Butte County, California: the ULTIMATE summer itinerary
Butte County is one of my favorite weekend getaway destinations in California! Located just 3 hours from San Francisco and 1.5 hours from Sacramento, this charming area of Northern California has abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, amazing food, and lots of family friendly adventures. In summer you can also enjoy floating the river, swimming in Big Chico Creek, and kayaking on Paradise Lake. See below for the ultimate summer weekend itinerary for Butte County, California!
Welcome!
We’re Gwyn and Ami. Based in Spokane, Washington, we’re your guides to the Pacific Northwest and beyond!
We’re adventure travel experts, and our blog is all about helping you find the best hikes, weekend getaways, and national park adventures in the United States and abroad. You can find more on Instagram @gwynandami.
Looking for more California adventure itineraries? Click HERE for the BEST places in the state to eat, hike, and explore. We have FREE California weekend adventure guides for the best destinations and national parks in the state.
This post is in collaboration with Explore Butte County, the regional tourism board. All thoughts, opinions, and recommendations are our own!
Butte County California summer bucket list itinerary
What you need to know about visiting Butte County, California
Below we share why you should visit Butte County, California, and offer an overview of the area’s regions. We also share everything you need to know about visiting Butte County in summer, and the best place to stay in Chico, California!
How to get to Butte County, California
Butte County is located at the northern tip of California’s Central Valley region. Chico, which is arguably the hub of the county, is an hour and a half north of the Sacramento Airport (SMF), and a scenic three and a half hours from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Butte County is about an hour and a half south of Lassen National Park, and is a great ‘home base’ for visiting that area.
Why you should visit Butte County, California
I think that Butte County is one of the most underrated and overlooked weekend getaway destinations in California! This charming region is home to Chico, which is known for its cute downtown, vibrant college-town vibes, and having one of the biggest urban parks in the nation! There are also several smaller towns and cities in the region, including Paradise and Oroville. In the section below I describe the different regions of Butte County.
Butte County should be on your radar for amazing outdoor adventures like kayaking and hiking, as well as the region’s fantastic mix of good food and cute downtowns for shopping and exploring. Butte County is perfect for couples looking for a weekend getaway, or families looking for a kid-friendly adventure for summer. It’s an easy day or weekend trip from the Bay Area and Sacramento region.
The different regions of Butte County
Butte County can be roughly thought of as a three major ‘regions’ centered on the county’s largest towns and cities. Below I describe the three major areas of Butte County, all of which are featured in our itinerary.
Chico is probably the best known part of Butte County, and is home to Chico State University. This area is known for its cute downtown, vibrant college-town vibes, and having one of the biggest urban parks in the nation! This is the largest city in Butte County, and you’ll find lots of restaurants, shops, and hotels here.
Paradise is located in the northeast section of the county. This area is higher in elevation, and great for cooler hikes and water-sports in summer. It’s heavily forested and very beautiful, and in downtown you’ll find some cute shops and eateries! It’s worth noting that in 2018 Paradise was hit by the Camp Fire, a massively destructive wildfire that destroyed large sections of the town and took many lives. While the evidence of the fire is still visible and the area is still recovering, it’s well worth visiting. Your support of local businesses is EXTRA appreciated here!
Oroville is the southernmost part of Butte County. Here you’ll find a cute (and relatively quiet) downtown filled with approachable eateries, charming murals, and lots of antique shops. It’s also the gateway to exploring the Oroville Dam Recreation Area, which is great for hiking and water sports!
What you need to know about summer in Butte County, California
Summer is a great time to visit Butte County! Because school isn’t in session in summer you’ll find fewer lines at restaurants, and lower prices for hotels. It’s also the best time of year for visiting the farmers market, and for enjoying the MANY watersports and swimming holes the area has to offer!
However, if you’re thinking of taking a summer trip to Butte County you need to be prepared for the heat. As is typical of the Central Valley, temperatures here regularly climb into the 90s (and sometimes higher!). You’ll need to dress accordingly to protect your skin from the sun. You’ll also want to plan your time outside strategically, and may want to hike early or late in the day to avoid dangerous heat.
What to pack for a summer trip to Butte County
Packing for a summer trip to Butte County means preparing for the heat! See below for some recommendations on what to pack:
- Cute and comfortable loose layers. I’m a huge fan of Toad&Co, which makes great elevated basics that will keep you stylish and cool.
- A swimsuit. Whether you plan to kayak or take a dip in one of the swimming holes, don’t forget your swimsuit!
- Sunscreen. I love Dermatone’s sport sunscreen (SPF 50), which offers robust SPF protection while still feeling lightweight! It also comes in an SPF 30 version.
- A large water reservoir for hiking. This part of California gets hot in summer, so you’ll need to carry lots fo water on hikes! I like the HydraPak HydraSleeve Reservoir, which is relatively lightweight, durable, and easy to fill.
- A water filter. This is essential for hikes to ensure you don’t run out of water! The Katadyn BeFree is our go-to water filter, and is lightweight, packs down small, and filters quickly and easily.
Shop our hiking gear!
