Fresno is California’s largest inland city, and the fifth largest in the state. The city is ideally positioned in the central portion of the state, allowing quick access to Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and other major California attractions.
Though it may lack the name recognition of Los Angeles or San Francisco, Fresno can be an ideal vacation destination for nature lovers. Ready to find out if Fresno is for you? Read on to learn all about it, as well as the importance of visitors medical insurance coverage.
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers in Fresno – FAQs
We budget for a lot of different things during an international trip: Flights, ground transportation, meals, attractions, etc. However, few of us budget for unexpected health problems. And with the price of healthcare in the United States, it often isn’t even possible to. Luckily, visitors medical insurance can allow you to receive the care you need without exhausting your budget.
Do I need visitors medical insurance for Fresno?
If you’re visiting the USA on a B-1/B-2 visa or without a visa, visitors insurance is not a legal requirement. But it is a financial necessity. Healthcare costs in the USA are perhaps higher than anywhere else in the world. If you get hurt or sick here, you may not be able to afford treatment without insurance coverage. Visitors medical insurance can provide this important coverage for those traveling internationally to the US.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before traveling to Fresno?
It’s a simple matter of cost vs. available funds. Even the healthiest person can suffer a broken leg or some other ailment during an international trip. If the cost to treat that broken leg is $20,000 and you don’t have $20,000 or insurance coverage that’s valid in in the US, how do you expect to pay for it? USA healthcare is excellent, but it is never free. You must have visitors medical insurance to protect you financially from an unexpected illness or injury.
Fresno’s Most Popular Places for Travel
With myriad sights and experiences to discover, central California may surprise you. Here are our top recommendations for tourists to visit in Fresno.
Fresno County Blossom Trail
Visit Fresno in the spring, and this unique trail will be like driving through a blizzard of flower pedals and fruit blossoms. The 62-mile loop is awash with nectarine and peach petals, and the blossoms of apricots, almonds, apples, and plums. The loop is open to cars and cyclists, and is a standing testament to this region’s tradition of agriculture.
Forestiere Underground Gardens
Created by Sicilian immigrant Baldassare Forestiere between 1906 and 1946, Forestiere Underground Gardens may make you feel more like you’re in Rome than California. The 65 subterranean rooms include bedrooms, a kitchen, grottoes, courtyards, and numerous underground chambers with skylights used to grow trees and other flora away from the summer heat and winter frost. Visiting is a truly unique experience, as it’s unlike anyplace else in the USA.
Fresno Discovery Center
If you’re visiting Fresno with kids, the Discovery Center is an absolute must. It features a variety of interactive scientific exhibits for visitors of all ages, an expansive cactus garden, and a 5.5-acre park and tortoise habitat that’s perfect for families to enjoy. The center is open Friday through Monday, and advanced reservations are required for all but the first Friday of the month.
Yosemite National Park
Located just 60 miles north of Fresno, the 760,000-acre Yosemite National Park attracts millions of visitors each year with its sheer mountain cliffs, giant sequoia trees, waterfalls, meadows, and abundant wildlife. It is the ideal playground for hikers, rock climbers, and campers. Make it a day trip, or plan to spend a few days camping here to see more of the sights.
Local Wineries
Fresno is located in the San Joaquin Valley, which is one of California’s top wine-producing regions. You can visit numerous local vineyards and wineries including Moravia Wines, Engelmann Cellars, Ziveli Winery, LoMac Winery, and A. Nonini Winery. Many of these wineries offer special events, meals, and tastings, so prepare your palate for a wonderful experience.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Fresno
Although part of the excitement of visiting a new place comes from experiencing what you weren’t expecting, it can be helpful to keep a few location-specific guidelines in mind. Here are our suggestions for Fresno.
Don’t Underestimate the Heat
If you choose to visit Fresno in the summer, be prepared for it. Unlike coastal regions of California where the climate is moderated by the ocean, central California gets extremely hot. The average high temperature in Fresno in the summer is almost 98°F (36.5°C), though the mercury can soar as high as 115°F (46°C). Spend plenty of time in air conditioning, take frequent breaks in the shade, and stay hydrated. If you’re sensitive to hot temperatures, it’s better to visit in the fall, winter, or spring.
Keep Travel Time in Mind
California is a large state. If you want to visit Los Angeles while staying in Fresno, it’s a 220-mile drive. San Francisco is 185 miles away. With city traffic taken into account, it can be an all-day affair just to get there. So, plan your California trip with ample travel time taken into account. Don’t expect to pop over to the coast and then back to Fresno in one day. That is, unless you want to spend all of your time driving.
Local Transport
Public transportation is available in Fresno via its Fresno Area Express (FAX) bus system, which operates 18 different routes. However, as is the case throughout most of California, automobiles are the primary mode of transport. You can rely on taxis and rideshare services for short trips within the city, but renting a car is best for maximum flexibility.
Crime and Safety
While it is unfortunately true that Fresno is listed as one of the 50 most dangerous metropolitan areas in the USA, you shouldn’t let that dissuade you from enjoying your vacation here. Crime is mostly concentrated in certain areas of the city. If you stick to more tourist-friendly locales, lock your doors, avoid flashing fancy jewelry or large amounts of cash, and do not walk alone in unlit areas at night, you should have little to worry about.
Getting to Fresno
Air travel to Fresno is available vis Fresno Yosemite International Airport. However, few international flights go directly to the city. Most traveling to Fresno from international destinations will first fly to a major international airport such as in Los Angeles, and then take a connecting regional flight to the city. Many others drive to Fresno after landing in LA, San Francisco, or Las Vegas.
Before You Travel to Fresno – Do This
- Be weather-aware – Fresno can be extremely hot in the summer months, so pack light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Don’t forget your outdoor gear if you’re planning on visiting one of the many surrounding national parks.
- Prepare for any health or travel-related mishap by purchasing visitors medical insurance before your trip.