Road Trip to Shasta County - 19 Fun Things to do While You're There.

Sometimes a good time is found by getting in the car and taking a road trip.  The Redding area is a popular destination point for people on the coast due to warmer weather and a variety of fun activities.  Here are 19 fun things to do that will make any road trip to Shasta County a memorable one.  

On the Cover

1 - Visit Shasta Dam

At over seventy-five years old, Shasta Dam is a sight to be seen. This beautiful and powerful testament to the ingenuity of previous generations is just a short drive from Redding and offers views of Shasta Lake, the Sacramento River and the surrounding mountains.  Stop by the visitor center for detailed information about the dam's history and future.  

Note:  At this writing, tours of the Shasta Dam are no longer available but call for updates in anticipation of a visit. 

More information -->  Shasta Dam 

Other Road Trips -->  Our Northern California Road Trip section has a list of fun and adventurous stuff to do no matter what direction you decide to go. 

2 - Hit Golf Balls into the Sacramento River

After the drive to Redding, a great way to loosen up is driving golf balls at targets floating in the Sacramento River.  It's a relaxing way to have some fun in the north valley sunshine and will help determine bragging rights for the rest of the trip.  

More information -->  Aqua Golf

3 - Visit Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is an outdoor lover's dream.  A little less than twenty minutes east of Redding and home to over seventy-miles of hiking trails, four waterfalls and thirty-five miles of shoreline, it's the perfect place to stop for a little fun in the sun, a picnic and maybe a quick swim.  If time permits, kayak and paddle board rentals are available and it certainly wouldn't be the worst place to spend a night camping. 

More information -->  Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

4 - Catch a Show at the Cascade Theatre 

The Cascade Theater has been hosting exciting and memorable entertainment in the Redding area for almost one-hundred years and catching a show at this historic venue is a great way to cap off a fun day. 

The Theater offers a wide variety of events including; rock shows, blues artists, musicals and seasonal events. 

More information -->  Cascade Theater

Dinner & A Show?  Visit our Redding Area Restaurants section for a detailed list of local restaurants with delicious eats. 

5 - Make the Short Trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park

The Northwest entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park, one of the best National Parks in the country is located in Shasta County, about an hour from Redding.   

Lassen is home to some incredible points of interest including; Kings Creek Falls, Bumpass Hell, Lassen Peak and Brokeoff Mountain.  Don't miss the Loomis Museum which is located at the park's entrance. 

More information --> Lassen Volcanic National Park 

6 - Cheer From the Stands at a Redding Colt 45s Baseball Game 

If you're visiting Shasta County between May and July, catch a baseball game at Historic Tiger Field and cheer-on the local Redding Colt 45s baseball team.

Tickets are cheap, the sun is usually shining and the drinks are cold.   Not a bad way to spend an afternoon or evening. 

More information -->  Redding Colt 45s

7 - Walk Through a Local Paradise at McConnell Arboretum

Over 200-acres of trees, shrubs, plants, flowers and more can be found at McConnell Arboretum.  Located in downtown Redding, near the Sundial Bridge, the Arboretum will make your senses come alive as you explore one of the park's many trails that introduce visitors to a wide variety of colorful, aroma producing plant life.  

If you've got little ones with you, the Children's Garden is a great place to visit and there are plenty of places around the grounds to have a picnic as well.   

More information -->  McConnell Arboretum 

More Fun Stuff:  Our Redding Things To Do section is filled with information about even more unique and entertaining things to do in the Redding area. 

8 - Take a Walk or Bike Ride Along the Sacramento River Trail

Open to walkers, runners and bikers, the Sacramento River National Recreation Trail is an amazing twelve-mile loop that runs from downtown Redding to just south of Keswick Damn and highlights so much of the beauty the area has to offer.  This trail is mostly flat, paved and is great for families.  Bring plenty of water, especially in the summer. 

