17 Oroville, CA Things to Do for Your Next Trip

Oroville, California offers visitors tons of things to do, from family-friendly hiking and tours, to adults-only entertainment and gambling. Staying at Gold Country Casino & Resort provides the perfect home base for all of your adventures. Enjoy impressive comfort in our award-winning hotel in Oroville, CA, whether you’re an early riser or a night owl.

The on-site amenities include restaurants, a pool, plus the casino and event center, and the nearby area attractions offer entertainment options for everyone in your group. Check out these 14 Oroville, CA things to do to make your northern California vacation the perfect getaway.

Where: Gold Country Casino Resort

Evenings in Oroville, California are filled with things to do at the Gold Country Event Center. This nightlife entertainment venue features a variety of shows and performances to suit anyone’s fancy, and has even hosted legendary performances from Al Green to Chicago. Browse the calendar to find tickets for live comedy, music, MMA fighting, and more. Stop by the casino bars on weekend evenings for free entertainment that includes classic rock, ’90s hits, Latin DJs, and more. 

Be sure to visit Spirits Whiskey Bar & Lounge for DJ Thursdays. Every Thursday at 8 pm, the music is free and the speciality drinks are served.

Where: Gold Country Casino Resort

If the thrill of a big win entices you, add casino gaming to your list of things to do in Oroville, California. Gold Country Casino offers several table games in its new Grinding Rock Pit. Ante up at multiple Blackjack tables offering wins up to 500 times your hand. Poker players love the selection of tables, from head-to-head play against the dealer, to five-card play. Try your luck at choosing the winning color, column, or number at the Gold Country Roulette Wheel.

Where: Gold Country Casino Resort

Playing the slots at Gold Country Casino is among any lucky bettor’s favorite activities. Try your hand at  Progressives in all your favorite themes for a chance at some of the biggest jackpots around. Or, for classic gaming action, this casino offers a selection of Keno and Poker machines. Watch the upcoming events calendar for what’s happening to find slot tournaments and giveaways for gamers. We recommend joining the Players Club to earn points and rewards!

Where: Gold Country Casino Resort

Guests at Gold Country Casino Resort can take advantage of the amenities for even more Oroville, CA things to do. The resort pool has lounge chairs for sunbathers to bask in the California sunshine, plus a spacious pool for unwinding and enjoying time outside. Daily family time is from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., so those looking for adults-only time can enjoy a morning soak starting at 9:00 a.m., or relish an evening dip from 9 until midnight. 

Where: Gold Country Casino Resort

The Gold Country Resort and Casino is home to fabulous dining options to give you something to enjoy morning, noon, and night. Some are even open 24 hours a day for a quick bite after a big casino win. The menu at Safire Steak House is packed with flavorful options, plus decadent drinks to top off the night. For a more lively crowd, head to Game Tyme—Oroville’s only sports bar! You’ll also find a café and coffee shop, plus the gourmet milkshake spot Russsh serving up boozy and kid-friendly fare.

Where: 2552 Oro Quincy Highway, Oroville

Distance from Gold Country Casino Resort: 1.1 miles

Just a mile from the Gold Country Casino & Resort is a historic landmark noting the 1911 discovery site of the last Yahi Indian. Ishi was the last person found alive following a massacre in 1865 and hardships that killed all of his people. The plaque in Oroville is placed at the site where he was discovered; Ishi ultimately was commissioned by anthropologists to reconstruct Yahi culture. 

Where: 323 Ward Boulevard, Oroville

Distance from Gold Country Casino Resort: 1.6 miles

It goes without saying that wine tasting is one of the top things to do in northern California. The closest one to your stay is the Long Creek Winery & Ranch, just under two miles from the resort. There’s an urban winery right downtown in Oroville, plus one nestled in the Sierra Nevadas that provides scenic views while you sip. The Gold Country Casino & Resort is perfectly positioned for a day trip enjoying winery tours. 

Where: Downtown Oroville

Distance from Gold Country Casino Resort: 3.3 miles

This all-ages exploration of public art is one of the most fun Oroville, CA things to do—and it’s absolutely free. Put on a pair of walking shoes and get busy discovering all the city’s murals. There are large-scale paintings paying tribute to the city’s past, gold mining, and culture. The many benches throughout Oroville offer a break for weary feet or let you linger before a favorite work of art for an extra-close look.

Where: Kelly Ridge Road, Oroville

Distance from Gold Country Casino: 3.9 miles

If outdoor activities interest you, Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, just four miles from Gold Country Casino & Resort, affords visitors lots of things to do. Pack a picnic and spend a day at this recreation area. Swim in the manufactured lake, or enjoy a hike on groomed trails. The nearby visitor center complex features interpretive displays and historic information as well as a 47-foot viewing tower with high-powered telescopes that offer stunning panoramic views of the Sierra Nevadas, Lake Oroville, Oroville Dam, and the smallest mountain range in the world, the Sutter Buttes. 

Where: Canyon Drive & Oroville Canyon Road, Oroville

Distance from Gold Country Casino Resort: 3.5 miles

Marveling at this impressively constructed dam should definitely make your to-do list while in Oroville, California. The Oroville Dam is 770 feet high and nearly 7,000 feet across, besting the Hoover Dam’s height by more than 40 feet. Leftover mining tailings and concrete comprise most of this structure’s core. Stop at the picnic area or pop over to the lake this dam created for a day of outdoor relaxation.

