Chico is a city in California which is known for its famous golf course, its woodland trails which are very famous among hikers and nature enthusiasts and the huge Bidwell Park. If you are visiting Chico, then you cannot miss the Bidwell Park – after all, it is 2500 acres (1011 hectares) of pure nature. Think of Chico as a relaxing vacation –this is the place to go to unwind, take a break from the regular hustle bustle of the city life, switch off from digital reality and just spend time in and around nature. So, while you’re visiting, stay at an Airbnb and have a look at some of the fun things to do in Chico, California.
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1. Marvel at the beauty of Bidwell Park
Bidwell Park, as mentioned earlier, is a huge municipal park that is spread across 2500 acres (1011 hectares). This park was made in 1905, which clearly means this park has a lot of history attached to it. This is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States – which definitely makes it worth visiting! Divided into lower terrain, middle terrain, and upper terrain, there is so much to do here – you can go rock climbing, walk along the hiking trails, admire the beauty of nature or just go for a family picnic. Come have a quiet afternoon here if you don’t know what to do in Chico!
Bidwell Park
Address: 1912 E 8th St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: Bidwell Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat - Sun)
Price: Free entry
2. Excite your inner artist at 1078 Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
1078 Gallery is an art gallery which is known for its visual art exhibitions, live theater and live musical performances. The artists here come from different cultural and geographic backgrounds, so the variety of art showcased here is truly unique. From beautiful live performances to community play readings, there is so much that goes on at this art gallery. Even fun events like garage sales! To know about any upcoming events, do make sure to check out their website. If you are a budding artist, you can even submit a proposal to exhibit your art!
1078 Gallery
Address: 1710 Park Ave, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: 1078 Gallery
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: Free entry
3. Learn about aviation at the Chico Air Museum
Chico Air Museum is basically an aviation museum located at the Chico airport. If you are a true blue aviation fan, then you should just head to this museum as soon as your flight lands in Chico! The aim of this museum is to collect, protect, preserve and display artifacts related to aviation. With an outdoor section which contains items like jets and propeller-driven aircrafts and an indoor section which has historic displays, artifacts, and pictures, this museum should be on your list of things to do in Chico.
Chico Air Museum
Address: 165 Ryan Ave, Chico, CA 95973, USA
Website: Chico Air Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 9am - 2pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: Free entry
4. Spend a Friday night at the Silverdollar Speedway
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Come here for a fun activity in Chico! Silverdollar Speedway is a racing track – this is where you’ll find most of the racing enthusiasts on a Friday night! Started in 1962, this racing track has seen the evolution of both the car and technology. With seating for over 7000 people, this is a race track worth visiting, be it alone, with your family, or friends. From 410 sprint cars to pure stocks to dirt modifieds, you’ll see it all on this track. You can book tickets on the website.
Silverdollar Speedway
Address: 2357 Fair St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: Silverdollar Speedway
Price: 15 - 22 USD
5. Enjoy water sports at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park is a wonderful state park which has the Sacramento River flowing through. The park has Butte County bordering one side and Glenn County bordering the other. If you want to spend a day fishing in Chico, then you need to go to Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park! This park is known for its fishing expeditions and boat rides and cruising down the river on canoes and kayaks. Depending on your mood, you can spend your whole day fishing, maybe go for a jet-ski ride, swim in the river or just sunbathe by the river banks. This is definitely a must on your list of things to do in Chico.
Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
Address: 12105 River Rd, Chico, CA 95973, USA
Website: Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free entry
6. Visit the replica of the Honey Run Covered Bridge
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
Honey Run Covered Bridge is a wooden covered bridge that is located on Honey Run road (as the name suggests), just next to Butte County. The original bridge was burnt down in a fire in 2018, but efforts are now being made to rebuild an exact replica of the bridge. It is a cute and quaint little wooden bridge with a river flowing underneath. If you get to visit Chico when this bridge is rebuilt, then you must visit the replica of the original bridge that was built in the 1800’s!
Honey Run Covered Bridge
Address: 1670 Honey Run Rd, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: Honey Run Covered Bridge
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Have a family picnic at DeGarmo Park
DeGarmo Park is a community park, which has become quite a famous dog walking park in Chico. So if you’re a dog lover and you cannot wait to make some new four-legged furry friends, then you know where to go. At this Chico tourist attraction, there is also a play area for children, some picnic tables and a walking path in the park. Apart from this, you will probably see people playing soccer, baseball, and even softball. Think of your visit to DeGarmo Park as a day well spent, especially if you pack a basket full of delicious snacks for a picnic !
