North California sees far less tourism each year than south California, but the city of Redding is a popular stop for visitors to the region, due to a combination of its location, history, and range of attractions. This makes knowing the best things to do in Redding vital when exploring the state.
Our list of the 15 best things to do in Redding, California will show you all the best attractions the city has to offer, with options for people of all tastes and interests. This should ensure everyone can plan out a perfect travel itinerary for their dream vacation to “The Jewel Of Northern California”.
So, if you plan to visit Redding yourself and don’t want to miss out on any of the highlights, this is the article for you.
Redding California At A Glance
Redding was first established in 1868 by Benjamin Bernard Redding, in an area previously known as Poverty Flats. Located in the Shasta Cascade region, the land was purchased to be developed as the western terminus of the Central Pacific Railroad.
Its name has changed back and forth in spelling through the years, between Reading and Redding. This is due to debates over whether it should be named after its founder or the beloved local pioneer Pierson Barton Reading.
Despite having a population of less than 100,000 people, it is the most populous city in California north of Sacramento. It was also previously the most northerly non-native settlement in the state.
A hotspot during the California Gold Rush, the population boomed as it drew immigrants from all over the world. This has helped it to remain the cultural and economic hub of the region to this day.
Best Time To Visit Redding, California
The best time to visit Redding, California is from early June to mid-August. This is the warmest, driest period in Redding each year that doesn’t coincide with the peak of California wildfire season, which is usually from late August to the end of October.
Visiting at this time will ensure the weather is unlikely to affect your trip, allowing you to have the most enjoyable experience possible.
The 15 Best Things To Do In Redding, California
As we move to our list of the 15 best things to do in Redding, California, I am going to suggest a broad range of options. These will include things to appeal to travellers of all different interests, while ensuring you have something to cover everything that Redding is known for.
Learn About The City’s History In The Eaton House Museum
Eaton House Museum is a stunning, 19th century Victorian style building which was once the home of Superior Court Judge Richard Behrens Eaton. Before his passing, he established a trust to ensure the history of the building and his family was preserved to be shared with future generations.
It is full of traditional Victorian furniture, décor, and ornaments, and a fabulous collection of artefacts, antique books, war memorabilia, and pieces dedicated to his family history. This helps it rank among the best places to learn about local history and laws when you visit Redding.
1520 West Street, Redding, 96001, United States
Marvel At The Sights In The Redding City Hall & Sculpture Park
Redding City Hall is a stunning building surrounded by a Sculpture Park full of artistic installations and fountains. The home of the city’s government, it is a fabulous place to visit if you are interested in architecture, art, American or Californian politics, or a combination of them all.
777 Cypress Avenue, Redding, 96001, United States
Visit Turtle Bay Exploration Park
Turtle Bay Exploration Park is considered by many to be the top attraction in all of Redding, as it boasts a botanical garden, forest camp, and museum, so has something to offer for everyone.
You will find exhibits on local history, displays of the plant life of the region, trails through wonderful natural areas, and various local animals like bobcats and hawks. If you want somewhere to get a full experience of everything the city has to offer, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is the place to go.
844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding, 96003, United States
Discover More About The History Of The Region’s Agriculture At Historic Hawes Farms
Historic Hawes Farms is a fabulous establishment where people can combine fun and education. Learn about the history and methods of farming in the region, before enjoying yourself on rides or by taking a train around the grounds.
Each fall, they also operate one of the largest pumpkin patches and best haunted houses in north California, making it a perfect destination to celebrate Halloween.
6465 Deschutes Road, Anderson, CA 96007, United States
Get Back To Nature In The McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
The McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is a fabulous establishment filled with gardens boasting shrubs and plants accompanied by educational signage to help you learn about them while enjoying their beauty.
There is even a wonderful butterfly garden where you can sit or walk while surrounded by various beautiful species of butterflies.
1125 Arboretum Drive, Redding, 96003, United States
Stroll Across The Sundial Bridge
Sundial Bridge is an iconic landmark bridge and perhaps the most famous piece of architecture in all of Redding. Styled to look like a sundial, it runs from Turtle Bay Exploration Park to The Bluffs, over the Sacramento River.
It boasts a fabulous glass walkway and is illuminated after dark, making it an ideal place to take a walk at any time of day or night and appreciate the best views and engineering the city has to offer when you visit Redding.
Sacramento River Trail, Redding, 96001, United States
See The Stars At The Schreder Planetarium
The Schreder Planetarium is the only planetarium in north California, so is an ideal stop for those interested in our solar system. Its 65 seat, 33 foot (10 metre) high domed theatre gives you a chance to study the stars, while various hands-on exhibits help you learn about the galaxy.
1644 Magnolia Avenue, Redding, 96001, United States
Unwind At The Oasis Fun Center
The Oasis Fun Center activity park has both indoor and outdoor sections where people of all ages can relax and have fun.
