15 Hidden Gems in Fresno, California With Restaurants 

Even though Fresno is not the most famous destination for tourists coming to California, it still has almost everything tourists demand. Specifically famous for its raisin farms, Fresno has improved a lot in the recent past, considering safety and tourist spots.

Beyond the zoos, gardens, and other tourist spots, there are also countless hidden gems in Fresno that deserve much more recognition. In the list below, I have shared my personal favorite tourist spots and restaurants in Fresno, which are not very well known but will not disappoint you. 

1. Meux Home Museum

Address: 1007 R St, Fresno, CA 93721

Meux Home Museum is a 16-room Victorian-era mansion built in the 1880s. If you like visiting house museums, which were built long ago, then you should definitely consider visiting this hidden gem in Fresno.

As you reach this museum, you will witness a nicely maintained garden with lush green grass and carefully shaped plants and trees. The architecture from the outside is the real deal here: classic gothic-style architecture that really gave a pleasant look with the garden in front.

Then, as you go inside the museum, you will see a classic interior from the 19th century. Most of the artifacts inside are preserved from the 19th and 20th centuries, and some are replicas. The bedroom, dining table, and other showpieces are all decorated like we see in old movies of the 1970s and 80s. You will also see a wide range of paintings alongside.

At the same time, you will learn about the Meux Family, the first family to live here. There are guided tours available if you want to know more in-depth about the house and the family.

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2. Veterans Memorial Museum

Address: 2425 Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93721

Veterans Memorial Museum is a hidden gem that everyone should visit. Considering its size, it’s not a very big museum, but the artifacts inside are mind-blowing. It’s in downtown, so it won’t be hard for you to get there, and entry is also free.

Inside the museum, there are many replicas and modeled weapons, medals, bombs, uniforms, photos, and other artifacts that were once used by the military. This museum also has uniforms and weapons from WWI, WW2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, etc. Along with that, different gas masks, pieces of jets, and hospital camp artifacts also add more depth to the exhibits in this museum.

But what really stands out here is the gun collection. There is a fine collection of replicas and actual guns that were once in use, which is also terrifying in some sense, but this is what makes this museum special. It reminds us over and over what a war is. I would definitely recommend that you check this museum out. 

3. African American Historical & Cultural Museum

Address: 2425 Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93721

Veterans Memorial Museum is a hidden gem that everyone should visit. Considering its size, it’s not a very big museum, but the artifacts inside are mind-blowing. It’s in downtown, so it won’t be hard for you to get there, and entry is also free.

Inside the museum, there are many replicas and modeled weapons, medals, bombs, uniforms, photos, and other artifacts that were once used by the military. This museum also has uniforms and weapons from WWI, WW2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, etc. Along with that, different gas masks, pieces of jets, and hospital camp artifacts also add more depth to the exhibits in this museum.

But what really stands out here is the gun collection. There is a fine collection of replicas and actual guns that were once in use, which is also terrifying in some sense, but this is what makes this museum special. It reminds us over and over what a war is. I would definitely recommend that you check this museum out. 

4. Studio 74 Art Gallery

Address: 1274 N Van Ness Ave, Fresno, CA 93728

Even though it may look like a regular house from the outside, but Studio 74 is a very unique type of art gallery, which is packed with different art pieces from the inside. The price and the number of options available in this gallery are what make this off-the-beaten-path art gallery unique in Fresno.

As you enter the gallery, you will see various contemporary art all around you, some hanging on the wall as paintings and photographs and some on a table or pedestal in the form of pottery. This gallery provides an excellent platform for young artists to showcase their work alongside various well-known international artists.

You will find quality abstract art, animals, and other paintings that are ideally perfect for household and office decor. Not only that, you will also see various rotating exhibits in this gallery.

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5. Clay Hand Studio

Address: 660 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA 93721

As suggested by the name, Clay Hand Studio is an art gallery that focuses on pottery, ceramics, and other clay art. Whether to use these pieces in the kitchen or as a showpiece, this studio has an art piece in every regard.