DeGarmo Park
Address: Chico, CA 95973, USA
Website: DeGarmo Park
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
8. Choose from the various craft beers at Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company is a brewery which was established in 1979! It is currently the seventh largest brewing company in the United States – and that means you get to have a lot of beer here, like a lot! You can head to this brewery to try one of their famous 19 beers – or have a sample of each and decide what you like best. And to top it all, the food here is just as delicious as the beer! It is a point to note that this is a farm-to-table restaurant, so not only is the food delicious but it is healthy and organic too!
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Address: 1075 E 20th St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
Price: 11 - 30 USD
9. Catch a show at Chico Theater Company
Chico Theater Company is a performing arts theater in the heart of Chico. With a diverse range of performances and plays, this theater is clean, spacious and super comfortable. From musicals to classic comedy’s, you can watch everything at this performing theater. This theater has various events and performances going on almost every day, so be sure to check their website online to know about upcoming events. You can easily book tickets online for the performance of your choice by calling their office or directly at the box office.
Chico Theater Company
Address: 166 E Eaton Rd # F, Chico, CA 95973, USA
Website: Chico Theater Company
Price: 18 - 22 USD
10. Brush up your history at Chico History Museum
While the Chico History Museum might be a small museum, it stays up-to-date by regularly changing the exhibits on display. With exhibits and artifacts ranging from the history of Chico to agriculture, this museum is worth visiting for those who have an interest in history. Also, there is never any harm in learning about the history and culture of the place you are visiting. You can find out about the upcoming events at this museum via the website.
Chico History Museum
Address: 141 Salem St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: Chico History Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: 5 USD
11. Take a tour of the Bidwell Mansion
The Bidwell Mansion is located in California State Park. This mansion was home to General John Bidwell, and was made in 1865! This Victorian mansion with 26 bedrooms is now a museum which is dedicated to General John Bidwell, who was a pioneer in Californias history. You can book a tour here from Friday to Monday, and a special tour guide will tell you about General John Bidwell’s prominent life and his history. There is also a museum store at the mansion, you can buy souvenirs for your friends and loved ones.
Bidwell Mansion
Address: 525 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926, USA
Website: Bidwell Mansion
Opening hours: Fri - Mon: 11am - 5pm (closed from Tue - Thu)
Price: 6 USD
12. Take your kids to the Gateway Science Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Gateway Science Museum is a kid-oriented museum which allows children to have a hands-on experience and enjoy various activities. With that being said, this interactive museum is as enjoyable for adults as it is for kids. With exhibits changing every few months, it is best to check out what current exhibits are on display through their website. This museum, located in the California State University, is great for kids to learn without actually getting bored – a must on your list of things to do in Chico.
Gateway Science Museum
Address: 625 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926, USA
Website: Gateway Science Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 5 - 7 USD
13. Hit the basketball courts at 20th Street Community Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Like any other community park, the 20th Street Community Park is a great place for kids to play and run around. There are various sports that can be played here since this park has soccer fields, football fields, tennis courts, softball fields, and even a volleyball court. There is a lush green garden for kids to run around, play and interact with other kids. It is highly recommended that you pack a picnic basket and make the most of this park by enjoying a picnic here. Otherwise, you can always take your kids in the evening to enjoy a sports practice session with the other kids there.
20th Street Community Park
Address: 1900 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: 20th Street Community Park
Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
14. Go fishing at Horseshoe Lake
Horseshoe Lake is located in Upper Bidwell Park, so when you head to Bidwell Park you must go check out the lake. You can easily go fishing at this lake, and there is also a Hooked-On-Fishing annual fishing event that takes place in May. If you’re visiting in May and you’re a fishing enthusiast, then you know where to go. Other than that, you can rent a kayak and go kayaking in Horseshoe Lake. Or, you could just sit by the lake and enjoy the view.
Horseshoe Lake
Address: Upper Bidwell Park, Chico, CA
15. Admire the beauty of nature at Butte Creek Ecological Preserve
The Butte Creek Ecological Preserve (BCEP), as the name suggests, is a 93 acre (37 hectares) area in the middle of Butte Creek. This is home to various species of flora and fauna – with animals like the western pond turtle and the yellow-legged frog, and plants like Smooth Scouring-Rush, Common Fiddleneck, and Western Bittercress. BCEP is open to the public for nature hikes, observation, and to just take in nature. But, you have to be mindful to protect and preserve this area without causing any damage.
