Fresno is the 34th most populous city in the United States and the fifth most populous city in California, with a population of over 527,000. Some singles might feel like they’re in the middle of a dating wasteland.
In today’s multicultural and crowded society, few people find lasting love on the first try. While many Americans head west in search of better economic and social opportunities, others find that they need a helping hand discovering true love.
Tucked in the center of the San Joaquin Valley, Fresno is an undeniably beautiful place to find love — you just have to know where to go. That’s what we’re here for. We’ve come up with 10 sure-fire ways to meet new friends, land dates, and make romantic connections in Fresno. Enjoy!
Fresno dating site
This should be obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing. If you’re looking for local dates, you have to consider online dating. Meeting romantic partners online may once have been stigmatized, but in 2017 it was reportedly the most popular way for brides to meet their significant others. Millions of singles are online dating these days, and that’s an opportunity you can’t afford to miss.
Best Singles Site
Match.com belongs at the top of this list because it has the longest history of success of any dating site. No other dating site or app (yes, even the swiping kind) can match this dating giant when it comes to facilitating first dates, relationships, and marriages. Match has been around since 1995, and it has stayed in business for over 20 years because its straightforward matching system has worked time and time again.
Match
★★★★★
4.8/5.0
Relationships: Friends, Dates, and Relationships
Match System: Browse by zip, age, appearance, more
Our Experts Say: “Match has facilitated the most dates and relationships of any dating site, and its large audience and high success rate make it our top review…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | Today’s Deal |
| All Singles* | 49%*51%* | 39.7 Million* | Try Match FREE |
Best Site for Professionals
Busy professionals can sometimes be disappointed by the quality of date prospects on a general dating site. That’s a problem Elite Singles endeavors to solve by building a high-caliber network of online daters. This premium dating site is perfect for Fresno singles looking for more than just a pretty face. According to the site’s internal stats, over 90% of members are over 30 and over 80% have earned a college degree.
EliteSingles
★★★★★
4.7/5.0
Relationships: Serious Relationships
Match System: Search, Receive Partner Suggestions
Our Experts Say: “EliteSingles is a leading dating site just for busy, single professionals. More than 80% of members have earned a college degree, and most are looking for a serious commitment…” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | Today’s Deal |
| All Singles* | 44%*56%* | 2 Million* | Browse Profiles Free |
Over 50 & Senior Sites
Meeting people can become increasingly difficult as you get older — especially if you’re just getting out of a long-term relationship. Dating has changed in the last decade, and it’s not all that easy for baby boomers or those from the Silent Generation to adapt. Fortunately, senior dating sites like OurTime offer an avenue for connection that’s neither difficult to join nor hard to understand. This dating site simplifies the dating process and invites singles over 50 to mix and mingle in a more mature crowd.
OurTime.com
★★★★★
4.3/5.0
Relationships: Dates and Relationships
Match System: Search by profiles by zip and more
Our Experts Say: “OurTime is well-known in the over-50 dating crowd, particularly because it has a ton of helpful search features and an easy layout…” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | Today’s Deal |
| Mature Singles (50+)* | 48%*52%* | 8.9 Million* | Over 50? Try It FREE |
For Black Men & Women Only
Nearly 41,000 African-Americans call Fresno home, which means they make up about 8% of the population. That may sound small, but it’s actually the largest minority in the city. However, it may be difficult for individuals in the local black community to find one another, so that’s where BlackPeopleMeet comes in. This dating site boasts the largest network of black and biracial daters in the US.
BlackPeopleMeet
★★★★★
4.1/5.0
Relationships: Deep Relationships or Just Casual Dates
Match System: Search by location, age, more
Our Experts Say: “BlackPeopleMeet.com is the one of the largest and most popular dating sites for black and biracial singles, and the site is used by more than 5 million people a month…” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | Today’s Deal |
| Black Singles* | 47%*53%* | 5.7 Million* | FREE Trial for New Users |
Hookup & Sex Site
Fresno residents who are looking to get laid needn’t waste time flirting and hinting on a general dating site. They can join a hookup site and cut straight to the chase. Adult Friend Finder (AFF) encourages its members to be open and honest about what they want. The men and women on AFF share similar desires and inclinations, so it’s much easier to find a compatible sex partner using these search and chat tools.
