Chico Travel Guide

Explore the best things to do and see in Chico, California with this comprehensive travel guide including information on food, lodging, transportation, and safety.


  • Safety and Health
  • Getting to Chico: Transportation Options and Logistics
  • How to Get Around in Chico
  • Bus system
  • Bike-sharing
  • Where to Go Next from Chico: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
  • Sacramento (90 minutes from Chico)
  • Lake Tahoe (200 minutes from Chico)
  • Conclusion

    • Introduction to Chico

    Nestled in the heart of Butte County in California, Chico offers amazing experiences for travelers who love natural scenery, outdoor activities, history, and culture. Known for its enchanting downtown, vibrant food culture, and quirky college town vibes, Chico draws visitors from all over the world. Below is a comprehensive tour guide detailing the best things to do and see in Chico.

    List of Places to Visit in Chico

    Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

    Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park (965- www. buttecounty.net)

    Enjoy a guided tour of the Bidwell Mansion, Chico’s most famous landmark and the residence of the town’s founding family. Built in 1860, the mansion offers a glimpse into Chico’s rich history.

    Chico Museum (141 Salem St, Chico, CA 95928)

    Discover the history of Chico from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, cultural objects, and historical documents that portray the area’s vibrant heritage.

    Museum of Northern California Art (900 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926)

    Explore the museums contemporary art collections and exhibitions that showcase works from a wide range of creative artists from across the world.

    Natural Attractions of Chico: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

    Bidwell Park (Virtual tours at www.chico.ca.us)

    Bidwell Park, often referred to as the “Crown jewel” of Chico, is the perfect getaway for nature lovers. Spanning 3,670 acres, the park offers activities like hiking, swimming banjo and camping.

    Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (1075 E 20th St, Chico, CA 95928)

    The Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is one the best known breweries in the country. Take a guided brewery tour, enjoy a tasty meal and sample some of their famous beers while you’re here.

    Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (917 Kelly Ridge Rd, Oroville, CA 95966)

    Just a few miles from Chico lies the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, complete with a 15,500-acre lake with over 160 miles of shoreline, and numerous opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, fishing, and camping.

    Hiking/Biking Routes of Chico

    Annie Bidwell Trail

    Ranked among Chico’s best hiking trails, the Annie Bidwell Trail boasts of peaceful walks. The 2.8-mile long route is flat, and allows you to enjoy breathtaking scenery of Bidwell Park, which surrounds the trail.

    Lower Bidwell Park Trail

    This 5.3-mile trail offers amazing views of Chico’s unique landscape. It runs through the heart of Lower Bidwell Park and takes around 2 hours to complete.

    Best Things to Do in Chico: Activities and Tours

    Explore the Chico Farmers’ Market (www.chicofarmersmarket.com)

    Exercise your taste buds and experience genuine local cuisine at the Chico Farmer’s Market. It is a great place to taste fresh produce, sample honey, cheese and artisan crafts while exploring the city.

    Taste the Best Wines at Almendra Winery & Distillery (9275 Midway, Durham, CA 95938)

    Almendra Winery & Distillery features a variety of wines and spirits that make for a great stop while on a wine tour of Chico. Visitors can take a tasting tour of the estate and learn about winemaking and distillation processes.

    Week-Long Itinerary for Chico

    Day Itinerary
    1 Visit the Chico Museum and discover the area’s history
    2 Go hiking and have a picnic in Bidwell Park
    3 Explore the downtown Chico farmers market
    4 Go on a tasting tour of Almendra Winery and other local wineries
    5 Learn about sustainable agriculture at the Folk Music Festival
    6 Explore the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
    7 Visit the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co and sample some of the best local beers.

    Food and Drink Scene of Chico

    Must-Try Dishes

    When you visit Chico, you must taste the following dishes:

    The Sierra Nevada Burger

    The dish is made with locally sourced beef and served with a side of crispy fries and a bottle of beer from the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.

    Basque Cuisine

    Basque cuisine, served at places like Big Chico Creek Taverna restaurant, is a must-try, as is its variation on the traditional Shepherd’s Pie, made with potatoes, beef, and a pinch of saffron.