Not sure what gear you need to pack for your next epic hike? Check out our full 2025 hiking gear guide, which includes the best hiking gear for summer, winter, and year-round hiking.
Where to stay in Butte County, California
When visiting Butte County I recommend staying at the Hotel Diamond, which is a historic hotel in Downtown Chico, California. This charming historic hotel has elegant decor. It’s centrally located in town within walking distance of most activities. The beds are also super comfortable – we slept so well! There’s an on-site restaurant and free parking in the garage next door.
Ultimate Butte County California summer weekend itinerary
Day 1 in Butte County, California: Chico and Paradise
Breakfast at the Chico Farmers Market OR Cafe Coda
Start your first day in town off with breakfast at the Chico Farmers Market (if you’re visiting on a Saturday!) OR at Cafe Coda. Both are described below.
Chico Farmers Market
If you’re looking to get a taste of Butte County then the Chico Farmers Market is the place to go! The market runs on Saturdays from 7:30 am – 1 pm year round, and is located in the Downtown Chico Municipal Parking Lot on 2nd St. & Wall St. (as of 2025).
This charming market has it all. You’ll find lots of agricultural vendors selling local produce and flowers, including TONS of amazing California berries. You’ll also find coffee vendors, bakeries with bread and pastries, hot food vendors, crafters, and MORE. Everything is handmade or produced. We spent several hours here wandering the market, eating delicious pastries from Camina (a bakery), coffee from Tender Loving Coffee Roaster, and fresh, locally grown strawberries and blackberries. I regret not getting a flower bouquet!
Fun fact: California grows 90% of the strawberries produced in the United States!
Cafe Coda
If you’re looking for a sit down experience, or you’re visiting a different day of the week, I HIGHLY recommend Cafe Coda for breakfast. This delicious eatery has generous portions and a cute outdoor patio. They also give you unlimited warm maple syrup (the real stuff!), and have fantastic bottomless drip coffee. I highly recommend the ricotta french toast and chilaquiles (they prepared ours with soyrizo to make it vegetarian). They also have a vegan menu!
Go for a swim, and hike the Yahi Trail in Bidwell Park
Next, drive 10 minutes out of downtown to visit one of the largest municipal parks in the United States! Bidwell Park is one of my favorite locations to hike in California. Here you’ll find a stunning canyon, the cool and refreshing Big Chico Creek, and stunning oak savannah landscapes.
I highly recommend hiking the Yahi Trail, which is a relatively easy 8 mile out-and-back trek. The great thing about this hike is you can turn around whenever you like. We did about 5 miles of the hike during our recent visit. Along the trail you’ll find a handful of swimming holes. A map of the swimming holes can be accessed here. We visited Salmon Hole, but Bear Hole is also AWESOME. Don’t forget to pack a quick dry towel for your hike!
Travel tip: On really hot days I recommend doing this activity first thing in the morning (I love sunrise hikes!) or later in the day. Alternatively, you can cut the hike short and swim at one of the closest swimming holes to the parking lot.
How to identify poison oak
Have you ever heard the phrase ‘leaves of three, leave it be’? If so, you probably already know a bit about identifying poison oak!
Poison oak is common on West Coast hiking trails and can cause severe skin rashes. It’s important to learn to identify and avoid it: it grows as a shrub or vine with distinctive clusters of three lobed leaves, which can be red or green. Find more information on the OSU Extension website.
On hikes, we bring Tecnu poison oak wipes to clean our skin after a poison oak exposure to reduce the risk of a rash.
Lunch at Momona in downtown Chico
For lunch I recommend going to Momona in downtown Chico. They feature local ingredients in their delicious Japanese ramen and bao. I was also a HUGE fan of their mojito cocktail, which featured coconut water!
Shop and explore downtown Chico, California
After lunch take some time to stroll around downtown Chico. This area is full of cute independent shops, ice cream, and coffee spots. You can also easily walk to the college campus, which is really beautiful. In summer I recommend taking a stroll along the creek in the campus arboretum, or checking out the campus rose garden.
Grab a picnic dinner to go at Nic’s in Paradise
Next, drive about 25 minutes out of Chico to Paradise, California. I recommend grabbing a picnic dinner at Nic’s, which has delicious sandwiches and cheese boards that you can take to go. They also have a large wine selection that you can enjoy on their patio!
Stroll around Clotilde Merlo Park
Next, drive just north of Paradise to Clotilde Merlo Park. This private park is free to visit and features 20 serene acres to explore. There are even fish you can feed in the pond! This area is a great place to beat the heat, relax by the water, and enjoy a picnic or snack.
Tips for Hiking in rattlesnake territory
Rattlesnakes are common in the dryer parts of the west coast, but there’s no need to be afraid of them! Below are a few tips for safely co-existing with rattlesnakes, and staying safe on the trail.
- Stay on trail and avoid thick brush
- Remain vigilant and keep your eyes on the trail
- Wear loose pants and high hiking boots
- Listen for distinctive rattle sounds
Looking for more information about hiking in rattlesnake territory? The Washington Trails Association has some great information on staying safe, and what to do if you or a pet is bitten by one. There’s no need to fear snakes if you remain vigilant and give them space when you see them!
