Things to do in Chico, CA

I’ve been traveling near and far my whole life, but I’ve never really played tourist in my hometown (or the town next to my hometown). So when my husband and I recently visited Chico, just 75 miles north of us in Sacramento, it was a fun treat to see it like a visitor (with a little familiarity of the streets). So here are our suggestions for food, fun, and more as part of a list of things to do in Chico!

Things to Do in Chico

Chico is a fun spot because there’s a little bit of everything for everybody. The only thing that would sway me from one activity over another is the weather as it gets HOT, HOT in the summer. Since we were visiting in early fall, the weather was perfect for just about everything!

Our weekend of things to do in Chico included a nature walk, wandering shops in downtown, visiting the new development of Meriam Park, and a little driving outside of town along the two lane country roads amidst almond and walnut orchards!

Walking in Chico

While I always think of downtown Chico (and of course the mall since I grew up nearby), there are a number of outdoor things to do, including walking – for all levels…

CHICO SEED ORCHARD

I’m embarrassed to say that I’d never heard of the Chico Seed Orchard and it’s a gold mine! Part of the Mendocino National Forest, the 209 acre area offers a 1-mile paved path along Comanche Creek.

There’s a parking lot (which maps will easily get you to) and then an entrance for pedestrians on the right. The only thing to note is that when you walk into the area, there isn’t a sign to tell you to go to the right. Follow the delivery signs to get to the start of the nature walk.

There are signs about watching for rattlesnakes at the beginning of the trail. Snakes like hot, hot sunshine, so we weren’t worried about finding them, but just keeping an eye out will be fine.

The path offers opportunities to turn around throughout the walk and there are picnic benches back at the beginning!

LOWER BIDWELL PARK

Bidwell Park is famous in Chico, and for good reason. The whole park is about 11 miles in length and is generally talked about as Upper and Lower Park. Lower Park has paved paths, swimming, bike paths, and options for walking between 1 and 5 miles.

Bidwell Park isn’t far from Downtown Chico, either, so you can easily loop it into a visit to that area. So many things to do in Chico!

CHICO STATE CAMPUS

If you’re into architecture or just not a walking in nature kind of person, walking around Chico State campus is actually a lot of fun. It’s a beautiful campus and a lovely place to meander!

Shopping in Downtown Chico

Shopping in downtown Chico is actually one of my favorite things to do in Chico – and has been for years. A slew of local shops for all sorts, it’s a pleasant way to spend a morning or afternoon.

Shops in Downtown Chico

• Bird in Hand – A fun shop for adults and kids – a worrisomely good one for kids, I fear. The back of the store also has the National YoYo Museum with free lessons for kiddos on Saturdays! You could probably find a gift for every person on your list and something for yourself in this classic Chico store.
• 5th Street Clothing Co. – a clothing and accessory store for women. They have brands like Eileen Fisher, Nic + Zoe, and Karen Kane. They also have jewelry. I fell in love with a few pieces by Uno de 50 – a Spanish jewelry designer!
• Upper Park Clothing – a clothing company focused on California!! My “Grown in California” cropped shirt I shared in my mom summer outfits post is by them! They have clothes, hats, and accessories for men, women, and children!
• Little Red Hen – a gorgeous home and decor store that’s a joy to wander around. Their towels – pictured above – had me giggling out loud (and sending photos to my friends)!
• Made in Chico – the perfect local shop, selling only items by local companies, including Klean Kanteen, one of my favorite famous B Corp Companies , Sierra Nevada, Maisies Gifts, and so much more! Yep, all based in Chico.
• Melody Records – a small record shop full of great find!!

Where to Eat in Downtown Chico

Among the list of things to do in Chico is to eat!! The town offers restaurants of all types – the inexpensive taco spot and a favorite family-owned Chinese restaurant to a gourmet steakhouse and a yummy sushi spot. Downtown Chico isn’t the only spot to get great food, but here are a few tasty spots in the area!

Food & Coffee in Downtown Chico

• Tres Hombres – a fun Mexican restaurant right next to the college. We had no problem getting in, but we did make a reservation earlier that day.
• Upper Crust Bakery – A must not miss spot for morsels, breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Upper Crust offers a slew of baked goods, quiches, vegetarian chili, croissants, bread, and the best Carrot Cake in existence (in my not so humble opinion).
• B Street – A brunch, lunch, and dinner spot. They have a patio in the back!
• Stoble Coffee – This was my first time at Stoble….and also our second because we liked it so much. It’s a multi-floor coffee shop and workspace with a rooftop patio. The coffee is delicious; the decor is great (even my architect husband liked it all); and there is plenty of seating. They also offer breakfast and lunch options!!

Meriam Park

Meriam Park is a new development on the southern end of Chico. Housed in a pre-fabricated metal building (I know because of that said architect husband). It houses restaurants, ice cream shops, a cute market, a pizza place, a brewery, and is just a fun spot overall.

• Burban Kitchen – A great place for craft cocktails and delicious appetizers. They offer a full dinner spread!
• Savor Ice Cream – an adorable ice cream parlor with gluten free and vegan ice cream options among the dairy-based ones. So cute and yummy.
• Tio’s Pizza
• Daycamp Coffee – a two florr coffee shop with breakfast and lunch options!!!
• Roselle Bar & Lounge – A bar and food spot. This is on the list for our next visit.

Great Restaurants in Chico

• T Bar – a Tea and Asian fusion restaurant. Order at the counter and delicious.
• Hula’s – Mongolian BBQ – you make your own bowl and watch them cook it on the hot grills before your eyes.
• Ginger’s – a delicious homestyle Chinese restaurant we love!!
• Burrito Bandito – an order at the counter place for burritos, tacos, and bowls. Think Chipotle but with classic Mexican restaurant flavors
• Sin of Cortez – a breakfast, brunch, and lunch hotspot in Chico – not too far from downtown
• 5th Street Steakhouse – steakhouse in downtown Chico
• AcaTaco – a small, order at the counter Mexican spot in downtown Chico
• The Rawbar – a great sushi spot in downtown Chico

Other things to do in Chico

• Sierra Nevada Tasting & Tours – With a restaurant for lunch or dinner, you can stop by any time. Or go to the taproom for tastings. But their tours, including a sustainability tour, are well worth a visit – even if you aren’t a beer drinker!
• Bidwell Mansion Tour – adjacent to the university and downtown Chico, the mansion is a fun tour, giving you insight to John and Annie Bidwell who were very active in creating what Chico is today!!
• Maisie’s Gift Shop – located south of town, the gift shop offers gifts and, more excitingly, tastings of all their almond creations. Almonds are a major crop in the Chico/Butte County area!
• Farmer’s Market – In downtown Chico, it’s a great farmer’s market on Saturday mornings (year round).
• Thursday Night Market – April to September, this is another fun one for a midweek stop!

California Travel Guides…

Thank you to Explore Butte County for hosting us. As always, all opinions are my own.