    Local Beverages

    Flyaway IPA

    This is a special beer brewed at the Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co. and consists of malty sweetness and a grapefruit flavour.

    Honey Run Mead

    A locally made wine produced by Hugh Briggs, Honey Run Mead will give you a different taste of California’s top wine-making regions.

    Where to Stay in Chico: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

    Hotel Diamond

    A charming boutique hotel with a rich history, Hotel Diamond offers modern amenities and classic decor, as well as complimentary breakfast.

    Oxford Suites Chico

    Located at 2035 Business Lane, Oxford Suites Chico is an all-suite hotel that offers free wi-fi, a fitness room and outdoor pool.

    Butte Creek Country Club

    For an overnight stay amidst picturesque views, the Butte Creek Country Club features well-furnished rooms, an 18-hole golf course and an outdoor pool.

    What to Buy in Chico: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

    Local Honey

    Take a jar of local honey home for an authentic souvenir that you can enjoy for weeks.

    The Perfect Local Clothes

    Take home traditional local outfits found at Carol Young’s stores such as artisan-made jewelry.

    Local Culture and Customs of Chico

    The locals of Chico are proud of their relaxed and casual way of life as well as their love for the outdoors. Chico has become famous for its strong arts and cultural scene, comfortable lifestyle, and a rich agricultural heritage.

    Best Time to Visit Chico

    The best time to visit Chico is between March and May, when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities with temperatures ranging from 60-75F (15-24C).

    Do’s and Don’ts of Chico

    Do:’s

    • Do visit the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co and sample some local craft beer.
    • Do take a tour of the Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.
    • Do go for a hike in Bidwell Park.
    • Do try every local dish and explore the farmers market.
    Don’t:
    • Don’t litter the ground or the local’s property.
    • Don’t leave your valuables unattended in public places.
    • Don’t take pictures of people or businesses without permission.

    Safety and Health

    Safety in Chico

    Chico is a relatively safe city, but it is always advisable to exercise caution by:

    • Sticking to well-lit city roads and avoiding dark alleys.
    • Avoiding walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar or isolated areas.

    Health in Chico

    Though not often a problem, the outdoor activities in Chico can sometimes result in accidents. It’s always advisable to take necessary precautions before embarking on the adventure. Consult with your doctor about any additional immunizations you might need before traveling. Remember, a simple thing like drinking enough water can help avoid dehydration when engaging in outdoor activities.

    Getting to Chico: Transportation Options and Logistics

    Airports Near Chico

    Whether you prefer to fly private or commercial, Chico has many airports nearby, including:

    • Sacramento International Airport, 90 minutes from Chico
    • San Francisco International Airport, 140 minutes from Chico
    • Oakland International Airport, 140 minutes from Chico

    Bus Stations Near Chico

    Intercity busses are another great option, and nearby bus stations include:

    • Greyhound Bus Lines (2320 Notre Dame Blvd, Chico, CA)
    • Thunderhill Raceway Bus Terminal (5250 California 162, Willows, CA)

    Other Options

    It is also possible to rent a car in Chico, or even take the train to Sacramento.

    How to Get Around in Chico

    Getting around Chico is easy, with several transportation options available for travelers. These include:

    Bus system

    Chico has a strong transit system operated by the B-line. They provide daily coverage throughout the city with more than 16 routes.

    Bike-sharing

    Bike sharing is another popular form of transportation. The local trails are easily accessible to cyclists. Another great option is “The Bike Depot” owned by Chico State University that rents bikes out for a full day for $5.

    Where to Go Next from Chico: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

    After exploring the wonders of Chico, you can consider visiting the following nearby destinations:

    Sacramento (90 minutes from Chico)

    Visit the Crocker Art Museum, the California State Capitol, and the Old Sacramento State Historic Park or enjoy walking around the town.

    Lake Tahoe (200 minutes from Chico)

    Offering a picturesque view of the Sierra Nevada, the ski hills, and water sports Lake Tahoe is an excellent destination for outdoor activities and events.

    Conclusion

    From its historic sites to the beautiful natural landscape, from its relaxed vibe to the charming culinary scene, there is nowhere on earth quite like Chico! We hope you’ve enjoyed this comprehensive tour guide and that it serves as a great reference for your next Chico vacation.