Kayak or hike at Paradise Lake
End your day with a hike or kayaking adventure at Paradise Lake, which is a beautiful area to explore and beat the heat! Kayak rentals are available on weekends, and there are lots of shaded lakeside trails you can explore here. This is a great spot for beginning kayakers and people looking for a flat, cool place to hike. You might see bald eagles and other birds while visiting! As a note, you cannot swim in this lake.
Travel tip: Paradise Recreation and Parks is also offering several kayaking and astronomy events in summer 2025.
Dessert at Savor Ice Cream (if time)
If you have extra time in the evening I recommend stopping in to Savor to enjoy some of their delicious ice cream! We love their coffee and Chico chai flavors, as well as their classic vanilla and chocolate! The ice cream is made in house, and is some of the best I’ve ever had.
Day 2 in Butte County, California: exploring Oroville
Breakfast at Union Coffee Club
Start your second day in Butte County with a drive to downtown Oroville. Here I recommend grabbing coffee and breakfast at Union Coffee Club, which is a relatively new spot in downtown. Their Elderberry Hibiscus Matcha Latte and Black Sesame Latte were huge hits, and their avocado toast was delicious.
Swim, SUP, or paddle at Thermalito Forebay State Recreation Area and Forebay Aquatic Center
Next, head to theThermalito Forebay State Recreation Area in Oroville, California! This is a great spot for swimming, relaxing on the beach, and grilling. You can also rent SUPs, aqua bikes, peddle boats, kayaks, and more at the Forebay Aquatic Center. Enjoy a relaxing morning on the water. You’ll likely hear lots of redwing blackbirds singing in the reeds!
We did an hour long SUP rental and had a blast. It was the perfect amount of time out in the water for us. I also appreciated that they rent high quality NRS SUPs, which are some of the best in class (and what we own personally!).
Travel tip: There is an $8 entrance fee to enter the park, and rental prices for watercraft vary.
Lunch at Mug Shots Coffeehouse
After a morning in the sun head to Mug Shots Coffeehouse for a delicious lunch! This charming spot in downtown Oroville has sandwiches, fresh cookies and desserts, and delicious fruit smoothies and coffee drinks. Their customer service is FANTASTIC, and I appreciate their no-frills menu (simple food prepared well) and competitive prices. We enjoyed eating on their front patio, and the meals can also be taken to go.
If you’re a fan of grilled cheese I highly suggest ordering one here, and adding some fresh avocado! My sandwich was amazing, and the cheese pull was next level! Their quiche and lemon bar were also standouts!
Explore downtown Oroville
I think downtown Oroville is one of the most charming areas of Butte County. After lunch I suggest walking around town and visiting the small shops (including lots of antiques!) and viewing the city’s many murals.
Learn about California’s water at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center
Next, drive out of town to the Lake Oroville Visitor Center, which is a great place to learn about California’s water! On the drive make sure to take in the sight of the MASSIVE Lake Oroville spillway, which is an impressive sight. At the visitor center, which is free, you can learn about the dam, reservoir, and the people that called this land home before settlers arrived. You can also go up a viewing platform to see the lake below.
This is a GREAT activity for families, history buffs, and science nerds (Amiana, an engineer, LOVED this activity! Fun fact: she’s a water engineer!).
Hike Kelly Ridge Point trail OR visit Bald Rock
From the Lake Oroville Visitor Center you can hike to Kelly Ridge Point, which is a 3.4 mile walk through the forest. The hike ends at the lake, with excellent views and an opportunity to take a swim or dip your toes.
Alternatively, if you’re up for more of a scenic drive I recommend driving to Bald Rock, which is a giant granite dome with excellent views of the valley below. This is a great spot for a short stroll or hike, but the drive is about 45 minutes one way from the visitor center. You can see the Sutter Buttes in the distance in the photo above!
Afternoon tour and tasting at Sierra Nevada Brewing
End your afternoon with a tour and tasting at Sierra Nevada Brewing! Did you know this iconic brewery is based in Chico, California? During tours you can see their production facility and learn about the history of the company.
We’ve done tours here twice and I always love seeing the behind the scenes of the brewing process. I also enjoyed the generous tasting at the end of the tour!
Enjoy an Italian dinner at Crush in Chico
End your day with a rich Italian meal at Crush. This is a great date night spot! I highly recommend their wines, as well as their pasta dishes. My mouth is watering just thinking about our meal here! We ordered their pomodoro pasta with basil and garlic, as well as their mushroom ravioli. If you can, book a seat on their lovely patio overlooking downtown Chico.
I hope you found this Butte County, California itinerary helpful! If you plan a trip using our tips let us know. We love hearing about your adventures! Looking for more California adventure itineraries? Click HERE for the BEST places in the state to eat, hike, and explore. We have FREE California weekend adventure guides for the best destinations and national parks in the state.
Welcome to our blog! We’re Gwyn and Ami, the couple behind the Instagram @gwynandami. We’re USA travel experts, and we’ve road tripped all over the west exploring the best destinations, hikes, and national parks. We put together epic travel itineraries to make planning your next adventure easier! You can learn more about us here.
