Lunch after arrival into FAT?

Question

We are headed to Sequoia and King Canyon in mid-Aug. (First time. Excited!) We arrive around noon into Fresno (FAT) on a Sat. Family of four coming in from the east coast. We will be hungry and tired no doubt. Based on info I've picked up here and elsehere, my plan is after we get our rental car to drive to Old Town Clovis and have a sit down meal there. Then afterward, drive to Sequoia and our stay at Wuksachi Lodge.

Is this a sensible plan? Looks like maybe a 15 min drive from the airport in the wrong direction. But maybe worth it, rather than a place along 180?

Thanks so much for any thoughts and advice!

Answer

Your plan to stop in Old Town Clovis after arriving at Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is quite sensible, especially for a first-time visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Although it adds about 15 minutes out of the way, it can be worthwhile for a few reasons.

First, after a flight, everyone will likely appreciate a sit-down meal rather than trying to grab something along the highway or a convenience-type stop. Old Town Clovis has a pleasant, walkable area with a variety of family-friendly restaurants, giving you a chance to stretch your legs, enjoy a relaxed meal, and reset before the drive into the mountains.

Second, the drive from Fresno to Wuksachi Lodge along Highway 180 is long and winding. Arriving hungry and tired without a proper break could make the drive more stressful. Stopping in Clovis allows you to start the scenic portion of your trip refreshed.

Old Town Clovis options include casual American fare, Italian restaurants, and cafes, which are generally better quality and more reliable than roadside stops on 180.
If timing is tight, you could also consider a quick bite in Fresno, but the Old Town Clovis atmosphere is more charming and enjoyable for a family.
Stopping for lunch in Clovis gives a buffer in case of flight delays or rental car pickup delays, ensuring you’re not pressed for time heading into the park.

After lunch, you’ll have a roughly 1.5-2 hour drive to Wuksachi Lodge, depending on traffic and stops. The drive up Highway 180 from the foothills into Sequoia National Park is scenic, with the higher elevations bringing cooler temperatures and beautiful forest views, making a relaxed start ideal.

Make sure to check park entrance requirements and fees ahead of time; you can pay at the entrance station or have a pass ready if you already own one.
Plan for possible traffic or slow-moving vehicles on the road into the park, especially in mid-August, which is peak season.
Consider stopping briefly at the Foothills Visitor Center if you want maps, info, or a quick restroom break before heading up to the lodge.

Overall, your plan balances comfort and convenience. Taking the slight detour into Old Town Clovis is likely the better option compared to trying to eat along Highway 180, particularly for a family of four arriving midday.

Lunch after arrival into FAT?

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