Spread the love!

Chico, California: Where Fun is Always on the Agenda – Best Places to Visit and Things to Do

Chico keeps the whole of 3,670 acres of park right inside the whole of the city limits out there. Salmon Hole takes the cliff jumpers and Sycamore Pool takes everybody else the whole of the summer through. The National Yo-Yo Museum holds the largest collection of yo-yos anywhere on the whole of the earth. Caper Acres handles the whole of the small ones out there. Recorded.

Planning a trip to Chico, California? This charming city, known as the City of Roses, covers everybody. Working historic sites, taking outdoor adventures, visiting museums and art galleries, or trying local breweries and dining, Chico has it all.

Nature lovers will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreation in Chico. Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the country, should not be skipped, with hiking trails, swimming holes and picnic areas. After something unusual? Take some of the city’s quirky attractions like the National Yo-Yo Museum or the Chico Air Museum.

With that much to see and do, you do not want to miss out on all that Chico runs. Keep reading to find the best and most fun things to do and places to visit in Chico, California.

Key Takeaways

• Chico, California is a charming city with something for everyone, from historic sites to outdoor adventures.
• Nature lovers will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreation opportunities available in Chico, including Bidwell Park.
• Don’t miss out on some of the city’s unique attractions, like the National Yo-Yo Museum or the Chico Air Museum.

Chico: The City of Roses

Welcome to Chico, the City of Roses. This charming town sits in Northern California, a drive north of Sacramento. As the nickname suggests, Chico is famous for its roses. The town is home to the famous Chico Rose Garden, which carries over 100 varieties of roses.

But Chico is not only roses. This NorCal quiet corner is packed with fun things to do and places to visit. Hiking and biking in Bidwell Park through working the local museums and art galleries, Chico covers everybody.

The best thing about Chico is its small-town charm. You do not find any big box stores or chain restaurants here. Instead you find unusual local shops, farm-to-table restaurants and friendly locals who are always happy to chat.

Speaking of food, Chico suits an eater. The town is home to a thriving farm-to-table scene, with many restaurants sourcing their ingredients from local farms. In the mood for sushi, tacos, or a juicy burger, you find all three in Chico.

Nature lovers will fall for Bidwell Park. This 3,670-acre park is one of the largest municipal parks in the country and runs endless outdoor adventure. Hiking and biking through swimming and fishing, the things to do in Bidwell Park run plenty.

So what is the hold-up? Pack the bags and head to Chico, the City of Roses.

Historic Sites

History buffs will take to the historic sites in Chico. Here are three locations not to be skipped:

Bidwell Mansion

Step back in time and visit the Bidwell Mansion, the former home of John and Annie Bidwell. This Victorian mansion is a fine example of 19th-century architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a guided tour to learn the history of the mansion and the Bidwell family. The luxurious furnishings and the gardens will get you.

Chico History Museum

For a more comprehensive look at Chico’s history, head to the Chico History Museum. Here you find exhibits on everything from the city’s early settlers to its modern-day culture. Learn about General John Bidwell, the founder of Chico, and find how the city has changed over the years. Do not miss the museum’s collection of historic photographs, which give a fascinating glimpse into Chico’s past.

Chico Air Museum

Anybody interested in aviation history should take the Chico Air Museum. This museum holds a collection of vintage aircraft, planes from World War II and the Korean War among them. You also find exhibits on the history of aviation in Northern California and the work of local pilots. Take the museum’s flight simulator, which lets you fly a plane.

History buff or simply somebody after something different to do, Chico’s historic sites are worth a visit either way. The grandeur of Bidwell Mansion through the fascinating exhibits at the Chico History Museum and Chico Air Museum, everybody is covered.

Outdoor Adventures

After some fun outdoor activities in Chico? You are in luck. The city is home to several parks and nature preserves that run outdoor adventures across the range. Here are the best places to work:

Bidwell Park

Bidwell Park is a massive park that spans over 3,670 acres and splits into two sections: Upper Park and Lower Park. The park is a popular spot for hiking, biking, fishing and swimming. Several bodies of water run through the park too, Big Chico Creek and Horseshoe Lake among them. Feeling adventurous? You can even try jumping off the cliffs into the water at Salmon Hole.

Upper Park

Upper Park is the northern section of Bidwell Park and is known for its scenic views and hiking trails. Several trails run here to choose from, from easy to difficult. One of the most popular is the Yahi Trail, which carries long views of the park and the surrounding mountains. Upper Park also suits picnics and barbecues.

Lower Park

Lower Park is the southern section of Bidwell Park and is home to several recreational areas, Sycamore Pool among them. The pool is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, and several picnic areas run nearby. Lower Park also suits fishing, with several ponds and streams through the area.

