The best things to do in Chico, CA are walking, biking and swimming in 3,670-acre Bidwell Park, touring the Sierra Nevada Taproom, visiting Bidwell Mansion and the downtown museums, and browsing the Chico Certified Farmers' Market. Chico State's campus and creek are also a free place to walk.
Outdoors
- Bidwell Park. A 3,670-acre park with trails, swimming holes and golf in the Sierra Nevada foothills. See the Bidwell Park guide and the parks guide.
- Sycamore Pool. A swimming hole on Big Chico Creek in Lower Bidwell Park. Check current advisories before you go.
- Monkey Face. A rock formation to hike in Upper Bidwell Park.
- Caper Acres. A playground in Lower Bidwell Park.
- Bidwell Park Golf Course. A golf course inside the park.
- Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park. Fishing, kayaking, swimming and inner-tube floating on the Sacramento River.
History, art and museums
- Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. A guided tour of the Victorian home of Chico's founder, John Bidwell, and his wife, Annie.
- Museum of Northern California Art (MONCA). An art museum in the 1927 Chico Veterans Memorial Hall that also hosts concerts.
- 1078 Gallery. An art gallery downtown.
- National Yo-Yo Museum. A free downtown museum with a 256-pound wooden yo-yo.
- Gateway Science Museum. A science museum on the Chico State campus.
Chico State campus
- Campus arboretum and creek. A tree-filled campus with a winding creek and the George Petersen Rose Garden.
- Kendall Hall. A Romanesque building on campus.
- Bidwell Bowl. An amphitheater on campus.
Markets and shopping
- Chico Certified Farmers' Market. A year-round market for locally grown goods.
- Downtown Chico Thursday Night Market. An evening market with produce, chef demos and local vendors, held April to September.
- Made in Chico. A downtown store with goods from about 400 Northern California makers.
- Hubbs & Co. A Mangrove Avenue shop for home decor, clothing and gifts.
Food, coffee and drinks
- Sierra Nevada Taproom and Restaurant. A brewery restaurant with daily brewery tours and tastings.
- Shubert's Ice Cream & Candy. A fourth-generation family creamery downtown.
- Looking for a meal? See the best restaurants in Chico, the best coffee shops and the best bakeries and cafes.
What is happening this week?
See the Chico events calendar for this week and the next few weeks, updated every Monday.
How do things to do help you choose a Chico neighborhood?
Where you spend your free time should shape where you look. Downtown and the area around Chico State put museums, markets and restaurants within a short walk. Neighborhoods near Bidwell Park put trailheads and swimming holes minutes away. Before you tour a home, spend an afternoon nearby and see how the area feels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular thing to do in Chico, CA?
Bidwell Park is Chico's best-known attraction, a 3,670-acre park with trails, swimming holes and golf.
What are free things to do in Chico?
Walking Chico State's campus and creek, hiking Bidwell Park and visiting the National Yo-Yo Museum are all free.
Where can you swim in Chico?
Sycamore Pool on Big Chico Creek in Lower Bidwell Park is one option. Check current advisories before you go.
Is there a farmers market in Chico?
Yes. The Chico Certified Farmers' Market runs year-round, and the Thursday Night Market runs April to September.
Hours, tours and seasonal events change, so confirm before you go. Want a neighborhood recommendation based on how you spend your weekends? Call or text me at 707-672-6549. Happy to help. Compiled October 2026.
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