As you enter the gallery, you will be primarily impressed by their pottery work, which you can purchase to use in the kitchen or for decor purposes. Alongside the pottery work, you will find various pedestals, and on top of that are sculptures of different animals and places, which are hand-crafted by the experienced artists and are one-of-a-kind.

Not only that, but if you live and are in Fresno for a longer stay, you can also take their four-week class on building ceramic art, where an experienced artist will guide you to learn this skill.

6. Kearney Mansion Museum

Address: 7160 W Kearney Blvd, Fresno, CA 93706

Kearney Mansion Museum is a historically significant museum that was once the mansion of M. Theo Kearney, a well-known author who was also known as the “Raisin King of California” in the 19th century. It was built on his large agricultural estate and is alongside Kearney Park.

It is a French Renaissance and Victorian-style mansion that is a piece of art on its own. As you go inside, you will feel like you are in an 80s movie. All the presentation and decor inside are classic American style, whether in the bedroom, guestroom, or dining area and what’s more impressive is that most of the artifacts inside have been preserved from the time Mr. Kearney used to live here.

Not to forget different artworks and paintings that will surely be the highlights of your visit. Inside, you will also see various photos and documents about Mr. Kearney so that you can learn more about him and can also take a guided tour.

The visit hasn’t been over yet. After visiting the mansion, spend some time in Kearney Park, which is attached to the house, where you can walk on the trails with greenery all around. This is surely an ideal way to end your tour at the Kearney Mansion Museum.

7. Garden of the Sun

Address: 1750 N Winery Ave, Fresno, CA 93703

Managed by the University of California, Garden of the Sun is a nice little place to spend some time among greenery. Here, you will explore various theme gardens and sustainable gardening techniques and see some native Californian plants.

This garden spans around one acre, and along with every plant, a small board is installed with its name and significance. This garden includes various plants, including fruits, berries, vegetables, herbs, and a wide range of flowers native to America and California.

There are also various benches and chairs for you to sit and relax, along with carefully maintained walking trails so you can easily explore the garden.

8. Old Fresno Water Tower

Address: 2444 Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93721

Built solely as a water tower in 1894 and once the city’s main water supply area, the Old Fresno Water Tower is a lesser-known spot in downtown Fresno that most people seem to forget nowadays.

It is a 109-foot-tall Romanesque Revival design structure. And its architectural beauty from the outside is what makes this place special. The ground floor was converted into a visitor center, which also hosts different art exhibits. However, the center seems to be closed now as the barricade is blocking the entrance inside. But even if the entrance inside is closed, the outside is still worth visiting, and there is a small grassy area on its back where you can sit as well. Lastly, I would recommend you try visiting this place at night, because the lightning on this tower looks really amazing.

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9. Downing Planetarium

Address: 5320 N Maple Ave, Fresno, CA 93710

The Downing Planetarium is a hidden gem located at California State University that attracts space lovers and like-minded individuals who want to learn about space.

This is not a giant planetarium, and it only has a capacity of 74 people with state-of-the-art facilities, so you can feel like they are on a real journey to space. They also host different shows on various science and space-related topics that change periodically, which you can check from their website. They also host different science and space talks with other professors and professionals in this field.

In addition to that, you can also visit the planetarium’s gift shop, where you can purchase various science toys, books, posters, etc., along with the Downing Planetarium museum, where students from different field trips can have hands-on experience with physics and science exhibits. 

10. Door Art Gallery

Address: 3073 W Bullard Ave, Fresno, CA 93711

If you genuinely want to see regional and local Fresno art(paintings, abstract art, etc.), then the Door Art Gallery should be your go-to place to visit.

It is a lesser-known art gallery that focuses on promoting the work of local and regional artists by giving them a platform. It is not a huge gallery, but it is average in size and has that aesthetic art gallery feeling when you go inside.

In this gallery, you will mainly see paintings and sculptures, which are suitable for any household decor. These paintings have a variety of themes, like paintings of different locations, animals, abstracts, etc., which really look fantastic and are not overpriced.

Not only that, they also offer art classes, so if you want to nurture your art skills, you can definitely check this out. 