Butte Creek Ecological Preserve
Address: 1182 Humbug Rd, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: Butte Creek Ecological Preserve
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free entry
16. Buy fresh produce at Chico Certified Farmers Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Chico Certified Farmers Market is one of the best farmers markets in California. With fresh products, local ingredients and all the in-season produce, this is one place worth checking out. The market is usually held every Wednesday and Saturday, but you can check out their website to know about any upcoming events. Head there, buy some delicious, fresh and local produce, and then head back to your house or hotel and whip up something amazing. Or, you can just go there to try all the delicious ready-to-eat goodies. Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Chico.
Chico Certified Farmers Market
Address: E 2nd St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: Chico Certified Farmers Market
Opening hours: Wed & Sat: 7am - 1pm (closed on Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri & Sun)
17. Buy collector items at Orient & Flume Art Glass Company
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Sculpted Blue Birds in the Gallery
Posted by Orient & Flume Art Glass on Monday, May 17, 2021
Orient & Flume Art Glass Company produces glass art that is collector worthy. Started in 1972, this place creates unique and one-of-a-kind glass art pieces which will absolutely wow you. Even if you don’t want to make a purchase, Orient & Flume Art Glass Company is worth visiting just to take a look around. Here, you will see glass art like paperweights, vases, even animals and so much more. You’re probably going to end up buying something pretty for your house, or maybe as a gift for a loved one.
Orient & Flume Art Glass Company
Address: 6702, 2161 Park Ave, Chico, CA 95928, United States
Website: Orient & Flume Art Glass Company
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free entry
18. Play a round of golf at the Canyon Oaks Country Club
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Canyon Oaks Country Club on Sunday, April 4, 2021
Canyon Oaks Country Club is the real definition of private and luxurious golfing! If your idea of a great vacation is to stay at a beauitful property, have a room overlooking the greens and play a few rounds of golf, then this should be on your list of things to do in Chico. Located at the foothills of Chico, this is without a doubt one of the best private clubs in all of California. Choose from their membership options and become a member of the most prestigious club in Chico!
Canyon Oaks Country Club
Address: 999 Yosemite Dr, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: Canyon Oaks Country Club
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm
19. Catch an art-house film at the Pageant Theatre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Pageant Theatre Chico, CA on Thursday, April 9, 2020
Pageant Theatre is a very exclusive and unique theatre. This theatre runs only art-house films, which means you won’t get to see any commercial run-of-the-mill films or movies here. However, if you are into art or you happen to like art-house movies, then this should definitely be on your list of things to do in Chico. To know about the upcoming events and films being showcased here, check the calendar on their website.
Pageant Theatre
Address: 351 E 6th St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: Pageant Theatre
20. Go crazy over yo-yos at the National Yo-Yo Museum
The National Yo-Yo Museum is truly and totally dedicated to yo-yos – has a museum ever sounded so fun? Really, who wouldn’t want to go to a museum that is just dedicated to yo-yos? Located in the heart of Chico, this museum is filled with yo-yos and it actually has the worlds largest display of the fun toy. In fact, this museum also exhibits a 256 pound (113 kg) wooden yo-yo! This is a fun place to be, so make sure to check it out! Don’t forget to take your kids if you are visiting Chico with family.
National Yo-Yo Museum
Address: 320 Broadway St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: National Yo-Yo Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
Price: Free entry
21. Take a dip in the the Sycamore Pool
Sycamore Pool is a public swimming pool in Chico which is pretty famous among the locals. This pool is open 24 hours, which makes it really convenient! After all, if it’s a hot day in Chico and your hotel doesn’t have a pool, you can simply head to Sycamore Pool. It is basically a huge pool which has been made out of a river, right in the middle of the city. How amazing does that sound? Plus there is always a lifeguard on duty which makes this river cum swimming pool really safe.
Sycamore Pool
Address: Vallombrosa Way, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: Sycamore Pool
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
22. Enjoy a delectable steak at the 5th Street Steak House
5th Street Steak House is known for the best beef in town! This is a white-tablecloth restaurant, which means it is fancy and posh. It has a cozy vibe, ambient lighting, and really good wine and drinks menu. But of course, the star of the show is the delicious, delectable and mouth-watering beef steaks served here. This should be at the top of your list of things to do in Chico.
5th Street Steak House
Address: 345 W 5th St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: 5th Street Steak House
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4:30pm - 9pm; Fri: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 4:30pm - 10pm; Sat: 4:30pm - 10pm
Price: 31 - 60 USD
23. Admire all forms of art at the Museum of Northern California Art
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Museum of Northern California Art is a beautiful museum which, as the name suggests, exhibits and showcases a lot of Northern California art in the form of paintings, drawing, pictures, prints, sculptures and more. This museum promotes artists from Northern California from all ages and stages. This museum also hosts various events, so do check out their website to know more about upcoming events.
