Redding area
Around Redding area
Photo: Tony Webster · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Greater area · California · 245k people
Redding area
Locals say North State
Where the river runs through the mountains
Shasta College blueShasta College gold
Welcome to Redding, the heart of the North State! Whether you're here for the river, the lakes, or the mountain views, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Come for the sunsets, stay for the friendly folks.
Clubs for Redding area
No clubs for Redding area yet.
The room
Redding area is big: its rooms are its areas'. This is Redding's; the others are below.
One room for everyone around Redding. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Redding area. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Sundial Bridge Iconic glass-deck bridge over the Sacramento River
- Turtle Bay Exploration Park Science museum and arboretum, home to the Sundial Bridge
- Shasta Dam Massive concrete dam creating Shasta Lake
- Whiskeytown Lake Clear-water lake in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
- Mount Shasta Majestic peak visible from Redding, a landmark for the North State
- Lassen Volcanic National Park Volcanic park with boiling mud pots and steaming fumaroles
- Outdoors Shasta Lake
- Outdoors Whiskeytown Lake
- With kids Turtle Bay Exploration Park
- With kids Sundial Bridge
- Evenings Downtown Redding bars
- Evenings Brewery taprooms
- Locals love swimming holes
- Locals love scenic overlooks
Through the year
- Redding Rodeo May Annual rodeo with parades and competitions
- Shasta District Fair June County fair with exhibits, rides, and livestock
- Redding Marathon January Flat, fast course along the river
Redding has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with very dry summers and cool, wet winters. The best time to be out is spring and fall when temperatures are comfortable. Best: Spring and fall are mild and perfect for outdoor activities.
Talk like a local
- “North State”
- The region around Redding, including Shasta and Tehama counties
Getaways
- Red Bluff Historic town on the Sacramento River
- Chico College town with vibrant downtown and Bidwell Park
- Eureka Victorian seaport on the North Coast
- Klamath Falls Gateway to Crater Lake and wildlife refuges
Local flavour
Rooting for San Francisco Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, San Jose Sharks, Sacramento Kings
Eat and drink
- Black Bear Diner A local chain founded in Mount Shasta, known for hearty breakfasts and comfort food; a regional staple.
- Tri-tip A California barbecue favourite, often served at outdoor gatherings and local cookouts.
- Mountain trout Fresh-caught trout from local streams and lakes
- Huckleberry pie Wild huckleberries are a regional treat
Where people go
- Mountain lakes Shasta Lake, Whiskeytown Lake, and other reservoirs for boating, fishing, and swimming.
- River access points The Sacramento River runs through town, with many spots for rafting, kayaking, and picnicking.
- Scenic overlooks Viewpoints along the highway and trails that frame Mount Shasta and the surrounding peaks.
- National forest Shasta‑Trinity National Forest offers endless hiking, camping, and solitude.
Heritage and traditions
Redding is proud of its dramatic natural setting at the junction of the Sacramento and Shasta rivers, with Mount Shasta and the Cascades to the north. Locals also cherish the area's gold rush and Native American heritage, from the Wintu people to the Chinese immigrants who left the Weaverville Joss House.
This time of year in Redding area
- Hunting season Fall Deer and waterfowl hunting in the surrounding forests and wetlands.
Say it like a local: “down the hill” — Going to the Central Valley or lower elevations.
Festivals
- MarketFest Summer Thursday evenings A weekly community gathering on the riverfront with local produce, crafts, and bands.
- Christmas in the Park December An illuminated walk-through display at the Redding Civic Auditorium.
Landmarks with a story
- Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park The oldest continuously used Chinese temple in California, built during the gold rush.
- Shasta Abbey A Zen Buddhist monastery near Mount Shasta, offering retreats and meditation.
- Old City Hall Arts Center A restored 1905 building that now hosts art exhibits and cultural events.
Food traditions
- Dutch oven cooking Outdoor cooks prepare stews, breads, and cobblers in cast iron Dutch ovens at campsites and community gatherings.
- Huckleberry picking Families head to the mountains in late summer to pick wild huckleberries for pies and jams.
- Fish fries Local churches and community groups host fish fries during Lent, often featuring freshly caught trout.
Music and arts
- North State Symphony A regional orchestra that performs classical and pops concerts in Redding.
- Old City Hall Arts Center A hub for local visual arts, with rotating exhibits and classes.
- Native American basket weaving The Wintu and Pit River tribes have a tradition of intricate basket weaving.
A little history
- Gold rush brought Chinese immigrants to Weaverville, leading to the construction of the Joss House. 1850s
- Construction of Shasta Dam during WWII created the largest reservoir in California. 1938-1945
- Redding was founded as a railroad town on the Sacramento River. 1872
- Game day Friday night high school football
- Game day Fishing derbies
- Outdoors Gold panning in the Trinity River
- Outdoors Hiking to Castle Crags
- With kids Weaverville Joss House
- With kids Redding Library
Locals speak with a relaxed Western American accent. 'Shasta' is pronounced 'SHAS-tuh', and the region is often called 'the North State'.
Only here
- The Weaverville Joss House is the oldest continuously used Chinese temple in California.
- The headwaters of the Sacramento River bubble up at Mount Shasta.
- The annual Damboree celebrates the construction of Shasta Dam.
New here? A few tips
- Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F; stay hydrated and use sunscreen.
- Pronounce 'Shasta' as 'SHAS-tuh'.
- Take a walk or bike ride on the Sacramento River Trail.
- Visit the Thursday night MarketFest for local food and music.
- Be prepared for wildfire smoke in late summer.
Make this page better
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Areas in Redding area
Nearby
Every areaWillows–ColusaCaliforniaRice fields, river bends, and open skies.Trinity CountyCaliforniaGold rush history, alpine beauty, and river life.ChicoCaliforniaWhere the hills meet the valley and the beer is cold.Lost SierraCaliforniaWhere the pines meet the river and the sky goes on forever.Yuba CityCaliforniaOrchards, river, and a world of flavor.Siskiyou–ModocCaliforniaLand of living rivers and ancient peaksSusanvilleCaliforniaWhere the high desert meets the pinesClearlakeCaliforniaLife moves at the pace of the lake.
Redding-Red Bluff, CA CSA. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.