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Redding, California is quickly becoming a new hot spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by lakes, mountains, and parks, active travelers can use the 300-plus sunny days a year to explore exciting outdoor adventures in and around Redding.

Located about two and half hours north of Sacramento in Upstate California, Redding is an easy drive to destination along Interstate 5. Its proximity to the Interstate makes it a perfect base camp to explore the varied local terrain.

I spent five action-packed days in Redding on an assignment with Matador Network. During my visit, the folks at Visit Redding were eager to show me, and a couple of other journalists, Redding’s highlights, and several fun things to do in Redding. 

1. Helicopter Tour with Air Shasta Rotor & Wing

I took a helicopter ride with Air Shasta, where I got the lay of the land. During the Redding air tour, we saw popular sites like the three Shastas (Mt. Shasta, Lake Shasta, and Shasta Dam), the Sundial Bridge, the twisting Sacramento River, and Shasta Bally. 

Air Shasta offers different types of helicopter tours and provides commercial services in the area. While I did the highlights tour, you might want to customize a tour for heli-hiking to the Trinity Alps, fly over Castle Crags, or see Mt. Shasta from the air. 

2. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

In 1962, after completing the Whiskeytown Dam, the City of Redding intentionally flooded Whiskeytown to create the Whiskeytown National Recreational Area. The popular area includes Whiskeytown Lake, where visitors can lay on the beach, fish, boat, waterski, and even scuba dive down to the bottom of the lake to see the original Whiskeytown.  

Whiskeytown Lake is just one of Redding’s attractions. With seventy miles of trails to explore and multiple waterfalls, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is extremely popular with locals. 

A strong biking community in the area is spearheaded by the Redding Trail Alliance, a non-profit charged with maintaining and creating high-quality interconnecting biking and hiking trails throughout the area. The once lush area is starting to grow back after the devasting 2018 Carr fire. 

The Whiskeytown recreation area became part of the National Parks Service on November 8, 1965, after it was dedicated by John F. Kennedy, shortly before his assassination.

3. Hiking in Redding

Redding is a go-to place for scenic hiking. Whether you are a beginner hiker or want to spend the whole day on the trail, there are hundreds of trails to choose from.

You could spend a week hiking and exploring different parts of Redding. Castle Crags, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Lassen National Park, and Trinty Alps Wilderness are popular hiking areas. 

4. Kayaking in Redding

Time Magazine named Redding the “Unofficial Capital of Kayaking,” and it is easy to see why. The options for kayaking adventures in beautiful places are endless. From enjoying a mellow kayaking tour on the Sacramento River to heart-pounding class III rapids on the Trinity River, kayaking opportunities are all around. Some of the most popular areas for kayaking are the Sacramento River, Whiskeytown Lake, Shasta Lake, and Manzanita Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

5. Lake Shasta Caverns Tour

Lake Shasta Caverns is a National Natural Landmark with 200 million-year-old stalagmites and stalactites that shimmer. To get to the caverns, visitors board a flat-bottom boat for the fifteen-minute scenic ride across Lake Shasta to reach the Caverns. Once across the lake, visitors board a bus and head 800 feet up the twisty mountain road. Around each corner is a memorizing view of Lake Shasta and several bridges. On the ride up, you might see a deer, black bear, or fox. The best views can be seen from the right side of the bus (the non-driver’s side).

Visiting the Caverns requires climbing 621 stairs with 200 feet in elevation. There are 38 different rock formations. The main attraction is the “Cathedral,” named for the sparkling floor-to-ceiling rock formations. Cave Dave explains that these fascinating rock formations formed because “where the water flows, crystals grow.”

Visitors do not need to make a reservation. You can however reserve an area for a private event. Think about doing a yoga class in the caverns or a sound bath! Dinner cruises on the lake are also available.

6. Fly Fishing

Redding was named one of North America’s Top 10 Trout-Fishing Towns by Forbes and Field & Stream magazine. Cold water from Shasta Dam creates ideal conditions to catch blue ribbon trout and steelhead.