Adult Friend Finder
★★★★★
3.5/5.0
Relationships: Hookups Only
Match System: Search by location, interest, more
Our Experts Say: “Make no mistake: this site isn’t about making friends, it’s about short-term “hookups” and affairs only. Note that a basic account costs $14.95/month, but it’s well worth it if casual sex is your goal…”
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | Today’s Deal |
| All Singles* | 65%*35%* | 25.5 Million* | $14.95/Month |
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Popular Dating Apps
Whether you live in the Sunnyside or the Tower District, you probably don’t want to hazard the city’s traffic to meet a date across town. The location-based matches and searches on popular dating apps can help you out. Certain dating apps allow users to narrow their match suggestions by distance, and that can be incredibly helpful if you’re looking for someone in a city that covers about 112 square miles.
Zoosk
★★★★★
4.9/5.0
Available on: iOS, Android
- Relationships: Casual Dates, Relationships
- About the App: Zoosk is the number one app for finding dates, and if you sync up your Google+ or Facebook account, you can have a profile in seconds. The app has 38 million members and will deliver matches to your inbox on a daily basis based on your behavior such as who you search for, like or don’t like, and message. The Carousel is another section for matching (tap the heart if it’s a yes and the X if it’s a no).
- Browse Free: View Profiles Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | App Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Singles* | 48%*52%* | 3.8 Million* | Free Download |
Match.com
★★★★★
4.9/5.0
Available on: iOS, Android
- Relationships: Fun Dates, Serious Relationships
- About the App: Available via the App Store and Google Play, Match is a fantastic app for dates and relationships. With a user base of 30 million singles, Match is where you’ll have a high chance of success. It’s free to download, create a profile, search for date prospects, and receive compatible matches based on personalized preferences. Free members can also chat with select members and send unlimited likes.
- Browse Free: View Profiles Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | App Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Singles* | 49%*51%* | 13.5 Million* | Free Download |
EliteSingles
★★★★★
4.9/5.0
Available on: iOS, Android
- Relationships: Deep Relationships
- About the App: Commitment-minded, professional daters will feel at home with EliteSingles, which can be downloaded for free in the App Store or Google Play. Not only is everyone looking for a long-term partner, but 80% of members hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree. EliteSingles sees 210,000 visitors and 2,500 users finding love every month, so it’s one of the fastest growing and most reputable apps.
- Browse Free: View Profiles Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | App Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Singles* | 43%*57%* | 290,000* | Free Download |
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Fresno Singles Bars
All right, I’ve made my case for the virtual world, but I know it’s not for everybody. Maybe you’ve been there, done that with dating sites, and want to try more old-fashioned, face-to-face dating. In that case, you should check out some of Fresno’s popular bars. The local bar scene is the best IRL place to find a date because everyone is there to have a good time, and they’re often open to starting conversations with someone new. We recommend the following bars in Fresno to daters hoping to meet somebody special.
1
The Bar
★★★★★ 4.9/5.0
4542 N First St • Fresno, CA 93726 (559) 224-1400 Visit Website
The Bar, with its simple name and low-key vibe, has to be at the top of our list. It’s the go-to hangout for many locals, who love its happy hour specials and karaoke nights. You can play a song on the jukebox for your crush to get a conversation started and then invite him or her out on the patio for some quiet conversation. The drinks are affordable, the location is convenient, and the waitstaff stays out of your way. All in all, it’s a fantastic spot to look for dates.
