Chico

Chico, California, United States

Downtown Chico features hundreds of shops and restaurants to explore, so learn more about the different micro-regions and offerings in the heart of the city.

Chico

Chico, California, United States

Just a few minutes off Highway 99, Downtown Chico features dozens of shops and restaurants to explore.

W 2nd St
Chico, CA

There’s plenty to explore, so learn more about the different micro-regions and offerings in Downtown Chico.

W 2nd St
Chico, CA

Anytime of year, Broadway and Main—and the streets connecting them—make a great starting point for downtown adventure, with coffee, dining, and shopping just a few steps away from wherever you park. On Main Street, the Senator Theatre, built in 1928, is a historic feature, while Broadway features the iconic Morehead Building, a Chico institution since 1902. These streets are where you'll also enjoy popular events, such as Thursday Night Market, Christmas Preview, and Chico Ice Rink in the Plaza. Whenever you visit, it’s impossible to visit Downtown Chico without finding yourself on either Broadway or Main.

400 W 1st St
Chico, CA

With just Salem Street separating Downtown from Chico State, the two are intertwined, with the energy in Downtown Chico following the ebbs and flows of the school schedule. The streets are a little more lively when the students are in town, and more mellow when those seasonal breaks occur. In or out of session, you can visit Chico State at any time, and a stroll through campus is always a good idea.

240 Main St
Chico, CA

Those needing caffeine to start their day should check out Stoble Coffee, Naked Lounge, Tin Roof Bakery and Cafe, or the (mostly) vegan Tender Loving Coffee. For a proper meal, there are dozens of options perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and whatever type of cuisine you could think of. Woodstock’s and Celestino’s are perfect pizza parlors, while Aonami Sustainable Sushi and Grana highlight sustainable or locally grown dishes. Even plant-based diners will be able to feast, with Om on the Range, Gogi’s Cafe, and Momona offering robust vegan- and vegetarian-friendly options. End your time out by satisfying your sweet tooth at Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy, Sweet Chico Confections, La Flor de Michoacán Paleteria y Neveria, or Jon & Bon’s Yogurt Shoppe. And these are just a few of the delicious Downtown Chico restaurants available! Repeat visits will definitely be needed to taste them all.

337 Main St
Chico, CA

Bella’s Sports Pub, Duffy’s Tavern, and DownLo are classic, somewhere-on-the-divey spectrum neighborhood bars, while Argus Bar + Patio is a more elevated cocktail bar. At the swanky dive bar Bill’s Towne Lounge, you can enjoy beers, cocktails, and southern-inspired food, including one of the best fried chicken sandwiches you’ll find anywhere. For mellow daytime tastings, enjoy organic wines at the LaRocca Vineyards Tasting Room. For more energetic nightlife, Crazy Horse Saloon, VIP Ultra Lounge, and The Beach in Chico offer different club experiences. Beyond the bar experience, you’ll find Chico nightlife full of live music and other performances. Lost on Main and El Rey Theater showcase a variety of live music acts throughout the year.

334 Broadway St
Chico, CA

Remember your time in Chico with cool clothes from Upper Park Clothing and locally made gifts from Made in Chico. These Chico-specific shops are known for showcasing the best of the city, so you’ll never forget your adventures here. Another iconic shopping spot is Bird in Hand, a gift shop that’s also home to the one-of-a-kind National Yo-Yo Museum. And this is just a start—there are plenty of other gift shops, novelty stores, and emporiums waiting to be discovered as you stroll the streets of Downtown Chico.

139 W 1st St
Chico, CA

Fans of the stage can catch live theater performances at Chico State’s Laxson Auditorium or the First Street Theater on, you guessed it, 1st Street. If you prefer the cinema, the Pageant Theater is Chico’s go-to art house for documentaries and independent films. Museums also abound Downtown. The Chico History Museum celebrates all things Chico history related, while kids will love the Chico Children’s Museum and the Gateway Science Museum (which is technically just outside the true Downtown Chico boundaries, but is part of Chico State). Right next to the Gateway, the Bidwell Mansion State Park is the iconic former home of the city’s founders—enjoy a tour to learn about the Bidwells and their far-reaching influence in Butte County. You can also enjoy art at several intimate locations. Chico State boasts several galleries open to the public, and places like the Chico Paper Company serve as hybrid gallery and retail spaces. And of course, you’ll often find local artists showcased at various coffee shops throughout the year.

346 Broadway St
Chico, CA

Whatever your interests, there’s something for everyone in Downtown Chico. With hundreds of shops, restaurants, bars, museums, and venues to discover, we couldn’t possibly list them all. For a deeper dive into the area, check out the official Downtown Chico website.