The flowers are in bloom, the sun is setting later, and people are unpacking the sandals and shorts from storage: Spring is here! Throughout Butte County, you can experience the lush verdant landscape as it comes alive, begging to be explored. By wheel or by foot, now’s the time to pack up the whole family and discover the best of Butte County.
Day 1
Take a Bike Ride
Strap on a helmet and enjoy riding through Chico. With miles of both leisurely and challenging trails throughout Bidwell Park and across the rest of the city, it’s no wonder why. Bring your own bikes or rent them for the family from Campus Bicycles, which offer both half- and full-day rates. Gain a new perspective as you explore the city on two wheels.
Lunch at Ike’s Place
See what all the college kids are raving about when you grab sandwich for lunch from Ike’s Place. This casual eatery serves a menu of creative sandwiches, including vegan options. And with sandwich names like “Chico State,” “Sometimes I’m a Vegetarian,” and the Chico-exclusive “Garden of Eden,” they’re as fun to order as they are tasty to eat! Enjoy Ike’s right in the shop or take it to go for a perfect picnic lunch.
Discover the Scenic Drive on Highway 70
After lunch, hop in the car and enjoy a drive on Highway 70 along the Feather River Scenic Byway-Feather River Canyon and through the Feather River Canyon. Few California highways feature such natural beauty and diversity in terrain, landscape, wildlife and elevation as the Canyon Route. Cascading waterfalls and wildflowers in the spring highlight the canyon’s natural beauty.
Dine at The Union
On the way back from your scenic drive, head into Oroville for dinner at The Union. The restaurant serves up seasonal California-inspired fare in the heart of Downtown Oroville. The whole family will love the expanded outdoor dining area, the perfect place to spend a springtime evening.
Day 2
Breakfast at Jenn’s Café
Looking for a cozy and classic American diner experience? Look no further than Jenn’s Café in Oroville. Gather in a booth and enjoy the generous portions and down-to-earth staff. The daily menu has all the delicious traditional fare — short stack pancakes, hash browns, eggs you way — but make sure to check the board for the current special!
Explore the Wildflowers at Table Mountain
With the wildflowers finally in bloom, spring is the perfect time for the family to explore North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve! Every year, thousands of wildflowers cover the terrain at Table Mountain, as it’s more commonly known, creating a picturesque scene perfect for a day hike. With a mostly flat trail, the hike is accessible to most everyone – just remember to buy a day use pass for every family member 16 and older and to leave no trace during your visit!
Lunch at Shakey’s
Everybody loves pizza, so head over to Shakey’s after your hike for a slice with the whole family. This classic pizza place offers not only pizza, but fried chicken and lunch buffets in a relaxed atmosphere with a kids’ game area. Give the kids some quarters while you enjoy a drink or two.
Explore Bolt’s Antique Tool Museum
Displaying over 12,000 “of the most important tools ever invented and used by mankind,” Bolt’s Antique Tool Museum is one-of-a-kind! (No, seriously — it’s the only known museum of it’s kind in the world!). This unique Oroville favorite is full of pretty much any tool you can think of (and probably more than that) and is a fun stop while you’re in town.
Explore the Kirshner Wildlife Sanctuary
Equal parts wildlife sanctuary, educational park, and research center, the Kirshner Wildlife Sanctuary in Oroville is home to a remarkable assortment of non-releasable wild and exotic animals, many of them endangered species. Whether you’re take a tour on your own or make an appointment to enjoy a guided tour, the Kirshner Wildlife Sanctuary is an educational and fun adventure for the whole family.
Grab Dessert at Unicone
End the day with a scoop or two at Unicone Ice Cream & Treats. The unicorn-themed ice cream parlor serves up hand-scooped ice cream, homemade waffle cones, and other sweet treats. Make your own flavor one their Magic Slap or get fun unicorn merch to remember your trip!