Looking for small-town charm with big access to California adventure? I found exactly that when I visited Clovis. Nestled right near Fresno at the edge of the Sierra Nevada foothills, Clovis surprised me with its welcoming downtown, colorful farmers markets, and easy access to the mountains. Whether you're hiking in nearby national parks or shopping for antiques in Old Town, you'll find that perfect balance of Western charm and modern convenience.
Best Time to Visit
If you’re anything like me, you’ll love Clovis in the spring and fall. I’ve gone in March when the wildflowers were blooming, and again in September when the weather was just right for outdoor festivals and walks around town. Summers definitely get hot, but if you plan around cooler mornings or hit the trails with some shade—or just hang out by the pool—you’ll still have a great time.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: I usually drive in from Fresno—it’s just a 10-minute ride northeast. If you’re coming from L.A. or the Bay Area, plan on about three hours. The drive is easy, and the mountain views as you get closer are beautiful.
- By Air: I’ve flown into Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) before—it’s less than 15 minutes from Clovis, which makes getting in and out super convenient. You’ll find direct flights from quite a few major cities.
- By Bus: If you’re going car-free, local transit and Greyhound can get you from nearby Central Valley towns. I’ve seen folks use the bus to hop between Clovis and Fresno without a problem.
Where to Stay
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Clovis Fresno Airport – I stayed here during a longer visit and loved having a kitchen and free breakfast. It’s modern and perfect if you want that home-away-from-home feel.
- Hilton Garden Inn Clovis – This one’s great if you want to be close to Old Town. I had dinner at the on-site restaurant and really appreciated how walkable everything was from the hotel.
- Comfort Suites Clovis – For something relaxed and budget-friendly, I’d go with Comfort Suites. It’s just a short walk to shops and cafes in Old Town, which made it easy for me to explore without needing to drive.
Top Attractions
Shop, Stroll, and Savor Local Charm in Old Town Clovis - Explore charming shops, enjoy local dining in a historic setting.
Hike, Camp, or Explore the Wilderness in Sierra National Forest - Hike scenic trails, admire breathtaking sights during a summer adventure.
Cool Off with Family Fun at Wild Water Adventure Park - Splash into excitement, enjoy thrilling water attractions with family and kids.
Relax Among Native Plants at Clovis Botanical Garden - Walk along peaceful paths, admire seasonal blooms and native plants.
Experience Healing and Connection at Heart of the Horse Therapy Ranch - Discover equine therapy, enjoy heartwarming experiences in a serene environment.
Browse Rare Finds and Local Reads at A Book Barn - Browse unique titles, explore an affordable collection of rare and vintage books.
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • Shop, Stroll, and Savor Local Charm in Old Town Clovis
- • Hike, Camp, or Explore the Wilderness in Sierra National Forest
- • Cool Off with Family Fun at Wild Water Adventure Park
- • Relax Among Native Plants at Clovis Botanical Garden
- • Experience Healing and Connection at Heart of the Horse Therapy Ranch
- • Browse Rare Finds and Local Reads at A Book Barn