25 Best Things to Do in Redding, CA

By VacationIdea Staff on December 16, 2022 - Updated

Courtesy of Michael Brake - Fotolia.com

Surrounded by majestic mountains, dense forests, winding rivers and streams, and a plethora of state and national parks, Redding is an outdoor-lover’s paradise. Cradled by Mount Shasta and Mount Lassen in Northern California, Redding enjoys more than 300 days of sun throughout the year and offers a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking and mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, camping, paddleboarding, and sailing. The town also provides an array of cultural and historical interests, such as the Sundial Bridge, which spans the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, which is home to an arboretum, botanical garden, and a museum, and Shasta State Historic Park with its ruins of an 1800s gold rush mining town.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Eaton House Museum, Redding, CA

The Eaton House Museum, also known as the Behrens-Eaton House, is set in a Victorian-style turn of the century home on West Street in Redding. Built in 1895 by John Scott and purchased by Sheriff of Shasta County and former judge Charles Behrens, the Eaton House Museum was turned into a museum in 2003 to celebrate the Victorian age through exhibits of Victorian furniture and housewares, war artifacts, and antique books in 2003. The museum also features displays of artifacts, letters, illustrations, photographs, papers, and historical books as well as historical data and pictures. The Eaton House Museum is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

1520 West St, Redding, CA 96001, Phone: 530-241-3454

2.Places to Visit: Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark

The Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark is a network of caverns that were formed more than 250 million years ago, located near the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake. Formerly known as Baird Cave and Chalk Cave, the Lake Shasta Caverns are located deep inside the McCloud Limestone Mountain Range and feature a variety of alluring, exquisite, and mysterious rock formations. Surrounded by 400 miles of lake shoreline and beautiful untouched terrain, the entrance to the caverns lies 850 feet above the emerald green waters of the lake and boasts a bird’s eye view of the lake and breathtaking vistas of the native mountain ranges.

20359 Shasta Caverns Rd, Lakehead, CA 96051, Phone: 800-795-2283

3.Kids Activities Near Me: Sacramento River Trail

Winding almost 10 miles along the banks of the beautiful Sacramento River, the Sacramento River Trail is a popular multi-purpose paved trail that is used for walking, running, hiking, bicycle riding, and rollerblading. The scenic Sacramento River Trail can be accessed from Caldwell Park, Hilltop Drive, and the beautiful Sundial Bridge and there are drinking fountains and clean restrooms available along the trail. The trail links to the beautiful glass Sundial Bridge, which is located at the east end of the trail, and features a relatively flat loop with shady areas on the south side of the river, which links to Keswick Dam.

Caldwell Park, Hilltop Drive, Redding, CA 96002

4.Kids Activities Near Me: Shasta State Historic Park

Shasta State Historic Park features a variety of historical buildings, items, and artifacts that tell the story of the lusty "Queen City" of California’s northern mining district that once stood on the site. Located 6 miles west of Redding, the park is home to the eloquent vestiges of what was once a bustling center during the California gold rush, such as a row of old brick buildings, cottages, cemeteries, and roads. The county courthouse has been restored to its former 1861 appearance and is filled an unparalleled collection of historical California artworks and exhibits. Shasta State Historic Park is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Thursday through Sunday.

15312 Highway 299 West, Shasta, CA 96087, Phone: 530-243-8194

5.Kids Activities Near Me: Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a 300-acre reserve that features a museum, an arboretum and botanical gardens, a forestry and wildlife center, and the Sundial Bridge. The Turtle Bay Museum is home to an array of permanent and temporary exhibits documenting the cultural and natural history, art, and science of the region, including an underwater aquarium-style viewing tank, hands-on science displays, artworks, and a recreation of a Native American bark house. The McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, also known as the Redding Arboretum, features 300 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens that include Mediterranean climate gardens, southern and western Australian gardens, a children's garden, butterfly garden, and various specialty gardens. Paul Bunyan's Forest Camp is an educational exploration center modeled after an ancient forest camp.

