There are lots of things to do in and around Redding at any time of the year. Redding Attractions include the Turtle Bay Exploration Park, the Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay, Shasta Dam, Redding Aquatic Center and much more. .

TURTLE BAY EXPLORATION PARK

If you are bringing the kids to Redding, a visit to Turtle Bay Exploration Park is an absolute must but my husband and myself went without kids and absolutely loved it. In addition to the self guided trails, wildlife exhibits, forest camp, butterfly house and Paul Bunyans Forest Camp, there is also a amphitheater and botanical garden to stroll around. What's especially appealing now is the new Sundial Bridge which officially opened July 4th, 2004. If you love to walk as much as we do, the Sundial Bridge will connect you to the Sacramento River Trail which provides miles of walking trails along the Rivers edge. Click on the following link to get more information on the Turtle Bay Redding Attraction.


SUNDIAL BRIDGE AT TURTLE BAY

By far one of the best Redding Attractions is the Sundial Bridge which was built by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. You can walk, bicycle or wheelchair across the bridge and marvel at the amazing shimmering, white chipped ceramic tile over every square inch of the exposed concrete on the span. Evidentially, the job required grouting more than 1 million tiles. The 217-foot pylon acts as a sundial by telling time on the tile covered garden border on the north side of the bridge.

I was surprised to learn that the Sundial Bridge has a sister bridge in Seville Spain called the the Alamillo Bridge. Even though they appear to look alike, one of the main differences is that the Alamillo is made of concrete and the Sundial is made of steel. It's worth noting that Santiago Calatrava is a truly exceptional architect and even though the Sundial bridge is a first for him in the United States, he has built bridges, airports and stadiums all over the world and has been picked to design the World Trade Center transportation hub in New York. Click on the following link to get more information on the Sundial Bridge Redding Atraction.

SHASTA DAM

Shasta Dam is just a 10 minute drive from Redding and is located just off I5 on Shasta Dam Blvd. Shasta Dam is the world's highest center-overflow dam. You can take a tour which includes a ride in a 40 story elevator to the center of the dam. There is a Visitors Center that shows a 30 minute videotape depicting water usage in California. Guided walking tours are also available. The tours of the dam are 1 hour in duration. For more information, call the visitors center at (530) 275-4463.

REDDING AQUATIC CENTER

The City of Redding Aquatic Center is a great place to take the kids on a hot day to cool off. Located in Caldwell Park, the Aquatic Center was recently renovated and remodeled. The Aquatic Center has 2 pools, a 168-foot long water slide that empties into the recreation pool and a large children's waterplay feature in the recreation pool, There is also a sand volleyball court and a covered birthday party and event picnic area. Check out the City Aquatic Center Web Site for more information.

 

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Lake Shasta Caverns: Enjoy a cruise across Shasta Lake and a tour of the Caverns. For more information, call (530)-238-2341.

Shasta Lake Dinner Cruises: Starting Memorial Day weekend you can enjoy a dinner cruise on beautiful Lake Shasta: Shasta Lake Dinner Cruises is located at Lake Shasta Caverns Gift Shop at 20359 Shasta Caverns Rd. In O’Brien, California, just off I-5, at exit 695 going either direction.

Waterworks Park: Great for a hot day. Waterslides, volleyball and large activity pool. For more information and directions, call (530) 246-9550