Are you visiting Redding for the first time? Below is a list of “Insider Tips” for things to see and do in the Shasta Cascade region of northern California.
When I want to escape the crowds and tourists, my favorite getaway is spending a weekend on a houseboat on Shasta Lake.
If this is a romantic trip, I recommend the easy 1/4 mile walk to Burney Falls, a spring-fed waterfall one hour east of Redding.
Around Whiskeytown Lake there are four different waterfalls, kids and dogs will love this place.
Museums are wonderful, but if you are traveling with kids you’ll want to visit Turtle Bay Exploration Park and Museum. Don’t miss the Paul Bunyan Camp and animal show at Turtle Bay Exploration Park. No stupid pet tricks here. They show children (and adults) the animal’s natural abilities such as a fox pouncing on its prey or a bobcat leaping to catch something in the air. I could have spent hours here.
California cuisine
If you are looking for a great steak, Jack’s Grill has been a Redding tradition since 1938.
The best place to go for organic coffee and a breakfast treat is Kaleidoscope Coffee Company. The beans are roasted in the Trinity Alps at Strawhouse Cafe on the Trinity River. If homemade cinnamon rolls are your thing, stop by Country Kitchen in Redding.
From the Hearth offers good breakfasts and lunch. Ask for the scuffin – a cross between a scone and a muffin.
For family-friendly dining, go to CR Gibbs American Grill. Locals enjoy dining on the patio next to the Sacramento River at View 202.
If you are an avid fly fisherman, you must stop at The Fly Shop in Redding.
When you come to Redding, get your picture taken at the Sundial Bridge. The best vantage points are taken by the museum, cafe and gift shop.
In the Shasta Cascade region, outdoor lovers will want to hike, bike, horseback ride and fish. They are known for their trails, as well as kayaking and whitewater rafting.
Looking for a little exercise? Walk along the Sacramento River Trail. It begins at the Sundial Bridge and goes 17.4 miles up to Shasta Dam, meandering along the Sacramento River.
Looking for a little night life? Go dancing at O-Bliss or Vintners Cellars for live music.
The Redding Record Searchlight is the local newspaper and will keep you posted on what’s happening around town.
If you are visiting Redding in the spring, don’t miss the Kool April Nites car show in April. In May, you’ll want to see the Redding Rodeo, while sailors will enjoy the Whiskeytown Lake Regatta.
In the summer you should visit Lassen Volcanic National Park, one hour East of Redding. In the winter come to Mt. Shasta for skiing.
Did you know that Redding is known to have some of the best fishing? In fact, Forbes voted Redding one of the top 10 fishing destinations in the United States for trout, salmon and bass.
Insider tip: check out the often-overlooked Shasta Outlets in Anderson. I’ll bet you didn’t know that The Boot Barn has a huge selection of cowboy boots and Western attire.
If you visit Redding on a Saturday, don’t miss the Farmers Market at City Hall. For additional insider tips follow @Nancydbrown on Twitter and @VisitRedding.
If You Go:
Visit Redding and Visit Shasta Cascade.
Article, photos and YouTube video by Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown. Thanks to Shasta Cascade for assistance with this post.