844 Sundial Bridge Dr, Redding, CA 96003, Phone: 530-243-8850

6.Things to Do in Redding, CA: Whiskeytown Lake

Located about 8 miles west of Redding, Whiskeytown Lake is a reservoir in northwestern California’s Shasta County in the Whiskeytown Unit of the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. Formed by the Whiskeytown Dam on Clear Creek, Whiskeytown Lake offers an array of outdoor and recreational activities, such as swimming, sailing, boating fishing, waterskiing, hiking, and camping. The lake provides excellent fishing with an abundance of kokanee salmon, largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, and rainbow and brown trout, and there are plenty of birding and wildlife watching opportunities around the lake.

Shasta County, California

7.Woody’s Brewing Company

Born from the desire of three beer lovers to produce the best possible beer and serve it in the best possible atmosphere, Woody’s Brewing Company is the culmination of a long-standing dream. Not only do they brew some of the finest beers in the neighborhood, but they also serve some delicious food to enjoy alongside your favorite brew. The beers available on tap include a range of styles to suit all palates – try their complex Hopzerker, the toffee-like Nutty Woody or their Quickie IPA, to name but a few. The menu includes popular appetizers like Woody’s Tots, Fried Pickles and Soft Pretzels before moving on to the tasty entrée of the day.

1257 Oregon Street, Redding, CA 96001, 530 768 1034

8.Things to Do Near Me: Win-River Resort and Casino

Conveniently located just a short drive from Redding, the Win-River Resort and Casino offers deluxe accommodations, upscale amenities and facilities, casual restaurants, and a wealth of entertainment. The resort features stylish guest rooms and suites with en suite bathrooms and spacious living areas, and upscale facilities include an exclusive spa and wellness center, a heated outdoor swimming pool, several restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and complimentary access to a fully equipped fitness center. The casino offers bingo, slot machines, roulette, table games, and a private poker room, and guests can enjoy a round of golf at the River Tasalmi Golf Course a few miles away.

2100 Redding Rancheria Rd, Redding, CA 96001, Phone: 530-243-3377

9.Things to Do Near Me: Coffee Bar

The Coffee Bar is a motorcycle-themed coffee bar with a chilled-out vibe that echoes the tradition of the Ace Café in London. Celebrating the motorcycle and café culture of past and present, the Coffee Shop serves some of the most famous coffees from around the world, including Giesen-roasted beans from the Netherlands and Italian La Marzocco Strada handcrafted espressos. A small menu of freshly baked treats and snacks is available, and there is a store offering motorcycle-related merchandise including clothing, posters, stickers, pins, and coffee beans.

2085 Pine St A, Redding, CA 96001

10.Things to Do Near Me: Fun Factory Snowmobile Tour

Fun Factory is an adventure company that offers guided and self-guided tours of Northern California as well as snowmobile rentals from Deer Mountain Snowmobile Park. Tours explore the winter wonderland of Northern California’s valleys, vistas, and volcanoes, including Mount Shasta, and the Klamath, Modoc, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests. The Fun Factory snowmobile tours include an experienced guide, who leads riders through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state, and safety equipment such as Snell-approved helmets. Fun Factory Snowmobile rentals also offer the fun and informational Snowmobile 101 training class for guests to enjoy self-guided tours.

Phone: 530-925-1465

11.Romantic Activities Near Me: Headwaters Adventure Company

Headwaters Adventure Company provides kayak and standup paddleboard rentals and sales as well as excursions and expeditions through the magnificent landscapes of Northern California. Paddlers can experience the beauty and splendor of the North State and breathtaking views of Mount Shasta, Mount Lassen, and the Trinity Alps on a tranquil and serene paddling or kayaking experience. Guests can join an adventure paddling group called the Shasta Paddlers on various excursions and day trips, rent kayaks or standup paddleboards to enjoy their adventures, or take lessons and training courses for all levels of paddler.

2655 Park Marina Dr. Redding, CA 96001, Phone: 530-223-2411

12.Where to Eat Near Me: Jack's Grill

Jack’s Grill is a dining institution in Redding that serves a refined menu of fresh seafood, prime steaks, fresh salads, and signature cocktails in an elegant and sophisticated setting. Boasting 1930s decor and soft lighting, the restaurant features old-style booths and tables and a full-service bar with bar stools and has been serving second and third generations of families who have been coming to Jack’s for years. Signature items on the menu include classic steaks, fresh seafood platters, jumbo shrimps, Southern fried chicken, and deep-fried scallops along with freshly prepared salads and a selection of fine wines from the cellar.

