
Major Highways & Driving Tips in Fresno, California, United States
1. Highway 99 (Golden State Freeway)
A major north-south route through Fresno connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles, offering scenic views and easy access to many cities.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during rush hours and weekends.
- Rest Stops: Frequent rest stops are available for travelers to stretch, refuel, and grab a bite.
- Construction Zones: Be aware of construction zones that may cause delays or alter your route.
2. Highway 41 (Fresno-Madera County Line to Kings Canyon National Park)
Stretches from Fresno city limits to the entrance of Kings Canyon National Park, providing beautiful mountain views and access to nature.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and Sequoia trees.
- Wildlife Encounters: Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as deer, bears, and mountain lions.
- Seasonal Road Closures: Be aware of seasonal road closures due to snow or maintenance.
3. Highway 180 (Fresno State University to Sequoia National Park)
Connects Fresno State University with Sequoia National Park and offers an alternative route to Highway 41.
- Alternate Route: Provides a scenic, less-traveled alternative for visitors heading to Sequoia National Park.
- Steep Mountainous Terrain: Be prepared for steep mountainous terrain and winding roads.
- Local Attractions: Passes by Fresno State University, Save Mart Center, and other local attractions.
4. Highway 168 (Fresno to Mammoth Lakes)
Connects Fresno with Mammoth Lakes and offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and Hume Lake.
- Mountain Weather Conditions: Be aware of sudden weather changes and road conditions due to elevation.
- Alternative Attractions: Passes by Shaver Lake, Courtright Reservoir, and other outdoor recreation spots.
5. Highway 198 (Fresno to Visalia)
Connects Fresno with Visalia and offers easy access to local attractions like Woodward Park and the Visalia Convention Center.
- Local Attractions: Passes by Woodward Park, Visalia Convention Center, and other local attractions.
- Wide Lanes: Features wide lanes for easy driving and overtaking.
- Construction Zones: Be aware of construction zones that may cause delays or alter your route.
6. Fresno Blvd (City Street)
A major east-west city street connecting Fresno State University and Downtown Fresno.
- Local Attractions: Passes by local attractions such as the Fresno Art Museum, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, and the Save Mart Center.
- City Traffic: Expect city traffic during rush hours and weekends.
- Construction Zones: Be aware of construction zones that may cause delays or alter your route.
7. Blackstone Ave (City Street)
A busy north-south city street connecting Fresno State University and Downtown Fresno.
- Local Attractions: Passes by local attractions such as the Tower District, Warnors Theatre, and the Fresno County Fair.
- City Traffic: Expect city traffic during rush hours and weekends.
- Construction Zones: Be aware of construction zones that may cause delays or alter your route.
8. Shaw Ave (City Street)
A major east-west city street connecting Fresno State University and the North Fresno area.
- Local Attractions: Passes by local attractions such as River Park, Chukchansi Park, and Clovis West High School.
- City Traffic: Expect city traffic during rush hours and weekends.
- Construction Zones: Be aware of construction zones that may cause delays or alter your route.
9. Figarden Dr (City Street)
A major east-west city street connecting North Fresno and the Fig Garden area.
- Local Attractions: Passes by local attractions such as Fig Garden Village, Roast Summit Coffee, and St. John's Lutheran Church.
- City Traffic: Expect city traffic during rush hours and weekends.
- Construction Zones: Be aware of construction zones that may cause delays or alter your route.
10. Princess Ave (City Street)
A major north-south city street connecting the Fig Garden area and Southeast Fresno.
- Local Attractions: Passes by local attractions such as Fig Garden Village, Roosevelt High School, and Roosevelt Park.
- City Traffic: Expect city traffic during rush hours and weekends.
- Construction Zones: Be aware of construction zones that may cause delays or alter your route.
11. Nees Ave (City Street)
A major east-west city street connecting Northeast Fresno and the Fresno Yosemite International Airport.
- Local Attractions: Passes by local attractions such as Woodward Park, Clovis West High School, and the Fresno Yosemite International Airport.
- City Traffic: Expect city traffic during rush hours and weekends.
- Construction Zones: Be aware of construction zones that may cause delays or alter your route.
12. California Ave (City Street)
A major north-south city street connecting Downtown Fresno and the Tower District.
- Local Attractions: Passes by local attractions such as the Fresno Convention Center, the Tower District, and the Warnors Theatre.
- City Traffic: Expect city traffic during rush hours and weekends.
- Construction Zones: Be aware of construction zones that may cause delays or alter your route.
13. Van Ness Ave (City Street)
A major east-west city street connecting the Tower District and North Fresno.
- Local Attractions: Passes by local attractions such as Woodward Park, Clovis West High School, and Roast Summit Coffee.
- City Traffic: Expect city traffic during rush hours and weekends.
- Construction Zones: Be aware of construction zones that may cause delays or alter your route.
14. Getting Around Fresno via Public Transportation (Fresno Area Express)
The public transportation system in Fresno provides an affordable and convenient way to explore the city without a car.
- Affordable: Offers an affordable alternative to driving.
- Convenient Routes: Serves major attractions, shopping centers, and residential areas.
- Schedule and Delays: Consult the schedule for departure times and be aware of potential delays.
15. Car Rental Services in Fresno
Renting a car provides travelers with the freedom to explore Fresno and its surroundings at their own pace.
- Flexibility: Offers the flexibility to explore beyond public transportation.
- Variety of Cars: Provides a variety of car options, from compact cars to SUVs.
- Additional Fees: Be aware of additional fees for mileage, insurance, and fuel costs.