2
The Library at Detention
★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
750 E Olive Ave • Fresno, CA (599) 441-6431 Visit Website
The Library at Detention is a speakeasy known for its handcrafted cocktails and classic polish. This is a reservation-only place, so you have to let the Library know you’re coming before you crash this exclusive spot in Fresno’s historic Tower District. The small, quiet, and dimly lit bar offers a nice private place to rub elbows with other people who are in the know about Fresno’s hottest hangouts. Important note: the Library at Detention does have and enforce a dress code. Everyone must come in business casual wear. Collared shirts are a must. Jeans are acceptable, but T-shirts, ball caps, and shorts are a big no-no. Cellphone calls are also banned.
3
The Mad Duck
★★★★★ 4.7/5.0
3085 E Campus Pointe Dr • Fresno, CA (559) 325-3825 Visit Website
The Mad Duck Craft Brewing Co. stands out for its flavorful neighborhood flair. From its wacky name to its house-made sangria, the gastropub and taphouse knows how to catch people’s attention. This place is all about showing visitors a good time. The Mad Duck’s high-quality, local craft brews have a little something for everyone, including IPAs, Citra, Pub Ale, Oatmeal Stout, and Hopical Paradise. Show up on a weekday to get some mad deals — for instance, Mad Duck has happy hour prices all day every Tuesday.
4
Cosmopolitan Tavern
★★★★★ 4.7/5.0
625 O St • Fresno, CA 93760 (559) 266-8662 Visit Website
The Cosmopolitan Tavern is a popular cocktail bar on O Street. This long-standing, family-owned tavern and Italian grill serves sandwiches, steaks, sweet potato fries, and other tasty dishes as well as handcrafted cocktails. The bar is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Its hours are meant to attract lunch and dinner guests who want to mix and mingle without staying out too late. The original bar was built in 1933 and still welcomes singles and couples seeking quiet conversation.
5
Spokeasy Public House
★★★★★ 4.6/5.0
1472 N Van Ness Ave • Fresno, CA 93728 (559) 492-7765 Visit Website
Speakeasies are definitely in style right now, but the Spokeasy Public House, which opened in 2012, has been around since before these secret spots were cool. It opened with the idea that craft beer, classic arcade games, and personal service were exactly what Tower District needed. And its success speaks for itself. The Spokeasy Public House has an average 4.5 star rating on Yelp, and 4.7 stars on Facebook. Stop by this hidden gem for a smooth drink and a lighthearted atmosphere.
6
Red Wave Inn
★★★★★ 4.6/5.0
2375 E Shaw Ave • Fresno, CA 93710 (559) 228-8446 Visit Website
What we love about the Red Wave Inn is its casual atmosphere. It’s perfect for daters 21 and older. It may be a dive bar, but it’s one of the nicest dive bars in town. Customers rave about the delicious chicken tortas and beautifully poured beers. If you’re on a budget, Thursdays are the best night to stop by the Red Wave Inn, which serves 75-cent tacos and happy-hour drinks between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
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The Tasting Room
★★★★★ 4.4/5.0
7775 N Palm Ave • Fresno, CA 93711 (559) 432-8584 Visit Website
Rounding out our list is a quaint wine bar named The Tasting Room. This spot is ideal for wine lovers who don’t enjoy crowded, dark dive bars. The Tasting Room encourages customers to sit with a glass or a bottle of wine or enjoy a tasting of different vintages from all over the world. The Tasting Room also hosts some of the most popular paint nights in Fresno so keep an eye on its calendar for opportunities to meet people and have a great time.
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Fresno Speed Dating
Fresno’s population has grown by leaps and bounds in the last decade, and that’s great for business, but it makes dating a little complicated and difficult. Sorting through thousands of date prospects sounds awfully time-consuming, and many working singles just don’t have that kind of time on their hands. Fortunately, speed dating offers active daters a chance to screen dozens of the city’s viable date prospects in one very productive and very fun night. Pre-Dating, the world’s largest speed dating company, hosts speed dating events in big cities across the country and is currently growing its network in Fresno. Follow the link to find out more.
