Woodward Park

San Joaquin Valley


The city's largest park has 300 acres of barbecue facilities, lakes and ponds, a Japanese garden (adult/child $5/1), and a huge amphitheater for Shakespeare and other performances. A 6-mile network of bike trails connects to the Lewis S Eaton Trail, which runs 22 miles from the northeast corner along Friant Rd to Friant Dam.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San Joaquin Valley attractions

1. Fresno Art Museum

6.29 MILES

This museum has rotating exhibits of contemporary art – including work by local artists – that are among the most intriguing in the valley.

2. Forestiere Underground Gardens

6.4 MILES

If you see only one thing in Fresno, make it this intriguing historic landmark, two blocks east of Hwy 99. The gardens were built by Sicilian immigrant…

3. Tower Theatre

7.18 MILES

Fresno’s Tower District began as a shopping mecca during the 1920s, gaining its name from the Tower Theatre, a beautiful 1939 art-deco movie house. The…

4. Roeding Park

7.64 MILES

Just east of Hwy 99, this large and shady park is home to the small Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Adjacent to it are Storyland, a kitschy children’s fairy-tale…

5. Fresno Chaffee Zoo

7.7 MILES

This zoo, which began as a refuge for unwanted pets over 100 years ago, is now home to animals from around the globe, including elephants, tigers, lions…

6. Playland

7.9 MILES

Classic kiddie rides and games including merry-go-rounds, bumper cars, roller coasters and more.

7. Storyland

7.9 MILES

A kitschy children’s fairy-tale world dating from 1962.

8. Organic Pastures

19.22 MILES

This dairy offers raw milk and raw-milk products – sweet, creamy and totally unlike anything in the supermarket. Regular tours and a chance to camp with…