1743 California St, Redding, CA 96001, Phone: 530-241-9705

13.Shasta Dam Tour

The Shasta Dam, also called the Kennett Dam, is a concrete arch-gravity dam located at the north end of the Sacramento Valley. Spanning the Sacramento River, the reservoir stands at 602 feet high, making it the eighth tallest dam in the country, and is the most significant reservoir in the state. Constructed for hydroelectricity, flood control, and long-term water storage, the dam was considered one of the greatest engineering feats of all time. Today, the dam and the power plant can be explored on guided tours led by friendly and knowledgeable staff who discuss the history, purpose, and construction of this enormous project.

16349 Shasta Dam Blvd, Shasta Lake, CA 96019, Phone: 530-275-4463

14.Things to Do Near Me: Shasta Rock Club

The Shasta Rock Club is a climbing gym in Redding that offers rock climbing enthusiasts and professional climbers a unique and challenging rock climbing experience. Redding's first and only indoor rock climbing gym, the Shasta Rock Club provides a wealth of rock-climbing based experiences, from instruction and lessons for beginner climbers to challenging routes for advanced climbers, outdoor trips, and fitness classes. The club also offers an after-school climbing club and high school climbing team practices, summer camps, and climbing competitions and is available for private events such as celebrations and team-building activities.

2325 Athens Ave, Redding, CA 96001, Phone: 530-691-4505

15.Things to Do Near Me: Jetovator

The Jetovator is a water-propelled personal watercraft that propels riders above the water via high-pressure water jets and extends the ability of existing personal watercraft (PWC). The Jetovator requires two people to operate – a rider on the Jetovator to control the height and the direction of the Jetovator and a rider on the PWC controlling the throttle of the engine. Visitors can rent the Jetovator for high-powered water rides at the Bridge Bay Resort on Shasta Lake, and a variety of options are available for individuals and groups.

20201 Charlanne Dr, Redding, CA 96002, Phone: 530-222-4598

16.What to Do Near Me: Jones Valley Houseboats

Jones Valley Houseboats is a houseboat rental company based at the Jones Valley Resort and the Silverthorn Resort, offering a variety of houseboats and watercraft rentals on Shasta Lake, which is also known as the houseboat capital of the world. Renowned as one of the best recreational lakes in the nation, Shasta Lake is a beautiful place for a luxury houseboat vacation on one of the Jones Valley Houseboats. The houseboats can be moored at the marinas of the Jones Valley Resort or the Silverthorn Resort, which also has a fully stocked grocery store, a pro and apparel shop, a fuel dock, private moorage, and a courtesy dock.

Jones Valley: Phone: +1 877-HOUSEBOAT / Silverthorn: Phone: 800-332-3044

17.Lake Shasta Dinner Cruise

Experience the beauty of Lake Shasta on a romantic Lake Shasta Dinner Cruise. Departing from outside the Lake Shasta Caverns’ Gift Store, Lake Shasta Dinner Cruises sail across multiple arms of Shasta Lake while offering mouth-watering cuisine and outstanding service in an elegant setting. Shasta Lake Dinner Cruises are available twice a week on Friday and Saturday evenings between Memorial Day and the end of September, and the boat can be hired for private functions and special celebrations. A delicious buffet-style menu is served, featuring a variety of international cuisine and a full-service bar with fine wines, imported spirits, and signature cocktails.

20359 Shasta Caverns Rd, Lakehead, CA 96051, Phone: 530-238-2752

18.Things to Do in Redding, CA: Redding Jet Boat Tours

Redding Jet Boat Tours offer daily jet boat tours on California's longest river, the Sacramento River. Departing from Redding's famous Sundial Bridge, the only glass bridge of its kind in the country, scenic boat rides are operated in a custom-built, 26-foot jet boat several times a day, seven days a week, and cover 20 miles of the river. Tailormade tours are also available, such as wildlife photography and eco-tours, which take between 3 and 4 hours with enough time to take photographs, and corporate team building tours, which provide a wealth of fun.

Redding, CA 96002, Phone: 800-670-4448

19.Activities Near Me: River Romance Cruises

River Romance Dinner Cruises offers an exclusive romantic dining experience in a beautifully handcrafted sailboat on the Sacramento River. Owned by Todd LeBoeuf, River Romance Cruises takes dining to a new level, with guests enjoying sumptuous cuisine and fine wines while floating on the emerald green waters of the river. Three-hour dinner cruises are available for two or up to seven friends and travel down the Sacramento River, under the magical glass-bottomed Sundial Bridge and past the 300-acre Turtle Bay Exploration Park with its beautiful botanical gardens.

