When you’re heading to Northern California for an outdoorsy escape Redding is probably not in your radar, however it needs to be. There’s journey, there’s pure magnificence and there’s wine tasting. I’m all in. And right here’s a warning: it could simply turn into your subsequent favourite weekend getaway.
Right here’s my information for one of the best issues to do in Redding for one unforgettable weekend.
Day 1 Redding Itinerary
7:30 AM: Begin Your Day at Evergreen Espresso
Kick off your morning at Evergreen Espresso, a classy café that’s an area favourite. Because the storefront for Feast Espresso Roasters, this café is all about seasonal, locally-sourced goodness. I rapidly turned obsessive about their Persian Avo Toast—it’s a dreamy combo of herby avocado mash, house-made cucumber salsa, creamy feta, and juicy pomegranate seeds.
And when you’re there on a Sunday, you have to expertise what the locals name “Waffle Church”—this $5 waffle particular attracts an enormous crowd. Plus, don’t depart with out snagging a few of their artisanal chocolate to-go!
When you’re searching for a fast and wholesome various to your morning espresso cease at Evergreen, Roots is the place it’s at. Their smoothies, juices, and açaí bowls are so good, plus you’ll really feel such as you’re treating your self and doing one thing good on your physique.
I’m a complete smoothie addict and tried the cacao one with coconut milk, blueberries, banana, cashews, cacao powder, espresso beans, coconut shavings, honey, and cinnamon—then added an avocado increase as a result of why not? It was completely scrumptious.
9:00 AM: Take the Shasta Dam Tour
Get able to be completely wowed at Shasta Dam, an engineering marvel and one of many world’s largest concrete buildings towering 602 ft above the Sacramento River. The perfect half? The 1.5–2-hour tour is totally free—no tickets, no suggestions, simply pure fascination. You’ll begin with a brief, informative movie concerning the dam’s historical past, then stroll throughout the crest for unimaginable views, and at last head inside to see its large internal workings up shut. It’s significantly spectacular!
Right here’s a enjoyable tip to make your go to additional memorable: ask your information the place to face for the proper echo spot—the delay on the echo is insane!
12:00 PM: Discover Lake Shasta Caverns
When you’re constructing your journey bucket listing, don’t miss exploring the depths of the Lake Shasta Caverns. Your two-hour tour kicks off with a ship experience throughout Lake Shasta’s glowing waters, adopted by a mountain bus experience to the doorway of the cavern.
As soon as inside the traditional limestone caves, you’ll be blown away by the stalactites and stalagmites which were forming at only one inch each 100 years. Positive, there are 612 stairs to sort out, however the rock formations are greater than well worth the climb (simply contemplate it leg-day on the gymnasium!). Plus, the caves’ fixed 58-degree temperature makes it a refreshing break.
2:15 PM: Seize a Late Lunch at Pipeline
After a morning of adventuring, head to lunch at Pipeline in downtown Redding. Positioned within the Shasta Bike Depot, this native favourite is serving up severe taste with dishes that’ll have you ever planning your subsequent go to earlier than you even depart.
The Duck Fats Fries? Sport-changing. They’re crispy, wealthy, and principally the fries all different fries aspire to be. My private obsession? The Seared Ahi Bowl—it was so good I ordered it twice (and I’d do it once more). When you’re a wings fan, theirs are completely drool-worthy, and people burgers you’ll see on nearly each desk? Let’s simply say they’re there for a cause.
>> Need extra meals suggestions? See my picks for the greatest Redding eating places.
3:30 PM: Go to Turtle Bay Exploration Park
Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of enjoyable and discovery alongside the Sacramento River—you’ll discover a lot to discover right here. This isn’t simply any park; it’s filled with botanical gardens, a wildlife heart filled with fascinating creatures, and a museum with reveals masking every little thing from native historical past to science and artwork.
When you’re an animal lover like me, spring for one of many animal encounters (it’s completely price it). I had the possibility to satisfy Timber, their ridiculously cute 8-year-old beaver, and he utterly stole my coronary heart—be sure you say hello to him for me!
The park additionally consists of the iconic Sundial Bridge. It isn’t only a fairly pedestrian bridge—it additionally connects you to the 25-acre McConnell Arboretum & Gardens, a stunning spot to wander and soak in nature. And don’t neglect to snap some pictures on the Sundial Bridge, one of many largest working sundials on the planet.
4:45 PM: Store & Stroll Downtown Redding
Stroll the downtown streets which are scattered with colourful murals that add a lot character to the realm, and don’t miss the hand-painted electrical containers—native artists have turned them into mini artwork installations, every one completely distinctive.
