15 Fresno Facts: Visit This City In California's San Joaquin Valley

Abhijeet Modi
Oct 05, 2023 By Abhijeet Modi
Originally Published on Mar 17, 2022
As you read, you will find that these Fresno facts are really interesting!
Age: 3-18
Read time: 4.2 Min

Located near California's geographical center, Fresno is a major city in San Joaquin Valley.

If you have been looking to explore different places in California, we'll tell you why Fresno deserves a place on your wish list. Trust us, it's worth it!

Founded as a railway station by the Central Pacific Railroad Company in 1872, Fresno is now the most populous city inland in central California. Located somewhere between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Fresno has become an economic hub of Fresno County. Spanish for 'ash tree', Fresno was first inhabited by the Yokuts and Miwok people.

The Climate Of Fresno

So, what is the climate in Fresno city like? Let's find out!

Like all other California cities, Fresno also has a typical Mediterranean climate, meaning it has dry and hot summers, while winter is mild and wet, with December and January being the coldest months and July being at its peak during summers.

Winter months average around 47.5 degrees F (8.6 degrees C) and 48 degrees F (8.9 degrees C) during December and January, respectively.

During the coldest days of the year, temperatures are typically below freezing in the morning, with a low temperature of around 29 degrees F (-1.7 degrees C) on the coldest night.

The hottest month in July averages around 83.5 degrees F (28.6 degrees C) with about 38 days going above 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C).

With 96% of daylight hours available in July, summer provides a great deal of sunlight; on the other hand, tule fog, a unique fog named after the tule grass wetlands in the Central Valley, restricts daylight hours in December to only 42%.

Tourist Attractions In Fresno

Although widely known for its agriculture, Fresno is also famous for other sightseeing locations.

If you ever get a chance to explore California, make sure to never miss out on checking out the Forestiere Underground Gardens, which was built between 1906 and 1946.

Fresno also has the perfect spot for all animal lovers. Fresno Chaffee Zoo has a wide range of animals including orangutans, elephants, cheetahs, rhinos, and warthogs.

The Discovery Center is also one of the most popular scientific spots that have attracted many tourists in the Fresno area.

If you are looking for historic places, the Kearney Mansion Museum is for you.

Among the most popular attractions in Freno, the Fresno Blossom Trail is a favorite spot among tourists in the Fresno area.

Woodward Park is also one of the most popular areas in this city that covers about 300 ac (121.4 ha), making it the biggest park in the entire county bordering the San Joaquin River.

For shopping, you can visit the River Park Shopping Center.

If you're into theatrical shows, Fresno also has a variety of spots, including the Warnors Center for the Performing Arts.

As part of the popular Tower District, you will find the historic Tower Theater.

Downtown Fresno also offers a lot of places to look out for while planning a trip, one of which includes the Courthouse Park, home to Fresno County Superior Court building.

Request a tour at California State University, Fresno (or, more commonly referred to as Fresno State) and witness the unique campus.

The Economy Of Fresno

Let us now take a look at the economy of this small city.

Apart from being the county seat of Fresno County and the regional hub for Central Valley and the greater San Joaquin Valley, Fresno is also the center of Metropolitan Fresno.

The BankAmericard credit card, which would later be called Visa, was launched by Bank of America in Fresno in 1958.

Agricultural production remains the main economic activity in the unincorporated areas and rural cities surrounding Fresno.

Population And Culture Of Fresno

If you're wondering why the city is populated at all, read on to find out!

The city covers an area of 112 sq mi (290 sq km) with a population of 542,107 as of 2020, making it the fifth-largest city in California.

There were several ethnic neighborhoods in Fresno prior to the Second World War, such as Little Armenia, German Town, Little Italy, and Chinatown.

The city is known as a community that has a rich culture, which includes exploring and honoring the customs and traditions of its diverse population, savoring the sophistication of stage performances, and celebrating the rich cultural traditions of the area's residents.

FAQs

How did Fresno get its name?

Spanish for 'ash tree', the city earned its name 'Fresno' because of the presence of plentyof ash trees, or mountain ash, in the county.

What is unique about Fresno?

The rich culture and unique tourist attractions make this city one of the most unique cities.

Is Fresno a safe city?

Fresno has been reported to have the lowest crime statistics, making it one of the safest cities.

Is Fresno a poor city?

With a poverty rate of 28.4%, Fresno is ranked as one of the poorest metro cities in California.

Is Fresno, California a big city?

With an area of 112 sq mi (290 sq km), Fresno is the 34th largest city in the United States.

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Written by Abhijeet Modi

Master of Computer Science

Abhijeet Modi picture

Abhijeet ModiMaster of Computer Science

An experienced and innovative entrepreneur and creative writer, Abhijeet holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Computer Application from Birla Institute of Technology, Jaipur. He co-founded an e-commerce website while developing his skills in content writing, making him an expert in creating blog posts, website content, product descriptions, landing pages, and editing articles. Passionate about pushing his limits, Abhijeet brings both technical expertise and creative flair to his work.

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