Museum of Northern California Art
Address: 900 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926, USA
Website: Museum of Northern California Art
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: 5 USD
24. Take your children to the Chico Children's Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
CCM is COOKING UP some ideas. While we gear up to fully open, we would love to host your private parties and play...
Posted by Chico Children's Museum on Friday, January 29, 2021
Think of Chico Children’s Museum as a museum where children can learn and gain knowledge by playing. This is basically serious learning made fun and exciting! This museum has a ‘please touch’ motto, to allow children to be curious and learn! There is also a sensory room, which is aimed at allowing children to become calmer. All in all, a place worth visiting.
Chico Children's Museum
Address: 325 Main St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: Chico Children’s Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 9 USD
25. Gorge on some Italian food at Crush
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Crush is a modern and contemporary Italian restaurant which serves some really delicious and authentic Italian food. The specialty here is the brick oven pizza, so make sure to try that. This place has a nice relaxed atmosphere, which is suitable for families and friends alike. The wine list is pretty extensive and this place has happy hours, so make the most of it!
Crush
Address: 201 Broadway St #200, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: Crush
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 3:30pm - 12am; Thu: 3:30pm - 11pm; Sun - Wed: 3:30m - 9pm
Price: 11 - 30 USD
26. Enjoy a concert at City Plaza
City Plaza, located in downtown Chico, is a picturesque location which is frequented by locals and tourists alike. This plaza has a beautiful performance area where many concerts are held, a water fountain which is a hit with the kids and really stunning landscaping. To know about the upcoming concerts and events happening here, check out the website! Even if there are no concerts happening on the days of your visit, do make sure to check out this city hot-spot nonetheless.
City Plaza
Address: 132 W 4th St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: City Plaza
Opening hours: 5am - 2am (daily)
Price: Free entry
27. Take an art class at the Chico Art Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Hope you aren’t tired of reading about art museums just yet because Chico Art Center is another place that should be on your list of things to do in Chico. More than just viewing art, this art center is about teaching everyone how to become an artist. That is why there are many classes and workshops held at the Chico Art Center which is open for the public! To know about the classes they are offering, the current exhibitions and any upcoming events, check on the website.
Chico Art Center
Address: 450 Orange St # 6, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: Chico Art Centern
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 4pm ; Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm
Price: Free entry
28. See the exhibits at Colman Memorial Community Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Think of Colman Memorial Community Museum as a very small museum, almost a rural museum. Still, like any museum, this museum has a lot to showcase and a lot of knowledge to give you. This museum basically has artifacts from the 19th century, most of which were used in daily life by the people of that time. It isn’t a fancy museum, it is just run by volunteers. But, these volunteers are always happy to answer your questions and give you any information you might need!
Colman Memorial Community Museum
Address: 13548 Centerville Rd, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
29. Watch a drag show at the Maltese Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
You + Craft Cocktail = A perfect Saturday night at #themaltesebar #chicocalifornia
Posted by The Maltese on Saturday, June 19, 2021
Think of The Maltese Bar as your hip and happening neighborhood bar. Think of it as the bar where all the cool kids go. From live performances to stand up comedy night, from drag shows to karaoke night, this bar has everything! Check out their website to know about the upcoming events. Though, you have to check out the drag show - it is really spectacular! Other than that, enjoy a few drinks, ask your server to make an interesting cocktail and let your hair loose.
The Maltese Bar
Address: 1600 Park Ave, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: The Maltese Bar
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 5pm - 2am (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 11 - 30 USD
30. Head to Chico Creek Nature Center with your kids
The Chico Creek Nature Center is the official visitor center of the Bidwell Park. Think of this as the place to get information about the Bidwell Park, learn something new about the city of Chico, enjoy a recreational day in the lush gardens or visit The Janeece Webb Living Animal Museum and Nature Play Room – which is a hit among the kids. Sometimes, there are even day camps which are organized here – perfect for the kids to spend the whole day!
Chico Creek Nature Center
Address: 1968 E 8th St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Website: Chico Creek Nature Center
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 11am - 3pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
Price: 4 USD
All set for Chico?
Clearly, there is so much to do in Chico that you can easily spend more than a week over there. With recreational parks, 24-hour swimming pools, various museums and great places to eat, your list of things to do in Chico will be never ending! Happy vacationing!
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