Things To Do
in Chico
Chico is a city located in Northern California, known for its vibrant college town atmosphere provided by California State University, Chico. The city is surrounded by picturesque natural beauty, including Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the nation. Chico has a diverse array of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, making it a popular destination for both residents and visitors.
With a strong sense of community and a laid-back lifestyle, Chico offers a welcoming and friendly environment for all who call it home.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $60 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing hike in Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S. The scenic trails are perfect for enjoying the natural beauty and spotting local wildlife.
After your hike, have lunch at a local café nearby, experiencing Chico's vibrant food scene. Spend the afternoon exploring the park's lovely creek area and lush landscapes.
As the day winds down, enjoy a picnic dinner in the park or grab takeout from a nearby restaurant. Conclude your day with a relaxing sunset by the creek.
Visit the historic Bidwell Mansion to learn about Chico's rich history and its founder, John Bidwell. The museum offers guided tours that showcase the mansion's beautiful architecture and artifacts.
Enjoy lunch at a charming downtown restaurant with local flavors. Spend the afternoon strolling through the nearby downtown area, checking out shops and local art galleries.
For dinner, treat yourself to one of Chico's renowned restaurants. Consider catching a local live music performance to wrap up your day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural surroundings, including Bidwell Park and Sierra Nevada foothills.
- A friendly and welcoming community atmosphere.
- Relatively affordable cost of living compared to California's major metropolitan areas.
- Strong focus on sustainability and outdoor activities.
- Home to California State University, Chico, which adds vibrancy and educational opportunities.
- Limited job opportunities in certain industries, leading to a high reliance on local economy.
- Higher risk of natural disasters, such as wildfires.
- Smaller city may lack certain amenities and entertainment options found in larger cities.
- Hot summers with high temperatures can be uncomfortable.
- Traffic congestion can be an issue, particularly during school sessions due to the university population.
Best Activities in Chico
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful trails, go for a hike, have a picnic, or swim in the creek at Bidwell Park.
Enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, or hiking in the Upper Bidwell Park with breathtaking views.
Visit the Chico State University Farm for educational tours, birdwatching, and enjoying the serene agricultural surroundings.
Tours
Uncover the best of Chico with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Chico
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive park with various lookout points offering beautiful views of nature and the city.
Scenic trails and overlooks providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Historic covered bridge with picturesque surroundings, perfect for photography.
Food in Chico
Chico Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular local dish featuring tender tri-tip beef on a soft roll, often complemented with barbecue sauce and fresh toppings. Recommended place: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Must-Try!
A delightful dish showcasing locally grown almonds with tender chicken, providing a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Recommended place: Crush Restaurant.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Chico better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market offering a wide array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and local crafts. Open every Saturday, rain or shine.
Explore the streets of Chico to discover delicious street tacos offering an authentic taste of Mexican cuisine with a local twist.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Chico, it's important to be mindful of personal space and not to stand too close when conversing with others.
Using polite language and manners is valued in Chico, so it's important to say 'please' and 'thank you' when interacting with others.
Chico is a diverse community, and it's important to show respect for people from different cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and lifestyles.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Chico with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Chico
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Chico, United States, especially in the service industry. It is customary to tip around 15-20% in restaurants, bars, cafes, and for other services such as haircuts, taxis, and hotel staff.
In Chico, United States, payment methods commonly accepted include cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment options. Many businesses and services also accept contactless payments. It is important to carry some cash, especially for small purchases and in places where card payments may not be accepted.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Chico.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Chico with pleasant weather, blooming wildflowers, and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
Warm and dry weather, perfect for outdoor events, farmers markets, and water activities on the nearby lakes and rivers.
Beautiful fall foliage, harvest festivals, and wine tasting events in the surrounding vineyards.
Cool and crisp weather, holiday festivals, and opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains.
Chico at Night
Hiking in Chico
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large municipal park with hiking trails, including the scenic Five Mile Recreation Area and various trails that wind through lush landscapes and along the creek.
Features rugged trails that offer a more challenging hike with stunning views of the surrounding area, including the famous Monkey Face rock formation.
Offers a variety of trails for hiking and an educational experience about local wildlife and nature.
A popular spot for hiking along the creek, with trails that lead through beautiful woodlands and provide access to the historic covered bridge.
A bit further out from Chico, this area offers more extensive hiking options with panoramic views of the valley and unique geological formations.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Chico through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Chico by plane.
Sacramento International Airport is located about 90 miles south of Chico and serves as a major airport for the Sacramento area with numerous domestic and international flights.
San Francisco International Airport is approximately 175 miles southwest of Chico and is one of the busiest international airports in the United States, offering a wide range of international destinations.
Oakland International Airport is located roughly 165 miles southwest of Chico and provides both domestic and international flights, serving as a secondary airport for the San Francisco Bay Area.
Mineta San Jose International Airport is around 200 miles southwest of Chico and offers many domestic and international flights, serving the Silicon Valley region.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport is located approximately 130 miles northeast of Chico and provides access to various domestic and some international routes, serving the Reno area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly non-Hispanic white population.
Significant Latino population contributing to the cultural landscape.
Includes various Asian backgrounds with a notable Chinese and Indian community.
Smaller percentage of the population, but an integral part of the community.
Includes individuals identifying with multiple racial backgrounds.
Represents a small fraction of the total population.
A very small demographic group within the community.
The Soul of Chico
Discover the essence of Chico through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
High school and college football are popular in Chico, with many local schools having competitive teams.
Basketball has a strong following in Chico, including youth leagues and college teams.
Soccer is widely played and supported, with various leagues for different age groups.
Baseball is a favored sport in Chico, with local teams and community involvement.
Tennis is popular in Chico, with several public parks offering courts for play.
Running and jogging are popular in Chico, with many trails and parks available for enthusiasts.
Cycling is widely enjoyed in Chico, both for recreation and competitive events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chico.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Chico offers a range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly eateries, such as Roots Natural Foods and The Banshee, which provide creative plant-based dishes.
Visitors with gluten intolerances can enjoy gluten-free options at places like The Plant Barn & Gift Shop and Fresh Twisted Cafe, known for their gluten-conscious menus.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Chico with these cultural adventures.