Even during cloudy occasions, there's always things to do in Northern California when it rains.

Where: Old Ferry Road, Oroville

Distance from Gold Country Casino Resort: 3.1 miles

Summer visitors to Oroville should add the Feather River Nature Center to the itinerary. Just three miles outside of town, this nature center celebrates more than the outdoors. The Gold Rush history of this area is centered on the Feather River. See the monument where General John Bidwell first struck gold in 1849. The visitor’s center was originally a bath house for gold miners but is now a museum and activity center. The nature center is open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but the Native Plant Park is open daily.

Where: North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, 2488 Cherokee Road, Oroville

Distance from Gold Country Casino Resort: 10 miles

Knowledgeable trekkers who love adventure will find hiking Phantom Falls to be a favorite experience in Oroville, California. Also known as Coal Canyon falls, these waterfalls are only 14.5 miles from your stay at Gold Country Casino. There are four waterfalls hidden amongst the rolling green hills. The trail does not have signs or markers, so you’ll need to use GPS, a trail map, or a compass to navigate your way to the falls. Be aware of where you are at all times, as some land very near the trail is private property where trespassing is prohibited. Count on finding other waterfalls and stunning views as you traverse the four- to five-mile trek.

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Where: 400 Glen Drive, Oroville

Distance from Gold Country Casino Resort: 1.5 miles

Though it might seem silly to include an orange tree as something to see, especially in California, this one is different. The Mother Orange Tree was planted in 1856 and is the oldest living orange tree in the entire state. This tree began its life near the toll bridge at Bidwell’s Bar, but was moved to its current location during the construction of the Oroville Dam in 1964.

Distance from Gold Country Casino Resort: 7.2 miles

Walking across one of the first suspension bridges in California is an iconic thing to do while you’re in Oroville. This 240-foot-long bridge was reloaded to its current spot in the Bidwell Canyon from the Feather River, where it was once an instrumental passageway for one of the earliest gold mining communities. The toll house museum is located on the grounds and is open on Saturdays during the summer. If you’re in Oroville in May, join in the Bidwell Bar Day celebration held on the first Saturday each year.

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Explore the foothills of the Sierra Nevada on these popular hiking trails near Oroville, CA:

Enjoy the scenery from your bike on these bike trails near Oroville CA:

Local Tip: Press the button on the side before you ride through the old train tunnel on the south side of the river – lights will illuminate the tunnel for 10-15 minutes.

Feast your eyes on migratory and local birds at these popular areas for birdwatching in Oroville CA: 

Aside from designated birdwatching areas, many of Oroville’s hiking and biking trails also give visitors the chance to see birds and other local wildlife: just look up!

Where: 1967 Montgomery St.

Distance from Gold Country Casino Resort: 3.6 miles

Brushstrokes is a unique place to visit in Oroville, CA. This studio invites guests to create in the same space as their resident artists, trying their hand at crafts like painting and drawing. Artwork created by local artists can be purchased from the gallery in the form of original pieces, prints, postcards, and more. Brushstrokes offers watercolor and acrylic painting classes in their studio, led by a seasoned artist. You can also work on your own projects in their studio space for just $5!

Where: 1489 Meyers St.

Distance from Gold Country Casino Resort: 3.3 miles

The Oroville State Theatre is a member-supported theater in downtown Oroville. This historic landmark is a cornerstone of downtown Oroville and the local arts scene, hosting live music, plays and musicals, community events, and more. Check out their events schedule and see what’s on during your trip to California! 

Where: 1740 Bird St.

Distance from Gold Country Casino Resort: 3.7 miles

Looking for things to do in Oroville? Make a stop at the Birdcage Theatre. This theater is run entirely by the locals, giving visitors a true taste of Oroville. The Birdcage Theatre is within walking distance of Oroville’s best dining, shopping, and scenic views – make a day out of exploring this area and cap your night with a show!

Every first Friday of the month from 4 to 7 pm, Historic Downtown Oroville hosts a fun street party for visitors, shoppers, and business owners. Many businesses run specials and packages during First Fridays, so be on the lookout. 

For over 70 years (and several name changes) Feather Fiesta Days has been Oroville’s hometown celebration! From the grand parade and famed car show to mini-festivals, craft fairs, and a chili cook-off, Feather Fiesta Days is a can’t-miss event in Oroville. 

Feather Fiesta Days always takes place the day before Mother’s Day, with smaller events throughout the week preceding the main event.

Head down to Nelson Sports Complex’s free Fourth of July event for food, crafts, music, and swimming before the fireworks show! The fireworks spectacular will begin 30 minutes after sundown. Lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, and coolers are welcome – bring what you need to have a great time! 

For a full schedule of events in Oroville, check out the city’s community events page. 

Catch a hotel special to book the best vacation at a great rate. Our friendly staff welcome you to join us for a family-friendly or couples getaway anytime. Whether you’re here for gaming, a concert, or to enjoy all there is to do around Oroville, California, you’ll find Gold Country Casino & Resort is the perfect place to stay.