Location: Chico
Top Things to do in Chico
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Chico, United States
Chico is the most populous city in Butte County, California, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 86,187, reflecting an increase of 26,233 from the 59,954 counted in the 2000 Census. The city is a cultural, economic, and educational center of the northern Sacramento Valley and home to both California State University, Chico and Bidwell Park, the country's 26th largest municipal park and the 13th largest municipally-owned park. Bidwell Park makes up over 17% of the city.
Restaurants in Chico
1. Bidwell Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 412 reviews
Reviewed By Judith D - Berkeley, California
People living in Chico are very luck to have this park, which stretches from near downtown way up Chico Creek. Our group of six explored the park early in the morning, going all the way up to Horseshoe Lake. We walked around the lake and did some birdwatching, then stopped at various places along the creek. What a great urban oasis.
2. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Tours & Tastings
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 310 reviews
There’s a lot going on at Sierra Nevada. If you want to see it all, we’ll pull back the curtains for you. We’ve designed several tours whose durations and content vary, so one of them is bound to fulfill your curiosity—or try them all! Common among them is a dose of history that underscores our role as a craft beer pioneer. Depending on the adventure, you’ll get your hands on our ingredients, peer into brewhouse vessels, stroll beneath fermenters, overlook our packaging facility, and take in our sea of solar panels. If you’re over 21 years old, a guided beer tasting of new and limited release beers, or sampling straight from the fermentation tanks just might be your next adventure. Choose your destiny. We can’t wait to show you around. Our tours fill up quickly! We highly recommend making your reservations online, in advance.
Reviewed By CaroleeBlake - Fremont, California
This tour was one of the best tours I have ever taken. Our guide was super knowledgeable, the tour was very educational ,and the beer tasting was awesome.
3. Bidwell Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Reviewed By Senioronabudget - Kent, Washington
One of the highlights of the Bidwell Mansion is the pictures of what the room looked like in the 1800's and the recreation of that picture in the room. It really brought the history of the mansion to life.
4. Chico Certified Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By Ange B - Chico, California
If you're visiting Chico in a Saturday morning, go to the morning market! You'll find local food, produce, and lots of Chico goodies. I've lived here six years and it's still one of my favorite activities; it never EVER gets old. Go here!
5. Honey Run Covered Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By Gary L - Pleasant Hill, California
My daughter and I came in by way of the steep winding single lane road, which was a challenge. The bridge and area around it is delightful and beautiful. A couple of artists were painting, and a photo shoot with models was happening on the bridge. A $3 donation is requested, and the whole experience was well worth it.
6. The Pageant Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By Rob D - Chico, California
Since its recent refurbishing--with new, more comfy seats, better sound & a digital screen--the Pageant has only gotten better. Their thoughtfully-curated selection of less-well known but excellent films is well worth checking out. Art films, international films, documentaries and much more. Not the stuff you see at the megaplex. Snack bar now includes cold beer.
7. Chico Air Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By 00Bruce00 - Manhattan Beach, California
The Chico Air Museum is well worth a visit — we spent all day there (9AM - 2PM). The main museum is a converted hangar which has several airplanes in it, many other interesting exhibits, a library, and helpful docents. Outside there are several military airplanes which a docent will tell you about. Their website provides a very good sense of what it has. Admission and parking are free (donations accepted). There is a small gift/souvenir shop. Note there is no food service, but you can bring your own; there is a picnic table near the outside airplanes.
8. Gateway Science Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Jodie D - Chico
For its size, the Gateway Science Museum is pretty remarkable! Lots of staff, including helpful and enthusiastic young volunteers who know their stuff and actually engage with the visitors, especially your kids! We loved the little room with a great selection of puzzles, games, and many hands-on materials for kids and adults alike. If you go with two different aged kids, one of the volunteers will readily engage with one of them, to help you out. Don't miss this place if you are in Chico!
9. Chico Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By JoelZ195 - Chico, California
An old Carnegie Library, the Chico Museum building is a little worse for wear, and its had spotty exhibits on and off all its life. But the present exhibit "Chico Through Time" was exceptional--diverse, well laid out, curated cases and commentary were vivid and excellent, and the front end staff was friendly and knowledgable. I thought maps and photos were exciting, and one got a clear sense of civic pride and identity over the past 150 years for this little town. Glad I live here, and whoever imagined this exhibit and oversaw the development of the cases and their content deserves kudos!
10. Degarmo Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Johnny0110 - Ukiah, California
I really enjoyed this park. I was visiting Chico State and looked for a local public dog park. I found this gem. It has a beautiful baseball field and has plenty of space for soccer, picnics, kite flying and more. It also has a wonderful dog park and playground. This is a must see for all walks of life.
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