If buying’s in your agenda, you’ll love locations like Carousel boutique, the place I scored the cutest necklace that I’ve been sporting nonstop, or Previous 44 Classic that has clothes that tells a narrative. Plus, be sure you cease by Wild Oaks Apothecary who makes a speciality of vegetation which were became therapeutic cures and The Fairly Thistle Boutique for some cute garments.
6:15 PM: Do a Pre-Dinner Wine Tasting (or Two)
Earlier than dinner, wind down with a wine tasting. Moseley Household Cellars and New Clairvaux Winery are positioned throughout the road from one another, so you may simply go to each. Begin at Moseley Household Cellars for his or her unimaginable choice, then jump over to New Clairvaux the place their Primitivo was my private obsession. The perfect half? You possibly can simply expertise each with out shifting your automobile – now that’s what I name environment friendly wine tasting!
*In fact when you prefer to savor your wine, simply decide one. You possibly can at all times hit up the opposite one the subsequent night time.
7:45 PM: Dinner at Paradisio
For dinner, head to Paradisio, the place Chef Mike Hallead is serving up elevated consolation meals that locals and guests rave about. Whether or not you’re celebrating one thing particular or simply treating your self to a tremendous meal, this spot hits all the fitting notes. I opted for the tofu curry, which packed simply the correct quantity of spice—heat, comforting, and utterly satisfying. However, I’ve acquired to be trustworthy, watching these elk burgers go by had me experiencing some severe meals envy.
9:00 PM: Finish with Ice Cream at Style & See Creamery
No excellent day is full with out dessert, and Style & See Creamery delivers in each method. Their Nutella Bonfire S’extra ice cream is a must-try, however their seasonal flavors—like pumpkin spice with ginger snaps—are equally superb. The distinctive flavors rotate with the seasons, which principally means you could have the proper excuse to maintain coming again for extra!
Day 1 Itinerary Video
Day 2 Redding Itinerary
8:00 AM: Espresso and Pastries: Idea Espresso Roasters
Rise and shine, as a result of we’re kicking off day two at Idea Espresso Roasters, and let me simply say that this isn’t simply one other espresso store. They’re all about prioritizing ethically sourced beans and scratch-made baked items from Eden Bakery. The cafe cultivates relationships with native companies and neighbors, aiming to enhance Redding one cup at a time. They’ve nice pastries however their chia pudding was my favourite.
9:30 AM: Hike the Crystal Creek Falls Path
When you’re searching for a hike with the proper mix of wow issue, with out the “why am I doing this to myself” issue, Crystal Creek Falls Path is a superb selection. This simple 0.7-mile out-and-back paved path is well-maintained, with loads of spots to cease and take within the surroundings alongside the best way. However, in fact, the grand finale is the two-tier cascade itself. It could possibly simply be seen from the pavement or take the path that leads all the way down to the bottom.
*PS: this waterfall is wheelchair accessible and may simply be seen from the pavement or take the path that leads all the way down to the bottom.
Whiskeytown Falls: For many who are searching for an extended (and extra strenuous hike), Whiskeytown Falls Path is the proper backup plan. The two.6 mile hike will make your quads burn, however you’ll neglect all about it whenever you see this 220-foot cascading magnificence.
11:00 AM: Discover Shasta State Historic Park
Simply six miles west of Redding, Shasta State Historic Park is like stepping straight into California’s gold rush previous. The park is filled with half-ruined brick buildings that whisper tales of the once-thriving “Queen Metropolis” of California’s northern mining district. And let me let you know, this place is shockingly well-preserved. These outdated iron shutters? They nonetheless creak open on their unique hinges, making it really feel like historical past is alive and kicking.
The actual showstopper, although, is the restored County Courthouse. It appears prefer it’s been frozen in time since 1861 and now serves as a museum filled with gold rush treasures. Inside, the courtroom is decked out with genuine interval furnishings, and there’s even a historic jail you may stroll by way of. Talking of the jail—standing in that dim, claustrophobic area gave me the creeps! I couldn’t cease imagining what it will need to have felt like for somebody locked up in there again within the day.
The museum additionally options a powerful assortment of California art work spanning a century, including a cultural twist to the historic expertise.
1:00 PM: Seize Lunch at Mosaic
Close to the Sheraton and Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Mosaic is completely located for a scrumptious meal in between exploring Redding’s highlights. This spot goes to impress you with their California-inspired small plates which are nearly too good to share (however you in all probability ought to).
