The Top Things To Do in Clovis [A Local’s Guide!]

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The Gold Rush of the 1800s contributed to the first non-native settlement of Clovis. With cobblestone streets, old-fashioned street lamps and old-west storefronts, many of the top things to do in Clovis have an aesthetic that brings you back to that historical era.

This charm quickly captured my heart when I moved here four years ago.

Nestled in the middle of California, right next to the Sierra Nevadas, Clovis is a great place to live today. Plus, its rich agriculture and prime location give the city a unique small-town vibe.

Although its larger neighboring City of Fresno often overshadows it, Clovis California holds its own as a destination waiting to be discovered.

From roastery classes and rodeos to trails and hikes, here are the best things to do in Clovis California, according to a local!

Things to do in Clovis CA

1. Shop Old Town Clovis

Old Town Clovis is a walkable shopping center featuring boutiques, antique shops, cafes, salons, and restaurants. It’s easy to make a whole day of antiquing, window shopping, and finding a delicious local bite.

2. Walk the Old Town Trail

Some of my favorite things about Clovis are the beautiful, well-maintained trails. The most prominent trail is the nearly 10-mile-long Old Town Trail. There are several places to park and hop on the trail, it is bike and dog-friendly, and either tunnels or well-signaled crosswalks make it easy to cross main roads when necessary.

3. Fresno Blossom Trail

Although it is known as the Fresno Blossom Trail, part of this 65-mile-long drivable trail is located in the orchards of Clovis. If you are lucky enough to visit Clovis in the spring, driving or walking to enjoy these beautiful blooms is a must.

4. Clovis Botanical Garden

The Clovis Botanical Garden is one of the best free things to do in Clovis, but tours can be purchased for $5 in advance. The garden features three acres of water-wise plants with local, South African, Australian, and Mediterranean flora.

Visit when you have free time on a cool afternoon.

5. Rare Earth Roastery Classes

Rare Earth is one of the best places to visit in Clovis for coffee enthusiasts. Choose from classes featuring barista lessons and tastings to roasting and brewing. Rare Earth is one of the few roasteries in the world that uses air roasting rather than drum roasting, making the experience unique.

I did the roasting class and it was so fun! We tried over eight coffees, and then we picked the flavors we liked and got to create our own roast. We left with over 15 pounds of coffee!

6. Old Town Clovis Farmer’s Market

The Farmer’s Market happens year-round on Saturday mornings from 9am-11:30am. Pollasky Street is shut down from Bullard to Fifth for foot traffic and local artisans and growers.

In the summer months from May to October, the market is expanded to Friday evenings from 5:30-8:30 with even more vendors, more streets, as well as live music.

7. Clovis Rodeo

The Clovis Rodeo is an over 100-year-old tradition that happens on the last full weekend in April. Featuring country concerts, PRCA roping, PBR bull riding, dancing, and mutton busting, tickets are affordable and the event is family-friendly.

8. The Foundry Cooperative Creative Workshops

If you love crafting and trying new skills, there is always a new workshop on the calendar at The Foundry Cooperative.

From bible journaling to bath bomb making and paint nights, the Foundry has a cute artisanal space to get creative.

9. Crow & Wolf Taproom and Fitness Classes

Crow & Wolf is a taproom close to the border of Fresno and Clovis. Spend a weekend morning trying a new fitness class in their taproom, then hang out afterward for a pint of your choice, included in the class price.

In the summer, the brewery room features food trucks, cornhole, and music.

10. Wine Tasting at 3 Oaks Vineyard

3 Oaks Vineyard is an “oasis” located within residential Clovis. Just east of the Dry Creek trailhead, 3 Oaks feels like its hidden in the countryside, even though its right in the heart of Clovis. Spend an afternoon sampling their best wines.

11. Walk the Dry Creek Trail

Another trail to check out is the 5-mile-long Dry Creek Trail. An offshoot of the Old Town Trail, the Dry Creek path is located in northern Clovis and features parks, the Clovis Botanical Garden, exercise stations, and a bike repair station at the north trailhead.

12. ClovisFest Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly

Once per year in September, giant hot air balloons take over the Clovis Rodeo grounds. Arrive early to watch the flame-throwing engines light up the dawn. As soon as day breaks, magic fills the sky as the balloons dot the Clovis sky.

ClovisFest includes food, vendors, shows, and occasional hot air balloon rides.

13. Big Dry Creek Museum

Learn more about the Gold Rush and get a glimpse of what makes Old Town, Old Town at the Clovis Big Dry Creek Museum. Admission is free, and the museum only takes a few minutes to walk through. Pop in and see the rotating exhibits at the farmer’s market or while you are antiquing.

Map of Things to Do in Clovis

Best Places to Eat in Clovis CA

Clovis has so many delicious and locally-owned restaurants to try. So many, that it would be impossible to list them all in one post. Instead, I picked out a few of my favorites.

1. House of Juju: In the heart of Old Town, gourmet burgers and a relaxed atmosphere make Juju one of the most popular date night spots.
2. Crave Cookie: Hands down one of the best things about living in Clovis is the dessert delivery service! Hot, fresh, giant cookies delivered straight to your door.
3. It’s In The Mix: Another gourmet dessert delivery service, only this one specializes in giant gooey cinnamon rolls. I tell everyone that even the outside of the cinnamon roll is soft and decadent like the center.
4. More Than Pizza: My personal picks are the cheese sticks and Chicken Garlic Special.
5. Pho 2006: My favorite Clovis pho. I also love that it’s in the quaint Barnyard Shopping Center.
6. Pad Thai Clovis: Probably my husband’s most frequented Clovis restaurant. I love the basil fried rice and thai tea.
7. Luna’s Pizzeria & Italian: Every local’s favorite Italian spot!

Getting Around Clovis

The nearest major airport to Clovis is the Fresno Yosemite International Airport. The best way to get around Clovis is by renting a car. The Fresno Airport has an Enterprise and Budget booth. Uber and Lyft also operate throughout the greater Fresno metro area.

Looking to get around via car? Find the cheapest car rentals here!

The cheapest way to get around Clovis is via bike. With all the interconnected bike trails, getting between destinations without riding on the road is easy.

As far as public transit, the Clovis Stageline is the bus system for the City of Clovis. On select weekends and holidays, you can even catch “Dolly,” the Old Town Trolley bus making her rounds.

Where to Stay in Clovis

When it comes to the best places to stay in Clovis, both the La Quinta and Courtyard hotels should be at the top of your list. Located in the heart of Old Town, these hotels offer the quintessential California experience with modern amenities and top-notch service.

• Courtyard by Marriott Fresno Clovis: Offering a pool and hot tub, free bike rentals are included in the stay, which is convenient as the Old Town Trail is just a few minutes away.
• La Quinta Wyndham Clovis: Located right on the Old Town Trail, La Quinta offers a clean stay for a good price.
• Comfort Suites Clovis: Another hotel located right on the Old Town Trail, Comfort Suites has a year-round outdoor pool and is an affordable option with a good location.

If any of these have inspired your visit or if you have any questions, I’d love to know in the comments below!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

• The Top Things to do in Fresno
• The Best Coffee Shops in Fresno
• The Top Things to do in Shaver Lake
• A Complete Guide to the Fresno Blossom Trail
• Visiting All 9 National Parks in California

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