I spent an afternoon fly fishing on the lower Sacramento River with guides from The Fly Shop. Although we didn’t catch anything (it was raining and the conditions weren’t ideal), our guide kept encouraging us. I hooked a fish just as we were about to come in for the day, but at the last minute, it released itself from the hook. Although we didn’t catch anything, and despite the rain, it was a fun afternoon. We floated under the Sundial Bridge as different species of birds flew overhead. I enjoyed the peaceful and scenic adventure. 

The Fly Shop is a top fly fishing shop and guiding service. Many local guides grew up in Redding and know the local conditions well. 

7. Mountain Biking

Redding is known as the trail capital of California. There are about 221 miles of trails in about a 14 square-mile radius that range in difficulty from beginner to expert. The trail system is spread across five trail networks featuring stunning mountain and lake views.

One of the more challenging trails is the Enticer, a one-mile black diamond trail known as the best jump trail in the area. For safety purposes, check out Trail Forks trail rating before heading out on a bike ride.

8. Electric Biking

Electric biking is all the rage in Redding. The bike-friendly area has dedicated bike lanes in Downtown Redding to easily get around town. Bikers can use the lanes to hook up with the bike path along the Sacramento River. 

Shasta Living Streets offers e-bike tours along the Sacramento River. You can also customize a tour based on what you want to see. Shasta Living Streets took us on a tour along the Sacramento River just before sunset. The scenic mellow tour was a great way to get outside and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. We even saw multiple deer on our ride. 

9. Lassen National Park

A popular place to visit near Redding is Lassen National Park. Escape into nature at Lassen National Park, where past volcanic eruptions can be seen throughout the park. As a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, a day trip may include visiting geothermal springs or hiking along captivating trails. While out and about, you may see wildlife such as mule deer, black bears, and various birdlife.

10. Visit Lake Shasta

Spend a summer day on Lake Shasta where you can relax on the water or consider renting a houseboat and staying for a few days. I am a big fan of spending a warm summer day on a lake. At Lake Shasta, you can water-ski, paddle, jump off your houseboat, or just play in the water.

11. Trinity Alps Wilderness

The rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and lush forests are a significant draw of the Trinity Alps. Just a short drive from Redding, the Trinity Alps is a retreat into unspoiled wilderness. Managed by the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, it has an extensive network of over 600 miles of hiking trails, catering to a range of skill levels. Hikers can embark on the Canyon Creek Lakes Trail, leading to stunning alpine lakes surrounded by towering peaks.

Beyond hiking, the Trinity Alps are ideal for backpacking, camping, horseback riding, and fishing. Alpine lakes such as Emerald and Sapphire offer serene spots for anglers seeking a quiet escape. The Trinity River, flowing through the region, provides opportunities for white water rafting and kayaking, adding an adventurous dimension to the outdoor experience.

Wildlife enthusiasts might spot diverse species, including black bears, mountain lions, and birdlife.

Pro Tip:  A fishing license is required for fishing in the area. 

12. Winter Activities in Redding

In the winter, Redding offers a whole new slew of activities. Most of the time, it doesn’t snow in Redding.  But surrounding mountains like Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta do get snow. Winter sports enthusiasts may enjoy skiing at Mt. Shasta, snowshoeing in the Manzanita Lake area, and cross-country skiing. If you still have the kid in your spirit, head to Eskimo Hill for fast downhill sledding.

For those who like a little less adventure, there is an ice skating rink for the kiddos. 

13. Animal Encounters at Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a 300-acre family-friendly complex with botanical gardens, a museum, wildlife exhibits, and the Sundial Bridge.

A Turtle Bay Exploration Park visit is best for families with little kids. The highlight was the behind-the-scenes wildlife experience with Timber, the 50-lb. beaver. Timber climbed into my lap and ate all the food I could give him. He was surprisingly big and heavy!

14. Visit the Sundial Bridge

Santigo Calatrava is a famous Spanish architect and engineer who created a working art installation that doubles as a pedestrian bridge known as the Sundial Bridge. 

