Butte County

In 1905, 2,500 acres were donated to the city of Chico; now it’s one of the largest city parks in the country, a lush jewel stitched through with bike terrain, hiking trail and tree-shaded swimming holes. 

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This man-made lake has 167 miles of shoreline, explored by sailboat or on horseback, via afternoon dip or fishing for bass, trout and more (California sport fishing license required).  

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Wildflower-seekers will delight in canyon and countryside awash in springtime blooms; ancient lava flow created a haven for shows of lupine, poppy and meadowfoam in an ecological preserve known for super bloom seasons. 

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While swimming isn’t allowed here—it’s a working reservoir—visitors are surrounded by towering evergreens and sweeping woodlands, hundreds of acres that invite jaunts down out-and-back trails and an eden of kayaking and fishing. 

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A high-altitude playground in the Sierra Nevadas, those trekking through pristine forest, creek and meadowlands can choose Butte County High Point (via North Trailhead, 8 miles) or bike the rugged high country on the Scout Road loop.  

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In Plumas National Forest, summit a granite dome for grand views of the Northern Sierra Nevada. 

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The largest river in the state is an essential habitat for California species—like otters, beavers and Chinook salmon. Head to Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park and The Washout for some of the best riv­er recre­ation in the state, form a dip in the water to casting a line right on the river’s edge.

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A whopping 9,200-acre swath is home to nature trails and refuge to over 300 species of migratory birds (it’s a stopover for birds on the Pacific Flyway) and mammals (like mule deer and red fox). 

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Butte County has a diverse lineup of signature events and festivals celebrating the county's rich culture. These lively occasions offer visitors the chance to experience the best of local traditions, entertainment and community spirit throughout the year. Learn more.

Museums and galleries across the county open their doors with special exhibits, hands-on demos and free admission all weekend.

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A four‑day birding fest celebrating the geese migration through the Sacramento Valley, with field trips, raptor shows, sunset tours and art exhibits.

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Bike routes ranging from 12 to 125 miles through super bloom country, capped by a free pre‑ride festival with food trucks, local vendors, live music and kids’ rodeo.

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A Paradise hometown fair celebrating the town’s legacy as a gold rush hub—historical re‑enactments, music, local wares and community energy.

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Gridley's Red Suspenders Day brings the community together for a day of festivities that honor local first responders with a popular parade, classic car show, police motorcycle competition, and firemen games.

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A five‑day county fair with livestock shows, rides, carnival food, nightly concerts and regional midway thrills.

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Classic end-of-summer celebration with 4‑H contests, local food vendors, rides, live entertainment and family fun.

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Tours at Feather River Fish Hatchery, salmon dinners, a color run, car show, kids’ zone and live music by the levee.

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The open-air ice rink opens in winter months downtown—skates provided, music playing and festive drinks nearby.

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Elevated California cuisine in a restored historic space. unionfork.com

Modern comfort food on a lively brick patio in Oroville’s downtown core.

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Cantonese-American landmark in Oroville serving since 1912. tongfonglow.com

Quirky Chico burger joint packed with vintage décor and college-town energy. madisonbeargarden.com

Steakhouse inside Hotel Diamond offering polished plates and craft cocktails. thegrillchico.com

Family-run Gridley favorite known for tamales, chile verde, and community roots. casalupe.com

Seasonal Italian fare and wood-fired pizza served in a rustic-chic Chico space. granachico.com

Downtown Chico hotspot for housemade pasta, stylish cocktails, and people-watching. crushmenu.com

Garden patio bistro pairing California wines with small plates under the lights. winetimechico.com

Classic, white-tablecloth steakhouse with a reputation for Prime cuts and martinis. 5thstreetsteakhouse.com

Small-batch, all gluten-free scoops with rotating seasonal flavors. savoricecream.com

Handmade chocolates and beer brittle from a Paradise staple since 1969. joylynscandies.com

Over-the-top sundaes and milkshakes in a unicorn-themed Oroville shop.

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Time-honored Chico creamery churning since 1938. shuberts.com

Paletas and helados made in-house. Multiple locations.

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Downtown candy emporium with retro sweets and local gelato. sweetchico.com

Boutique ice‑cream shop offering inventive small‑batch flavors in an inviting space.

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Airy Oroville café inside a landmark building with a community vibe. unioncoffeeclub.com

Coffee, food, and coworking under one chic roof in downtown Chico. stoblecoffee.com

Plant-based café and roastery with activist roots and vegan pizza. tenderlovingcoffee.com

Campus favorite with seasonal lattes and a cult following. lovebirdcoffee.net

Gallery café pouring small-batch brews alongside rotating art shows. equilateralcoffee.com

Post-fire Paradise hangout with local food and good coffee.

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Boho Chico staple with couches, strong coffee, and open mics. nakedloungechico.com

Scratch-made masala chai served in a cozy, spice-scented space. chicochai.com

Modern Chico roaster with communal tables and rotating taps. daycampcoffee.com

Craft cocktails and herbal mocktails in a dim North Chico speakeasy. strongwaterchico.com

Themed drinks, DJ sets, and a buzzing back patio. argusvenue.com

Rice-based whiskey and vodka made in Chico’s Still House. goldenbeaverdistillery.com

Paradise-made spirits honoring fire recovery. burntbarndistilling.com

Pour-your-own taproom with pizza and live music. thecommonschico.com

Cozy British-style pub with bangers, mash, and local ales. thealliespub.com

Rotating beers, tri-tip sandwiches, and a laid-back vibe. lostdutchmantaproom.com

Long-running Chico dive with a jukebox and neighborhood charm.

