Christine's Guidebook
Sightseeing
As world-renowned architecture, the Sundial Bridge over the Sacramento River attracts guests from far and wide. People may walk or use wheelchairs, razors, segues or bikes to cross. One day per year (the summer solstice) the gnomon accurately registers the time from 11 am to 3 pm.
The bridge leads to a refreshing botanical garden featuring a fountain and sculptures highlighting local flora, fauna and water issues. The unique children’s garden has whimsical metallic and mosaic sculptures. You will discover a lot of fun trails, a pond and lovely plants, shrubs and trees.
After you cross the bridge, you can follow the Sacramento River Trail to the west to reach the turtle pond. The trails in this area highlight local flora, fauna, Wintu culture and Shasta Dam history.
This is MY favorite go-to place in Redding. Insider tip: my grandchildren and their friends always and especially like it because it’s a great place for Pokemon GO. Enjoying the bridge is free as well as the gardens (although a garden donation is appreciated).
165 residents recomanen
Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay Exploration Park
844 Sundial Bridge DriveAs world-renowned architecture, the Sundial Bridge over the Sacramento River attracts guests from far and wide. People may walk or use wheelchairs, razors, segues or bikes to cross. One day per year (the summer solstice) the gnomon accurately registers the time from 11 am to 3 pm.
The bridge leads to a refreshing botanical garden featuring a fountain and sculptures highlighting local flora, fauna and water issues. The unique children’s garden has whimsical metallic and mosaic sculptures. You will discover a lot of fun trails, a pond and lovely plants, shrubs and trees.
After you cross the bridge, you can follow the Sacramento River Trail to the west to reach the turtle pond. The trails in this area highlight local flora, fauna, Wintu culture and Shasta Dam history.
This is MY favorite go-to place in Redding. Insider tip: my grandchildren and their friends always and especially like it because it’s a great place for Pokemon GO. Enjoying the bridge is free as well as the gardens (although a garden donation is appreciated).
Driving north from Redding to Mount Shasta, you’ll pass Castle Crags on the left.
90 residents recomanen
Parc Estatal de Castle Crags
20022 Castle Creek RdDriving north from Redding to Mount Shasta, you’ll pass Castle Crags on the left.
Looking north on a clear day, you can see Mount Shasta from Redding. The summit is snow-capped nearly year round. The visitor center has directions for lots of nearby hikes and things to do in town. Bring empty bottles to collect free mountain spring water at the headwaters of the Sacramento River at City Park.
140 residents recomanen
Mount Shasta
Looking north on a clear day, you can see Mount Shasta from Redding. The summit is snow-capped nearly year round. The visitor center has directions for lots of nearby hikes and things to do in town. Bring empty bottles to collect free mountain spring water at the headwaters of the Sacramento River at City Park.
From Redding, looking to the east you can see the peaks in Lassen National Volcanic Park. This park has all kinds of trails, through meadows and near lakes and creeks. Some unique spots include a cinder cone and the geothermic features of bubbling mud pots and fumeroles. On the hottest days in Redding, you can find relief in this park.
25 residents recomanen
Mount Lassen
From Redding, looking to the east you can see the peaks in Lassen National Volcanic Park. This park has all kinds of trails, through meadows and near lakes and creeks. Some unique spots include a cinder cone and the geothermic features of bubbling mud pots and fumeroles. On the hottest days in Redding, you can find relief in this park.
Especially on hot days, this lake is the go-to place. You can swim, hike and kayak. Some trails include waterfalls. Brandy Creek and Oak Flats are favorites. Unfortunately our big fire in 2018 started out here, so ask at the visitor center re what parts of the park are open.
36 residents recomanen
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Especially on hot days, this lake is the go-to place. You can swim, hike and kayak. Some trails include waterfalls. Brandy Creek and Oak Flats are favorites. Unfortunately our big fire in 2018 started out here, so ask at the visitor center re what parts of the park are open.
Services
After trying several nail salons in Redding, this is the one that did an excellent job at a reasonable price with good communication. We were two adults and two young ladies getting manis & pedis. Everyone was pleased with the service.
Queen Nails
1173 Hilltop DrAfter trying several nail salons in Redding, this is the one that did an excellent job at a reasonable price with good communication. We were two adults and two young ladies getting manis & pedis. Everyone was pleased with the service.
As an Uber driver, I need my car in good shape with minimal downtime. Mike has been willing to take the time to do the diagnostics on various occasions when the problem was complex. I’ve found him to be honest and knowledgeable and respectful of my time and situation.
Strong Automotive
11114 Rhyolite DrAs an Uber driver, I need my car in good shape with minimal downtime. Mike has been willing to take the time to do the diagnostics on various occasions when the problem was complex. I’ve found him to be honest and knowledgeable and respectful of my time and situation.
This gas station (on Hilltop and Palisades, near the Mt. Shasta Mall) is relatively close to our home. It is often the least expensive of the “quality” gas stations.
Speedway
1233 Hilltop DriveThis gas station (on Hilltop and Palisades, near the Mt. Shasta Mall) is relatively close to our home. It is often the least expensive of the “quality” gas stations.
Coming into Redding from the south, this Arco station usually has the best price for top tier gas. Use the S. Bonnyview exit and turn right onto S. Bonnyview, then an immediate left onto Churn Creek. It’s confusing because the streets are changing names and directions at this exit.
Hint: Use the free gas buddy app to compare gas prices and brands in the area.
