11 Greatest Issues to do in Redding, California

Okay, I’ll admit it—Redding wasn’t at all times on the high of my California bucket listing. However after just lately diving into some firsthand analysis (sure, meaning consuming, mountaineering, and exploring my approach via city!) I can confidently say this Northern California metropolis deserves far more love.

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

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

Discover the Shasta Caverns

If you happen to’re up for slightly journey (and don’t thoughts a couple of stairs), then head to Lake Shasta Caverns. I just lately made the journey and getting there may be 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 whole, so put on comfortable footwear. However the regular 58-degree temperature contained in the caverns makes the climb bearable.

Shasta Dam 

If you happen to’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 right echo—it’s a enjoyable little secret.

Need to degree up the expertise? Guide a helicopter tour with AirShasta Rotor & Wing for an unforgettable chook’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 completely stunned me—in one of the best ways. It stretches throughout 300 acres alongside the Sacramento River and is filled with enjoyable issues to discover: suppose botanical gardens, a brilliant partaking museum, a butterfly home, and a wildlife heart with some critically cute 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.

One in every of my favourite moments? Doing one in all their animal encounters (they’re an additional charge, however so value it!). I bought to fulfill Timber, their candy 8-year-old beaver, and truthfully, I couldn’t cease smiling your entire time.

Earlier than you permit, don’t neglect to walk throughout the long-lasting Sundial Bridge. It’s not only a stunning architectural piece—it truly works as an enormous sundial.

Shasta State Historic Park (Outdated Shasta)

Simply 5 miles west of Redding, you’ll discover Outdated Shasta—slightly slice of Gold Rush historical past that’s completely value 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 filled with miners, retailers, and mule trains. At present, it’s a state historic park with crumbling brick storefronts, a restored courthouse and jail, and all types of information plaques that deliver the previous to life. You’ll see every thing 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 in the long run, it wasn’t hearth that introduced the city down.

Examine Out Downtown Redding

 Downtown Redding has bought this laid-back, artsy vibe that makes it tremendous enjoyable to discover. There are colourful murals round nearly 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 neighborhood challenge.

If you happen to’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, regionally curated finds.

Day Journey to Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park

Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park is just about an hour’s drive from downtown Redding, and looks 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 (suppose boardwalks, steam vents, and that unforgettable rotten egg scent). If you happen to’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 are so well worth the climb. And in the event you’re searching for one thing slightly extra chill, Manzanita Lake is ideal for a straightforward loop with gorgeous mountain reflections.

Chase Waterfalls 

Redding makes the right residence base for slightly waterfall-hopping journey. Listed below are three that completely deserve a spot in your bucket listing:

Burney Falls – About 1 hour from downtown Redding
This one’s the showstopper. At 129 toes tall, Burney Falls is usually referred to 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 gives a trio of cascades—Higher, Center, and Decrease—all related by an easy-to-moderate 4-mile roundtrip path. The Center Falls are the most important 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
If you happen to’re searching for a waterfall with most wow and minimal effort, Crystal Creek Falls is the one. It’s a straightforward 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’ll be able to view it proper from the trail or take a fast path right down to the bottom if you wish to get slightly 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 outside 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 seaside towel and soaking within the views. 

And in the event you’d somewhat keep dry, there are mountaineering trails, scenic drives, and even waterfalls to discover close by. 

Hit Balls at Aqua Golf

If you happen to’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 perhaps a duck or two in the event you’re feeling slightly rebellious. Simply kidding!

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

Stroll By means of the Redding Sculpture Backyard

If you end up close to Redding Metropolis Corridor, take a couple of minutes to wander via the Redding Sculpture Backyard—it’s a kind of little surprises.The backyard includes a handful of outside sculptures which are quirky, artistic, and typically even slightly thought-provoking. Plus, It’s completely free and parking is fairly simple.

Go Wine Tasting

In fact I didn’t neglect the wine—that is me we’re speaking about! Listed below are a couple of sippable stops you’ll need in your radar:

• Matson Vineyards – A laid-back, family-owned spot with a comfortable, rustic allure and winery views that virtually beg for a picnic.
• Moseley Household Cellars – Heat hospitality, small-batch wines, and a tasting room that looks like visiting a buddy’s (very stylish) 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 completely received me over.

➞ If you happen to want some meals in any case that wine, take a look at my The 9 Greatest Eating places in Redding, California

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