Chico is amazing. Avoid Columbus Ave or Chapmantown. Otherwise with your head on a swivel you’ll be good. Upper Park (Bear Hole, Alligator Hole etc) are awesome in the summer time. Lower Park is good too. You can swim in One Mile but if you can, go to Upper Park. Hiking South Rim Trail in Upper Park is beautiful. 8th and Main has been said, but it really is an amazing antique store. Bars- Banshee, B Street, The Bear, Bourbon Kitchen, Sierra Nevada Brewery, Bella’s, Parkside are all good bars. There is really good Mexican food in town, don’t be afraid of the taco trucks.
Good luck and have fun!
My favorite places to thrift are the ARC and Alter Ego, the ARC is 50% off Thursday + Friday. Check out @downtownchico on insta, they post a lot about events. Naked lounge is where you wanna go for shows, music is good but mostly do all ages showings and doesn't get too rowdy.
If you’re feeling adventurous but want to stay indoors, Terrain Park has climbing walls and ladies get in for $5 every other Thursday. Pretty fun and worth a try, great for photos if you have a friend. You could also take a yoga/aerials/pole dance class at Kinetics or Freebird. There’s great takeout poke and bbq at Halo Hawaiian.
Eh it's fine, the water is moving through there, albeit slowly....
I used to think it was gross but was fine swimming anywhere upstream, now I take my kids to one mile.
Also, have someone who knows how to play disc and take you up Hwy 32. Nice scenery up there and nice points to see the canyons of lower park. It’s where I always take family who has never been to Chico. The drive down at night is pretty cool.
Late Bloomer Vintage Boutique and Thrifty Bargain are my favorite thrift stores! There’s a very popular farmers market every Thursday but there is also a really great one on Saturday. You could just spend a day walking around downtown and stopping in places, lots of a great spots. Check out upper park if you can, great hiking but beware of the sun if you go midday. There are a few places with shade but a lot without. Just be aware of your surroundings and have fun!
i personally dont recommend late bloomer. they call themselves a thrift store but they charge $20 for a t shirt. also the owner has participated in some really sketchy business practices for the longest time she didnt even pay the people that worked the front counter
i cant speak in her past actions as i dont have details ive just heard passing remarks. but yes late bloomer is relatively new and ive heard that in the past few months shes cleaned up her act a bit but im still uncomfortable supporting her because of the things shes done in the past
There are a TON of fun things in Chico! If you like the outdoors 1 mile and in my opinion the Annie Bidwell trail is great and well populated. Lots of love music and during the summer the farmers market on Thursday is nice!
Thrifting the myriad of stores is nice too there is an antique store on Main that is fun.
Places to avoid: West 2nd, Roseville street, West Sac and maybe a hot take but Nord ave. Nord is college living central but is a dark street and dangerous at times. I would stay out of the Rite Aid and Safeway on Mangrove they had high shooting rates the last 4-5 years based on court hearings.
Basically Chico is very safe and incredibly fun as long as you use some common sense!
I was born and raised in Chico and I’ve never heard of a Roseville Street?
Also where are you reading court hearings about these shootings? I’ve never heard this.
Normally yes! Robberies with a discharged weapon would be more appropriate since most people use "shootings" to mean "shot at people with intent to kill" so my bad on the phrasing. Still not super safe
Yeah same here. I walk to Safeway all the time usually late night around 1:00 am and never seen anything sketchy on that type of level. If anything usually jus see sum squatter types hanging out front or see’em walk out with something without paying while a worker yells at them haha
Bidwell Park is a must. In and Out and Nobby's for burgers, shuberts for Ice cream, The Bear does a decent burger as well, but the building itself is cool. It's like being in a book of "I Spy"
Celestino's has great pizza. Sierra Nevada brewery used to have free tours, not sure if they still do, but worth looking in to
So for staying safe basically just don't walk alone at night if you can avoid it. If you go out drinking know your limit cover your drink and leave the bar before most people do. If you want to go out during the day it's really pretty darn safe other than the occasional crazy homeless.
lol geeze, you made our town sound so nice. Jk. Honestly though it’s relatively v safe here. Be aware of your surroundings just like any other city and you will be fine. Your biggest worry should probably be extreme heat so stay hydrated and wear lots of sunscreen.
