Your Guide to Adventure in Redding, California

Activities

The sunniest city in California, Redding is surrounded by state and national parks and teems with natural attractions and historical sites

The air is clear, the sun is shining and with more than 300 sunny days there’s never a bad time to visit what Orbitz.com labeled “California’s best-kept secret.” Groups of all sizes and interests are discovering Redding.

Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, the Sundial Bridge spans 710 feet across the Sacramento River and reaches 217 feet into the sky. The glass-decked suspension bridge is for pedestrians and bicyclists and is an easy access point for Redding’s trail system. The environmentally-conscious design leaves the salmon-spawning habitat below undisturbed, and the structure is also the world’s largest working sundial.

Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Along the banks of the Sacramento River sits the 300-acre campus of Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The park is a museum, forestry & wildlife center, arboretum and botanical garden. Inspiring wonder, exploration and appreciation of our world, the park shares the story of the region and its people. The museum includes the Visible River Aquarium, Native American history, interactive experiments and visiting exhibitions. The impressive McConnell Arboretum is across the river via the Sundial Bridge.

The centerpiece of McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is certainly the 129-foot Burney Falls, possibly the most beautiful waterfall in the state. Inside the park, water emerges from underground springs, where it flows at 100 million gallons every day. This compelling site is best experienced on the Falls Loop trail that encircles it, which includes a lookout point and a picnic area that can be reserved.

Lassen Park Redding UpState California

Thermal wonders and incredible mountain scenery highlight Lassen Volcanic National Park. Less than one hour from Redding, Lassen is worth the drive. With thermal wonders similar to those of Yellowstone, Lassen has geothermal features fed by rain and snow and all four volcano types. The spring-like temperatures yield dazzling wildflowers throughout most of the summer.

Mt. Shasta Redding UpState California

Mt. Shasta

When visiting Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark, the journey is part of the adventure. Your visit begins with a catamaran cruise across Lake Shasta followed by a bus ride with a fun narrative to the cave entrance. A comprehensive tour of one of the country’s most beautiful limestone caves follows. Customized programs for groups are available, including lunch/dinner cruises highlighting the beauty of the lake.

Shasta Dam Lake Redding UpState California

Shasta Dam

Forming the largest manmade reservoir in California, Shasta Dam crosses the Sacramento River and is 602 feet high. A visit can include a pleasant walk across the dam or a free guided tour that includes a 428-foot elevator ride its base. With 360 miles of shoreline Shasta Lake covered five towns, most located too deep for even scuba divers to reach. Resorts and restaurants surround the lake, and all varieties of boats are available.

Both geologically and historically Lava Beds National Monument has a fascinating story. During the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions created a landscape with more than 700 caves. About two dozen caves with varying degrees of challenge are available for exploration. In one of the most continuously occupied areas of North America, rock art from the Native Americans Modoc is seen in some caves. The Modoc War, homesteaders, ranchers, early cave explorers and the Civilian Conservation Corps all add to the story.

Besides all there is to see and do during the day, nighttime in Redding can be special as well. The Cascade Theatre is a fully restored 1930s Art Deco venue with a diverse array of arts and cultural events. The Redding Civic Auditorium hosts a diverse performance selection that includes live music and comedians, the annual Broadway in Redding series and the Shasta Community Concerts Association.

More than 300 restaurants and 22 group-friendly accommodation options make booking your Redding tour a breeze. The Redding Convention & Visitors Bureau is ready to assist you in planning an itinerary that fits your group’s activity level and interests.

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