Chico.
Chico sits where the flat Sacramento Valley floor slams into the Sierra foothills. You smell roasting malt from Sierra Nevada before you see it, mixing with summer dust and irrigation water off the almond groves. I come for Bidwell Park, an absurdly massive sprawl of oak forest dividing the city, and the brick grid downtown where students and farm hands drink cold beer. It is unpretentious Northern California farm country that knows exactly what it is.
Last updated 22 Aug 2026
Specify Your Lenses — Choose Up To 4
Lenses updated 22 Aug 20260 / 4 selected
Multi-Town Trip
Browse saved trips →Stringing several towns together? Add Chico to a route, keep browsing, and save the whole thing as one shareable trip.
Your Route
Nothing added yet. Your route builds up as you add towns.
The Local Record
Where to read more about Chico
The blogs, boards, guides and operators worth bookmarking.
What to do in Chico Central Valley United States
Chico Central Valley United States sits in Central Valley, United States. Travellers usually come for craft beer, urban parks, hiking, local produce — and the guide above turns any combination of those interests into a timed plan, stop by stop, with the local context behind each recommendation.
24 hours in Chico Central Valley United States
With one day, keep it tight. A single-day Chico Central Valley United States itinerary built around craft beer and urban parks gives you a morning, an afternoon and one evening stop without crossing the town twice. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in Chico Central Valley United States
Two days lets you separate the town itself from what surrounds it — adding hiking on day two, plus time for a slower meal. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in Chico Central Valley United States
Three days is where Chico Central Valley United States opens up: local produce, day trips, and the things that only work when you are not rushing.
Chico Central Valley United States itineraries by interest
Craft Beer in Chico Central Valley United States
Walk down 20th Street to Sierra Nevada Brewing for fresh Pale Ale straight from the tank, paired with sourdough pretzels, then hit the taproom patio at Secret Trail.
Urban Parks in Chico Central Valley United States
Lower Bidwell Park offers flat dirt paths under massive valley oaks, while the concrete Sycamore Pool at One-Mile cools off the entire town with natural creek water.
Hiking in Chico Central Valley United States
Upper Bidwell Park climbs rocky volcanic basalt above Big Chico Creek. Take the Yahi Trail early in the morning to beat the valley heat and reach Bear Hole swimming basin.
Local Produce in Chico Central Valley United States
The Saturday morning farmers market on 2nd and Wall streets delivers fresh Butte County walnuts, summer peaches, raw honey, and almond butter pressed right in front of you.
Street Food in Chico Central Valley United States
Cruise Park Avenue on the south side for roadside taco trucks serving slow-braised carnitas, grilled carne asada, and charred jalapeños wrapped in double corn tortillas.
Historic Architecture in Chico Central Valley United States
Tour the 1868 pink Italianate mansion of city founder John Bidwell, then stroll the red-brick core of the university campus along the banks of Big Chico Creek.
Cycling in Chico Central Valley United States
Rent a bike near the downtown plaza to pedal the flat, tree-lined avenues of the South Campus neighborhood or tackle the dirt fire roads winding into Upper Park.
Barbecue & Grilling in Chico Central Valley United States
Central Valley meat culture runs on wood smoke. Grab a smoked tri-tip sandwich seasoned with coarse pepper and garlic from local neighborhood barbecue joints along Broadway.
Café Culture in Chico Central Valley United States
Grab a dark roast from Tender Loving Coffee or Naked Lounge downtown, where college professors and agricultural workers sit outside on benches along 2nd Street.
Wild Swimming in Chico Central Valley United States
Avoid the afternoon heat by heading up Highway 32 to Butte Creek Canyon or dip into the chilly, shaded mountain runoff at Salmon Hole in Upper Bidwell.
Glass & Ceramics in Chico Central Valley United States
Chico has a long tradition of studio art. Visit the working glassblowing studios near 8th Street to watch hot molten glass shaped into vases and paperweights.
Day Trips in Chico Central Valley United States
Drive thirty minutes north to explore the basalt lava formations of Table Mountain near Oroville, or head east into the pines of the Feather River Canyon.