Fresno (pop. 430,000) is located in the center of California, in the fertile inland San Joaquin Valley. Surrounded by farm country, Fresno is a relatively young city with a diverse population. While the city itself isn't a prime tourist destination, easy access to the beautiful Sierra Nevada range and three national parks (Yosemite and Sequoia/King's Canyon) have made Fresno a frequent stop for area travelers.

The Sierra National Forest covers some 1.3 million acres of mountainous terrain to the east of Fresno, nearly half of it designated wilderness. Hiking, camping, and mountain biking are popular activities, and nearby bodies of water like Huntington Lake attract sailboats, canoes, and anglers. Nearer to town, Fresno hosts several popular annual events, including the Clovis Rodeo and the Conours D'Elegance car show. A range of lodging and dining options in town provide full services to visitors.

Fresno is located along Highway 99 in central California, about 190 miles southeast of San Francisco and 220 miles north of Los Angeles.