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Redding is the perfect home base for exploring Northern California’s natural wonders, with easy access to Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and family-friendly attractions along the Sacramento River.

A modern white pedestrian bridge with glass panels spans over a river in Redding on a cloudy day. A few people with umbrellas cross the bridge, surrounded by greenery and trees.

A Nature-Filled Memorial Day Getaway

Over one Memorial Day weekend, we headed north to Redding for a four-day family adventure. The timing was perfect as Lassen Volcanic National Park had just reopened for the season!

We spent our days between the national parks and local sights around Redding. If you’re planning a similar trip, here are the highlights we recommend.

Turtle Bay Exploration Park

A large wooden teepee structure stands in a museum exhibit in Redding, with informational signs nearby and a photo backdrop of trees; a doorway labeled Art Gallery is visible in the background.

Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a 300-acre cultural and science park along the Sacramento River. It was our first stop when rain changed our hiking plans, and we ended up spending more time here than expected.

Turtle Bay Museum

A smiling child in a dark jacket poses at a Redding indoor exhibit, holding out one hand toward a glass enclosure with rocks, water, and a small turtle under a warm overhead light.

The indoor museum is especially fun for kids ages 4 to 10. Exhibits include a walk-through cave, a river aquarium, and a Wintu bark house. We visited when our kids were younger and they loved the turtle tank and classic car photo ops. While older kids may find it a bit simple, it’s still a good rainy-day option.

Other Areas to Explore

  • McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
  • Paul Bunyan’s Forest Camp, a nature-themed play area

We also appreciated the convenient free parking, even during a holiday weekend.

Sundial Bridge

Two children wearing sunglasses stand arm-in-arm and smile on a modern white bridge in Redding, with trees and blue sky in the background. Other people are walking in the distance.

Just steps from the museum is the iconic Sundial Bridge, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. This striking glass-deck suspension bridge doubles as one of the world’s largest working sundials.

A few details that make it unique:

  • 700 feet long with no support pillars in the river, protecting salmon habitat
  • Built from more than 2,000 glass panels
  • Links Turtle Bay with the McConnell Arboretum across the Sacramento River

We crossed the bridge twice—once in the rain and again at sunset. Both experiences were beautiful.

Shasta Dam

Aerial view of a river with a bridge crossing over it near Redding, surrounded by green hills and forests; an electrical substation and power lines are visible on the left side.

On our drive home, we stopped at Shasta Dam, about 20 minutes north of Redding. The dam holds back Shasta Lake, California’s largest reservoir.

You can walk across on your own, but we recommend watching the short historical film at the visitor center. The large auditorium windows frame dramatic views of the dam and Mount Shasta on clear days. Free guided tours are also available if you have more time.

Where We Ate in Redding

Finding great food in Redding was tricky, but we did enjoy a couple of meals.

  • Champa Garden – A popular spot for Thai and Vietnamese food. We went twice and recommend pho and larb. Go early or reserve a table on weekends.
  • Farwood Bar & Grill – Located in Orland, about an hour south, this casual restaurant was our best meal of the trip. The food and service were both solid.

Other Things to Do in Redding

If you have extra time, consider adding these stops:

  • Whiskeytown Lake for kayaking and swimming
  • Shasta State Historic Park for Gold Rush history
  • Cascade Theatre for live music or a show
  • Sacramento River Trail for walking or biking with family-friendly paths

Redding also makes a great base for day trips to Burney Falls and McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, about an hour away.

How to Get to Redding, California

Redding is a city in Northern California that serves as a gateway to natural attractions like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Lake Shasta. It is conveniently located on Interstate 5 (I-5), the major north-south highway that runs through California. Drive times are approximately:

  • From San Francisco/Bay Area: 3.5 to 4.5 hours
  • From Sacramento, CA: 2.5 to 3 hours
  • From Portland, OR: 5 hours

Is Redding Worth Visiting?

A man and two children stand on a bridge in Redding, with turquoise water and green hills in the background under a clear blue sky. They are all wearing sunglasses and smiling at the camera.

Redding may not have the same dining scene as larger cities, but its location makes it an excellent hub for outdoor adventures. With family-friendly attractions, scenic trails, and close access to Mount Shasta and Lassen, it’s a strong choice for a long weekend getaway.

More to Explore Nearby

Once you’ve explored Redding, consider adding these Northern California highlights to your trip:

  • Mount Shasta – A snow-capped peak with alpine hikes and lakes
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park – Bubbling geothermal features and mountain trails
  • Lake Shasta Caverns – A cave adventure with a boat ride across the lake
  • Burney Falls – A dramatic 129-foot waterfall nicknamed the “eighth wonder of the world”

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