Chico

Travel Guide

Chico
Photo by Nicole And Michael
Photo by Nicole And Michael
Photo by Shannon Willitts
Photo by Nicole And Michael

This university town in Northern California is home to the magnificent Bidwell Park, craft beer breweries and a lively arts scene.

From outdoor recreation and wildlife to beer and the performing arts, Chico offers visitors a range of attractions. Chico is a lively university town in Northern California. It sits in the foothills of the mountains of the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada.

The glorious Bidwell Park is a major attraction of Chico. The park stretches from downtown Chico into Big Chico Creek Canyon and offers 86 miles (138 kilometers) of trails. Follow scenic walking trails, spot wildlife and swim in waterholes. Check out interesting rock formations, relax at picnic areas and play a round of golf. Get close to birds and reptiles at the Chico Creek Nature Center.

Learn about Chico’s founding father, John Bidwell, on a guided tour of Bidwell Mansion. Explore some of the 26 rooms of this architecturally impressive Victorian-style house. Spot historical landmarks and a picturesque rose garden while you stroll around the grounds of California State University. Afterward, discover the town’s natural heritage at the Gateway Science Museum.

Wander the oak-lined streets of downtown Chico to find boutiques, galleries, performing arts centers and myriad bars and restaurants. Check out the leafy City Plaza, which hosts free live music events and handicraft markets. Take a guided tour of the 19th-century Stansbury House. Watch a concert or theater show at the El Rey Theatre. Follow the history of Chico at the Chico Museum and see displays of antique yo-yos at the National Yo-Yo Museum.

Experience Chico’s beer-brewing culture at its microbreweries and beer gardens. Learn about the beer-making processes and then sample beers fresh from the tank at the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. Visit the brewery in the summer when it hosts Beer Camp, a festival that showcases over 100 regional brewers.

Chico is about a 90-minute drive north from Sacramento and easily accessible via trains and intercity buses. Chico is a bike-friendly city and also a comfortable destination to explore on foot. Rent a car and visit areas outside of the city. Enjoy fishing and watersports at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park or go hiking in North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve.

Where to stay in Chico

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Downtown Chico

While there might not be top attractions in Downtown Chico, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park and National Yo-Yo Museum.

Downtown Chico
Oxford Suites Chico

Oxford Suites Chico

3 out of 5
2035 Business Ln, Chico, CA
The price is €126 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
€126
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Chico. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,410 reviews)
"Quiet and comfortable. Friendly staff. CLEAN!"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Oxford Suites Chico
DoubleTree by Hilton Chico

DoubleTree by Hilton Chico

4 out of 5
685 Manzanita Ct, Chico, CA
The price is €99 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
€99
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chico. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Great place for rest. Great location for downtown Chico"

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Chico
Hampton Inn & Suites Chico

Hampton Inn & Suites Chico

2.5 out of 5
1651 Springfield Drive, Chico, CA
The price is €108 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€108
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chico. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (543 reviews)
"I stay at this location often as a travel nurse. I have recently tried another hotel in Reading and learned that I prefer the Hampton Inn and suites. I would like to be emailed information on how to earn points for frequent stays."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Hampton Inn & Suites Chico
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fox at Fourth Street Walk to downtown Chico

Fox at Fourth Street Walk to downtown Chico

Chico
Stay at this vacation home in Chico. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions National Yo-Yo Museum and Bidwell Mansion State Historic ...
7.4/10 Good! (7 reviews)
Cute little house in a GREAT location
"I wanted to visit my old college stomping grounds for the weekend and this place delivered. Less than 10 min walk to all the downtown spots and a block from the trail to one mile. It’s the side of downtown you want to be in when you’re over 30. The bikes came in so clutch too. Owner was really accommodating ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Fox at Fourth Street Walk to downtown Chico
King Sized Beds, Large Outdoor and Indoor Space

King Sized Beds, Large Outdoor and Indoor Space

Chico
Stay at this vacation home in Chico. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cinemark Tinseltown Chico 14 and Gateway Science ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"The house was nice, clean and spacious. Had issues getting the house a comfortable cool but it was triple digits outside lol."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

King Sized Beds, Large Outdoor and Indoor Space
6 bd, 3 bath, Sleep 14+, AC, Very Clean, Luxury, spacious, kid friendly, WiFi

6 bd, 3 bath, Sleep 14+, AC, Very Clean, Luxury, spacious, kid friendly, WiFi

Chico
Stay at this vacation home in Chico. Enjoy laundry facilities, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Gateway Science Museum and Bidwell ...
6 bd, 3 bath, Sleep 14+, AC, Very Clean, Luxury, spacious, kid friendly, WiFi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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