Among the facilities you’ll find axe throwing lanes, bumper boats and go-karts, illuminated mini golf and crazy golf courses, laser tag and laser mazes, 3D ride simulators and kid’s rides, and even an arcade.
Throw in a wide range of dining options, and the Oasis Fun Center provides all the opportunities you need for a day out with the whole family when you visit Redding.
3330 Cascade Boulevard #2212, Shasta Lake, 96019, United States
Burn Rubber At The Redding Dragstrip
The Redding Dragstrip can be found at Redding Airport and holds a wide range of track events for motor enthusiasts to enjoy when they visit Redding.
You can sit and enjoy some high speed action or jump behind the wheel and test your own skills against the competition. Then, when you’re done, the various food and drink vendors on site will ensure you can turn the experience into a full, fun packed day at the races.
6750 Old Oregon Trail, Redding, 96003, United States
Test Your Luck At The Win-River Resort & Casino
The Win-River Resort & Casino is a Native American casino that is one of the premier casinos in north California. Featuring a full range of table games and gambling machines, it provides a perfect opportunity to test your luck against the house.
With additional features like bars, restaurants, live entertainment venues, a pool, golf course, and hotel, you can then unwind or celebrate, depending on how your day went.
2100 Redding Rancheria Road, Redding, 96001, United States
Try The Local Wine At The Matson Vineyards
California is America’s most famous state when it comes to wine making and there is nowhere better to appreciate that side of the region when you visit Redding than at the Matson Vineyards.
Explore the vineyard itself, sit and enjoy a picnic on its stunning grounds while taking in the scenery, attend a tasting session, or enjoy some of their fabulous wines paired perfectly with gourmet dishes.
10584 Arapaho Drive, Redding, 96003, United States
Take A Trip To Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is the 11th oldest national park in the United States and lies just a 45 minute drive to the east of Redding. It is one of the only places on Earth to contain all four types of volcanoes (cinder cone, composite, lava dome, and shield), many of which are still active.
Among its attractions you will find the largest lava dome volcano on the planet, Lassen Peak, plus incredible hydrothermal features like boiling pools, bubbling mud pots, and fumaroles.
With a range of wildlife that includes bears, deer, marten, and over 220 species of birds, as well as stunning views of the area from its many peaks, it is more than worth the drive.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, 96063, United States
Relax In Enterprise Park
Enterprise Park is a fabulous urban park that gives you the chance to relax in the great outdoors and enjoy the California sun, without having to leave the city. It has plenty of options to ensure everyone can enjoy themselves when they visit Redding.
Activities like disc golf and roller hockey will keep you entertained, facilities including a splash park and playground will keep the children occupied, while the wide open green spaces and features like a fountain are ideal for those who simply want to go for a walk and unwind.
4000 Victor Avenue, Redding, 96002, United States
Hike Along The Sacramento River National Recreation Trail
The Sacramento River National Recreation Trail is a 17.8 mile (28.6 km) circular hiking route. It’s made up of the 5.5 mile (8.9 km) Sacramento River Trail and 12.3 mile (19.8 km) Sacramento Rail Trail and runs along the banks of the Sacramento River.
The stunning landscape it runs through is full of bridges, dams, and hills, while being alive with a vibrant array of wildlife. Taking a hike along all or part of it is easily the best way to experience the natural side of Redding.
Sacramento River Trail, Redding, 96003, United States
Explore Shasta – Trinity National Forest
Shasta – Trinity National Forest is a pair of interconnected forests that boast over 2 million acres of protected lands. Throughout the forests, mountains, and wilderness areas, you will find countless lakes, streams, and rivers, as well as hundreds of miles of hiking trails.
Located just to the north of the city, it is a fabulous destination for a variety of outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and swimming, so is a perfect way to take a break from the city for a while.
Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Big Bar, California, 96010, United States
Best Hotel To Stay At In Redding, California – Sheraton Redding Hotel At The Sundial Bridge
The Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge is a fabulous, 4 star hotel, conveniently located to offer stunning views and easy access to some of the city’s top attractions. A pet friendly property, guests will find wonderful, comfortable rooms that all boast a range of luxury amenities.
With public facilities like a swimming pool, hot tub, restaurant, bar, 24 hour front desk, and ATM, you should have everything you need at your disposal throughout your stay. Free internet is available in public areas, while private parking is also offered.
Conclusion
Redding truly is “The Jewel Of Northern California” and is a city that gets nowhere near the amount of attention it deserves. This article will hopefully have helped convince you to visit Redding for yourself and given you all you need to plan a dream travel itinerary for when you do.
From when to go and where to stay to everything you have to see when you get there, you’ve got all the ingredients for a dream vacation. All you have left to do now then is start getting it all booked, so you don’t miss out on anything and can begin looking forward to your own trip to Redding.