Central Valley California Attractions You Won’t Want to Miss

Tucked between mountain ranges and major cities, California’s Central Valley is packed with destinations worth discovering. Fresno, Clovis, and Madera put you close to unique landmarks, community events, and weekend getaways within an easy drive.

Whether you’re after nature, culture, or a good glass of wine, it’s all right here! Here’s a lineup of Central Valley California attractions you’ll actually want to check out.

Forestiere Underground Gardens

Have you ever met someone who dug their own home by hand and made it a masterpiece? That’s Baldassare Forestiere’s world. He spent 40 years carving out this underground maze of courtyards, fruit trees, and vaulted stone passages. Temperatures drop by 10 to 20 degrees as you walk through tunnels that feel more like Roman ruins than a Fresno backyard. The Forestiere Underground Gardens tour is a strange, brilliant, and unforgettable experience.

Fresno Grizzlies at Chukchansi Park

The Fresno Grizzlies, a minor league affiliate of the Rockies, bring big-league energy to a downtown stadium that’s alive with fans, fireworks, and Fresno pride. Even if you don’t know the lineup, grab a beer, meet the mascot, Parker T. Bear, and let the summer night handle the rest.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo

Small enough to see in a day. Big enough to keep you coming back. At the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, you can see elephants and sea lions, feed a giraffe, touch a stingray, or catch a bird show. It’s an award-winning experience that’s family-friendly without feeling like a tourist trap.

Woodward Park

There’s no wrong way to spend a Saturday at Woodward Park. Walk or bike the Lewis S. Eaton Trail. Visit the Shinzen Japanese Garden for a peaceful reset. Or let the kids run wild on the BMX track. Two cross-country courses. Live music and live performances. It’s Fresno’s 300-acre answer to the question: what should we do today?

Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

You don’t have to move to the mountains to experience them. Living in the Central Valley puts you within 90 minutes of Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park. Each park is packed with granite cliffs, 300-foot sequoias, and waterfalls that make your phone photos look like postcards. National parks this close are well worth the drive.

Old Town Clovis

Old Town Clovis is a beautiful historic district featuring brick-paved streets, boutique vintage and antique shops, and local restaurants that know their craft. Walkable, welcoming, and alive with community spirit, Old Town Clovis is perfect for dinner dates, lazy strolls, or treasure hunting.

Old Town Clovis Events

From the Friday night farmers market to the Peach Party in July and Hot August Daze for classic cars, Old Town Clovis knows how to throw a good time. It’s easy to see why the locals never miss the events in Clovis.

Madera Wine Trail

For a relaxed weekend with a glass in hand, the Madera Wine Trail delivers. You’ll find boutique wineries, family-owned tasting rooms, and winemakers who pour the wine themselves. It’s personal, low-key, and full of surprises for anyone who appreciates a slower pace and a great pour.

Tesoro Viejo

Tesoro Viejo redefines what a master-planned community can be. Set against the scenic backdrop of Madera’s rolling hills, it offers amenities designed for connection, convenience, and everyday enjoyment.

Every Thursday from 5-8 p.m, neighbors and visitors come together at the certified Farmers Market. On Fridays, live music fills the air at AXIS Coffee Bar + Eatery. The community also hosts larger public events throughout the year, including the Tesoro Viejo Half Marathon, American Heart Association’s Heart & Stroke Walk, outdoor concerts, seasonal festivities, and more.

Tesoro Viejo has about 15 miles of trails leading down to the banks of the San Joaquin River. The trails range from easy to challenging, and are open to the public for walking, biking, and running.

Live Where the Good Stuff Is

When you live in Tesoro Viejo, the best of the Central Valley is at your doorstep. And the best in homebuilding is already here. McCaffrey Homes offers more than a place to live. We build homes where memories are made, milestones are celebrated, and every detail reflects what matters most to you. With nearly 50 years of experience and deep roots in the community, we’re here to help you build what’s next. Explore our quick move-in homes today.