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Chico CA is located in the Northern California, in Butte County. The City of Chico was founded in 1860 by General John Bidwell, and incorporated in 1872. Chico State University sits on land that was donated by Bidwell. And, the beautiful Bidwell Mansion, a three-story Victorian home in the Italian Villa style, is still the city’s most popular tourist attraction.
Historic Downtown Chico covers roughly 15 square blocks adjacent to the college and is centered around Main Street and Broadway. In Downtown Chico, you’ll find a shopper’s paradise with a wide selection of restaurants, boutiques, bookstores, antiques and clothing stores, as well as the National Yo-Yo Museum, which is tucked in the back of a store called Bird in Hand. Chico Downtown dining options include cafes, bakeries, fast-food, bistros and fine-dining restaurants that serve tantalizing choices for every taste and budget. 5th Street Steakhouse has been a local favorite for years. You can’t go wrong with their Mole Crusted Rib Eye. For Sushi lovers, wander over to The Rawbar to experience fusion Asian Cuisine at its finest. Smokin' Mo's serves Southern Style Barbeque favorites like their house specialty -BBQ Pork Ribs. If Pizza sounds appetizing, you’ll enjoy Woodstock’s or Celestino’s in historic Downtown Chico CA.
Chico also has an active art scene supported by generous government grants and the community at large. Chico CA has a wealth of public art scattered throughout the downtown in the form of murals, sculptures and colorful art benches. You can experience Chico’s art first hand by taking a walking tour around town, or attend the month-long Chico California Artoberfest featuring more than 130 exhibits, food, live music and more.
When it comes to festivals, Chico's favorite summertime tradition is the Friday Night Concerts. It’s held weekly in City Plaza from May to September, and it’s free. Chico’s Thursday Night Market is another local favorite. Each week from April through September, Broadway comes alive with farm-fresh produce, delicious food, arts and crafts, and live entertainment! Chico CA has a lot to offer. It is truly an unforgettable and special place to visit, live, work or get an education.
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Along Chico’s scenic downtown streets you’ll find a delicious assortment of fine dining restaurants, cafes and bistros serving a variety of international cuisine. Whether you’re hungry for Sushi, seafood, steaks, Italian, Mexican food, Chinese restaurants, or fast food favorites like burgers and pizza, you’ll find it at one of Chico’s many tasty eateries. And, Chico’s vibrant nightlife features a bevy of bars, brewpubs and nightclubs.
Shopping is another popular pastime in Chico with one-of-a-kind stores and boutiques. Chico’s downtown merchants and shop keepers carry an amazing array of women’s fashion, clothing, shoes, jewelry, home furnishings, books, gifts and more.
If you’re staying a night or two, Chico offers a pleasing assortment of comfortable and stylish hotels, historic Bed & Breakfast Inns, budget motels and luxury resorts. Whatever your lodging needs, our Hotel Directory will help you find the best accommodations in Chico.
For the best entertainment in Chico, check our Calendar of Events. It contains a schedule of local events, music festivals, performing arts, theater, concerts, street fairs, art shows and weekly Farmer's Markets. Chico is also home to several tourist attractions and sightseeing adventures, including State Parks, museums, golf courses, hiking tails and historic sites. Or, for a more laid back outing visit all the great wineries, spas and art galleries located in and around town.
Thinking of moving or relocating to Chico? Our Real Estate section can help with a list of realtors, featured homes, land and property for sale.
What are you waiting for? Start planning your Chico vacation, today.