Things to do in Chico
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Bidwell Park
Starting right downtown, 3670-acre Bidwell Park is the nation's third-largest municipal park. It stretches 10 miles northwest along Chico Creek with lush groves and miles of trails. The upper part of the park is a fairly untamed wilderness, surprising to find in the midst of an American city. Several classic movies have been shot here, including The Adventures of Robin Hood and parts of Gone with the Wind.
The park is full of hiking and mountain-biking trails and swimming spots. You'll find pools at One-Mile and Five-Mile recreation areas and swimming holes (including Bear Hole, Salmon Hole and Brown Hole) in Upper Bidwell Park, north of Manzanita Ave; expect some skinny-…
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Honey Run Covered Bridge
The historic 1894 Honey Run Covered Bridge is the sort of covered bridge you encounter in Washington Irving stories like The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. There are few in California and none like this one, whose roof consists of three separate sections. Take the Skyway exit off Hwy 99 on the southern outskirts of Chico, head east about a mile, turn left onto Honey Run-Humbug Rd; the bridge is 5 miles along, in a small park.
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Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park
Chico's most prominent landmark is Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, the opulent Victorian home built for Chico's founders John and Annie Bidwell. The 26-room mansion was built between 1865 and 1868. Bidwell, having served in the US Congress, was well connected, and many US presidents visited the house. You'll learn all about it by taking the tour, which starts every hour on the hour.
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Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
One of the best-known, and finest, craft breweries in the country (too big to officially qualify as a 'microbrewery') is the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, which makes many excellent brews, most notably Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Free tours are given at 14:30 daily, and continuously from noon to 15:00 Saturday. There's also a pub and restaurant.
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Tubing Rentals
In summer tubing on the Sacramento River is extremely popular and really fun. Inner tubes can be rented at grocery stores and other shops along Nord Ave (Hwy 32) for around US$6. Tubers enter at the Irvine Finch Launch Ramp on Hwy 32, a few miles west of Chico, and come out at the Washout off River Rd.
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Chico State University Information Center
- Chico, USA
- Sights › University
Ask for a free map of the campus, or inquire about campus events and tours, at the information center on the main floor of Bell Memorial Union. The attractive campus is infused with sweet floral fragrances in spring, and there's a nice rose garden at its center.
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Chico Museum
Located in the former 1904 Carnegie Library. It contains a historical museum, a re-creation of an old Taoist temple altar and rotating exhibits. The Chico timeline, traces the city's history from 1837 to 2000 with photos and other artifacts and can pull you in.
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Sierra Nevada Taproom & Restaurant
- Chico, USA
- Restaurants › Pub
At the Sierra Nevada Brewery, this place is a genuine Chico destination. It has better than average pub food; fresh, superb ales; and lagers on tap, some not available anywhere else. The apple-malt pork loin is a standout.
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Red Tavern
- Chico, USA
- Restaurants › Asian
Just north of downtown is the swanky Red Tavern, one of Chico's more sophisticated places. The kitchen draws discriminatingly from Europe and (occasionally) Asia, leading to delicious meat, fish and pasta dishes.
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Big Al's Drive-In
If you're staying out on The Esplanade, this classic greasepit will come in handy. It's primarily a takeout burger and hot dog stand where tasty, if unhealthy, food is sold at retro prices.
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Madison Bear Garden
- Chico, USA
- Entertainment › Pub
A classic, spacious student hangout, the venerable Madison Bear Garden is a funky saloon and burger bar. It's in an interesting old building on the corner of Salem St.
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Naked Lounge
Local hipsters seem to favor this groovy lounge for coffee and tea. You can choose between a garish red sofa or your basic wooden coffeehouse table.
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Tacos de Acapulco
Your best bulk-up budget option is this taquería (taco joint) serving huge burritos. The food's good and plenty popular with students.
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Broadway Heights
- Chico, USA
- Restaurants › Pizza
Upstairs overlooking a busy corner, Broadway Heights puts inexpensive pizzas, focaccia sandwiches and Cal-Med entrees on the table.
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Shubert's Ice Cream & Candy
This is a beloved Chico landmark; they've made delicious homemade ice cream and chocolates for more than 60 years.
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LaSalle's
This venue is open nightly for hip-hop, Top 40 and retro dance nights and live bands from reggae to hard rock.
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Upper Crust
For coffee and excellent baked goods check out this place, which also serves lunch Monday to Saturday.
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Pageant Theatre
Screens international and alternative films; Monday is bargain night, with all seats around US$3.
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Moxie's
This smart-looking coffeehouse has jazz, acoustic and other low-key sounds several nights a week.
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Chico State University Events
For theater, films, concerts, art exhibits and other cultural events at the university campus.
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Chico Creek Nature Center
Inside Bidwell Park, the Chico Creek Nature Center has a living animal museum.
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Outdoor Farmers Market
Held year-round in the city parking lot at the corner of Wall and E 2nd Sts.
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The Bookstore
The Bookstore has tons of quality used books that are reasonably priced.
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