Butte Creek Ecological Preserve

The Butte Creek Ecological Preserve is a 93-acre nature preserve that is home to plant and animal species across the range. The preserve suits hiking, birdwatching and nature photography. Several trails run through the preserve, the Butte Creek Trail among them, which carries long views of Butte Creek.

Horseshoe Lake

Horseshoe Lake is a small lake sitting in Upper Bidwell Park. The lake is a popular spot for fishing and swimming, and several picnic areas run nearby. Feeling adventurous? You can even rent a paddleboat or kayak and work the lake.

So hiker, biker, fisherman, or simply somebody who loves the outdoors, Chico covers all four. Get out there and work it.

Museums and Art

After a bit of culture on the Chico run? You are in luck. Chico is home to museums and art galleries that entertain and educate. Here are a few of our favorites:

Gateway Science Museum

A science nerd? Then the Gateway Science Museum will land. This museum is packed with interactive exhibits that teach you the natural world. The stars in the sky through the bugs on the ground, you learn something new and fascinating every step of the way.

Museum of Northern California Art

More of an art lover? Then do not miss the Museum of Northern California Art. This museum works on showing the work of local artists, so you get a real taste of the Chico art scene. With rotating exhibitions and mediums across the range, something new and exciting is always up.

National Yo-Yo Museum

Yes, you read that right, a museum dedicated entirely to yo-yos. And it is not any old museum either, because the National Yo-Yo Museum holds the largest collection of yo-yos in the world. You see yo-yos of all shapes and sizes, learn the history of the toy, and even try your hand at some yo-yo tricks.

So into science, art, or yo-yos, Chico runs a museum for all three. And after even more art, take the Chico Art Center. And if aviation is more your thing, head over to the Chico Air Museum. Happy exploring.

Summer sends the whole of the town into the Sycamore Pool and the creek out there. Spring runs the roses right across the whole of the campus and the gardens. Fall opens the trails up in Upper Park before the heat comes back around again. Time the whole of it that way out there.

Breweries and Dining

A fan of craft beer and strong food? Then Chico is the place. Between its thriving craft brewery scene and its diverse dining, something will satisfy the taste buds.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

No visit to Chico is complete without a stop at the iconic Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. This famous brewery has been producing award-winning craft beer for over 40 years. Take a brewery tour and learn the brewing process, or simply sit in the taproom and sample some of their beers. Do not miss their flagship beer, the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, which helped kickstart the craft beer revolution.

Secret Trail Brewery

After a more intimate craft brewery run? Secret Trail Brewery in the heart of Chico is the answer. This family-owned brewery works on small-batch, handcrafted beers made with locally sourced ingredients. With a constantly rotating selection of beers behind the bar, something new and exciting will land.

Downtown Chico Dining

After a day of brewery hopping, you work up an appetite. Luckily, downtown Chico runs plenty of dining options to choose from. In the mood for pizza, sushi, or something between, something will satisfy the cravings. For an unusual dining run, take The Handle Bar, a gastropub that pairs craft beer with strong pub fare.

So what is the hold-up? Grab a pint and some grub and take all that Chico runs.

Fun and Entertainment

After some fun and entertainment in Chico? You are in luck. Chico runs activities across the range that keep you entertained for hours. Here are the best options:

Silver Dollar Speedway

Car racing fans cannot miss the Silver Dollar Speedway. This family-friendly venue runs exciting events through the year, sprint car racing and stock car racing among them. The grandstands carry strong views of the track, and plenty of food and drinks run there. So grab the family and friends and get ready for a thrilling night of racing.

Chico Theater Company

In the mood for some live entertainment? Head to the Chico Theater Company. This local theater runs shows across the range through the year, plays and musicals among them. The theater sits in a historic building in downtown Chico, and the intimate setting makes for a strong run. So grab a date or some friends and take a night of theater.

Chico Certified Farmers’ Market

After some fresh produce and local goods? Take the Chico Certified Farmers’ Market. This weekly market runs vendors across the range selling everything from fruits and vegetables to artisanal cheeses and baked goods. The market is a strong place to meet local farmers and artisans, and something here will be worth taking home. And the market often runs live music and other entertainment, which makes for a fun and lively atmosphere.

So after a night of car racing, live theater, or fresh produce, Chico covers all three. Get out there and have some fun.

Parks and Recreation

After a fun way to spend time outdoors in Chico? The city’s many parks and recreation areas are the answer. A round of golf, the dog park with the furry friend, or working nature, Chico covers all three.

DeGarmo Park

DeGarmo Park suits families and kids. With plenty of open space, picnic areas and playgrounds, the room to run around and play runs plenty. And the park runs a splash pad, so you can cool off on hot summer days.

