Things to Do at Forestiere Underground Gardens

Complete Guide to Forestiere Underground Gardens in Fresno

About Forestiere Underground Gardens

Forestiere Underground Gardens offers visitors expansive outdoor spaces with free admission year-round. Photography is permitted in most areas without flash for the comfort of other visitors. The natural sounds of local wildlife blend with rustling foliage while comfortable seating areas provide rest stops throughout the tour throughout the grounds. The facility serves as an important cultural hub for the local community, hosting events and educational programs throughout the year.

What to See & Do

Underground Courtyards

Multi-level open-air spaces carved into the earth where citrus trees and grapevines create natural canopies overhead

Living Quarters

Forestiere's actual underground home, complete with bedroom, kitchen, and sitting areas that stay naturally cool year-round

The Chapel

A serene underground room with religious significance, showcasing the spiritual aspect of Forestiere's vision

Fruit Tree Grottos

Ingeniously designed underground spaces where mature fruit trees grow through openings in the ceiling, creating unique microclimates

Underground Passageways

A network of tunnels connecting different areas, demonstrating the impressive scope of this hand-dug complex

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open Wednesday through Sunday, with seasonal variations. Tours typically run from 10am to 4pm, but it's worth checking their website as hours can change

Tickets & Pricing

Adult tickets are around $20-25, with discounts for seniors and children. Tours are guided only and tend to fill up, especially during cooler months, so booking ahead is recommended

Best Time to Visit

Fall through early spring offers the most comfortable touring conditions. Summer tours are available but the contrast between underground cool and surface heat can be jarring

Suggested Duration

Guided tours last about 45 minutes to an hour, though you might find yourself wanting to linger in the cool underground spaces

Getting There

The gardens sit in northwest Fresno. If you're driving through the Central Valley, they're easy to reach from Highway 99-take the Shaw Avenue exit and head west. Clear signs guide you once you're close. Parking is decent on-site. Public transit won't get you here, so you'll need a car. The location works well as a stop between San Francisco and Los Angeles, but don't treat this as a quick roadside attraction-plan your route around it.

Things to Do Nearby

Fresno Chaffee Zoo
A well-regarded zoo with African Adventure exhibits and sea lion shows, about 15 minutes away

Woodward Park
Large regional park with Japanese Garden, perfect for picnicking before or after your underground adventure

Tower District
Fresno's arts and entertainment quarter with vintage theaters, local restaurants, and antique shops

Kearney Mansion Museum
Historic French Renaissance-style mansion offering glimpse into early California agricultural wealth

Shinzen Japanese Garden
Authentic Japanese garden within Woodward Park, offering a peaceful contrast to the underground experience

Tips & Advice

Bring a light jacket - the underground temperature stays around 60-70°F year-round, which feels amazing in summer but can be chilly if you're not prepared

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as some of the underground surfaces can be uneven or slightly damp

Tours are guided only and groups are kept small, so don't expect to wander freely - though the guides are usually quite knowledgeable about Forestiere's story

The gardens are genuinely unique, so don't let the somewhat modest exterior fool you - what's underground is far more impressive than what you'll see from the street