15 Best Things to Do in Clovis (CA)

Written by Jan Meeuwesen
Updated on
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The city of Clovis is located in Fresno County in the great state of California. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Sierras’, Clovis sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and is close to Yosemite National Park as well as Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park.

As such, many residents of Clovis love nothing more than exploring the great outdoors in the form of the parks, lakes, and mountains that are just outside the city, but if you come here for a visit there are also a wide range of attractions in town to keep you entertained.

You can take your pick from a range of activities that take place outside such as cycling, hiking, or jogging on the many trails that encircle Clovis, especially in the summer months.

If you prefer indoor activities, then there are museums, theaters, and galleries to choose from, as well as indoor games like bowling and racing.

Last but not least, make sure to check out the local produce at the Farmer’s Market in Clovis, held every Friday night throughout the year.

Let’s explore the best things in Clovis:

1. Old Town Clovis

ClovisSource: engiventure
Clovis

The town of Clovis was founded in 1891 and in 1912 the downtown area was formed.

Nowadays this has become the Old Town area of Clovis and is known for its restaurants, cafes, and shops, including antique shops and local specialty stores.

Should you visit Old Town Clovis you can take a guided walking tour which will fill you in on all the history and culture of the area and is led by local volunteers.

If you want to combine a visit to the town with a trip to the great outdoors, you can also walk or bike along trails that lead out of Old Town Clovis to local points of interest.

2. Wild Water Park

Wild Water ParkSource: pinterest
Wild Water Park

Situated just outside of Clovis at the base of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountain Range you will find the Wild Water Park which has everything you need to help you make a splash.

The park boasts a quarter of a million visitors each year and has a huge range of water related rides.

These include water slides, wave pools, and play areas, and if you prefer not to get wet then the surrounding areas feature grassy greens that are lined with picturesque trees and plants.

You can picnic or barbecue in the park and there are even several lakes that can be used for fishing if you prefer.

3. Sierra National Forest

Sierra National ForestSource: wikipedia
Sierra National Forest

Sierra National Forest sits to the west of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and is the ideal place to go if you want to check out some of the wilderness areas around Clovis.

At Sierra National Forest you will find acres of mountain forest as well as an array of local flora and fauna.

There are a range of reservoirs in the forest that are ideal for fishing trips or you can choose to go hiking and take in the scenery on foot.

In winter months there is even a ski area.

4. MB2  Raceway

MB2 RacewaySource: youtube
MB2 Raceway

If you are looking for some indoor fun in Clovis then the MB2 Raceway is a great place to come.

Visitors can drive high speed go karts from Europe that can race at speeds of up to 45mph.

Adults who love racing will enjoy all that the tracks here have to offer but younger visitors can also get in on the action by driving a junior kart, so all the family can take part.

Large and small groups are all welcome here and you can just walk in and race as many laps as you want.

After a race you can refuel with some drinks and food at the on-site restaurant and bar.

5. Dan Rouit Flack Track Motorcycle Museum

Dan Rouit Flat Track Motorcycle MuseumSource: arthurtaussig
Dan Rouit Flat Track Motorcycle Museum

A must-visit for anyone in Clovis who loves motorcycles, the Dan Rouit Flat Track Motorcycle Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the best of motorcycle equipment from the United States.

A visit to the museum will take you through the history of motorcycle racing in the United States, and is packed with period memorabilia including posters, leathers, helmets, and photographs.

Racing enthusiasts can enjoy some of the more quirky items on display, and this is an informative an engaging museum for anyone who wants to learn more about a little piece of American transport history.

6. AMF Rodeo Lanes

AMF Rodeo LanesSource: amf
AMF Rodeo Lanes

If you like bowling then don’t miss a trip to AMF Rodeo lanes.

This premier bowling alley in Clovis has 40 lanes for visitors to enjoy, and if you fancy something different before or after a match then you can head to the arcade for some interactive gaming.

Other activities on offer include billiards at the on-site billiard tables and there is also a shop where you can pick up any bowling equipment you might need.

AMF Rodeo lanes is suitable for all ability levels, whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned pro, and players can enjoy the sports bar after a game for a relaxing cocktail or glass of beer.

7. Master’s Gallery

Masters GallerySource: playfresno
Masters Gallery

For those who are looking to stock up on some local artwork, Master’s Gallery is not to be missed.

Opened in 1997, this quirky gallery has a range of pieces by local artists from around the Clovis area and specializes in original pieces and limited edition artworks.

Choose from Western artwork as well as pieces that reflect the rugged landscape of the Sierra Nevada region, or branch out further afield with some of the exclusive European pieces.

