Chico

Chico, California, United States

Make your next road trip all about the journey instead of just the destination. If you’re coming down from Oregon or generally heading south on I-5 to Sacramento and beyond, adventure off the beaten path for unique wine and beer experiences, outdoor hidden gems, and a different spin on the Northern California expectations. All it takes is a detour from I-5 at Red Bluff to connect to Highway 99 South, and then you can explore the less-trafficked path with a Highway 99 road trip through Butte County.

26240 7th St
Vina, CA

Located about 30 minutes outside Chico in Vina, New Clairvaux is not just a winery, it is a Roman Catholic abbey and the home to Trappist-Cistercian monks who manage the vineyard and winery. In addition to the abbey, there is also a chapel and a bookstore, not to mention plenty of natural beauty.

13670 Anderson Brothers Dr
Chico, CA

From New Clairvaux, hop back onto CA-99 South towards North Chico for a stop at CJ’s Last Chance Diner, your first chance to grab a late lunch coming into town. The diner offers an impressive array of road trip favorites, from comfort food brunch and breakfast options, to a huge selection of burger and BBQ sandwiches, plus salads, sides, and a small kids menu.

South Park Drive
Chico, CA

After fueling up, head to Chico’s Lower Bidwell Park for a refreshing wind-down in one of the loveliest (and largest) municipal park areas in northern California. If the weather is favorable, enjoy a dip in the iconic Sycamore Pool fed by Big Chico Creek, or simply take some time to walk under the tree-filtered sunlight for a while as you let your mind (and stomach!) settle.

132 W 4th St
Chico, CA

After your Lower Park explorations, it’s a short drive to nearby Downtown Chico, the bustling epicenter of the city and neighbor to California State University, Chico. Here you’ll find a treasure trove of shops and restaurants (too many to list here!).

220 W 4th St
Chico, CA

There are plenty of places to stay in Chico, no matter what your budget. Options roughly equidistant from Downtown are available both north and south.

418 Broadway St
Chico, CA

Chico loves its coffee, and there’s no shortage of places to find a perfect roast. Stoble Coffee offers delicious and responsibly sourced coffees drinks, plus a robust food menu, served in a recently remodeled historic building downtown with a rooftop lounge. Day Camp Coffee offers a comfortable, two-story experience with an assortment of plates, small bites, and top-notch coffee options. Coffee Ranch has a more robust food menu with great morning options (including a few vegetarian ones) to go with their excellent coffee.

Wall St
Chico, CA

If you’re driving through on a Wednesday or Saturday, make sure you make the stop at one of Chico’s certified farmers markets, where you’ll be treated to vendors of all shapes and sizes, offering produce, local food, fresh breads, coffee both brewed and to brew at home, plus live music and other entertainments.

1075 E 20th St
Chico, CA

One of Chico’s can’t-miss stops is Sierra Nevada Brewery and Taproom, where you’ll find yourself at a paradise of food and drink whether you’re a huge beer enthusiast or just accompanying one. The brewery offers several different tours of their state-of-the-art facility, beer tastings are available, and the Taproom restaurant serves a selection of cuisine sourced so locally it might even have been grown in Sierra Nevada’s on-site garden.

41 Skillin Ln
Oroville, CA

Explore Sohnrey Family Foods gift shop on the outskirts of Oroville. This local shop is known for creative flavors in its variety of nut butters, plus whole nuts, candies, local honey, local wine, and handmade home goods from local creators like Mary-Lake Thompson. Be sure to leave a little extra space in your bag for a jar (or three) of whichever nut butter samples you like the best!

601 Kentucky St
Gridley, CA

This local museum is sure to delight visitors of all ages. The building itself heralds all the way from 1909, originally used as a local bank, with the upper floors reserved for dentists, doctors, and attorneys. There is a fully-furnished period dental office available to walk through upstairs, and the lower floor contains a variety of local Gridley and Butte County history, with clothing, wartime memorabilia, antique appliances and kitchen equipment, and photographs.

130 Magnolia St
Gridley, CA

Your next meal is just a few blocks away from the museum at Casa Lupe. A staple in northern California for 50 years, this family run market and adjoining restaurant offers fresh salsa and tamales prepared traditionally daily. Locals know about the Lupe’s carnitas special, available only on the weekends, so make sure to show up early before it’s sold out.

3207 Rutherford Rd
Gridley, CA

Birders will be happy for a stop at the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area—especially during the migratory season November through February, when snow geese and flocks of other birds take their rest in the area—but everyone can enjoy these pristine wetlands year-round, either for a relaxed car tour, or as a perfect sunset hike to end a day of local adventure.

Sutter County, CA

Whether you enjoy some time in Sacramento or continue down the interstate to your final destination, we hope that you enjoy the souvenirs, photos, and memories of your time spent in beautiful Butte County and remember to explore more off-the-beaten paths on your return trip.

Gridley

Gridley, California, United States

Start planning your Northern California road trip adventure today!