Paradise

Paradise, California, United States

Spend a day on the Paradise Ridge in Northern California, with a community that embraces the foothill mountain life with an intertwined nod to its Gold Rush historical roots.

Paradise

Paradise, California, United States

To those who have called Paradise home for any period of time, its name implies a feeling: of closeness, of quaintness, of tranquility.

Butte County, CA

In the wake of the 2018 Camp Fire, the temptation can be for outsiders to rewrite Paradise’s persona—and that would be a mistake. Ever-resilient and still every bit the fiercely tight-knit community it ever was, Paradise is a wonderful place for visitors and locals alike as it rebuilds. To hear about its progress is one thing; to visit and see it for yourself is not only inspiring, but also a chance to see firsthand what Paradise has always had to offer.

9205 Skyway
Paradise, CA

At the intersection of Skyway and Clark, Lynn's Coffee & Crepes is both a fast casual eatery and a testament to the resiliency found on the Ridge. In late 2018, there was a "Coming Soon" sign on the newly finished building—which would end up sheltering dozens of people during that year's Camp Fire. More than two years later, the café was finally able to open, offering freshly made sweet and savory crepes as well as a range of coffee and espresso drinks.

969 Bille Rd
Paradise, CA

Tchotchkes, dolls, ceramic figurines, collectibles, and the like abound. You can also find ornate glass and ceramic-ware, carvings, crystal, and other sculptures, which make great gifts.

6256 Skyway
Paradise, CA

This eatery is a venture by Nicki Jones, owner of Bobbi’s Boutique, that doubles down on her passion for Paradise and serving the Ridge community. With a wine bar and selection of food including sandwiches and other prepared lunches, Nic’s is establishing itself as an easy stop for an afternoon drink or quick bite. If you’ve built up an appetite at this point during your visit, here’s an opportunity to refuel before some entertainment to cap off the day.

Butte County, CA

A moderately paced hiker could meander around [Paradise Lake in an hour or less, but there’s no need to rush here. Several picnic benches are scattered around the trail, making an ideal opportunity to bring a Thermos of coffee or a picnic, and there are two launch ramps for kayakers and anglers alike to embark. Clean, clear and crisp, the lake offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, too. Birders will be at home here, but it’s not uncommon to spot deer and a family of otters has been seen frequently around the area, too.

5570 Black Olive Dr
Paradise, CA

With its roots as a mining outpost, the area’s Gold Rush ties are impossible to ignore and are in fact quite celebrated in Paradise, which holds an annual parade and pageant honoring the mining days; a visit wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Gold Nugget Museum. Currently being rebuilt in its former location, the museum now offers its services at the Depot Museum. Its aim is to provide hands-on learning and understanding of life in the late 1800s, and it does this with a robust collection of local artifacts and community education programs. It’s run by volunteers, so consider picking up something from the gift shop if you like what you see!

7050 Pentz Rd
Paradise, CA

Paradise has an apple-friendly history, even famously celebrating Johnny Appleseed with a festival each fall. You’ll see it firsthand at Noble Orchards, a 35-acre property that saw its first apple orchard established in 1921. The Camp Fire ravaged the Nobles’ facilities and equipment, but the orchards remain intact—in fact, the trees continue to burgeon with so much fruit that they’re at risk of damage from the weight. Make sure to check Noble Orchard's Facebook for current u-pick and farm stand hours as well as what's in season.

3735 Neal Rd
Paradise, CA

Theatre on the Ridge, or “TOTR” around these parts, has been a Paradise institution since 1975, evolving from a children’s recreation program into the main source of thespian activity it is today. Host to both plays and musicals, the theatre is the oldest California non-profit in the North State. Visit TOTR.org or call 530-877-5760 for more information on the current slate of shows.

6689 Skyway
Paradise, CA

Authentic Thai Cuisine of Paradise is delicious, authentic Thai food on the Ridge, serving up all the traditional noodle, curry, and rice dishes you’d hope to see. As it is everywhere, the Pad Thai is their most popular dish, and more finicky eaters will be happy with more familiar items from the appetizer menu, like satay (chicken or beef skewers), egg rolls or spring rolls.

4117 Skyway
Paradise, CA

On the way out of the pines, it’s tough to miss the verdant vista that is the Butte Creek Watershed Lookout, and you definitely should take a few moments to take it all in. On the westward way out of town, you have easy access to Lookout Point, which features a fence adorned with hundreds of hanging key and combination “locks of love,” once reserved for lovebirds spending a starry night overlooking the canyon but since having taken on a different meaning. The watershed itself is an ecological sight to behold, no matter the season, but in the fall, ripples of orange, red and yellow foliage paint the canyon in autumn colors.