5
Fresno Singles Events
Casual gatherings or singles events are great for singles who want to dip their toes in the dating scene without going too far outside their comfort zone. You can actually find singles-only groups on Meetup with hundreds, even thousands, of members in Fresno. Whether you’re hiking on Wildflower Trail or participating in a pub crawl, meetups offer you a chance to make friends, have a good time, and see what happens.
6
Fresno Singles Clubs
Fresno may have a reputation as a farmer’s city, but that doesn’t mean locals don’t know how to party. The city proper has its fair share of nightclubs where singles can forget their troubles and dance the night away. And maybe sidle up to someone new. The dance floor is a great place to meet potential dates and find out if you have chemistry. Yelp has taken the time to rank the best clubs in Fresno, and you can read real reviews from customers to judge which venue suits your tastes.
7
Fresno Chat Rooms
Dating successfully is all about knowing your strengths and finding a date spot that plays to those strengths. Maybe you’re not a dancer or a drinker. Maybe you’re a talker or a typer. I certainly feel I make the best impression when I have a keyboard to help me put my thoughts in order. If you’re the same way, a chat room is right up your alley. Our dating experts recommend trying out a Fresno chat room to encounter singles in a casual environment. Here are a few of our favorite chat rooms for singles:
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Fresno Personals
Fresno is a hot place to meet potential dates. And I mean that literally. It’s so hot outside. Not many singles have the energy to brave the elements looking for a date. Hey, don’t sweat it, that’s what the internet is for! Online personals allow singles to navigate the dating scene without leaving home. That means they can solicit dates and chat people up without leaving the safety and comfort of air conditioning. The following dating personals sites (think of them like dating sites without the matching features) can be great tools for indoorsy singles in the city.
9
Volunteer Your Time & Help a Good Cause
Sometimes taking a break from the dating scene can help singles relax, recharge, and reach out to worthwhile members of the community. Volunteerism gives you the chance to do a good deed while also meeting kind, caring, and thoughtful individuals in your neighborhood.
You can make fast friends by volunteering at a public park, a homeless shelter, or another type of charity organization.
Fresno’s nonprofits and charities are always eager to welcome new volunteers and assemble teams of people who become fast friends while cleaning up a park, planting trees, serving meals, or taking care of stray animals. Whatever cause speaks to you, you can find a volunteer group by using VolunteerMatch, the world’s largest network of nonprofits and volunteers.
You can also search for Fresno volunteer opportunities by keyword, schedule type, availability, interest or location on HandsOnCentralCal. This handy website has everything from blogging positions for LGBT rights advocates to hospice volunteers at medical facilities.
Volunteering allows singles to take a break from the heartbreak, the game-playing, and the frustration of modern dating. You may not meet your next true love right away, but you may make a friend who can help you expand your social network and put you in touch with potential love interests. It’s a chance to expand your horizons, give back to the community, and network with people who share your values and interests.
10
Join a Community Group or Team
Fresno is a diverse city so it has many clubs to serve vastly different interests. You can find a local wine club that schedules frequent tastings and festivals. Or you can find a free book club that meets every month.
Fresno event has a group dedicated to car lovers. Corvettes of Fresno unites people who enjoy admiring and discussing the true American sports car.
Whether you’re interested in politics, environmentalism, sports, or cars, you should find a group that reflects that interest, and then meeting people who align with you becomes as easy as showing up to a weekly or monthly meeting. Once you find your kind of people, dating becomes much easier.
Say Fres-Yes to Getting Involved & Making Friends
Fresno is a fast-growing city in California, and that can be a little intimidating for singles who are new in town or have exhausted their date options at school or work. In such a big area, where do you even start to meet new people? Hopefully, our list of the top 10 ways to find dates in Fresno has helped you feel more optimistic about your chances of hitting it off with someone in your area.
We encourage daters to take advantage of all these opportunities to meet new people in Fresno. Join a dating site, spend a night out on the town, and get involved in a local group. If you consistently put yourself out there, you’re certain to encounter fun, friendly, and compatible singles in the hidden secret of California.