Welcome to Fresno
Fresno is the economic and cultural center of San Joaquin Valley. With a population of about 509,000, Fresno is the largest inland city and fifth largest overall in California. In Spanish, Fresno means "ash tree," and the ash leaf is featured on the city's flag. It is home to California State University. Business travelers will like to know that as the No. 1 agricultural county in the county, Fresno County produces more than 350 commercial crops, bringing in more than $6.8 billion in 2011. The weather as bountiful as the crops, with temperatures reaching the 90s in the summer and averages rarely dipping below 45 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.
Many travelers use Fresno as a launching-off point for the nearby national parks. Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks are all accessible within a 90-minute drive, offering miles of hiking trails, gorgeous mountains and lush lakes. Adventure buffs enjoy white water rafting and rock climbing while laid-back visitors can go canoeing, kayaking and fishing.