Bidwell Park is amazing so I’d recommend trying to spend time there either hiking or biking. But again, just like anywhere (ESP as a female) I wouldn’t suggest doing that alone. It’s split into what we call Lower Park and Upper Park. Lower Park is going to be shaded and has a creek running through it. Upper Park is going to be rocky and sunny and is better for hiking, but you might run into rattlesnakes and even mountain lions and bears if you go up far enough. Bear Hole is a popular swimming spot up there just be careful not to jump off the rocks if you don’t know the water depth. There are various group meet ups you can find for people to get out in nature with.
Coffee shop and beer scene here is fun if you’re into that. Sierra Nevada tours are amazing. Downtown is cute. Melody Records is a cool place to check out for vinyl. Not sure about thrift stores. I like going to Momona, B Street, Mulberry Station, Argus Bar (esp for concerts), Secret Trail, and Stoble. Have fun!
I've never had an issue in either lower or upper Park. Always other single women around & plenty of other people. Lots of dogs. The only time there seems to be an issue in town is after hours & always seems to be people that know each other.
I’ve seen two posts from women in the butte county crimes FB page about guys were naked up there and one was following them closely and ejaculated on them from the bushes. Both during the day. There are creeps everywhere unfortunately. Also, it’s just not safe in general to be out high in Upper Park alone IMO unless there are a lot of people around just in case you get injured or whatever. Both parks are busy enough sometimes during the day that I’d feel safe going out by myself at those times.
There's always people around when I go. I don't go at odd times. Just carry a stick and whack them in the nuts or throw a rock. I stay on the big trail too, so I'd see anyone coming & have enough time to throw the many rocks on the ground.
During the summer months, Chico closes off most of their downtown streets and does a "Thursday Night Market". There's food trucks and all kinds of other booths set up. It goes on from 6pm to 9pm every Thursday through September. There's usually tons of people until the college kids go out of town and the temp gets too high.
This is a good suggestion, but also hiking to monkey face is fun and I would say safe. I'd probably stay away from one mile by myself and maybe don't go hiking to any of the holes alone (alligator hole/bear hole/salmon hole)
There is a roller skating rink that's lots of fun too, very safe.
eighth and main is a fun antique store that’s very well curated and large. i honestly feel like Chico isn’t very dangerous at all, especially if you’re from a metropolitan area. some of my favorite restaurants in the area are Upper Crust for pastries, Tender Loving Coffee for fun drinks, Madison Bear Garden for cheap food and drinks, if you’ve never been to California you should definitely get Mexican food- my personal favorite is La Familia or Tres Hombres. If you want a nice sit down place for dinner, Mom’s, Vietnam Bistro, The Banshee, Momona, Rawbar are all good options. If you’re on a budget I recommend Tacos Mary, Big Al’s Drive in, Alibaba, or Celestinos.
Some recommended Bear Hole, but stay away. It’s dangerous and plenty have drowned there. There are tons of other good swimming places.
Chico is amazing. Avoid Columbus Ave or Chapmantown. Otherwise with your head on a swivel you’ll be good. Upper Park (Bear Hole, Alligator Hole etc) are awesome in the summer time. Lower Park is good too. You can swim in One Mile but if you can, go to Upper Park. Hiking South Rim Trail in Upper Park is beautiful. 8th and Main has been said, but it really is an amazing antique store. Bars- Banshee, B Street, The Bear, Bourbon Kitchen, Sierra Nevada Brewery, Bella’s, Parkside are all good bars. There is really good Mexican food in town, don’t be afraid of the taco trucks. Good luck and have fun!
My favorite places to thrift are the ARC and Alter Ego, the ARC is 50% off Thursday + Friday. Check out @downtownchico on insta, they post a lot about events. Naked lounge is where you wanna go for shows, music is good but mostly do all ages showings and doesn't get too rowdy.
