As the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley, Fresno serves as a major agricultural and economic hub. The city is a gateway to the Sierra National Forest and the renowned Yosemite National Park. Its rich agricultural heritage is celebrated at the Fresno County Agricultural Museum. The Tower District, with its historic charm, offers a lively arts scene, restaurants, and theaters. Fresno Chaffee Zoo, located in Roeding Park, is a major attraction for families and animal enthusiasts. Major thoroughfares like State Route 99 run through the city, linking it to other major Californian destinations. From its roots as a railway station in the 19th century, Fresno has grown to be the state’s fifth-largest city, offering a blend of urban life and its agricultural core.