This Enchanting, Underground Garden In California Offers An Immersive Experience

California is home to the most national parks in America, but it's also a wonderful place to visit if you're a history buff. For generations, immigrants have arrived in the Golden State full of hope and ingenuity. In their pursuit of the American Dream, they have been able to accomplish marvellous feats. In the hot arid landscapes of California's Central Valley, a young Sicilian immigrant created a secret underground garden oasis. Forestiere Underground Gardens is an impressive example of resourcefulness, innovation, and dedication to a dream. You should definitely add it to your West Coast bucket list.

Baldassare Forestiere arrived in the United States in the early 1900s and made his way to California at 26 years old. He wanted to grow citrus trees and had heard stories of the Central Valley's fertile soil, so he purchased around 70 acres of inexpensive land. When he arrived, he found that the ground was as hard as rocks, and it was completely impossible to grow anything. A lesser man may have given up, but Baldassare Forestiere spent the remainder of his life crafting his very own underground paradise in Fresno. He didn't have much money, but with hard work and determination, he was able to transform his barren land into a lush underground garden and living space that has become one of Fresno's most cherished historic treasures.

Today the Forestiere Underground Gardens are nestled within a concrete jungle. It's easy to completely miss the historic underground citrus orchards as they're surrounded by highways and strip malls, but if you know where to look you can visit the magnificent underground masterpiece that Forestiere created with his own two hands – and a whole lot of hope. An immersive and educational tour allows you to venture deep underground and explore the site for yourself.

Failure simply wasn't an option for Baldassare Forestiere, which is clear as soon as you begin descending the stairs to his underground compound. He had to carve through several feet of hardpan before he reached fertile soil, but that didn't stop him.  His first summer in Fresno was unbearably hot, so his immediate goal was to escape the brutal temperatures by creating an underground living space.  You can feel the temperature drop according to reviews left by tourists who have visited the site. "Even though it was a hot day, it was much cooler underground, which made the tour even more enjoyable," a visitor named Shanna Casey wrote in a review posted on Google.

 Forestiere excavated acres of his property and created an elaborate maze of underground tunnels, gardens, and living spaces. He had multiple bedrooms within his cave-like home so that he could comfortably sleep as the temperatures and seasons changed. He also had a well that provided water for himself and his fruit trees, a kitchen, and a dining area – all located 10-20 feet underground. Exploring the space feels "like stepping back in time," according to Shanna Casey.

He carved open skylights so that his citrus trees could get enough sunlight, and his gardens flourished. The majority of citrus trees in Fresno live about 50 years, but some of Baldassare Forestiere's trees have been thriving for well over a hundred years.  "The craftsmanship and creativity are unbelievable — it's amazing what one person with a vision and determination can accomplish," Casey wrote. Today the Forestiere Underground Gardens are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As Forestiere himself put it, "to make something with a lot of money, that is easy, but to make something out of nothing – now that is something."

In order to tour the Forestiere Underground Gardens, you'll have to reserve an appointment online before your arrival. Travelers are only permitted to enter via a guided tour. Tours are offered between March and December, and the ticket fee is $25 per adult. Discounts are available for seniors, children, students, and members of the military. Children under the age of four are permitted to attend the tour with their parents for free. During the hour-long tour, you will explore the underground rooms and gardens with a knowledgeable guide. Visitors should come prepared to walk and wear comfortable clothing and light layers since the temperature changes as you move underground.

The closest airport to the gardens is Fresno Yosemite International Airport, which has direct service from several major cities across the United States and Mexico. The airport is only about 20 minutes from the historic site by car. You can rent a car in Fresno starting at around $30 per day. The average daily car rental cost is around $60 per day.

There are plenty of places to stay around Fresno, including tons of budget friendly chain hotels. A Garden Inn and Suites is located about 350 feet from the underground gardens with rooms starting at $75 per night. There is also La Quinta hotel just 500 feet away with rooms for about $100 per night. If you have time, head to Yosemite National Park which is 1.5 hours from Fresno and has some incredible hikes for beginners.