The slow-moving sundial moves one foot per minute for several hours most days.

15. Explore Downtown Redding

If you are wondering what to do while in Redding, head to Downtown Redding, where visitors can shop, enjoy the local art, and stop in one of the restaurants for a delicious meal.

Redding’s Art and Culture Scene

Redding is committed to bringing arts and culture to visitors and locals. Part of that commitment starts with the murals displayed throughout the city. Each mural depicts a scene focusing on the epic things to do in Redding, like hiking, fishing, and biking.

Cascade Theatre

In Redding, art comes in all forms, including theatre. The restored 999-seat Cascade Theatre prominently displays its art-deco roots from the 1930’s. While in Redding, you can catch a show at the theatre or opt for a tour. There are rotating productions throughout the year, allowing visitors and locals to enjoy a performance at the Cascade Theatre and appreciate its grandeur – including its ceiling!

If you are looking for something to do in Redding at night, taking in a show at the Cascade Theatre might be just the thing. 

Shopping in Downtown Redding

Downtown Redding draws visitors in with interesting boutiques that run the gambit from Vintage stores, like Friday’s Vintage Co., or clothing stores like Carousel, carrying the latest fashion trends.   

If you are a fan of the movie You’ve Got Mail, check out the Shop Around the Corner Books. The bookstore pays homage to the movie and is just as cute. Shop Around the Corner Books has a good selection of books and even carries some first editions.

A shopping experience might also include visiting Cask and Cleaver, a family women-owned business specializing in charcuterie boards and delicious cheeses. In addition to cheese, Cask and Cleaver offers unique products, like hot chocolate bombs, pepper jelly, and locally sourced honey. If you are heading to the New Clairvaux tasting room or hiking, pick up one of the grab-and-go boxes to compliment your experience. 

Crystal and rock enthusiasts might stop into Juniper Stones Gallery, where you can find crystals, interesting gifts, and ways to bring positive energy into your daily life. Legend has it that the Lemurians, a highly intelligent and spiritual people, lived under Mount Shasta millions of years ago. To this day, many people believe that Mount Shasta, known as the heart chakra, holds special healing powers.

16. New Clairvaux Vineyard Tasting Room

Wine tasting has become a happy pastime in Redding. New Clairvaux vineyard works with the Trappist Cistercian Monks who live and work on the land where the wine grapes grow. To honor God, the Monks take pride in cultivating a winning crop. 

Aimée Sunseri, a fifth-generation winemaker and viticulturist, worked with the Monks to win the 2023 coveted Golden Bear Award. 

17. Play a Round of Golf

Golfing in Redding is a popular sport. Several courses in the area offer nine holes, like Grape Ranch, Churn Creek, Lake Redding, and Allen’s Golf Course. If you are looking for an 18-hole course, try Gold Hills, a public course. 

For those short on time who need a golf fix, head to one of the driving ranges to practice your skills. Golfing fanatics will enjoy the outdoor scenery and thoughtfully designed golf courses in Redding.    

Aqua Golf

So, for a different type of golfing experience, try aqua golf! Aqua Golf is a family-friendly driving range along the Sacramento River. The low-key driving range has targets on the River to take your best shot. Whether you are an experienced golfer or want to try something new – Aqua Golf is a unique experience. 

18. Float the Sacramento River

A favorite summer Redding activity is floating down the Sacramento River. Visitors can opt for a scenic tour where the rafts are provided for you or head out on your own.

The Redding to Red Bluff Boating Trail, a 54-mile stretch of the river, winds downriver with varied views. The water moves surprisingly fast, which I experienced first-hand on our fly fishing excursion. The cold water may have small waves and swirls. The California State website provides details about boating rules and the boating trail. 

Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat to protect yourself from the summer heat, and a personal flotation device. 

19. Redding Garden of Lights

Every winter, Turtle Bay’s McConnell Botanical Garden becomes a vibrant, colorful display of lights. Over one million lights are used to redesign the garden and create a unique holiday experience for the Redding Garden of Lights.

