11 Finest Issues to do in Redding, California

Okay, I’ll admit it—Redding wasn’t all the time on the high of my California bucket record. However after lately diving into some firsthand analysis (sure, which means consuming, climbing, and exploring my means by city!) I can confidently say this Northern California metropolis deserves far more love.

Surrounded by severely gorgeous nature and filled with enjoyable, quirky, and completely memorable experiences, Redding makes an ideal weekend getaway or a highway journey cease alongside I-5. So if you happen to’re heading north or simply searching for a brand new journey, listed below are my picks for the very best issues to do in Redding.

➞ Need assistance planning your Redding getaway? See my Weekend 2-Day Itinerary for Redding

Discover the Shasta Caverns

Should you’re up for a bit of journey (and don’t thoughts just a few stairs), then head to Lake Shasta Caverns. I lately made the journey and getting there’s half the enjoyable—you begin with a peaceable 10-minute boat trip throughout Lake Shasta, then hop on a bus that winds you up the mountain to the doorway of the cave.

The 2-hour guided tour takes you deep into historic limestone caves, the place stalactites and stalagmites encompass you (a few of them develop only one inch each 100 years—loopy, proper?). Truthful warning: there are 612 stairs in complete, so put on comfortable sneakers. However the regular 58-degree temperature contained in the caverns makes the climb bearable.

Shasta Dam 

Should you’re into epic views and funky historical past (or identical to free actions), Shasta Dam is a should. It’s one of many largest concrete dams on the earth and towers 602 toes over the Sacramento River. The free guided tour takes you contained in the dam and explains the way it helped form fashionable California. Bonus: ask your information the place to face for the proper echo—it’s a enjoyable little secret.

Wish to stage up the expertise? E-book a helicopter tour with AirShasta Rotor & Wing for an unforgettable fowl’s-eye view over the dam, Mt. Shasta, Lake Shasta, and even Burney Falls.

Go to Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a kind of locations that absolutely shocked me—in the easiest way. It stretches throughout 300 acres alongside the Sacramento River and is filled with enjoyable issues to discover: assume botanical gardens, a brilliant participating museum, a butterfly home, and a wildlife middle with some severely lovely residents. It’s good whether or not you’re touring solo, with buddies, or simply wish to really feel like a child once more for the day.

Certainly one of my favourite moments? Doing one among their animal encounters (they’re an additional payment, however so price it!). I received to fulfill Timber, their candy 8-year-old beaver, and actually, I couldn’t cease smiling the complete time.

Earlier than you allow, don’t overlook to walk throughout the enduring Sundial Bridge. It’s not only a stunning architectural piece—it truly works as a large sundial.

Shasta State Historic Park (Outdated Shasta)

Simply 5 miles west of Redding, you’ll discover Outdated Shasta—a bit of slice of Gold Rush historical past that’s completely price pulling over for. You’ll discover it on the best way to Whiskeytown (it’s actually proper off Freeway 299).

Again within the mid-1800s, this place was the hotspot in Northern California—a bustling city stuffed with miners, retailers, and mule trains. At the moment, it’s a state historic park with crumbling brick storefronts, a restored courthouse and jail, and all types of information plaques that carry the previous to life. You’ll see all the things from the ruins of an previous blacksmith store to the shell of a once-bustling brewery.

What’s fascinating is that after two main fires, the city was rebuilt in brick, hoping to outsmart the flames. However ultimately, it wasn’t fireplace that introduced the city down.

Examine Out Downtown Redding

 Downtown Redding has received this laid-back, artsy vibe that makes it tremendous enjoyable to discover. There are colourful murals round virtually each nook (particularly alongside Market Avenue), and even {the electrical} containers are little artistic endeavors—painted by 20 native artists as a part of a cool group undertaking.

Should you’re within the temper to buy, you’re in luck. I popped into Carousel and located the cutest necklace, and One Coronary heart International Boutique is a gem for handmade, fair-trade goodies. Different nice stops? Collect and The Fairly Thistle Boutique for distinctive, domestically curated finds.

Day Journey to Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park

Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park is barely about an hour’s drive from downtown Redding, and seems like a mini Yellowstone—however with out the huge crowds.