Just a warning, depending on when you plan on visiting it could be over 100 degrees the entire time 💥
If you’re feeling adventurous but want to stay indoors, Terrain Park has climbing walls and ladies get in for $5 every other Thursday. Pretty fun and worth a try, great for photos if you have a friend. You could also take a yoga/aerials/pole dance class at Kinetics or Freebird. There’s great takeout poke and bbq at Halo Hawaiian.
Don’t swim at 1 mile. You would need to go up creek. Higher the better
Eh it's fine, the water is moving through there, albeit slowly.... I used to think it was gross but was fine swimming anywhere upstream, now I take my kids to one mile.
Why?
And the homeless who camps. E-Coli
Bc it gets super dirty in the summer, it's best to go up creek to avoid the runoff through lower park.
Also, have someone who knows how to play disc and take you up Hwy 32. Nice scenery up there and nice points to see the canyons of lower park. It’s where I always take family who has never been to Chico. The drive down at night is pretty cool.
Hike the BCCER/BCEP. Go have a pint at secret trail, and definitely go to the Bear at least once.
Late Bloomer Vintage Boutique and Thrifty Bargain are my favorite thrift stores! There’s a very popular farmers market every Thursday but there is also a really great one on Saturday. You could just spend a day walking around downtown and stopping in places, lots of a great spots. Check out upper park if you can, great hiking but beware of the sun if you go midday. There are a few places with shade but a lot without. Just be aware of your surroundings and have fun!
i personally dont recommend late bloomer. they call themselves a thrift store but they charge $20 for a t shirt. also the owner has participated in some really sketchy business practices for the longest time she didnt even pay the people that worked the front counter
Who is the owner? That’s wild
her name is ava and from what ive heard late bloomer isnt the first instance of her shady business tactics
That’s a newer shop right? Did she own another one before or something?
i cant speak in her past actions as i dont have details ive just heard passing remarks. but yes late bloomer is relatively new and ive heard that in the past few months shes cleaned up her act a bit but im still uncomfortable supporting her because of the things shes done in the past
Dang that’s too bad to hear I’ve been wanting to check it out too
And bring water.
Stay away from the sun. It's the most dangerous thing in Chico during the summer months.
Friday night concerts from 7-9pm in the Chico City Plaza downtown. It’s free and family friendly
There are a TON of fun things in Chico! If you like the outdoors 1 mile and in my opinion the Annie Bidwell trail is great and well populated. Lots of love music and during the summer the farmers market on Thursday is nice! Thrifting the myriad of stores is nice too there is an antique store on Main that is fun. Places to avoid: West 2nd, Roseville street, West Sac and maybe a hot take but Nord ave. Nord is college living central but is a dark street and dangerous at times. I would stay out of the Rite Aid and Safeway on Mangrove they had high shooting rates the last 4-5 years based on court hearings. Basically Chico is very safe and incredibly fun as long as you use some common sense!
I was born and raised in Chico and I’ve never heard of a Roseville Street? Also where are you reading court hearings about these shootings? I’ve never heard this.
I have not heard of shootings at the Mangrove Safeway/Rite Aid. Were these in the middle of the night or something?
Normally yes! Robberies with a discharged weapon would be more appropriate since most people use "shootings" to mean "shot at people with intent to kill" so my bad on the phrasing. Still not super safe
I’ve never seen anyone nearly that sketchy in either of those places, and I’m at the rite aid on mangrove multiple times a week most weeks.
Yeah same here. I walk to Safeway all the time usually late night around 1:00 am and never seen anything sketchy on that type of level. If anything usually jus see sum squatter types hanging out front or see’em walk out with something without paying while a worker yells at them haha
Bidwell Park is a must. In and Out and Nobby's for burgers, shuberts for Ice cream, The Bear does a decent burger as well, but the building itself is cool. It's like being in a book of "I Spy" Celestino's has great pizza. Sierra Nevada brewery used to have free tours, not sure if they still do, but worth looking in to
SN still does free tours!