My favorite displays were the glowing swings, the light tunnels, and the VIP igloos. 

20. Old Shasta

Redding was once a booming gold rush area. But thanks to two fires and the end of the gold rush, some areas around town began to experience a steep decline. Old Shasta is part of the Shasta State Historical Park, a Redding tourist attraction that preserves what remains of a thriving town from the 1840s and early 1850s. For the history buffs, consider a quick stop on the way back from an adventure to check out the historic town.

21. Explore Mt. Shasta

A separate blog post could be dedicated to the things to do in and near Mt. Shasta. So, here, I will give you the quick highlights. Popular outdoor activities include hiking, skiing, and visiting the falls. 

In addition, Mt. Shasta is believed to have spiritual powers. Visitors flock to the area to experience the energy for themselves and shop at the crystal stores.

22. Attend the Redding Rodeo

Redding has been home to the rodeo over over 75 years. Every year the rodeo comes to town and fans pack the stands. The Redding Rodeo is a popular event in Redding. Whether you are partaking in the event or joining as a spectator, people have a good time!

23. Experience the Coffee Culture in Redding

The daily, sometimes two-a-day, coffee fixes keep local coffee houses like Evergreen and Theory Coffee Roasters in high demand. I was surprised by the lines at both establishments, which had a steady stream of loyal customers. 

Evergreen is a light and airy coffee house with a full breakfast menu. Locals line up at Evergreen for its delicious menu and well-known brand of coffee, Feast, which is roasted in-house.

Theory Coffee Roasters serves award-winning coffee throughout Redding. The passionate owner, Sam LaRobardiere, started roasting coffee for fun, but it soon became a growing business due to his highly sought-after coffee. In striving to offer the best coffee, Sam and his team have entered and won several coffee competitions. While at Theory Coffee Roasters, consider ordering a delicate pasty from Eden Bakery or try an item off the small breakfast menu, like the quiche. 

24. The Best Restaurants in Redding

If you are exploring all of these adventures, you will be very hungry.  Here are a few of the restaurants I enjoyed that you might like too:

• Lost Era, an antique shop that doubles as a restaurant
• Nello’s Place, for one of the best tableside Caesar salads
• Jack Bar & Grill is the go-to low-key steakhouse in town
• Get a boost with coffee from Evergreen or Theory Coffee Roasters 

The Best Place to Stay in Redding

During my visit, I stayed at the four-star Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge for four nights.  The Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge is on brand for what you would expect from a Sheraton. The newer property is clean simple, and offers a few onsite services such as a gym, pool, and spa. I used the gym a few times during my stay. While small, it had everything I needed to get in a quick workout. I was surprised by how many people were working out at 6:00 am. 

The hotel is a few minutes drive to Downtown Redding and centrally located. The Sundial Bridge, the Sacramento River, and Turtle Bay Exploration Park are less than a five-minute walk from the Sheraton.

Pro Tip:  Opt for a view of the Turtle Bay Exploration Park.

How do I get to Redding?

Visitors can fly, drive, or take the train to reach Redding. Cities such as Seattle, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco have direct flights into Redding’s single gate airport. 

Interstate 5, in Northern California, runs through Redding, making it a natural place to stop for a few days on a road trip. 

Alternatively, Amtrak also runs through Redding. 

What is the best way to get around Redding?

Redding is a sprawling city with numerous must-see destinations. If you use Redding as a base camp to explore the natural beauty, I suggest renting a car. 

Redding Takeaways

Given the vast amount of sunshine and its proximity to several mountain ranges, it is easy to see why Redding is an ideal place to explore the outdoors.

There is plenty to do in Redding to make it a stand-alone destination or a perfect place to stay for a few days on a Northern California road trip. Next time you are looking for an outdoor adventure or driving through Upstate California, I hope you stop in Redding.

If you enjoyed this point, you might also like my post about the best places to eat in Redding, Greenhorn Ranch, a dude ranch in nearby Quincy, California, the best places to visit in California, or my three-day Sedona itinerary. 

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