More information --> Sacramento River Trail

9 - Visit the Geographic Wonder that is Castle Crags State Park

Named for the 6,000 foot tall glacier of polished crags, Castle Crags State Park, just fifty miles north of Redding, is pretty incredible.  Visitors can see the crags from Interstate-5, but the experience of getting up close and personal can't be beat.  

The Pacific Crest Trail also passes through part of the park so if you've ever wanted to pick of a few miles of this iconic trail, here's your chance.

More information --> Castle Crags State Park

Northern California Photography -->  @norcalpulse on Instagram posts gorgeous photos from some of Northern California's most talented photographers.  

10 - Go Bowling 

Redding has two bowling alleys to choose from and the both offer a family-friendly experience.  With multiple lanes, food and special events, you're sure to have a great time. 

More information -->  Shasta Lanes

More information --> Country Bowl

11 - Chase Some Waterfalls 

Shasta County has some incredible waterfalls and if you're feeling especially adventurous, there are even more just outside its borders.  Some are right off the road while others take a little more effort to see but they all offer something unique and beautiful to the area. 

More information -->  Redding Area Waterfalls

12 - Check out the Animals and Other Wonders at Turtle Bay

We love Turtle Bay and know you will too!  Hosting exhibits influenced by science, history, art and culture, there is always something fun and interesting going on. 

In addition to the Forest Camp and the Arboretum, there's also some cool animals and live events that are fun for everyone.  

More information -->  Turtle Bay

13 - Take a Trip Back Through Time at Shasta State Historic Park

Let your imagination run wild as you explore this once bustling town.  At the peak of the gold rush, Shasta was brimming with life and visitors can take a trip through time as they explore the different buildings and other points of interest that cover the grounds.

More information -->  Shasta State Historic Park

14  - Explore the World's Biggest Working Sundial

The Sundial Bridge is the world's largest working sundial and is a cool place to visit, surrounded by other cool places to visit.  Opened in July 2004, the Sundial Bridge spans the Sacramento River and combines the beauty of nature, art and engineering. 

The bridge also connects visitors to Turtle Bay Exploratorium, McConnell Arboretum and the Sacramento River Trail so you could literally spend a day having fun in the area when you visit. 

More information -->  Sundial Bridge

15 - Go Roller Skating at Viking Skate Country

Take it old school and hit the floor with a pair of skates.   Featuring the newest music, crazy lights and a fun staff, Viking Skate Country is a good time for all-ages.      

More information -->  Viking Skate County 

The Links Are Calling --> Explore Redding Area Golf Courses 

16 - Spend the Day at Shasta Lake

California's largest reservoir offers three-hundred sixty-five miles of shoreline and over thirty-thousand surface-acres on which to play.  The lake is popular for fishing, boating, camping, hiking swimming and other activities.  

If you're visiting during the area's notorious hot months, a day at Shasta Lake will help alleviate some of the heat, but don't forget the sun block.  

More information -->  Shasta Lake

17 - Explore Some Local Art Galleries and Museums

Shasta County has a unique and regional museums have done an incredible job preserving the photographs, literature and other memorabilia that reflect this greatness.  The area is also home to a great deal of artistic talent and there are a wide variety of places you can see and purchase local art.

Click for a List of Redding Area Art Galleries and Museums

18 - Rare Air Trampoline Park

Bouncing around a trampoline park is a unique way to have some fun in Redding.   Featuring dodge ball, slam dunk hoops, open jump areas, a kid's play area and more, there's a variety of ways to have a great time for everyone in your group. 

More information -->  Rare Air Trampoline Park

19 - Explore a Local Trail

Hiking in the North Valley is different than on the coast for a variety of reasons, including the expansive views that walking/hiking trails in the Redding area offer.  Whether you want to hike to some Redding area waterfalls, take on Lassen Peak or enjoy a relaxing stroll on a local path, there are plenty of choices in the area. 

Lace up Your Shoes -->  Redding Area Hiking Trails

Thanks for reading!

Written by Colby K. for norcalpulse.com