Chico Travel Guide

Chico is a large city in northern California, Butte County. Visitors here can enjoy the multiple parks, outdoor activities, landmarks and beautiful scenery. The city has the nickname of ‘City of Roses’ however, its origins are unknown.

Chico has a long history and it shows in the beautiful buildings and interesting architectural styles. From parks, galleries, museums and great restaurants, there's something for all types of travelers here.

Things to Do in Chico

Chico has plenty of outdoor spaces to explore, including hiking trails, parks, and greenways. Head to Bidwell Park to get active on the hiking, biking and walking trails, take a dap in the cool creek, or tuck into a barbecue at the picnic areas. There are also playgrounds for children. Elsewhere, Degarmo Park is a great spot to play soccer, tennis, and baseball, and has a mile-long loop trail. Alternatively, head to Buttle Creek Ecological Preserve or Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and bird watching.

For the history buffs of your group, there are many historical buildings and landmarks to see. Bidwell Mansion is a beautiful 20th-century mansion open to the public to tour for free. Additionally, the city is home to interesting museums where visitors can learn about the heritage of the area. For example, the Chico Air Museum is a must-see where visitors can see models of vintage planes, while the Getaway Science Museum features dozens of interactive exhibits and activities for all ages. After a long day exploring, tuck into a delicious meal at one of the diverse restaurants in town, or head to a winery to sample the local grapes.

Best Places to Stay in Chico

The best area to stay in Chico is by Wildwood Park where guest are close to restaurants, cafes, and parks. Chico has a wide selection of vacation rentals, ranging from large houses for group of friends, to cozy small homes couples. Most places come with living rooms, full kitchens, and some are even pet friendly so your furry pal can visit your home away from home.

Best Time to Visit Chico

Visit Chico in June when the weather is warm and there's little to no rain. The average temperature during summer months is 80 degrees, although July is extremely hot with an average of 95 degrees. The rest of the year see 60 degrees generally and there is a lot of rain from November until April.

Food in Chico

When visiting Chico make sure to explore the impressive culinary scene. The city features the most wonderful Mexican vendors, as well as steakhouses and seafood restaurants too. The top restaurant in the city is 5th Street Steak House which accommodates people with dietary restrictions. Tres Hombres is also worth going to, offering authentic Mexican dishes, drinks and desserts.