If you haven’t visited this college town in Northern California, you’re missing out! The town of Chico is unique in California in that the entire town caters to the university. It’s also a bit isolated from cities in Northern California. It is the largest city in Butte County and it’s surrounded by small farm towns. One of the best times to experience the vibrancy of Chico is in the fall. The town is buzzing with students, professors, and locals all gearing up for the busy (and beautiful) fall season.

Chico is a mix of college town, crunchy/hippy town, great family town, country town, and sometimes party town.
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You can have so many different experiences in Chico, depending on what you want to see and do, who you go with and meet, and depending on the time of year you visit.
All the seasons are beautiful in Chico, but we particularly love fall.
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The downtown is very fall-like with once-green trees turning shades of orange and yellow. In fact, Chico is known as the City of Trees.
Bidwell Park is an absolute must-visit while you’re in Chico. This massive park offers hiking and biking trails, swimming areas, and even a dog park.
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Upper Park, in particular, is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Lower Bidwell Park is walkable from downtown Chico, and has a beautiful natural swimming pool. Even if you’re not in the mood for a hike or a swim, spend some time wandering around this stunning park.
Student or not, you can visit the Chico State campus.
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Take a stroll around this beautiful campus and appreciate the architecture. Visitors can also visit several art galleries that are open to the general public.
Explore Chico's cultural side by visiting the Chico Museum, the 1078 Gallery, and the Gateway Science Museum.
Google Images/Chico History Museum
These places often host exhibits, events, and workshops that showcase local talent and history.
Chico has a diverse food scene, with a lot of affordable options. It is a college town after all!
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For fine dining, we love the 5th Street Steakhouse. There are many casual options, like Madison Bear Garden, Woodstock’s Pizza, and Tres Hombres Restaurant & Bar.
If you want to do a lot of walking, Chico is also a great town to explore on foot.
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So find a parking spot for the day and meander around this beautiful college town.

Next time you’re looking for a fun-filled NorCal weekend activity, consider visiting Northern California’s only true college town– Chico! Spend the night so you can really explore the area. Who knows, you might just find a new favorite weekend destination, or create a new fall tradition.

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Chico, CA, USA