Skip to ContentDowntown Chico is centered on the City Plaza and run, for marketing and events, by the Downtown Chico Business Association at 338 Broadway Street. The DCBA publishes an eleven-block Historic Walking Tour that takes about an hour, lists more than 70 places to dine and drink, and says B-Line buses meet at the Transportation Hub at 2nd and Salem.
Checked November 3, 2026
- 11 blocksHistoric Walking Tour, about an hour
- 70+Places to dine and drink, per the DCBA
- 2nd & SalemB-Line Transportation Hub
- Nov 22Christmas Preview, 4 to 8 p.m., 2026
Read this first: the hours, fees, rules and closures on this page were taken from the sources named beside them; we read those sources on November 3, 2026. The Downtown Chico Business Association website pages for the plaza, getting around, venues and dining. This is not legal, medical or safety advice. They change, so check the agency or business named before you rely on them. Anything we could not read is marked Not Confirmed where it appears.
What Is Here
City Plaza
The DCBA says year-round events, festivals, concerts and art shows happen at the City Plaza, which has a performance area, a water feature and a veterans’ memorial. A large Blue Atlas Cedar at its center is used for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Reservations: City of Chico Park Division, (530) 896-7800.
Historic Walking Tour
An eleven-block walk that starts at 5th and Main Streets, takes about an hour and has four optional detours, per the DCBA. Our Downtown Chico place page has the stops.
Theaters and Venues
The DCBA’s venue page lists the El Rey Theater, Laxson Auditorium, Pageant Theatre and The Senator Theater downtown. Event dates are on this weekend and After Dark in Chico.
Children’s Park
Listed by the DCBA with the City Plaza as a downtown park with a kids’ playground.
Getting Around
The DCBA describes smart-meter parking in the core, smart lots a few blocks out, coin meters in quieter areas and free unmetered parking on the outskirts. It calls walking “really the best way to experience Downtown Chico,” says Chico’s flat streets suit biking, and lists taxis 24/7 and pedicabs on weekends and busy holidays. Where to eat is on eat near downtown Chico.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in downtown Chico?
The City Plaza, an eleven-block Historic Walking Tour, theaters including the El Rey and Pageant, and more than 70 places to dine and drink, according to the Downtown Chico Business Association.
How do I get to downtown Chico without a car?
B-Line, Butte County’s regional transit, serves the Transportation Hub at 2nd and Salem, according to the DCBA. It also describes walking and biking as easy.
Sources
- Downtown Chico Business Association: https://www.downtownchico.com/ (read November 3, 2026)
- DCBA, City Plaza and parks: https://www.downtownchico.com/city-plaza-and-parks.htm (read November 3, 2026)
- DCBA, Getting around: https://www.downtownchico.com/getting-around.htm (read November 3, 2026)
- DCBA, Theaters and event venues: https://www.downtownchico.com/theaters-and-event-venues.htm (read November 3, 2026)
- DCBA, Historic walking tour: https://www.downtownchico.com/history-historic-walking-tour.htm (read November 3, 2026)
Keep Planning
Cite this page: It's Chico, “Downtown Chico: A Visitor Profile”, itschico.com/chico/downtown-chico-visitor-profile/ (updated ). By the It's Chico editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.