Fresno

If you’re looking to escape the brutal winters over on the east coast, there’s no better place to warm up than Fresno. Every December, N. Van Ness Boulevard in Fig Garden becomes a one-way street with trees and homes glowing with festive, holiday lights. This has been a Fresno tradition since 1920, and it’s worth checking out, especially because it’s free!

Tower district is a great place to hang-out and explore the culture and tastes of Fresno. There’s a handful of different restaurants and bars, art galleries, and more. The art galleries are free to the public on the first Thursday of every month.

Riverside Golf Course is set along the San Joaquin River, and one of the finest public courses you’ll find in the area. The course was built back in 1939, and is the second oldest course in Fresno. The 18th hole is a par-five that spans only 469 yards from the back, so a birdie opportunity is a great way to end the day.

Dragonfly Golf Club is a quiet and secluded public course. There are no houses on the course, and you’ll never hear any traffic noise. You might hear some verbal frustration from other golfers, as Dragonfly is one of the longest golf courses in California spanning 7,783 yards from the back tees.