2030 Marlene Court, Redding, CA 96002, Phone: 530-222-2728

20.Water Works Park

Water Works Park is a popular outdoor fun destination for families, offering a host of fun water activities for all ages. Whether your idea of water fun is a peaceful tube float around the Lazy Lagoon or a death-defying Cyclone Tube Ride, you will find it all at Water Works Park. The park is home to a very popular Wave Pool with beach where you can practice body boarding, three open and 1 enclosed tube rides, the fast-moving Raging River Tube ride and the terrifying Cyclone, where you and your tube drop 5 stories before getting sucked into an enclosed tube. At the other end of the scale you will find safe and fun activities for younger visitors at the Kiddies Playground.

151 N. Boulder Drive, Redding, CA 96003, 530 246 9550

21.Schreder Planetarium

Schreder Planetarium is a must-visit attraction for anyone who would like to learn more about the universe and our place within in. Striving to ignite the imagination and curiosity of children as well as adults, the planetarium hosts regular introductory demonstrations. The theatre can seat 65 people and has an enormous 10 meter dome where a series of Fulldome shows are presented, resulting in an unforgettable immersive experience for the viewers. Public shows take place roughly twice each month, usually on a Friday night, which is great for weekend visitors to Redding. To find out more and to book your seats for the next show please visit their website.

1644 Magnolia Ave, Redding, CA 96001, 530 225 0295

22.Extreme Escape Redding

Bringing the national obsession with escape room games to Redding, Extreme Escape Redding is ready to put your problem-solving skills to the test. For a fun Christmas escape adventure for up to 12 players you can book the Rescue Rudolf room and take part in saving Christmas. This one is quite easy and suitable for all ages. Other intriguing escape themes include Hunter’s Heist and Bunker 77. Hunters heist can accommodate up to 10 players and is moderately difficult, which makes it ideal for parties or team-building events. Finally, Bunker 77 has a government versus terrorists theme and is ideal for up to 8 players. Let the fun begin.

1440 Butte Street, Redding, CA 96001, 530 768 1919

23.Redding Civic Auditorium

Able to accommodate up to 2,300 seated people, the Redding Civic Auditorium hosts a wide range of events from Trade Shows to big-ticket concerts. The venue is remarkably adaptable and can be scaled up (using outdoor lawn space) for larger events or scaled down to suit more intimate productions. There is always something wonderful waiting for visitors at the auditorium and your trip to Redding would be incomplete without checking in to see what’s on. Just a few of the shows which will be staged in 2023 include Riverdance 25 Anniversary show, George Thorogood 50 Years of Rock, The Redding Home and Garden Show and the Redding Sportsman’s Expo.

700 Auditorium Drive, Redding, CA 96001, 530 229 0022

24.Rare Air

At Rare Air Trampoline Park you will literally feel the air beneath your feet as you have hours of healthy fun on a carpet of wall-to-wall trampolines. Whether you visit the park to practice your jumping and tumbling skills or just to have some fun with your friends, you are bound to leave feeling happier and fitter. The Main Court is where everyone can just let down their hair and jump to their hearts content. There is also a dodge ball arena with 3 courts and a Slam Dunk court for “elevated” basketball. Other amenities include a trapeze court (with soft air-bag landing) and a Battle Beam for some friendly combat. Younger visitors care catered for in the Junior Zone.

3625 Old 44 Drive, Redding, CA 96003, 530 221 1206

25.C R Gibbs American Grille

C R Gibbs American Grille has been pleasing palates in Redding for more than 40 years. In that time they have accrued a loyal following of diners who come back time and again to enjoy their favorite all-American dishes. The indoor/outdoor dining area includes a terrace for alfresco dining around a fire pit. The comprehensive menu kicks off with a list of popular appetizers before moving on to a choice of tacos, sandwiches and wraps, brick-oven pizzas and a selection of lip-smacking entrees which include Angus Ribeye Steaks, Braised Short Ribs, English-style Fish and Chips and a fabulous Seared Ahi Bowl.

2300 Hilltop Drive, Redding, CA 96002, 530 221 2335