Arco Gas Station
4670 Churn Creek RdComing into Redding from the south, this Arco station usually has the best price for top tier gas. Use the S. Bonnyview exit and turn right onto S. Bonnyview, then an immediate left onto Churn Creek. It’s confusing because the streets are changing names and directions at this exit.
Hint: Use the free gas buddy app to compare gas prices and brands in the area.
Food scene
From the Hearth has great food and coffee drinks at a reasonable price AND you can order & pay in advance & skip the line. There are several locations around town: this cafe is co-located with the Valero gas station just down the hill from Bethel.
40 residents recomanen
From The Hearth Cafe - College View
1292 College View DrFrom the Hearth has great food and coffee drinks at a reasonable price AND you can order & pay in advance & skip the line. There are several locations around town: this cafe is co-located with the Valero gas station just down the hill from Bethel.
This place is great for tasty & healthy grab and go. Located downtown, you can fill your gas tank at Fuel Good and/or & your tummy at the same time! I like the soup of the day, chi bowl, wraps and salads. The espresso drinks (my favorite: Aztec mocha, hot or cold with whip and cinnamon) and herbal teas keep me going year round. Fresh From the Hearth loaves of bread are available, along with all kinds of great snacks. Please tip these conscientious folks!
From the Hearth Drive-Thru
1279 Pine StThis place is great for tasty & healthy grab and go. Located downtown, you can fill your gas tank at Fuel Good and/or & your tummy at the same time! I like the soup of the day, chi bowl, wraps and salads. The espresso drinks (my favorite: Aztec mocha, hot or cold with whip and cinnamon) and herbal teas keep me going year round. Fresh From the Hearth loaves of bread are available, along with all kinds of great snacks. Please tip these conscientious folks!
Wilda's Grill
1712 Churn Creek RdWe like the buddah bowl and sweet potato fries.
Nice people and good food: try the lunch buffet or get a thali (one main entree and a little bit of everything else).
12 residents recomanen
PRIYA Indian Cuisine
2937 Churn Creek RdNice people and good food: try the lunch buffet or get a thali (one main entree and a little bit of everything else).
This is a fun, family-friendly outdoor food truck park, often with live music. The trucks and hours vary due to the weather. Link to reach their facebook: norcalfoodtrucks.com
The park includes single lane bowling; games like a stand-up version of 4-in-a-Row; Corn Hole and Lifesize checkers; plus fire pits.
44 residents recomanen
The Park
1552 Placer StThis is a fun, family-friendly outdoor food truck park, often with live music. The trucks and hours vary due to the weather. Link to reach their facebook: norcalfoodtrucks.com
The park includes single lane bowling; games like a stand-up version of 4-in-a-Row; Corn Hole and Lifesize checkers; plus fire pits.
Okay, since you’ve already spent a day or two out here by the Sundial Bridge, please enjoy the Mosaic restaurant at the Sheraton. During happy hour you can get great food with great service at a great price!
91 residents recomanen
Mosaic Restaurant
826 Sundial Bridge DriveOkay, since you’ve already spent a day or two out here by the Sundial Bridge, please enjoy the Mosaic restaurant at the Sheraton. During happy hour you can get great food with great service at a great price!
Get a great view of the mighty Sacramento River and mountains to the north and west of Redding, not to mention excellent food and friendly service.
127 residents recomanen
View 202
202 Hemsted DrGet a great view of the mighty Sacramento River and mountains to the north and west of Redding, not to mention excellent food and friendly service.
As a Trader Joe’s fan from the beginning in SoCal and continuing for all these many years: it’s there and it’s fast and it’s SO GOOD. Get your chips, ‘cados, fruit, salad fixings, Indian entrees (my favorite), wine/beer, hummus, pizza, cheese, coffee, and so much more, plus samples. If you want quality food at a fair price, this is the place. The staff is friendly, knows the store and the restrooms are clean.
85 residents recomanen
Trader Joe's
845 Browning StAs a Trader Joe’s fan from the beginning in SoCal and continuing for all these many years: it’s there and it’s fast and it’s SO GOOD. Get your chips, ‘cados, fruit, salad fixings, Indian entrees (my favorite), wine/beer, hummus, pizza, cheese, coffee, and so much more, plus samples. If you want quality food at a fair price, this is the place. The staff is friendly, knows the store and the restrooms are clean.
Singles/Couples:Family Fun
Oasis has mini-golf, an escape room, go karts, laser tag, laser maze, bumper boats and an arcade.
22 residents recomanen
Oasis Fun Center
3330 Cascade BlvdOasis has mini-golf, an escape room, go karts, laser tag, laser maze, bumper boats and an arcade.
This is a family favorite birthday venue. But if you like to bounce, why wait for a b’day?
17 residents recomanen
Rare Air Trampoline Park
3625 Old 44 DrThis is a family favorite birthday venue. But if you like to bounce, why wait for a b’day?
Concerts/Theater
This historic venue attracts first class performers: check their schedule at cascadetheatre.org
52 residents recomanen
Cascade Theatre
1731 Market StThis historic venue attracts first class performers: check their schedule at cascadetheatre.org
This venue hosts musical & comedy performances, community events and home, garden and trade shows. Check the schedule at reddingcivic.com .
26 residents recomanen
Redding Civic Auditorium
This venue hosts musical & comedy performances, community events and home, garden and trade shows. Check the schedule at reddingcivic.com .