Hidden Gem Restaurants in Fresno

11. Benaddiction

Address: 10063 N Maple Ave, Fresno, CA 93730

Benaddiction is a restaurant that specializes in breakfast, lunch, and brunch and offers different menu items. What makes this place special is the ambiance and decor, which give classic American restaurant vibes and look fantastic, especially for the size of the restaurant with different posters and paintings that really make the environment cozy inside.

Their menu is huge, and by huge, I mean really huge, which you won’t see in many restaurants that don’t open until late at night. Their main specialty is egg benedict, which is really world-class. They also have different varieties of eggs, French toast, Mexican burritos, tortillas, quesadillas, sandwiches, burgers, pancakes, etc.

Along with that, they also offer a kid’s menu and different beverages as well in which their coffee really stands out from the rest.

12. Gem of Thailand

Address: 66 E Herndon Ave, Fresno, CA 93720

If you want to experience the best Thai food in Fresno, head to Gem of Thailand. This hidden gem restaurant deserves much more recognition because of the fantastic quality of the Asian and Thai food it offers.

This is not a fancy restaurant with classy decor but is simple, just like a regular local Thai restaurant should be, which is not bad, and the environment is good overall. However, if we talk about the food, fried rice and Tom Kha Kai soup are almost every customer’s favorite.

On their menu, you will find a variety of Thai curries and soups. Surprisingly, their TripAdvisor menu is small compared to the menu card you will get in the restaurant. They also have other dishes like spring rolls, beef and chicken curry, wings, and vegetarian items like tofu, egg rolls, and sum tum.

Not to mention the seafood items they offer, which are in a variety of dish options like fish cake, chili fish, crispy squids, prawn curry, and Tom Yum Seafood soup.

13. Sabaidee Thai-Lao Cuisine

Address: 5730 N First St, Fresno, CA 93710

Sabaidee Thai-Lao Cuisine is also a great Thai and Asian food restaurant. This is not a large restaurant, so it won’t take long for empty seats to remain empty, especially at peak food times and on weekends.

Their interior is good—nothing extra, but simple and aesthetic, with wooden tables and chairs and some paintings and vases. If we talk about the huge menu, you will indeed find your favorite Thai food here. Their specialty is phad see ew (stir-fried noodles) and basil eggplant with any rice. Both are traditional Thai food and are great.

In addition, you will find various items like chicken, beef, and mushroom curries, different stirred fried and noodle soups, and various fried rice options. Seafood is also great here, along with vegetarian options like tofu and other salads. 

14. Cupcakes Bakery

Address: 7062 N Cedar Ave, Fresno, CA 93720

If you ever crave something sweat, head to the Cupcakes Bakery in Fresno. This off-the-beaten-path bakery offers delicious baked goods, with cupcakes as the prime menu item.

As you enter, you will see a moderately small dining area just in front of a wide counter where the sweet items are on display. On display, the first thing that will impress you is the flavors of cupcakes they have, with red velvet being their most special cupcake flavor among customers.

They also have German chocolate, oreo, coconut, lemon, vanilla, and other flavors of cupcakes.

Apart from the cupcakes, the strawberry pizza here is very rare and delicious. You won’t find it anywhere else, and it is surely worth a try. There are also different cakes, cookies, ice cream, and pudding options.

15. Eddie’s Bakery Cafe

Address: 7089 N Cedar Ave, Fresno, CA 93720

Eddie’s Bakery Cafe is an all-in-one solution whether you want to eat something sweet or want to have some light food.

I have to admit that the interior of this cafe is one of the finest you’ll see in Fresno. Though there isn’t something extraordinary about it, but it has that aesthetic vibes of a classic American cafe, which you won’t see often.

As you enter, you’ll see the seating area with a massive counter in front, where you’ll see sweat and baked items on display. I personally feel that this display counter makes the overall interior look cooler. On the display, you’ll find a wide variety of cakes, pastries, breads, rolls, muffins, pies, etc.

In addition, a variety of toast and eggs for breakfast and different salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and paninis are also impressive for lunch.

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