11 Best Things to do in Redding, California

Okay, I’ll admit it—Redding wasn’t always at the top of my California bucket list. But after recently diving into some firsthand research (yes, that means eating, hiking, and exploring my way through town!) I can confidently say this Northern California city deserves way more love.

Surrounded by seriously stunning nature and packed with fun, quirky, and totally memorable experiences, Redding makes a perfect weekend getaway or a road trip stop along I-5. So if you’re heading north or just looking for a new adventure, here are my picks for the best things to do in Redding.

➞ Need help planning your Redding getaway? See my Weekend 2-Day Itinerary for Redding

Explore the Shasta Caverns

If you’re up for a little adventure (and don’t mind a few stairs), then head to Lake Shasta Caverns. I recently made the trip and getting there is half the fun—you start with a peaceful 10-minute boat ride across Lake Shasta, then hop on a bus that winds you up the mountain to the entrance of the cave.

The two-hour guided tour takes you deep into ancient limestone caves, where stalactites and stalagmites surround you (some of them grow just one inch every 100 years—crazy, right?). Fair warning: there are 612 stairs in total, so wear comfy shoes. But the steady 58-degree temperature inside the caverns makes the climb bearable.

Shasta Dam 

If you’re into epic views and cool history (or just like free activities), Shasta Dam is a must. It’s one of the largest concrete dams in the world and towers 602 feet over the Sacramento River. The free guided tour takes you inside the dam and explains how it helped shape modern California. Bonus: ask your guide where to stand for the perfect echo—it’s a fun little secret.

Want to level up the experience? Book a helicopter tour with AV8 Aviation for an unforgettable bird’s-eye view over the dam, Mt. Shasta, Lake Shasta, and even Burney Falls.

Visit Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Turtle Bay Exploration Park is one of those places that totally surprised me—in the best way. It stretches across 300 acres along the Sacramento River and is packed with fun things to explore: think botanical gardens, a super engaging museum, a butterfly house, and a wildlife center with some seriously adorable residents. It’s perfect whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or just want to feel like a kid again for the day.

One of my favorite moments? Doing one of their animal encounters (they’re an extra fee, but so worth it!). I got to meet Timber, their sweet 8-year-old beaver, and honestly, I couldn’t stop smiling the entire time.

Before you leave, don’t forget to stroll across the iconic Sundial Bridge. It’s not just a beautiful architectural piece—it actually works as a giant sundial.

Shasta State Historic Park (Old Shasta)

Just five miles west of Redding, you’ll find Old Shasta—a little slice of Gold Rush history that’s totally worth pulling over for. You’ll find it on the way to Whiskeytown (it’s literally right off Highway 299).

Back in the mid-1800s, this place was the hotspot in Northern California—a bustling town full of miners, merchants, and mule trains. Today, it’s a state historic park with crumbling brick storefronts, a restored courthouse and jail, and all kinds of info plaques that bring the past to life. You’ll see everything from the ruins of an old blacksmith shop to the shell of a once-bustling brewery.

What’s fascinating is that after two major fires, the town was rebuilt in brick, hoping to outsmart the flames. But in the end, it wasn’t fire that brought the town down.

Check Out Downtown Redding

 Downtown Redding has got this laid-back, artsy vibe that makes it super fun to explore. There are colorful murals around almost every corner (especially along Market Street), and even the electrical boxes are little works of art—painted by 20 local artists as part of a cool community project.

If you’re in the mood to shop, you’re in luck. I popped into Carousel and found the cutest necklace, and One Heart Global Boutique is a gem for handmade, fair-trade goodies. Other great stops? Gather and The Pretty Thistle Boutique for unique, locally curated finds.

Day Trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is only about an hour’s drive from downtown Redding, and feels like a mini Yellowstone—but without the massive crowds.

The park is packed with geothermal wonders like bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and even boiling lakes. One of the most iconic hikes is Bumpass Hell—a 3-mile roundtrip trail that leads you to the largest hydrothermal area in the park (think boardwalks, steam vents, and that unforgettable rotten egg smell). If you’re up for a challenge, Lassen Peak Trail takes you 5 miles roundtrip to the summit of one of the largest plug dome volcanoes in the world—with panoramic views that are so worth the climb. And if you’re looking for something a little more chill, Manzanita Lake is perfect for an easy loop with stunning mountain reflections.

Chase Waterfalls 

Redding makes the perfect home base for a little waterfall-hopping adventure. Here are three that totally deserve a spot on your bucket list:

Burney Falls – About 1 hour from downtown Redding
This one’s the showstopper. At 129 feet tall, Burney Falls is often called the “eighth wonder of the world”. Fed by underground springs, it flows year-round and has this magical, misty curtain. It’s located in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, and there’s a super scenic loop trail if you want to stretch your legs and see the falls from different angles.

McCloud Falls – Roughly 1.5 hours from Redding
Why settle for one waterfall when you can have three? McCloud Falls offers a trio of cascades—Upper, Middle, and Lower—all connected by an easy-to-moderate 4-mile roundtrip trail. The Middle Falls are the biggest and most dramatic (and totally Instagram-worthy), while the Lower Falls are a local favorite for swimming in the summer. Pack a picnic, because this spot is perfect for a full-day outing.

Crystal Creek Falls – Just 30 minutes from downtown
If you’re looking for a waterfall with maximum wow and minimal effort, Crystal Creek Falls is the one. It’s an easy 0.7-mile paved trail with benches, picnic areas, and plenty of places to pause and enjoy the scenery. The two-tiered waterfall at the end is peaceful, picturesque, and perfect for a low-key nature break. You can view it right from the path or take a quick trail down to the base if you want to get a little closer.

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Just 8 miles west of Redding, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is where you go to embrace that laid-back, lake-life vibe—minus the crowds and chaos of some other California spots. It is part of the National Park Service (which helps keep it beautifully maintained), and covers a whopping 39,000 acres of outdoor goodness.

The star of the show? Whiskeytown Lake. With 36 miles of shoreline, it’s perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, or just parking yourself on a beach towel and soaking in the views. 

And if you’d rather stay dry, there are hiking trails, scenic drives, and even waterfalls to explore nearby. 

Hit Balls at Aqua Golf

If you’re looking for some cheap and quirky fun head to Aqua Golf, a true Redding icon that’s been family-owned for nearly 30 years. It’s a driving range—on the Sacramento River. Yep, you’ll be whacking golf balls straight into the water (don’t worry, they float), aiming at floating targets… or maybe a duck or two if you’re feeling a little rebellious. Just kidding!

They rent clubs, sell drinks for all ages, and keep it super casual. 

Stroll Through the Redding Sculpture Garden

If you find yourself near Redding City Hall, take a few minutes to wander through the Redding Sculpture Garden—it’s one of those little surprises.The garden features a handful of outdoor sculptures that are quirky, creative, and sometimes even a little thought-provoking. Plus, It’s totally free and parking is pretty easy.

Go Wine Tasting

Of course I didn’t forget the wine—this is me we’re talking about! Here are a few sippable stops you’ll want on your radar:

• Matson Vineyards – A laid-back, family-owned spot with a cozy, rustic charm and vineyard views that practically beg for a picnic.
• Moseley Family Cellars – Warm hospitality, small-batch wines, and a tasting room that feels like visiting a friend’s (very classy) living room.
• New Clairvaux Vineyard – Just outside of Redding in Vina, this peaceful monastery-run winery pours a fabulous Primitivo that totally won me over.

➞ If you need some food after all that wine, check out my The 9 Best Restaurants in Redding, California

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