Right here’s what you’ll want to strive: crispy Brussels sprouts drizzled with lemon marmalade and topped with spiced pecans—this fashionable veggie steals the present. Then there’s the whipped feta, which is topped with pistachio and Calabrian chili, served alongside their home focaccia. When you’re craving one thing heartier, I liked the king salmon with French lentils.
*Mosaic’s trendy rustic vibe and flavor-packed menu make it a best choice for extra than simply lunch, however it’s additionally a stellar dinner spot to wind down your day too.
2:30 PM: Take a Helicopter Trip Over Shasta
Prepared for the last word perspective shift? Time to take to the skies by way of helicopter with AV8 Aviation. I took their one-hour Bally tour and may actually say that it was the last word Redding bucket listing journey.
The flight supplied views of the Sacramento River snaking by way of the panorama, the smooth Sundial Bridge, a glimpse of Mount Shasta and the spectacular Shasta Dam. However the true star? Rising over 6,200 ft to fly over the snowcapped Shasta Bally’s rugged summit. Wow!
4:30 PM: Play Aqua Golf
After your epic helicopter experience, Aqua Golf is simply the coolness journey you’ll want to wind down. Positioned proper on the Sacramento River, this distinctive driving vary helps you to hit golf balls into the water, aiming for floating targets of various sizes and distances. Whether or not you’re a seasoned golfer fine-tuning your swing or a whole beginner simply having enjoyable, it’s an inexpensive and entertaining strategy to have enjoyable.
I rented a few golf equipment and gave it my greatest effort at attempting to hit these targets within the water. Let’s simply say that I might use just a little extra observe.
6:00 PM: Get a Pre-Dinner Beer flight
Beer followers, you’re going to like Closing Draft Brewering Firm! Since 2017, this downtown Redding brewpub has been serving up 30+ rotating faucets of craft beer, laborious cider, and laborious seltzer, together with a menu filled with favorites like burgers, salads, and fish & chips.
From crisp pilsners to hoppy IPAs, clean porters, and inventive seasonal brews, there’s one thing for each beer fan right here. The perfect half is you may get a “taster” dimension of a number of, till you discover your excellent brew.
Not a beer individual? Their cider and seltzer choices have you ever lined—or you may at all times head again to one among Redding’s wine tasting rooms for one more pour!
7:00 PM: Dinner at Classic Public Home
Cap off your unimaginable weekend at Classic Public Home, the place informal vibes meet scrumptious bites. This family-owned place provides trendy American fare with dishes like crispy, completely seasoned Brussels sprouts and a yummy pesto salmon. Pair your meal with one among their rotating craft beers, signature cocktails, or a pleasant glass of wine (at all times my selection!).
The place to Keep
Make the The Sheraton Redding Resort on the Sundial Bridge your private home base for this weekend getaway. As Redding’s solely 4-star lodge, it’s completely positioned inside strolling distance of the Sundial Bridge, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and so many different must-see spots. It’s additionally a bonus that Mosaic restaurant is correct subsequent door.
For extra info on Redding, go to www.visitredding.com.
Touring Quickly? Use my Favourite Assets for Reserving Your Journey!
E book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favourite flight search engine, as a result of it checks dozens of airways so you may simply discover one of the best fare offers. You too can choose ‘most cost-effective month’ to search out the bottom fares on your vacation spot (I take advantage of this on a regular basis!).
E book Your Lodging
I take advantage of each Reserving.com and Expedia for inns, as a result of every provides a pair totally different lodge selections and I like to match the evaluations on every one. You probably have a bunch or are searching for extra of a house ambiance, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has homes, flats and even only a room for hire in each worth vary.
E book Your Rental Automobile
If love the liberty to discover like I do, driving from place to put is the best choice! I at all times e-book with Uncover Vehicles for one of the best costs and prime model choices.
E book Some Enjoyable Excursions!
Viator and Get Your Information are my go-to serps for cool bucket listing experiences! Each can have totally different excursions, so verify each—why restrict your self, proper?
Don’t Neglect Journey Insurance coverage
Journey might be unpredictable. Whether or not it’s a last-minute cancellation, an harm, or (ugh) theft, issues occur. That’s why I like to recommend by no means leaving the nation with out journey insurance coverage. Listed here are my faves: Security Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Journey Necessities Prepared
Take a look at the Bucket Record Journey Amazon Retailer to search out all my favourite journey necessities. Every part from Packing cubes, to journey adapters and toiletry containers to strolling sneakers.
*Lastly, verify journey.state.gov for visa necessities and security info.
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