Butte County Travel Guide

Explore Butte County, California with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover natural attractions, outdoor adventures, cultural landmarks, and local food scene. Plan your trip with our helpful itinerary suggestions and transportation options.


Butte County is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Shasta Cascades region of California, United States. With sprawling vistas, natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and a thriving food scene, it offers tourists a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies alike. Our travel guide will take you on a comprehensive tour of Butte County, with a list of must-visit places, things to do, and tips to make the most of your trip.

Introduction to Butte County

Butte County is located in Northern California, with Chico as its largest city. It is bordered by the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the east and the Sacramento Valley to the west. The region boasts stunning natural beauty, with mountains, lakes, and forests, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities.

List of Places to Visit in Butte County

  • Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park
  • Feather River Scenic Byway
  • Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
  • Honey Run Covered Bridge
  • Chico Community Observatory
  • Table Mountain

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Butte County has an abundance of cultural attractions, including museums and historical landmarks. Some of the must-see attractions are:

  • Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park: This historic landmark was home to John Bidwell, a founder of Chico, and is known for its beautiful gardens and Victorian architecture.
  • Chinese Temple and Museum: Built-in 1863, the Chinese Temple and Museum is an important piece of California’s history, serving as a cultural and religious center for Chinese immigrants.
  • Patrick Ranch Museum: This museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Butte County, displaying antique farm equipment, old tools, and other historical artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Butte County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Butte County’s natural beauty is mesmerizing, with numerous outdoor adventures and scenic views for visitors to explore. Some must-see natural attractions are:

  • Lake Oroville State Recreation Area: The lake is a hub for water activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The park also offers camping, hiking, and horseback riding trails.
  • Feather Falls: This magnificent waterfall cascades over 410ft, making it one of the highest waterfalls in California. Hiking trails lead to a vantage point overlooking the falls.
  • Table Mountain: A natural marvel, Table Mountain is a flat-topped mesa covered with wildflowers during the spring season.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Butte County

Butte County offers several hiking and biking trails with an array of terrains and difficulty levels. Some of our top picks are:

  • North Rim Trail
  • Day Rock Trail
  • Sutter Buttes Trail

Best Things to Do in Butte County: Activities and Tours

Butte County has plenty of exciting activities and tours for visitors. Here are a few suggestions that should be on your itinerary:

  • Wine Tasting: Butte County is home to several wineries and vineyards. Visitors can enjoy wine tours and tastings in the scenic countryside.
  • Brewery Tours: Chico is known for its local breweries such as Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and Secret Trail Brewing Company.
  • Skydiving: Skydive Butte County offers visitors the chance to experience an unforgettable view of the county while taking a tandem skydive.

Week-Long Itinerary for Butte County

For a week-long trip, we recommend the following itinerary to make the most of your visit:

  • Day 1-2: Explore the cultural heritage of Butte County by visiting Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, Chinese Temple and Museum, and Patrick Ranch Museum.
  • Day 3-4: Discover Butte County’s natural attractions by hiking to Feather Falls and exploring Table Mountain.
  • Day 5-6: Experience the local food scene of Butte County by sampling wine and beer at local wineries and breweries.
  • Day 7: Wrap up your trip with a thrilling adventure by skydiving over Butte County.

Food and Drink Scene of Butte County

Butte County’s food scene is as diverse as its landscape, with an abundance of local produce, wineries, and breweries. Some of the must-try dishes and beverages are:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tri-Tip Sandwich: A popular local dish made with marinated grilled Tri-Tip steak and served on a French Roll.
  • Almond Blossom Salad: A fresh salad made of mixed greens, feta cheese, almonds, and topped with a vinaigrette dressing.

Local Beverages

  • Sierra Nevada Pale Ale: This award-winning beer is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
  • Chico State White: This crisp white wine is produced by the Chico State winery and features fruity and floral notes.

Where to Stay in Butte County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Butte County has an array of accommodation options to suit any budget and preference, from hotels to hostels and guesthouses. Here are some recommendations:

  • Oxford Suites Chico: A comfortable hotel located in the heart of Chico.
  • HI Sacramento Valley: A cozy hostel located in the countryside of Sacramento Valley.
  • The Lodge at Feather Falls Casino: A luxurious hotel situated near Lake Oroville and Feather Falls.

What to Buy in Butte County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Butte County is famous for its almond orchards and olive groves, making it an ideal destination for unique and tasty souvenirs.

You can also bring home olive oil from Lodestar Olive Oil, which is produced locally and is known for its distinctive taste.

Local Culture and Customs of Butte County

Butte County has a rich cultural heritage, with a friendly and welcoming community. Visitors should take note of the following customs and traditions:

  • Tipping: Tipping is expected in restaurants, cafes, and bars.
  • Driving: In Butte County, people drive on the right-hand side of the road.
  • Dress Code: Dressing in layers is recommended as the temperature can fluctuate throughout the day.

Best Time to Visit Butte County

The best time to visit Butte County is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild, and the landscapes are stunning. The summer season is ideal for those who want to enjoy water activities, while the winter season is perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

Do’s and Don’ts of Butte County

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles when exploring nature.
  • Support local businesses by buying locally-made products.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural habitats and landmarks.
  • Ignore safety signs and regulations while exploring natural areas.
  • Be rude to locals or wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in Butte County

Butte County is a generally safe destination, but visitors should take precautions against wildfires and be aware of potential natural hazards such as flash floods and sudden temperature changes. Visitors should also be mindful of the current public health situation and follow guidelines to ensure their safety.

Health in Butte County

Butte County has several medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, offering a range of medical services. Visitors should ensure they have adequate travel insurance and medication before embarking on their trip.

Getting to Butte County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Butte County is easily accessible via several transportation modes, including cars, buses, and airplanes.

Airports Near Butte County

  • Chico Municipal Airport
  • Sacramento International Airport
  • San Francisco International Airport

Bus Stations Near Butte County

  • Greyhound Bus Station, Sacramento
  • Amtrak Bus Station, Chico

Other Options

Visitors can rent a car from one of the many rental companies in the area, or use ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft.

How to Get Around in Butte County

Butte County has a network of roads and highways, making it easy to travel by car. Visitors can also use public transportation via the local bus service, or rent bicycles or scooters to explore the area.

Where to Go Next from Butte County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Butte County is located in Northern California, making it an ideal starting point for exploring nearby destinations such as:

  • Sacramento: The state capital of California, just 87 miles from Butte County.
  • San Francisco: A vibrant and diverse city that offers a range of tourist attractions, just 176 miles from Butte County.
  • Lake Tahoe: A popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, located 150 miles from Butte County.

Conclusion

Butte County is a unique destination that offers visitors an endless list of natural wonders, exciting activities, and cultural landmarks. With this comprehensive guide, you can explore the best of Butte County and plan a trip that you’ll cherish forever.



    Chico
    Oroville