River Park Shopping Center | Fresno

River Park Shopping Center is a major outdoor retail and entertainment destination located in Fresno, California, near the intersection of Blackstone Avenue and Nees Avenue. Since opening in 1996, it has become one of the Central Valley’s busiest and most expansive shopping centers, drawing shoppers from across Fresno County and surrounding areas. The complex has continued to evolve with regular renovations, the addition of national and local retailers, and enhanced entertainment offerings.

Overall Structure and Design

River Park is a multi-sectioned, open-air shopping center, consisting of three distinct zones:

1. The Marketplace at River Park

This section functions as a power center, catering to everyday shopping needs.

It includes large national retail chains such as:

Target – Full-sized store with groceries, apparel, and home goods.

Kohl’s – Department store offering clothing, shoes, and home essentials.

Best Buy – Electronics and appliance retailer.

Marshalls – Discount clothing and home goods.

OfficeMax – Office supplies and printing services.

The parking here is spacious and easily accessible, attracting shoppers looking for convenience and practicality.

2. The Shops at River Park

This is the central and most vibrant part of the center, designed like a pedestrian-friendly urban village.

Anchored by:

Macy’s – Full-service department store.

REI – Outdoor gear and clothing retailer.

Regal Cinemas – One of the region’s largest movie theaters.

It features wide walkways, fountains, shaded sitting areas, and boutique storefronts.

A mix of local and chain restaurants and cafes can be found here, including:

Yard House

P.F. Chang’s

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Pressed Juicery

The Shops section is often the center of community events and weekend activities.

3. Restaurant and Outparcel Strip

This area wraps around the complex and includes standalone restaurants and drive-thru services.

Popular locations include:

In-N-Out Burger

Chick-fil-A

Chipotle

Blaze Pizza

Panera Bread

These venues offer casual dining options for families, students, and professionals.

Entertainment and Activities

Regal Cinemas Fresno Riverpark 19 & IMAX: Features luxury seating, digital projection, and IMAX and 4DX options. It is a central draw for both daytime and evening visitors.

Kids Empire: Recently opened in the repurposed standalone IMAX building. This is an indoor playground with slides, obstacle courses, climbing areas, and a dance floor. It's designed to cater to families with young children.

Dave & Buster’s: A large-scale entertainment venue with arcade games, sports viewing, and a full-service restaurant and bar.

Recent Developments and Upgrades

Over the past few years, River Park has undergone a series of renovations and tenant changes to keep up with changing retail trends:

Nike: A new 14,000 sq. ft. Nike store has opened in the space once occupied by Macaroni Grill.

J.Crew Factory and Torrid have opened locations, expanding the center’s appeal to fashion-conscious shoppers.

New Central Plaza: The central pedestrian area is being revitalized with enhanced landscaping, more seating, clearer sightlines, and improved lighting, aimed at creating a more inviting gathering space.

Some long-standing businesses have been relocated or repurposed as part of modernization efforts.

Dining Variety

River Park offers a wide range of dining, from fast food and fast casual to sit-down restaurants and bars:

Casual: Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Blaze Pizza, Panera, Jamba Juice.

Mid-range: P.F. Chang’s, BJ’s, Red Robin, Yard House.

Craft & Local: BarrelHouse Brewing Co. and Eureka! focus on craft beer and locally inspired menus.

Dessert and Coffee: Cold Stone Creamery, Starbucks, Sweet Frog.

Community and Events

River Park frequently hosts community events, including:

Seasonal markets and festivals.

Outdoor movie nights and live music.

Holiday-themed events such as tree lightings and trick-or-treating.

These events help strengthen its reputation not only as a shopping destination but also as a community space.

Accessibility and Convenience

Located near Highway 41, River Park is easily accessible for both local residents and out-of-town visitors.

Offers ample parking, including surface lots and valet in certain areas.

Public transit stops are available nearby via FAX (Fresno Area Express).

Many shops offer curbside pickup and online order integration, reflecting modern retail convenience trends.

River Park Shopping Center continues to be one of the premier mixed-use shopping, dining, and entertainment districts in California’s Central Valley, offering a diverse range of experiences for families, couples, tourists, and business travelers alike.