If you happen to’re heading to Northern California for an outdoorsy escape Redding might not be in your radar, but it surely 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 change into your subsequent favourite weekend getaway.
Right here’s my information for the most effective 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 shortly grew to become 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 should 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!
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a fast and wholesome different 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, frozen 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 toes above the Sacramento River. The most effective 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 huge 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 right echo spot—the delay on the echo is insane.
12:00 PM: Discover Lake Shasta Caverns
If you happen to’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 trip throughout Lake Shasta’s glowing waters, adopted by a mountain bus trip 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 have been forming at only one inch each 100 years. Certain, there are 612 stairs to deal with, however the rock formations are greater than definitely worth the climb (simply contemplate it leg-day on the fitness center!). 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 mainly 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). If you happen to’re a wings fan, theirs are completely drool-worthy, and people burgers you’ll see on virtually each desk? Let’s simply say they’re there for a cause.
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 middle stuffed with fascinating creatures, and a museum with reveals protecting the whole lot from native historical past to science and artwork.
If you happen to’re an animal lover like me, spring for one of many animal encounters (it’s completely value it). I had the prospect to fulfill Timber, their ridiculously cute 8-year-old beaver, and he fully stole my coronary heart—you should definitely 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 beautiful spot to wander and soak in nature. And don’t overlook to snap some photographs 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 packing containers—native artists have turned them into mini artwork installations, each completely distinctive.
If procuring’s in your agenda, you’ll love locations like Carousel boutique, the place I scored the cutest necklace that I’ve been carrying nonstop, or Outdated 44 Classic that has clothes that tells a narrative. Plus, you should definitely cease by Wild Oaks Apothecary who makes a speciality of vegetation which have been changed into therapeutic treatments 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 situated throughout the road from one another, so you’ll be able to 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 most effective half? You possibly can simply expertise each with out transferring your automotive – now that’s what I name environment friendly wine tasting!
*In fact should you prefer to savor your wine, simply choose one. You possibly can at all times hit up the opposite one the following 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 an incredible meal, this spot hits all the correct notes. I opted for the tofu curry, which packed simply the correct amount of spice—heat, comforting, and fully satisfying. However, I’ve acquired to be sincere, 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 mainly means you’ve gotten the right excuse to maintain coming again for extra!
Day 2 Redding Itinerary
8:00 AM: Espresso and Pastries: Concept Espresso Roasters
Rise and shine, as a result of we’re kicking off day two at Concept 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
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a hike with the right mix of wow issue, with out the “why am I doing this to myself” issue, Crystal Creek Falls Path is a good alternative. This straightforward 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 may simply be seen from the pavement or take the path that leads right down to the bottom.
*PS: this waterfall is wheelchair accessible and might simply be seen from the pavement or take the path that leads right down to the bottom.
Whiskeytown Falls: For many who are on the lookout for an extended (and extra strenuous hike), Whiskeytown Falls Path is the right backup plan. The two.6 mile hike will make your quads burn, however you’ll overlook 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 inform you, 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 true showstopper, although, is the restored County Courthouse. It seems to be 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’ll be able to stroll by. Talking of the jail—standing in that dim, claustrophobic area gave me the creeps! I couldn’t cease imagining what it should have felt like for somebody locked up in there again within the day.
The museum additionally options a powerful assortment of California paintings 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 virtually too good to share (however you in all probability ought to).
Right here’s what you could attempt: 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. If you happen to’re craving one thing heartier, I beloved the king salmon with French lentils.
*Mosaic’s fashionable rustic vibe and flavor-packed menu make it a best choice for extra than simply lunch, but it surely’s additionally a stellar dinner spot to wind down your day too.
2:30 PM: Take a Helicopter Journey Over Shasta
Prepared for the final word perspective shift? Time to take to the skies through helicopter with AV8 Aviation. I took their one-hour Bally tour and might actually say that it was the final word Redding bucket listing journey.
The flight supplied views of the Sacramento River snaking by the panorama, the modern Sundial Bridge, a glimpse of Mount Shasta and the spectacular Shasta Dam. However the true star? Rising over 6,200 toes to fly over the snowcapped Shasta Bally’s rugged summit. Wow!
4:30 PM: Play Aqua Golf
After your epic helicopter trip, Aqua Golf is simply the nippiness journey you could wind down. Positioned proper on the Sacramento River, this distinctive driving vary permits 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 an entire beginner simply having enjoyable, it’s an inexpensive and entertaining approach to have enjoyable.
I rented a few golf equipment and gave it my greatest effort at making an attempt to hit these targets within the water. Let’s simply say that I may use just a little extra observe.
6:00 PM: Get a Pre-Dinner Beer flight
Beer followers, you’re going to like Ultimate Draft Brewering Firm! Since 2017, this downtown Redding brewpub has been serving up 30+ rotating faucets of craft beer, arduous cider, and arduous seltzer, together with a menu stuffed 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 most effective half is you will get a “taster” measurement 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’ll be able to at all times head again to considered one of 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 gives fashionable American fare with dishes like crispy, completely seasoned Brussels sprouts and a yummy pesto salmon. Pair your meal with considered one of their rotating craft beers, signature cocktails, or a pleasant glass of wine (at all times my alternative!).
The place to Keep
Make the The Sheraton Redding Lodge on the Sundial Bridge your house 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.
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