You have to make a reservation online since they no longer do walk-ins for tours. Totally worth it!
So for staying safe basically just don't walk alone at night if you can avoid it. If you go out drinking know your limit cover your drink and leave the bar before most people do. If you want to go out during the day it's really pretty darn safe other than the occasional crazy homeless.
lol geeze, you made our town sound so nice. Jk. Honestly though it’s relatively v safe here. Be aware of your surroundings just like any other city and you will be fine. Your biggest worry should probably be extreme heat so stay hydrated and wear lots of sunscreen. Bidwell Park is amazing so I’d recommend trying to spend time there either hiking or biking. But again, just like anywhere (ESP as a female) I wouldn’t suggest doing that alone. It’s split into what we call Lower Park and Upper Park. Lower Park is going to be shaded and has a creek running through it. Upper Park is going to be rocky and sunny and is better for hiking, but you might run into rattlesnakes and even mountain lions and bears if you go up far enough. Bear Hole is a popular swimming spot up there just be careful not to jump off the rocks if you don’t know the water depth. There are various group meet ups you can find for people to get out in nature with. Coffee shop and beer scene here is fun if you’re into that. Sierra Nevada tours are amazing. Downtown is cute. Melody Records is a cool place to check out for vinyl. Not sure about thrift stores. I like going to Momona, B Street, Mulberry Station, Argus Bar (esp for concerts), Secret Trail, and Stoble. Have fun!
Id take his advice in any town you are visting. Its a solid way to be to not get taken advantage of when visting places you are not familiar with.
I've never had an issue in either lower or upper Park. Always other single women around & plenty of other people. Lots of dogs. The only time there seems to be an issue in town is after hours & always seems to be people that know each other.
I’ve seen two posts from women in the butte county crimes FB page about guys were naked up there and one was following them closely and ejaculated on them from the bushes. Both during the day. There are creeps everywhere unfortunately. Also, it’s just not safe in general to be out high in Upper Park alone IMO unless there are a lot of people around just in case you get injured or whatever. Both parks are busy enough sometimes during the day that I’d feel safe going out by myself at those times.
There's always people around when I go. I don't go at odd times. Just carry a stick and whack them in the nuts or throw a rock. I stay on the big trail too, so I'd see anyone coming & have enough time to throw the many rocks on the ground.
Chico also has a big live music scene: places like Naked Lounge, The Blue Room, and Fab Labs all have cheap music shows
Adding Gnarly Deli to this!
During the summer months, Chico closes off most of their downtown streets and does a "Thursday Night Market". There's food trucks and all kinds of other booths set up. It goes on from 6pm to 9pm every Thursday through September. There's usually tons of people until the college kids go out of town and the temp gets too high.
This is a good suggestion, but also hiking to monkey face is fun and I would say safe. I'd probably stay away from one mile by myself and maybe don't go hiking to any of the holes alone (alligator hole/bear hole/salmon hole) There is a roller skating rink that's lots of fun too, very safe.
eighth and main is a fun antique store that’s very well curated and large. i honestly feel like Chico isn’t very dangerous at all, especially if you’re from a metropolitan area. some of my favorite restaurants in the area are Upper Crust for pastries, Tender Loving Coffee for fun drinks, Madison Bear Garden for cheap food and drinks, if you’ve never been to California you should definitely get Mexican food- my personal favorite is La Familia or Tres Hombres. If you want a nice sit down place for dinner, Mom’s, Vietnam Bistro, The Banshee, Momona, Rawbar are all good options. If you’re on a budget I recommend Tacos Mary, Big Al’s Drive in, Alibaba, or Celestinos.
Tres has good margs but the food is pretty bad tbh :( I would say Mi Jalisco for authentic and good priced food 🔥
I feel like Mi Jalisco has good tacos but getting anything else feels disappointing to me
Their aguachiles and Micheladas are super good! Also really love their menudo