About Fresno
Fresno is a fast-growing metropolis within a world renowned agricultural setting, featuring old-fashioned values coupled with big city amenities.
With a population of just over 500,000, Fresno is the fifth largest city in California and the 36th largest in the nation. It is located at the center of the San Joaquin Valley of Central California, approximately 200 miles north of Los Angeles and 170 miles south of the state capital, Sacramento. The city is part of the Fresno-Clovis metropolitan area, which, with a population of 1,002,046, is the second largest metropolitan area in the Central Valley after Sacramento.
The name Fresno is the Spanish language word for the ash tree and an ash leaf is featured on the city flag.
From country farm trails to entertainment opportunities, from cultural festivals to the recreational opportunities abounding in the surrounding lakes, rivers, and foothills – Fresno has it all.
Fresno serves as the business, financial, cultural and entertainment capital of the San Joaquin Valley. In addition, Fresno celebrates the beauty and flavor of agriculture through The Fresno County Blossom Trail in the spring and the Fresno County Fruit Trail in the summer and a series of annual events from old-fashioned hometown festivals, to rodeos, to cultural celebrations to the largest harvest fair in California.
Three national parks - Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia - are accessible within a 90-minute drive. In addition, Fresno County has an unmatched diversity with its own natural beauty. Recreational opportunities abound in the mountains, foothills, lakes, rivers, forests and lush countryside. Activities range from skiing, white-water rafting and rock climbing to camping, horseback riding, hiking, sailing, boating, canoeing trips and kayaking. Fishing and hunting are also popular pastimes for locals and visitors alike.
Fresno’s abundance of sporting venues; including skate and bike parks, an 11-acre paintball field, golf courses, Chukchansi Park, and first rate high school and college facilities make it an ideal place to hold sports competitions all year long. With its mild climate and easy accessibility from anywhere in the state, Fresno is California’s year-round-playground for both participatory and spectator sports.
The number one agricultural county in the nation, Fresno County produces more than 350 commercial crops, worth more than $5.3 billion. Visitors can see, taste and experience first-hand the fruits and vegetables, nuts, dairy, and meat that feed the world.
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