Chico CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Chico, California.
1. Sierra Nevada Brewery
CRAFT BEER PARADISE
Sierra Nevada Brewery is a craft brewery showcasing a diverse beer selection with educational tours on the brewing process and history. The facility includes a taproom serving hearty fare and a gift shop with unique beer-themed items. Visitors can enjoy brewery tours and tastings, making it the #1 attraction in Chico according to TripAdvisor.
2. Bidwell Park
NATURAL URBAN OASIS
Bidwell Park is one of Chico's most beloved attractions, featuring a huge natural pool and diverse landscapes. The park offers numerous recreational activities including biking, hiking, horseback riding, and skating trails throughout its expansive grounds. It's considered to have some of the best urban swimming holes in California, making it a perfect outdoor destination for visitors and locals alike.
3. Chico Certified Farmers' Market
LOCAL FOOD HAVEN
The Chico Certified Farmers' Market is a vibrant Saturday morning destination featuring a diverse array of local vendors. Visitors can shop for everything from fresh breads and meats to vegetables and fruits, including specialty items. The market provides a wonderful community experience and a great way to connect with local producers in the Chico area.
4. Orient & Flume Art Glass
EXQUISITE GLASS ARTISTRY
Orient & Flume Art Glass is a renowned glass studio showcasing handcrafted artisanal glass pieces. The studio features skilled artisans creating unique decorative glass works using traditional techniques. Visitors can observe the glass-blowing process and purchase one-of-a-kind art glass creations to take home as souvenirs.
5. The Pageant Theatre
INDEPENDENT CINEMA EXPERIENCE
The Pageant Theatre is Chico's beloved independent movie house showing art films, documentaries, and cult classics. This charming venue offers a unique alternative to mainstream cinemas with its carefully curated film selections. The intimate theater provides a nostalgic movie-going experience that appeals to film enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
6. Gateway Science Museum
HANDS-ON SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY
Gateway Science Museum offers interactive exhibits that make science accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages. Located near the Chico State campus, the museum features rotating exhibits covering various scientific disciplines and natural history. The museum's educational programs provide hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity and scientific exploration.
7. Chico Air Museum
AVIATION HISTORY SHOWCASE
Chico Air Museum celebrates the region's rich aviation history through exhibits of historic aircraft and memorabilia. The museum houses a collection of restored planes and offers educational displays about flight technology and famous aviators. Visitors can get up close to various aircraft and learn about Chico's contribution to aviation development.
8. Chico Children's Museum
INTERACTIVE KID-FRIENDLY FUN
Chico Children's Museum is located in the heart of Downtown Chico, offering a perfect kid-friendly attraction for families of all needs and abilities. The museum features a miniature artistic replica of Chico with a treehouse and hands-on dramatic play exhibits in the front half. The other half is divided into a sensory sensitive space and a more constructive play area, ensuring an engaging experience for all children.
9. Chico History Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE EXPLORATION
Chico History Museum is housed in the historic Andrew Carnegie Library located in downtown Chico, adjacent to the California State University campus. This small but mighty museum hosts a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits covering Chico history, local Native tribes, and regional agriculture. History buffs and first-time visitors to Chico will appreciate the museum's comprehensive presentation of the area's rich heritage.
10. Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL BEAUTY
Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park showcases Chico's share of the Sacramento River, the largest river in California. The park offers beautiful natural landscapes and recreational opportunities along the scenic riverfront. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife watching in this tranquil natural setting.
11. Secret Trail Brewing Co.
LOCAL CRAFT BEER HAVEN
Secret Trail Brewing Co. is a popular local brewery offering a selection of handcrafted beers in a welcoming atmosphere. The taproom serves a variety of innovative beer styles made with quality ingredients and brewing techniques. Visitors can enjoy tasting flights, pints, and special releases while experiencing Chico's thriving craft beer culture.
12. Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park features the impressive three-story Victorian home of Chico founders John and Annie Bidwell. Visitors can take guided tours of this stunning 26-room mansion that showcases the history and architecture of 19th-century California. The park offers insight into the founding of Chico and the lives of the influential Bidwell family who shaped the region.
13. Museum of Northern California Art
REGIONAL CREATIVE EXPRESSION
The Museum of Northern California Art (MONCA) is housed in the 1927 Chico Veterans Memorial Hall, featuring works from nearly 100 area artists. Since opening in July 2017, the museum has breathed new life into Chico's art scene with its diverse exhibitions and cultural programs. MONCA also hosts live concerts, making it a vibrant hub for the arts in Northern California.
14. National Yo-Yo Museum
UNIQUE TOY COLLECTION
The National Yo-Yo Museum showcases one of Chico's claims to fame with its free exhibits dedicated to this classic toy. The museum's centerpiece is a 256-pound wooden yo-yo that is said to be the largest of its kind in the world. Visitors can explore the history of yo-yos, view unique collections, and sometimes witness demonstrations by skilled performers.
15. Lassen Volcanic National Park
VOLCANIC WILDERNESS WONDER
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a spectacular natural area featuring all four types of volcanoes found in the world. Located near Chico in Northern California, the park offers visitors breathtaking landscapes with bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and scenic hiking trails through volcanic terrain. The park's diverse ecosystems and stunning vistas make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers exploring the Chico region.