Attractions and Places To See around Chico - Top 13

Chico is renowned for its natural beauty, with Bidwell Park being the crown jewel. This expansive park offers diverse landscapes, from the flatter, paved trails of Lower Bidwell to the rugged terrain of Upper Bidwell. Other popular spots include the natural swimming areas like Sycamore Pool, The Bear Hole, and Salmon Hole. The Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park also provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing along the Sacramento River.

Yes, Chico has several significant historical sites. The Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, the former home of Chico's founders, offers guided tours. Just outside the city, you can find the wonderfully preserved Honey Run Covered Bridge. The Stansbury Home, an Italianate Victorian residence, is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Chico offers many family-friendly options. Bidwell Park is excellent for picnics, swimming at Sycamore Pool, and easy walks. The Chico Creek Nature Center, located within Bidwell Park, provides educational programs and a living animal museum. For hands-on learning, the Gateway Science Museum features interactive exhibits, including Ice Age skeletons.

The Chico area is fantastic for outdoor activities. Bidwell Park alone boasts numerous trails for all skill levels, from easy paved paths in Lower Bidwell to more challenging routes in Upper Bidwell. For more detailed hiking options, you can explore hiking routes around Chico. Cyclists will find a variety of terrain, with many trails suitable for mountain biking in Upper Bidwell Park and road cycling routes available, such as those found in road cycling guides around Chico.

Absolutely! Chico is home to the quirky National Yo-Yo Museum, featuring an impressive collection including a massive functional yo-yo. The Chico History Museum, housed in the historic Carnegie Library, showcases local history. Art enthusiasts can visit the Museum of Northern California Art (MONCA) or the Chico Art Center.

For refreshing outdoor swims, Bidwell Park offers several popular spots. Sycamore Pool / One Mile Recreation Area is a natural swimming area with lifeguards in summer. Other local favorites include The Bear Hole and Salmon Hole, both known for their natural pools within the park.

Yes, Chico is well-known for its craft beer scene, particularly the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, where you can take a brewery tour and enjoy tastings. For local food, the Chico Certified Farmers' Market, especially the Saturday market downtown, offers fresh produce and artisanal goods. Don't miss Shubert's Ice Cream and Candy Store, a local institution since 1938.

Downtown Chico is a vibrant area filled with local shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. It's a great place to stroll, enjoy public art installations, and experience the city's lively atmosphere. The City Plaza often hosts events like Friday evening concerts.

The Butte Creek Ecological Preserve is a critical habitat for Central Valley Spring Run Chinook salmon and an excellent spot for birdwatching. Additionally, Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park offers opportunities for wildlife viewing along the riparian habitat of the Sacramento River.

For spectacular views, head to Butte Creek County Lookout Point, which is popular for sunrises and sunsets over the canyon. Within Bidwell Park, many of the higher trails in Upper Bidwell offer scenic vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Beyond the specific attractions, the Chico area offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails for various skill levels, explore road cycling routes, or enjoy running trails. Many of these activities are accessible from or near the main attractions like Bidwell Park.

The Flumes, a series of water bridges near the Feather River, offer a unique hiking and swimming experience with distinctive metal and wood structures. Within Bidwell Park, the tranquil Japanese Garden with its koi ponds and arched bridges is a peaceful hidden gem.