The Chico center point is around the area of Downtown Chico and the area of Chico Museum.
Chico experiences a Mediterranean climate marked by hot summers and mild winters. If you're planning a summer visit, be prepared for hot, sunny days with highs in the mid-90s. Temperatures cool off in the fall and spring, with average highs in the low 70s and moderate rainfall. Winters in Chico can get chilly, with lows in the upper 30s. The rainy season also falls during the winter, and the area can receive nearly five inches of rain per month in December and January.
The late spring and early summer tends to be the most popular time to visit Chico, but it's also the most expensive. Book your accommodations in advance to find great deals, or consider traveling during a less expensive time of year to save. Hotel prices in Chico tend to drop in the fall and remain low throughout the winter.
Most of Chico's signature events happen from the early spring through the late fall. The city's Thursday Night Market is scheduled every week from April to October, while Friday Night Concerts entertain locals and visitors alike weekly from May through early September.
Slice of Chico kicks off the summer season with a day of family-friendly activities, great deals from local vendors, and plenty of local watermelon for everyone. In late September, Taste of Chico welcomes attendees to sample dishes and delicacies from over 50 local restaurants, try more than 100 types of wine and beer, and listen to the Chico area's best bands.
Get the value you want from your Chico stay when you apply the best group discounts. AAA members get discounts at the Ramada Plaza Chico and the Residence Inn by Marriott Chico. Seniors and AARP members save at the Quality Inn Chico and the Americas Best Value Inn. Government employees and members of the military get low rates at the Rodeway Inn and the Super 8 Chico, California.
You'll get the most value out of your stay when you book a room at one of the best mid-range hotels in Chico.
Stay at the Super 8 Chico, California, and you'll find comfortable rooms with queen or king beds, microwaves, mini fridges, and complimentary wireless internet access. Have a blast at the outdoor pool, freshen up with the hotel's laundry facilities, and wake up to a free continental breakfast each morning.
At the Quality Inn Chico, you'll be near the National Yo-Yo Museum, Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, and much more. All rooms include microwaves and mini fridges so you can keep snacks close at hand, as well as flat-screen TVs with digital programming and free Wi-Fi to help you stay connected. Start your day with the hotel's free breakfast buffet, and go for a swim in the outdoor pool. The Quality Inn also offers a business center and free parking to add even more value to your stay.
Located in the heart of downtown Chico, the Americas Best Value Inn is convenient to the Chico Museum, the city's Amtrak station, and Highway 99. All 39 rooms in this small hotel include essentials like mini fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, and free Wi-Fi. The seasonal outdoor space is the ideal place to stay cool, and the front desk staff offers 24-hour assistance. In the morning, start your day with a free continental breakfast.
The Ramada Plaza Chico is located near Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, and it's convenient to the Chico Museum and downtown Chico. Room options range from standard to suites, and some have pool views or are outfitted for pets. Keep in mind that there's a pet fee of $30 if you plan to travel with your furry friends, though the fee may change based on the length of your stay. With nearly 5,000 square feet of event space, conference spaces, and meeting rooms, the Ramada Plaza Chico makes a great host for weddings, corporate functions, and more.
Discover the beauty of Chico at Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal green spaces in the nation. The park spans over 3,600 acres and offers a variety of recreational options. Go for a swim at Sycamore Pool, or head to Peregrine Point for a round of disc golf. Visitors can also hike, ride horseback, and star gaze in Bidwell Park. Just outside of Chico, Butte Creek Ecological Preserve is ideal for hiking, biking, and even wildlife spotting.
Learn about the history of the city at the Chico Museum, which is located adjacent to the California State University - Chico campus. Nearby, the Chico Air Museum reveals Chico's aviation history and displays aircraft both indoors and outdoors.
Beer fans won't want to miss their chance to visit the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, located in the heart of Chico. Join one of the free tours and sip on a fresh glass of beer afterward, or stop by the brewery for a few brews and some live music.
From natural preserves to historic museums, Chico has plenty to offer. Find the ideal place to stay in Chico, and start planning your trip to this Northern California city.
Below are reviews of the city of Chico, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Bidwell park, antique mall, big hot Crab, Salvation Army, diamond hotel grill, friendly people everywhere, Thursday market. I love it all!
College campus and Bidwell Park!
I spent most of my time on the University campus. I like that the hotel is just a short walk to the school.
Very college town feels! I enjoyed walking around downtown and exploring the stores. Good food in walking distance of the hotel too!
I'm so happy with this Motel 6. It's tucked back in the corner!
I love the city of Chico. Several of my children and grandchildren went to Chico State, beginning in the 1980s. One is still living and teaching there. We enjoy visiting with my sister, niece and family, and granddaughter as often as possible. Chico has sure grown, but is still beautiful.
Took a nice walk downtown and through the college.
I appreciated the unique charm and character of downtown, especially the lack of big chain businesses.
Loved Bidwell Park walk.
Wedding venue--Ironbridge.
The kindness of all the people I encountered was refreshing.
Went for my son's wedding and was happy with all the restaurants and the venue.
Restaurants, float spa, what more could you ask for.
Friendly staff.
Love it
Chico has great restaurants and coffee shops. Lots of cute shops, hiking trails and beautiful tree lined streets
Chico has great restaurants and coffee shops. Lots of cute shops, hiking trails and beautiful tree lined streets.
People seemed friendly.
Chico is a great town with a lot of great shops and amazing food.
Cool city!
Awesome city, been there before!
Awesome city, been there before!
Quiet
Quiet.
Great
Great
Close to the hospital and a wide variety of places to eat. A very friendly town and I love the trees and houses.
Chico has accessibility to pretty much everything you need.
I endured outpatient surgery at Enloe, a very nice hospital with great medical and support staff. OK with no probs.
My grandson is going to college there
Chico is a very charming town. We'll be back.
Park Ave Pub has great burgers and fresh made chips. A must for anyone in town for lunch or dinner.
Nice accessibility. Close to restaurants. Good breakfast
Love the thrift shops!
Vibrant and full of fun stores!
Delicious dinner at Tres Hombres and it was in walking distance!
Chico a great small town. Great food and friendly people.
Chico a great small town. Great food and friendly people.
Nice!
We love Chico…spent lots of summers there as a child, attended junior college at Chico state. Beautiful town with great places to eat, visit and enjoy.
I went to a wedding at the Oaks Country Club and the venue was beautiful. The personnel GREAT.
I love that Chico has a little bit of everything that I enjoy.
We love Chico…spent lots of summers there as a child, attended junior college and Chico state. Beautiful town with great places to eat, visit and enjoy.
The moderate temperature and great restaurants.
The University.
Close to most everything with a good atmosphere.
Fun place to stroll around downtown. The college campus and Bidwell Park are lovely.
You have the Bidwell Mansion, a lot of restaurants, there is so much to see and do. Enjoy your time there in Chico, Ca.
Nice area, cute small town.
Fun to visit. One Mile and park area are wonderful for walks. Downtown has some nice restaurants and bars!
Great musician at Mulberry Station
Very Clean. friendly. lots of resturants
We enjoy Chico. There are good restaurants, fun bars, and cute affordable boutiques downtown .
I love this city, especially downtown area.
Love the quaint little college town !
The stores and definitely the coffee houses.