Fresno

Fresno, with half a million people, is the center of the richest agricultural county in the United States. Cotton, grapes, and tomatoes are among the major crops; poultry and milk are also important. About 75 ethnic groups, including Armenians, Laotians, and Indians, live here. The city has a relatively vibrant arts scene, several public parks, and many low-price restaurants. The Tower District—with its restaurants, coffeehouses, and performance venues—is the town's arts and nightlife nexus. It's the closest large city to Sequoia National Park, though at some 78 miles away it's not that close, so it's an option if there's nothing available in the park itself, Three Rivers, or Visalia.