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10 Fun Things to Do in Chico
Chico, California, United States
Chico, California, is the largest city in the North State - but don't let that fool you! You'll be able to enjoy a small-town feel with plenty of fun things to do. From local shops to outdoor adventures, here are 10 fun things to do in Chico (with even more to discover for yourself!)
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Experience Thursday Night Market
Chico, California, United States
On Thursday from May through September, the streets of Downtown Chico come to life with the Thursday Night Market. This festive, weekly market is a ton of fun and features a bounty of farm-fresh produce, mouth-watering prepared foods from food trucks and booths, handmade, local arts and crafts, and live entertainment for all ages.
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Tube the Sacramento River
The Sacramento River is California’s largest river, and Butte County’s share of it showcases some of the best river recreation in the state, with tubing a classic summertime activity in Chico
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Take a Stroll in the Chico Seed Orchard
Chico, CA
Monday:
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Stroll through the Chico Seed Orchard, a hidden gem that is part of the Mendocino National Forest. Take a walk with your favorite four-legged friend (on leash) or enjoy a creekside lunch at one of the seven established picnic sites. High tree canopies often filled with birds create the feel of a bustling bird aviary.
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Tour & Taste at Sierra Nevada
1075 E 20th St
Chico, CA
Monday:
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday:
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday:
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday:
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday:
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday:
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday:
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
No visit to Chico is complete without a trip to the iconic Sierra Nevada Brewery. Whether you want to enjoy a flight, a full meal, or take a tour, there's plenty to do.
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Visit the Chico Air Museum
165 Ryan Ave
Chico, CA
Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
Closed
Wednesday:
Closed
Thursday:
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday:
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday:
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday:
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Located in a WWII-era hangar, The Chico Air Museum is the perfect spot for aviation enthusiasts! Get hands-on with a variety of planes and other aircraft, and explore a variety of other artifacts.
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Go Wine Tasting at La Rocca
222 W 2nd St
Chico, CA
Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
Closed
Wednesday:
1:30 – 8:00 PM
Thursday:
1:30 – 8:00 PM
Friday:
1:30 – 8:00 PM
Saturday:
12:00 – 8:00 PM
Sunday:
1:30 – 6:00 PM
La Rocca Vineyards produces wine that is vegan and USDA/CCOF certified organic from vine-to-bottle, no sulfites added, and you can enjoy tastings at their convenient Downtown Chico Tasting Room.
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Create a Bouquet at Fig & Scout Farms
Chico, California, United States
Fig & Scout Farms is a 1/2 acre mother-daughter owned and run flower farm where you can pick your own flowers and create a one-of-a-kind bouquet. Their open on Fridays in the summer, so check their website for current open hours and other special classes.
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Take a Dip in a Swimming Hole
Old Chico Canyon Rd
Chico, CA
Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday:
7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday:
7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday:
7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday:
7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday:
Closed
The City of Chico’s Bidwell Park has the best urban swimming holes in California. Bold statement, but come find out for yourself and steep yourself in more than just cool water.
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Shop the Saturday Farmers Market
Wall St
Chico, CA
Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
Closed
Wednesday:
Closed
Thursday:
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Friday:
Closed
Saturday:
7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday:
Closed
The Chico Saturday Farmers’ Market is the place to see and be seen. When the weather is nice, it can feel like the whole city of Chico is at the market picking up in-season favorites, savoring local coffee, or just enjoying a stroll and running into friends.
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Shop Downtown
Chico, California, United States
With dozens of small businesses calling Downtown Chico home, it’s the perfect place to shop for unique and locally made gifts. There are dozens of gift shops, novelty stores, and emporiums waiting to be discovered as you stroll the streets of Downtown Chico.