Discover Forestiere Underground Gardens in Fresno, CA
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires moderate walking on uneven surfaces.
Overview
Descend into a cool, hand-carved world beneath Fresno’s soil at Forestiere Underground Gardens. This guided tour reveals a stunning underground oasis shaped by decades of solitary craftsmanship.
Discover Forestiere Underground Gardens in Fresno, CA
Adventure Tips
Book Tours in Advance
Reservations are recommended as tours can fill up quickly, especially during weekends.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour involves walking through uneven underground passages, so sturdy, closed-toe shoes are important.
No Touching the Gardens
To preserve the delicate plants and structures, avoid touching the caves and vegetation during your visit.
Use Side Street Drop-Off
Due to construction on the main street frontage, use the side street drop-off to avoid complicated U-turns.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Local hummingbirds frequent the flowering plants in warmer months.
- Occasional sightings of small lizards in the gardens' sunlit entrances.
History
Baldassare Forestiere began carving the gardens by hand in the early 1900s to create a cool refuge and a productive orchard beneath Fresno’s hot soil.
Conservation
Preservation efforts focus on protecting the fragile underground structures and maintaining the health of the grafted fruit trees and vines.
Adventure Hotspots in Fresno
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for navigating uneven, narrow underground pathways safely.
Light jacket or layers
The underground temperatures can be cool year-round, especially in cooler seasons.
spring|fall|winter specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture the unique architecture and lush plant life inside the gardens.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially when visiting during Fresno’s hot summer months.
summer specific