Although most visitors to the US state of California tend to stick to the coastal cities, some of the inland areas are well worth exploring.
One of these is the beautiful city of Fresno, which is located in Central California between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Nestled in the centre of the San Joaquin Valley, this is the largest inland city in the state and is simply buzzing with activity.
The city was named after the abundance of mountain ash trees that line the San Joaquin River, with the word 'Fresno' translating into the Spanish-language word for the ash tree.
Nature holds a strong presence in Fresno as it is ideally located within close proximity to the Yosemite National Park, the Sierra National Forest, Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park.
These beautiful parks add to the pleasant vibe and atmosphere that is present in Fresno and add to its position as the "Gateway for visitors to Los Angeles".
1.
Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art and Science For a slice of history, fun and science all in one piece, be sure to pay a visit to the Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art and Science.
This museum exists to serve the community of the curious and also serves as a great tourist attraction for families.
The museum facilitates a greater understanding of the extraordinary achievements in human knowledge and creativity.
Through exhibits such as The Science of Baseball, the Two Tears Sculpture, Crossroads II: The Meeting of Art and Science and the Chagall for Children, visitors can gain an understanding of the diverse and fresh aspects of art and science.
Browsing through permanent collections such as beautiful landscape paintings, decorative arts and crafts and the Charles and Sharon Small Jigsaw Puzzle Collection, offers a fascinating experience that simply cannot be topped.
2.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo A holiday simply wouldn't be complete without a visit to the local zoo.
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is home to approximately 125 species and is the only zoo in North America that currently houses Northland Green geckos and Southern Tent Tortoises.
The zoo provides a fun, unique up-close experience that strengthens the bond between people and wildlife.
It offers exciting animal habitats, educational adventures and experiences that can stay with you for a lifetime.
3.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks These two national parks are a true testament to nature's beauty, size and diversity.
The two stunning parks are home to majestic mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns and some of the world's largest trees.
These offer perfect opportunities to get in touch with nature and discover your inner adventurous side.
Picnic, hike, camp, stroll under the sequoias, view breathtaking scenery and natural wildlife, all while soaking up the fresh mountain air and enjoying the relaxation and rejuvenation a holiday can bring.
4.
Yosemite National Park Travel for around an hour north of Fresno and you will come across Yosemite National Park, which is one of the country's first wilderness parks.
Although this park is best known for its wonderful waterfalls, it is also home to some incredible deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias and an extremely vast wilderness area.
This stunning example of Mother Nature is regarded as a shrine to human foresite and it is through the strength of the granite, the power of the glaciers and the tranquillity of the high Sierra that we can truly appreciate just how amazing nature is.
5.
Island Water Park If you are on your Fresno adventure with the kids, why not keep them happy and take them for a visit to the Island Water Park.
This 'slammin jammin' fun park features the Club Atlantis Arcade, Atlantis Bar and Grill, Miniature Golf, Spartans Speedway plus many more.
Water rides here include the Great Barrier Reef Rider, Singapore Tsunami, Kid's Key Largo Lagoon and Shipwreck Island.
All this fun and excitement ensures a fun day out that the whole family can enjoy and cherish forever.
Breathe in some fresh air when you journey to Fresno and you will be pleasantly surprised to find fun, adventure and excitement all rolled into the one city.
A visit to Fresno can never go stale because there is always something new and exciting to see and do.