You know how in Central California, we get the privilege of saying we “go to the snow” as in, it’s a weather condition we can choose to go visit for fun, when we feel like snow play or a different experience, but we also have the luxury of totally avoiding snow and not going “to the snow” at all if we choose? I’m realizing seeing colorful autumn in Fresno is a little bit that way, too. Unlike with snow, odds of us seeing it in Fresno are actually good – but you still kind of have to know where to go for the best leafy views.
My coworkers and I love fall. In fact, our annual Falliday celebration is this week. What’s Falliday you ask? It’s a wonderful celebration in which you mark the decrease in temperatures arrival with a fall foods themed potluck, fall crafts, and decorating the office for fall. (More details on hosting your own Falliday celebration here.) Our love for fall runs so deep, we text each other pictures when we see our first color changed leaf of the season, and we rank the crunch level of dried leaves that we step on, on a scale of 1-10. (Do not judge – life with a little seasonal whimsy is just more fun, promise!)
Now that you fully understand the level of my commitment to fall and the beautiful leaves of the season, you will now appreciate my roundup of the best places to see stunning fall leaves right here in Fresno. (Side note: last year, my son was attending college in Monterey. We happened to go on a tour of downtown, in which they pointed out the one tree in the city that changes color in the fall. One. This definitely made me appreciate Fresno trees more!)
1. The Shinzen Japanese Garden in Woodward Park
This park within a park is stunning year-round, but it’s especially stunning in fall, when the leaves turn to a bright golden yellow and litter all the walkways in the most beautiful way possible. Cost of admission is $5 for ages 15 – adult, $1 for children 4-14, free for children under 4 and $1 for seniors and students. A family of 2-5 people can also enter for just $7. Self-guided and docent led tours are available, docent tours do require advanced registration. Hours are Wed-Sun, 10-5pm in the fall.
2. Dry Creek Trail & Cottonwood Park
Both the Dry Creek Trail and the walking paths through Cottonwood Park which take up the block along Clovis Avenue between Alluvial and Nees take you through towering oak trees, and liquid amber trees. It’s a beautiful site, and a free walk to enjoy, made even more beautiful by the changing seasons. You can really get a long walk in here, too, great for when you want the views and the workout.
3. The Old Town Clovis Trail on Shepherd between Maple & Willow
This trail is also perfect for a workout, and you can even end your walk with a coffee, shaken tea, delicious pastry or breakfast burrito at Otherside Café at Willow. This bike path and trail , which is set off to the side of the busy road, takes you down through the center of pairs of gorgeous deciduous trees.
4. Old Town Clovis/Two Cities Coffee
If you’re a fellow fan of beloved dramedy, The Gilmore Girls, Old Town Clovis definitely gives Stars Hollow in fall vibes, especially when the leaves change. Walking around to the antique stores, boutiques and thrift stores in fall, and ending with a seasonal beverage on the oak-studded back patio of Two Cities coffee is the perfect way to spend a fall Saturday. Their pumpkin latte is among the best out there in my opinion – not too sweet, just sweet enough, but their maple cinnamon is actually my year-round favorite and it’s a great autumn option, too.
5. Bonus: Fig Garden Village Offices
I once had a meeting in the offices directly north of Fig Garden Village and when I can out, I saw the back parking lot was completely covered in bright red leaves. They were everywhere! I happily kicked through them for a minute or 5 before heading home for the afternoon that day, and now I specifically go to that parking lot each fall just to walk around and enjoy the sights. It’s not a walking trail or much of a destination if you don’t have business to do there, but Fig Garden Village and a Hungry Bear cookie could easily be ready for you to stop by after you peep the leaves!
Ok my fellow fall lovers, those are the absolute best fall leaf peeping places I am aware of in Fresno, please tell me – which ones have I yet to learn about? I’d love to go this fall! Please share your favorites in the comments!
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