8. Clovis Big Dry Creek Museum

Clovis Big Dry Creek MuseumSource: oldtownclovis
Clovis Big Dry Creek Museum

The Clovis Big Dry Creek Museum is the place to come for those who are interested in the history of the Clovis area, and is dedicated to displaying and showcasing pictures and memorabilia that belonged to Clovis M. Cole, from whom the town gets its name.

The museum has an emphasis on educating visitors about how the town of Clovis came to be formed, and there are photographs and articles from the 1880s onwards that help to tell the story of this picturesque area.

There are also Native American artifacts and antique items and pictures from over 300 families from the Clovis region.

9. Clovis Botanical Gardens

Clovis Botanical GardensSource: fresnobee
Clovis Botanical Gardens

Built in 2002, the Clovis Botanical Garden spans three acres and is made up of plants from the region that can endure both the hot summer months and the colder winter period in Clovis in California’s Central Valley.

The gardens are dedicated to ecology and conservation and take a sustainable approach to gardening and have a ‘water wise’ plan to conserve water in the area.

You can visit the Botanical Gardens yourself or you can also arrange a guided tour that is run by local volunteers and will fill you in on the history of the area as well as explaining the flora and fauna of the Clovis region.

10. Forestiere Underground Gardens

Forestiere Underground GardensSource: oldtownclovis
Forestiere Underground Gardens

The former home of an artist from Sicily, the Forestiere Underground Gardens are the place to come if you want a quirky and unusual experience in Clovis.

The Underground Gardens consist of a series of inter-connected rooms under the ground which have elaborate passages, courtyards, arches, and hidden enclaves.

Modeled on ancient catacombs, the gardens can now be visited and you can explore this amazing feat of architecture at your own leisure.

11. Friday Night Farmer’s Market

Friday Night Farmer’s MarketSource: thefeather
Friday Night Farmer’s Market

If you happen to be in Clovis on a Friday night then you definitely shouldn’t miss a trip to the Farmer’s Market in the Old Town district of the city.

The market aims to showcase the best local produce and ingredients from the region with a focus on the seasons and farm to table cooking.

Aside from shopping for local products, visitors can also enjoy live music, and for younger visitors there are a range of games and activities on offer to keep you entertained.

12. Dry Creek Trailhead

Dry Creek TrailheadSource: oldtownclovis
Dry Creek Trailhead

Dry Creek Trailhead is not quite a park but many residents in Clovis use these picturesque trails in much the same way.

There are picnic areas dotted around the trails and fitness fanatics are known to use the area for walking or jogging, as it provides the perfect opportunity for a workout while taking in some of the sights of Clovis.

Biking is also popular in the area if you don’t fancy walking, and the Dry Creek Trailhead is the point at which many of the trails that run all over the area converge.

These include the Fresno Sugar Pine Trail and the Enterprise Trail.

13. Millerton Lake

Millerton LakeSource: wikipedia
Millerton Lake

Half an hour outside of Clovis lies Millerton Lake.

Around 15 miles away from the center of town, Millerton Lake is ideal for those who want to get out of town for an afternoon and there are a huge range of activities to choose from here.

The natural scenery around Millerton Lake is stunning, and visitors here can fish or boat on the lake.

In warmer weather swimming is possible here as is water skiing or for those who prefer not to go out on the water, you can go hiking in the foothills that circle Millerton Lake.

14. Roeding Park

Roeding ParkSource: halsca
Roeding Park

Fifteen minutes away in neighboring Fresno sits Roeding Park.

Visitors in the local area come here for the famous deep blue lakes in the park as well as the forestlands and the green open spaces.

There are also a range of flower gardens that are perfect for afternoon walks and there are picnic facilities and barbecue pits.

Contained within the park you will also find other local points of interest like the Chaffee Zoo so this is the place to come if you want to see a range of sights near Clovis.

15. Sierra Bicentennial Park

Sierra Bicentennial ParkSource: panoramio
Sierra Bicentennial Park

The Sierra Bicentennial Park in Clovis is known for its batting cages, so if you want to practice your swing then this is certainly the place to come.

As well as the actual cages you will also find softball and baseball fields so if you are lucky you might just catch a local game in progress.

There are also barbecue and picnic areas if you get hungry and a snack bar on site.

For younger guests there is a playground that also allows you to take in the pretty scenery in the Clovis area.



15 Best Things to Do in Clovis (CA):

  • Old Town Clovis
  • Wild Water Park
  • Sierra National Forest
  • MB2  Raceway
  • Dan Rouit Flack Track Motorcycle Museum
  • AMF Rodeo Lanes
  • Master’s Gallery
  • Clovis Big Dry Creek Museum
  • Clovis Botanical Gardens
  • Forestiere Underground Gardens
  • Friday Night Farmer’s Market
  • Dry Creek Trailhead
  • Millerton Lake
  • Roeding Park
  • Sierra Bicentennial Park