Location: Chico
Top Things to do in Chico
Top 9 Budget-friendly Things to do in Chico, California (CA)
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
5.0 based on 464 reviews
Reviewed By 875marce - Chico, United States
Chico is truly blessed to have a huge municipal park. The westerly end is developed for public use with softball fields, playgrounds and a natural creek swimming pool. Head east to Upper Park and you can hike, fish, swim for hours and not see another person. Plus there is an excellent golf course at the entrance to Upper Park (Bidwell Park Golf Course).
2. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Tours & Tastings
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 395 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 doublecap - St. Pete Beach, United States
We had a great tour of the brewery& highly recommend Ben our guide who is awesome& super informative!
3. The Pageant Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By eddymonstr - Willows, United States
Somebody in Chico appreciates quality movies other than the commercial stuff. The Pageant somehow stays open since the beginning of motion pictures. Get here early for the couches up front.
4. Silverdollar Speedway
5. Bidwell Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By jenedc2016 - Santa Rosa, United States
This is an important historic mansion in California, home of an important figure in both the Mexican/Californio-era of California and the U.S. settlement, as well as founder of Chico. The mansion has been nicely restored and there is even still some original furniture. It houses a museum on the Bidwells and their important role in 19-century California and the development of their large, self-sufficient rancho at the northern end of the Sacramento Valley and its subsequent transformation into the the town of Chico. There is a guided tour which is extremely informative. The place also has a nice gift shop. It is set in lovely grounds on the edge of downtown where the university adjoins downtown and the western end of the large Bidwell Park. Thus is a must-see visit for anyone in the area, especially if interested in history and early California.
6. Eighth & Main Antique Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By NOnnie_5_11 - Chico, United States
A great place to walk down memory lane to see nostalgic items I remember as a child. I visited last month with a friend who had lost many household antiques in the Paradise Camp Fire- when she rebuilds or finds a new home, Eighth & Main will be a great resource to replace antiques she lost. I love going there to admire the unique pieces & just get lost in the midst of the many booths & vendor’s wares. Don’t miss the back building for added items & discounts!
7. Gateway Science Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Gateway Science Museum, a remarkable partnership between CSU Chico and the community, hosts engaging hands-on traveling exhibitions, featuring programming about our region and offers STEM education to people of all ages. Exhibit galleries, a hands-on Discovery Room, Saturday Investigation Station Activities, and the Gateway Gardens are the backdrops for quality science education. The gardens surrounding the museum include the Native Plant Pollinator Garden, Glenn E. and Ruth Gray Cunningham Memorial Exhibit The Foothills Garden, and plantings that are representative of four distinct eco-regions of Northern California. Become a member with unlimited free general admission for one year.
Reviewed By RVRentalConnection - California, United States
The Gateway Science Museum is a Chico, CA treasure. Located directly next to the Historic Bidwell Mansion (which you can also tour and is fantastic), the gateway science museum will keep adults and kids alike, well entertained and educated. They have great specimens, amazing interactive exhibits, and well-trained staff. This museum is a must-see when in the Chico, CA area.
8. Chico Certified Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By momkelsey - Cheyenne, United States
This is a large farmers market. You could grab fresh produce, listen to music, buy from a food truck, get plants, sample great honeys,sauces, nuts, salsas. Clothing is available too. Wow! Wish I lived close by and I would go every week.
9. Chico Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By cmR6369OY - Chico, United States
Many aircraft and displays for young and old, both indoor and outdoor aircraft. Based in an old WW II hangar left over from its Army Air Corp training days.