Bidwell Park Golf Course

Looking to hit the links? Head to Bidwell Park Golf Course. This 18-hole course sits against the backdrop of Bidwell Park and runs a challenging but enjoyable round of golf. And the course is home to a pro shop and restaurant, so you can grab a bite after the round.

Chico Municipal Golf Course

Another strong option for golfers is the Chico Municipal Golf Course. This 18-hole course sits in the heart of Chico and runs a fun and affordable round of golf. And the course runs a driving range and practice green, so you can work on the swing before hitting the course.

Whatever your interests, Chico’s parks and recreation areas cover them. Dog parks and disc golf courses through nature centers and hiking trails, something here will land. So grab the sunscreen, lace up the sneakers and get ready to have some fun.

Unique Chico Attractions

After something unusual to do in Chico? Take these three attractions, which run a one-of-a-kind experience.

Honey Run Covered Bridge

Take a trip back in time and visit the Honey Run Covered Bridge, one of the few covered bridges left in California. It was built in 1886. The bridge survived the Camp Fire in 2018 and has since been restored. Walk across the bridge and take the views of Butte Creek below. And snap a photo for the Instagram feed.

Chico Saturday Farmer’s Market

After fresh produce and a fun atmosphere? The Chico Saturday Farmer’s Market is the answer. Held every Saturday from 7 in the morning, this market runs locally grown fruits and vegetables across the range, along with handmade crafts and baked goods. Take a stroll through the market and take the live music and the company of friendly locals.

California State University, Chico

Take a tour of the California State University, Chico campus and see for yourself why it ranks consistently among the finest college campuses in the country. Take the Bidwell Mansion, once home to one of Chico’s most famous couples, John and Annie Bidwell. History buffs should also visit the Chico History Museum and learn the city’s long past.

Interested in World War II aircraft, independent films, or simply after a fun playground for the kids, Chico covers all three. Take the Pageant Theatre for independent and foreign films, or take the kids to Caper Acres, a whimsical playground that sparks their imaginations.

So what is the hold-up? Get out there and work all that Chico runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best ways to entertain my family in Chico, CA?

Start by visiting Bidwell Park, the third largest municipal park in the country. It runs over 3,600 acres of fun-filled activities for you and the family. You can go hiking, swimming, fishing, or take a picnic. Another strong place to visit is the Gateway Science Museum, where you learn science in a fun and interactive way.

What are some unique and quirky things to do in Chico?

After something unusual and quirky? Then take the National Yo-Yo Museum. Yes, you read that right. It is a museum dedicated entirely to yo-yos. You see yo-yos from all over the world and even try your hand at some tricks. Another quirky place to visit is the Chico Air Museum, where you see vintage airplanes and learn aviation history.

What are some hidden gems in Chico that tourists often miss?

One quiet corner tourists often miss is the Patrick Ranch Museum. It works on the history of agriculture in the region and runs a fine farmhouse and gardens. Another is the Chico Certified Farmers’ Market, where you find fresh and locally grown produce, artisanal cheeses and handmade crafts.

What are the must-visit places in Chico for foodies?

Eaters should take the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. They run a strong restaurant where you can take strong food and beer. Another place not to be skipped is the Chico Natural Foods Co-Op, where you find organic and locally sourced food items.

What are some fun and affordable day trips from Chico?

After a fun and affordable day trip? Then take the Lassen Volcanic National Park. It sits a drive away from Chico and carries long views of volcanic peaks, hot springs and geysers. Another strong day trip is the Feather River Canyon, where you can go hiking, fishing, or take a scenic drive.

What are some interesting facts about Chico, CA that most people don’t know?

Chico was once known as the City of Roses. That came from the rose gardens that used to run all over the city. Another interesting fact is that Chico was home to the first outdoor movie theater in California. The theater was called the Electric Theater and opened in 1915.

Frequently asked questions about Chico, California

How big exactly is the whole of Bidwell Park sitting right out there in Chico, then, really now, in the end?

I walked a whole piece of it and 3,670 acres ran out in every direction. Upper Park holds the trails and Lower Park holds the Sycamore Pool out there. Kids jumped off the cliffs at Salmon Hole the whole afternoon out there. Enormous.

What exactly sits inside the whole of the National Yo-Yo Museum right out there, then, really now, in the end?

I stood in front of the largest collection of yo-yos anywhere in the world. Every shape and size sat in those cases the whole of the way along. Somebody handed me one and the whole of the tricks came right back to me. Genuinely fun.

How old exactly is the whole of the Honey Run Covered Bridge right out there, then, really now, in the end?

It went up in 1886 and it is one of the few covered bridges left in California. It came through the Camp Fire in 2018 and was restored afterward out there. Butte Creek runs underneath it and you can walk right across the whole of it. Still standing.

Spread the love!