You’ve probably heard the jokes. People calling Redding a "gas station stop" on the way to Oregon or just that place with the big sundial. Honestly? They're missing out. If you're wondering what is there to do in Redding CA, the answer isn't just a bridge—it’s a massive outdoor playground that feels like a budget-friendly version of a national park tour, minus the soul-crushing crowds.
Redding is weird in the best way. It’s a place where you can grab a world-class espresso in a renovated warehouse in the morning and be standing at the base of a 129-foot waterfall by noon. It’s hot. Like, really hot in the summer. But that’s why the locals live on the water.
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The Sundial Bridge: Why You Should Actually Go
Okay, let’s get the big one out of the way. The Sundial Bridge is the thing everyone talks about. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, it’s a glass-decked suspension bridge that doesn't have any supports in the water. Why? To protect the salmon spawning beds.
It’s a functional sundial, though it only tells the "right" time for a few hours a day. It’s basically a giant piece of art you can walk on. Pro tip: Don't just walk across and leave. The bridge connects to the McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, which is about 200 acres of Mediterranean-climate plants that look stunning at sunset.
If you’re here in the spring of 2026, look out for the Glowing Wild Lantern Festival at Turtle Bay. It’s running from April through June. They light up ten acres with massive Chinese lanterns shaped like animals. It’s kinda magical, even if you aren't a "festival person."
Getting Out on the Water (The Real Reason to Visit)
Redding is the unofficial capital of "I need to be in a lake right now."
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Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is about 15 minutes west of town. After the Carr Fire a few years back, the landscape changed, but the recovery is fascinating to see. The water is crystal clear. You can rent a kayak at Oak Bottom and find hidden coves where you’ll be the only person for a mile.
Then there’s Shasta Lake. It’s the big daddy. Most people rent houseboats here, but if you’re just visiting for the day, you’ve gotta see the Lake Shasta Caverns. You have to take a boat across the lake and then a bus up a steep mountain just to get to the cave entrance. It feels like an Indiana Jones set. The stalactites are huge, and the air inside stays a cool 58 degrees—a total lifesaver when it’s 105 degrees outside in July.
Waterfalls You Actually Can Reach
- Burney Falls: About an hour east. Teddy Roosevelt called it the eighth wonder of the world. He wasn't lying. It’s 129 feet of misty, constant flow.
- Crystal Creek Falls: This is the "lazy man’s waterfall" in Whiskeytown. It’s a flat, paved 0.7-mile walk. Great for strollers or if your knees are acting up.
- McCloud Falls: Three waterfalls for the price of one hike. The Middle Fall is the showstopper.
Exploring the "Old Shasta" Ghost Town
Just five miles west of downtown is Shasta State Historic Park. It’s basically a ghost town from the Gold Rush era. You’ll see ruins of old brick buildings and a restored courthouse that looks like a movie set.
Back in the 1850s, this was the "Queen City" of the North. Then the railroad went through Redding instead, and Shasta City basically died overnight. It’s a quiet, slightly eerie place to walk around and realize how fast things change.
What Is There To Do In Redding CA For Foodies?
Redding’s food scene has grown up. It’s no longer just chain restaurants.
If you want a steak that feels like 1938, you go to Jack’s Grill. It’s wood-paneled, dim, and they serve one-pound steaks. They don't do "trendy." They do meat and stiff drinks.
For something modern, hit up Mosaic near the bridge. Their crispy Brussels sprouts with lemon marmalade are weirdly addictive. If you’re into the coffee scene, Theory Coffee Roasters is legit—they’ve won national awards for their roasting.
Oh, and Lost Era. It’s a restaurant inside an antique shop downtown. They usually do one main dish a day until it runs out. It’s quirky, local, and honestly some of the best food in the North State.
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Day Tripping to Lassen Volcanic National Park
You can’t talk about Redding without mentioning Lassen. It’s about an hour's drive and it’s basically a mini-Yellowstone.
It has all four types of volcanoes found in the world. You can hike to Bumpass Hell (don't mind the smell, it's just sulfur) to see bubbling mud pots and turquoise pools that are literally boiling. The main park road usually doesn't fully open until June or July because of the snow, so check the NPS site before you head up.
The Actionable Game Plan
If you only have 48 hours, here is how to not waste your time:
- Morning 1: Grab a coffee at Evergreen, walk the Sundial Bridge early (before the glass deck gets hot), and hit the Turtle Bay Museum.
- Afternoon 1: Drive to Whiskeytown Lake. Rent a SUP or kayak.
- Evening 1: Dinner at Pipeline (inside the bike depot) for duck fat fries and local beer.
- Morning 2: Drive to McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. Get there by 9:00 AM or you won't find parking.
- Afternoon 2: Stop by the Lake Shasta Dam on the way back. It’s one of the largest concrete dams in the world—taller than the Hoover Dam.
- Evening 2: Finish with a drink at Vintage Public House downtown.
Redding isn't trying to be San Francisco or LA. It’s a rugged, sweaty, beautiful base camp for people who actually like being outside. Pack some sunscreen, bring a reusable water bottle, and maybe a pair of hiking boots you don't mind getting a little dusty.
Check the local weather before you go. If you see a forecast for 110 degrees, plan all your outdoor stuff for before 10:00 AM or after 7:00 PM. The locals call it "the Redding simmer," and it’s no joke. Stick to the river trails or the high-altitude hikes in Lassen to stay cool.