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1863-built Gold Rush-era complex with ornate altars and koi ponds. orovilleca.gov

Exhibits, ranger tips, and views from a 47-foot tower. water.ca.gov

Regional history in a former Carnegie Library. Maidu to present-day. chicohistorymuseum.org

Small-town Americana housed in a restored 1909 home. gridleymuseum.com

Paradise’s tribute to its mining roots and recovery. goldnuggetmuseum.org

Rotating works from regional artists inside an Art Deco hall. monca.org

Largest yo-yo display in the world, plus Big-Yo. nationalyoyo.org

Victorian farmhouse and heritage site celebrating North State agriculture. patrickranchmuseum.org

It’s whimsy galore at this downtown Chico spot—kites, wind chimes, toys, puzzles and the world’s largest collection of yo-yos and yo-yo memorabilia. birdinhand.com

Since 1982, this consignment shop in an old saddle and harness store showcases nearly 400 local vendors and artists with pottery, woodworking and metalwork, baskets and plants. madeinchico.shop

Taking inspiration from Chico’s “City of Trees” moniker, Upper Park serves up hats and tees for the outdoor lover. Check out the vintage vibe of their “California oranges” designs. upperpark.co

Clothing and accessories paying homage to Northern California’s swimming holes, rivers and natural landmarks. The retail shop carries local jams, candles and jewelry too. bidwellclothingcompany.com

Nonprofit with five retail locations employing developmentally disabled adults and raising money for programs supporting Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down's Syndrome and other cognitive disabilities. littleredhen.org

Hand-picked mix of handmade soaps, jewelry, crafts, packaged foods and vintage finds from various local sellers. giftstoreoroville.com

Find a curat­ed col­lec­tion of spe­cial­ty cof­fee from Coy­ote Ridge Cof­fee, unique gifts, gourmet foods, and thought­ful­ly cho­sen local items. coyoteridgecoffee.com

All things nesting from home fragrance, furniture and decor to locally packaged goods such as Paradise Pepper Sauce for basting meats or adding to stir frys. easternsequoia.com

Oroville’s one-stop shop for gifts for everyone in the family—craft kits, garden tools, fish-shaped flasks, campfire cooking pots and camp dinnerware.

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Artist’s shop showcases her work, which draws inspiration from the wildlife and landscapes of rural California, on aprons, flour sack towels, mugs and more. marylakethompson.com

Eclectic and deeply local, this volunteer-run shop stocks antique dishware, retro signs and small-town oddities in a cozy, welcoming space.

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A no-frills trove of sewing tins, glassware and collectibles. Locals bring flashlights and leave with treasures.

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Three floors of antiques inside a historic brick building downtown. Records, quilts, oak furniture, folk art. eighthandmain.com

Well-curated resale shop born in Paradise and rebuilt in Chico. Cast-iron cookware, framed Elvis, rotary phones.

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Volunteer-run and community-rooted, this secondhand shop is equal parts warmhearted and well-stocked.

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Racks of ‘70s bell-bottoms, Western wear and disco-era flair. Watch for the chalkboard sign out front.

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Heritage apparel and rugged classics—flannels, raw denim, wool coats—in a thoughtfully designed downtown space.

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Vintage home goods, reclaimed furniture and community pop-ups. A storefront with purpose behind the style.

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Refined, brick-wrapped charm in downtown Chico. Original details meet modern touches in this boutique standout. hoteldiamondchico.com

Modern design and quiet surroundings just outside the city core. Think polished finishes, crisp sheets and friendly service. oxfordcollection.com

A historic 1906 Craftsman B&B with cozy porches, clawfoot tubs and homemade breakfasts blocks from Bidwell Mansion.

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Once a beloved preschool, now a boutique hotel run by the same local family. hoteljameschico.com

Reliable and polished. Business travelers favor it for its location near the university and easy access to Hwy 99. marriott.com

Modern, bright and close to Lake Oroville. A dependable launchpad for early-morning hikes or long road days. hilton.com

Newer build with clean rooms and a heated pool. Close to downtown Oroville and the Feather River. ihg.com

Rebuilt and reopened after the Camp Fire, this locally run stay offers clean rooms, quiet nights and a sense of steady comfort on the Ridge. bestwestern.com

Billiards, local bands and no-frills late nights. Chico’s most lived-in music venue.

A working barn turned event space. Hosts bluegrass nights, community concerts and small-town weddings.

Chico State’s stately 1,200-seat hall. A home for chamber music, visiting authors and national dance tours.

DJs, touring acts and local showcases all find space on this downtown stage.

Part taproom, part concert hall. Americana, indie and blues acts mix with brewery tours and Pale Ale pours.

An Art Deco anchor with a marquee made for road bands and throwback screenings.

Historic Oroville stage with restored Wurlitzer Pipe Organ that mixes community plays, gospel nights and seasonal cinema under its ornate ceiling.