Things to do in Chico California
Chico is the most populous city in Butte County, California, United States. The population was 86,187 at the 2010 census, up from 59,954 at the time of the 2000 census.
#47 Education, Architecture, & Park-like Grounds
Along with education, activities, and live performances, this campus (located adjacent to Chico’s downtown) is also known for its beautiful grounds and its architecture. Laxson
Born in 1819, John Bidwell led the first overland expedition to California when he was 22. When he struck gold on the Feather River near
#49 One of U.S.A.’s Largest City Parks
Bidwell Park Donated to the city by Annie Bidwell in 1905 were the original 2,238 acres, and in 1995 the city purchased and added an
Stansbury Home Built by Dr. & Mrs. Oscar Stansbury in 1883, this home was designed in the Italianate Victorian style and is listed on the
#51 Ballerinas, Saxes, Comedy & Drama
Blue Room Theatre offers theatrical works for children, young adults, and adult audiences. They’ve done extensive upgrading. Increased seating capacity, enhanced sound and visual presentation,
The museum offers a permanent timeline depicting the history of Chico from 1830-2000.
#53 View Art Glass-Making at Its Finest
Using ancient techniques to create beautiful art glass by combining technical skill and delicate artistry.
#55 Soc’ It To ‘Em! With Sports
Exciting men’s and women’s sporting events are held by Chico State from late August through late May.
Awarded the most popular toy of the 20th Century, the Yo-Yo continues to be very popular with all ages.
Established in 1976, this company has revolutionized the world of handweaving. Their looms are found in over 80 countries
The Chico Art Center is the largest arts organization in Butte County and has been around for over 55 years.
#59 Murals, Murals, on the Wall
You don’t have to be an art lover to enjoy the many murals on the CSUC campus and in Chico’s downtown area. All you need is a sense of fun.
#60 Look Up & Down & All Around in This 140 year old Chico Icon
The building was completed in 1871, with the upper story housing the Masonic and Odd Fellows Lodges, and the ground floor housing a hardware store,
#61 Wheels & Balls Go ‘Round & ‘Round
Whether it’s done for the exercise or just for the fun, there’s no denying that roller skating is a popular sport engaged in year round in Chico.
#62 Check Out the Garden Walk Mall Then … and Now
With customers in over 100 countries and in every state, she offers one of the best selections of dolls in the country
If you’ve never toured a brewery, you’re missing an interesting and informative experience. And this brewery
The main activity to be enjoyed at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park is bank or boat fishing for salmon, steelhead and shad.
Bidwell Park Golf Course is known for having one of Northern California’s finest pro shops.
The Senator, built in 1928, is home to murals of Syrian Running Deer and a mural of Chico’s Hooker Oak Tree.
The Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology offers exhibitions, lectures, and programming for children’s programming and K-12 outreach.
If they’ve learned about the natural world at Chico Creek Nature Center, explored the wonders of Bidwell Park,
At Shubert’s, Chico’s oldest ice cream and candy store, they’ve been making these creations since 1938.
#70 Stroll or Sit in Pleasant Surroundings
Opened in 2005 along with the restoration and opening of the Diamond Hotel, Diamond Alley is entered through gorgeous mosaic-pillared arches at either 3rd or
#71 Birds & Bees, and the Flowers & Trees
Free nature walks with knowledgeable naturalists, classes, and environmental ed programs are all available here. Weekly day-camps are held June-August and over the holiday break
#72 A Diamond That’s No Longer in the Rough
Winner of the prestigious Golden Rose Award for 2001, owner David Halimi took his time to “get it right” in designing and restoring this building, which is a work of art—done by local artisans.
#73 Art Abounds in one of the “100 Best Small Towns in America”
We could write a book about the artistic talent and galleries in this town, honored repeatedly as one of “100 Best Small Art Towns in
#74 Almonds, Livestock, Fruit & Fresh Veggies
As one of the fourth generation of almond growers, Maisie Jane turned a high school FFA project into a na-tionwide business,
#75 Serve, Bat, Skate or Kite ‘Em Up
If you like wide open spaces to enjoy your volleyball or tennis, we suggest Community Park. Chico’s largest outdoor sports park,
#76 Bike Around America’s Greatest Bike Town
Yep, that’s Chico’s designation in a recent edition of Bicycling magazine, and no one here would argue with that. To say that Chico is “Bike Friendly” is a major understatement.
If the heat’s got you beat, or you just need the exercise, it’s time to take a dip in a swimming hole or pool.
In 1904, some Chico residents deeded land to the USDA Agricultural Research Service. That was the beginning of the Plant Introduction Center where plants from all over the world were tried to see if they would grow here.
#79 Fish, Boat, Picnic, Canoe, Tube or Birdwatch
This park offers 243 acres of hiking, scenery, and activities. Fishing, boating, picnicking, wildlife watching, canoeing, rafting, kayaking, and inner-tubing can all be enjoyed. The
#80 Orchards in Bloom, 3 Parks + Tigers, Lions, & More- Durham…
If you’ve done all you care to do in Chico and are headed out of town, we suggest that you head south about six miles to Durham.
#81 Beautiful Butte Creek Canyon & Some Gems Along the Way
Built in 1894, the Honey Run Covered Bridge is the only three-level covered bridge in the nation, and it’s one of the few covered bridges