The park is filled with geothermal wonders like effervescent mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and even boiling lakes. Probably the most iconic hikes is Bumpass Hell—a 3-mile roundtrip path that leads you to the biggest hydrothermal space within the park (assume boardwalks, steam vents, and that unforgettable rotten egg odor). Should you’re up for a problem, Lassen Peak Path takes you 5 miles roundtrip to the summit of one of many largest plug dome volcanoes on the earth—with panoramic views which might be so definitely worth the climb. And if you happen to’re searching for one thing a bit of extra chill, Manzanita Lake is ideal for a simple loop with gorgeous mountain reflections.

Chase Waterfalls 

Redding makes the proper residence base for a bit of waterfall-hopping journey. Listed here are three that absolutely deserve a spot in your bucket record:

Burney Falls – About 1 hour from downtown Redding
This one’s the showstopper. At 129 toes tall, Burney Falls is usually known as the “eighth surprise of the world”. Fed by underground springs, it flows year-round and has this magical, misty curtain. It’s situated in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, and there’s a brilliant scenic loop path if you wish to stretch your legs and see the falls from completely different angles.

McCloud Falls – Roughly 1.5 hours from Redding
Why accept one waterfall when you may have three? McCloud Falls affords a trio of cascades—Higher, Center, and Decrease—all linked by an easy-to-moderate 4-mile roundtrip path. The Center Falls are the largest and most dramatic (and completely Instagram-worthy), whereas the Decrease Falls are an area favourite for swimming in the summertime. Pack a picnic, as a result of this spot is ideal for a full-day outing.

Crystal Creek Falls – Simply half-hour from downtown
Should you’re searching for a waterfall with most wow and minimal effort, Crystal Creek Falls is the one. It’s a simple 0.7-mile paved path with benches, picnic areas, and loads of locations to pause and benefit from the surroundings. The 2-tiered waterfall on the finish is peaceable, picturesque, and ideal for a low-key nature break. You possibly can view it proper from the trail or take a fast path all the way down to the bottom if you wish to get a bit of nearer.

Whiskeytown Nationwide Recreation Space

Simply 8 miles west of Redding, Whiskeytown Nationwide Recreation Space is the place you go to embrace that laid-back, lake-life vibe—minus the crowds and chaos of another California spots. It’s a part of the Nationwide Park Service (which helps maintain it fantastically maintained), and covers a whopping 39,000 acres of out of doors goodness.

The star of the present? Whiskeytown Lake. With 36 miles of shoreline, it’s good for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, or simply parking your self on a seashore towel and soaking within the views. 

And if you happen to’d somewhat keep dry, there are climbing trails, scenic drives, and even waterfalls to discover close by. 

Hit Balls at Aqua Golf

Should you’re searching for some low-cost and quirky enjoyable head to Aqua Golf, a real Redding icon that’s been family-owned for almost 30 years. It’s a driving vary—on the Sacramento River. Yep, you’ll be whacking golf balls straight into the water (don’t fear, they float), aiming at floating targets… or possibly a duck or two if you happen to’re feeling a bit of rebellious. Simply kidding!

They hire golf equipment, promote drinks for all ages, and maintain it tremendous informal. 

Stroll Via the Redding Sculpture Backyard

If you end up close to Redding Metropolis Corridor, take a couple of minutes to wander by the Redding Sculpture Backyard—it’s a kind of little surprises.The backyard encompasses a handful of out of doors sculptures which might be quirky, artistic, and typically even a bit of thought-provoking. Plus, It’s completely free and parking is fairly straightforward.

Go Wine Tasting

After all I didn’t overlook the wine—that is me we’re speaking about! Listed here are just a few sippable stops you’ll need in your radar:

• Matson Vineyards – A laid-back, family-owned spot with a comfy, rustic attraction and winery views that virtually beg for a picnic.
• Moseley Household Cellars – Heat hospitality, small-batch wines, and a tasting room that seems like visiting a buddy’s (very elegant) lounge.
• New Clairvaux Winery – You’ll discover this tasting room proper throughout the road from Moseley Household Cellars which makes it good to hit them each when exploring downtown on foot. PS: They’ve a fabulous Primitivo that absolutely received me over.

➞ Should you want some meals in spite of everything that wine, try my The 9 Finest Eating places in Redding, California

Save this Put up to Pinterest