be revealed. A guide (the one-hour tour is the only way to access the catacombs) will show you the kitchen, the two seasonal bedrooms, the ballroom, the glass-bottomed pond and much more. Naturally, the Forestiere Underground Gardens is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Source: Visit California

The Art Deco Tower Theater is a beautiful mixed-use theater that hosts an impressive array of programming. The interior details and artwork are visually stunning and architecturally impressive. Nationally touring musical acts, comedians, Broadway showcases and operas are constantly rotating through the venue. Fresno Filmworks also does a fantastic job curating a calendar of independent and international films that are screened at the theater. Check the website to see what’s showing.

Source: See Local Art

This small but dynamic museum is a hub for culturally-rich artwork in the San Joaquin Valley. It regularly offers a variety of educational and thought-provoking programs about the creative process and the central role that arts play in our culture. The permanent collection contains over 3,500 pieces with a focus on modern and contemporary artwork from the 20^th and 21^st centuries. The Fresno Art Museum also hosts an immense selection of modern and folk art from Latin America and Pre-Columbian works from what is now Mexico and Peru. Ansel Adams, Ruth Asawa, Salvador Dali, Diego Rivera, Norman Rockwell and Andy Warhol are among the artists represented.

Source: Historic Fresno

Martin Theodore Kearney (a.k.a. The Raisin King) was an agricultural pioneer in California in the late 1800s and early 1900s. His fame began to develop after he devised a system that allowed fencing and irrigation for all the lots in a farming colony to be created in a cooperative effort. The system opened the door for middle-class purchasers to start farming without the restrictive financial outlay normally necessary. Kearney then promoted several farming developments of his own creation and his fortune grew as farmers moved to Fresno thanks to his marketing acumen and glossy propaganda that described Fresno as a new ‘Garden of Eden.’ Kearney then worked with the California Raisin Growers Association to stabilize the raisin industry by eliminating middlemen and improving raisin growing conditions. The Sun Maid Raisin Company was eventually founded based on many of his managerial principles.

The mansion itself consists of two buildings designed in the French Renaissance style. Both buildings have a basic rectangular form with walls of two-foot-thick adobe brick covered with a thin coat of plaster for waterproofing. The structures are capped by a sophisticated roof structure and the high roofs, ornate pinnacles, dormer windows, molding and chimneys create a distinct look. Inside are gorgeous trim, crown moldings, carefully crafted railings and wallpaper imported from France that depicts elaborate scenic settings. About half of the original furnishings remain on display throughout the mansion.

Source: California Herbal Relief Center Facebook

This is a reliable source for top-shelf flower in the Fresno area. Their drivers are as good as any budtenders in the business and they pride themselves on their professionalism and amiable demeanor. Although they specialize in flower, their concentrate selection is also quite good. Tinctures, edibles and a slew of CBD creams and salves can also be delivered. Open 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Source: 24/7 Heaven Facebook

Don’t wait around not knowing when your order will show up: 24/7 Heaven’s drivers will contact you with an ETA. If you have any questions about a product you will receive a professional response and a complete description. There is usually a free edible or pre-roll with each order and they are more than happy to deliver any item from their vast inventory, including items ranging from CBD teas to handcrafted water pipes. True to their name, 24/7 Heaven is open seven days a week.

Source: Root General

Root is a retail storefront with a design and print studio in back, located on Fulton Street in the Mural District. The retail section of the shop sells an array of items made by local artists and other independent designers. The print studio will print on demand and also produces unique shirt designs. If you want to rep Fresno with a hip t-shirt this is the place to find what you are looking for. This down to earth store also carries clothing, home goods, skincare, fragrances, books and other locally crafted pieces. You might even find something you didn’t think you were looking for!

Source: Downtown Fresno

The coolest vintage shop in downtown Fresno is Yoshi NOW! Home décor, clothes, books, old radios and other funky finds are available at a fraction of the price that you might spend for similar items in L.A. or San Francisco. The mid-century modern furniture selection is tough to beat. It’s a fantastic place for all things retro.

Source: Ooh La La

Trendy and chic women’s clothing dominates the scene at this local boutique. The owners are always on top of the latest styles and somehow manage to keep prices reasonable. They stock clothes for all occasions and also carry a small selection of footwear. Young adults, working moms and women on the go are sure to find something fun and different at Ooh La La.

Source: Crazy Squirrel

The owners of this mecca for role playing games recently moved their business into a massive space with over 2,000 square feet dedicated to gaming of all types. There are private game rooms, a streaming center and a reasonably priced snack section to take care of any sudden onset of the munchies. If you don’t feel like hanging out and playing on site, there is an incredibly large selection of games and accessories for sale. The Crazy Squirrel stocks everything from Cards Against Humanity to every version of Dungeons and Dragons you can think of.

Source: The Fresno Bee

Rustic Italian dishes like wood-fired pizza, grilled meats and pastas made in-house are the draw at this contemporary restaurant in a trendy open-timbered setting. All of the produce is locally sourced from farmers throughout the San Joaquin Valley and the full bar uses the seasonal produce to develop inspired cocktails. The flavorful cuisine reflects the rustic and ingredient focused recipes of regional Italy. The staff is highly trained and provides impeccable service.

Source: FOB Yelp Page

The place to go for seafood in the Central Valley, FOB does an excellent version of a low country boil and also serves up Asian-American classics like fried rice and drunken noodles. You’ll think you’re in Louisiana when the shrimp, crab legs, sausage, potatoes and corn drenched in garlic butter hits the table. There are also crawfish, clams, mussels, Dungeness crab, snow crab legs, king crab legs and lobster on the expansive menu. Once you’ve picked your fish you can decide on sauces like lemon pepper, hot, super hot and Cajun.

Source: Batter Up Pancakes

If you wake up feeling a little slow, Batter Up Pancakes has what you need to kickstart your day. It’s a classic western breakfast place complete with a challenge – that if completed – will earn the overstuffed patron a free meal, t-shirt, mug and a picture on the Wall of Fame. It’s 12 eggs, four cups of toppings (options include onions, spinach, green peppers, mushrooms, etc.), one cup of cheese, two cups of potatoes and a 24-ounce pancake. If that’s too much to handle there is always the standard two eggs with toast, bacon and (excellent) coffee.

Source: Mediterranean Grill and Cafe Yelp

The owner at this basic yet fresh and fast Middle-Eastern eatery will most likely greet you at the door when you arrive. Standard Mediterranean dishes like falafel, kebabs and shawarma are elevated to a new level courtesy of the home cooked and carefully crafted approach of the chef. The Lebanese chicken and rice is to die for.