It's impossible to miss this 217-foot high sundial poking up above the trees. And it serves as a scenic entrance to the Sacramento River Trail. Speaking of which...
Whether you're a cyclist, runner, roller skater or whatever, the Sacramento River Trail has you covered. It runs over 9 miles along the scenic Sacramento River, and you can even bring your dog if you like!
For an experience that will educate and entertain, Turtle Bay Exploration Park has more options than you'll ever need: A museum, arboretum, wildlife and more!
If your idea of a fun adventure is a bit more daring, take to the skies with Air Shasta Rotor & Wing. Starting from the airport in Redding, you can choose from a tour of the city, a flight over the nearby Trinity Alps, or even customize your own trip.
Who knew that you could play baseball at Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium and Fenway-all without leaving Redding. At the Big Leagues Dreams Sports Park, that dream becomes a reality at the three replica parks open for anyone to visit and feel just like a pro.
The Cascade Theater is a Redding icon, and for good reason: The theater opened way back in 1935 and was the hottest place to catch a show. It still remains a favorite source of entertainment from Celtic dancing to Bill Cosby.
If you take a stroll around downtown Redding you might notice sculptures and other art popping up everywhere. It's all part of the city's Art in Public Places program to add to the city's cultural feel and give everyone a chance to experience the artists' creativity.
Just over 10 minutes north of Redding, you'll come upon a staggering feat of architecture called Shasta Dam. Standing strong since the 1940s, this dam is an incredible 602 feet high and holds a maximum of more than 4.5 million gallons of water to create Shasta Lake.
The Civic Auditorium is much more impressive than the simple name might imply: It hosts some epic entertainment like a Pink Floyd tribute concert and laser show and an elegant Hollywood-themed live auction.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, you can turn your next date (or even your next family outing) into an adventure with Lake Shasta Dinner Cruises aboard the "Cavern Queen," with a beautiful backdrop of the lake and an experience to remember for years.
Of course, there is some fun that the kids can't join in on. This classy casino has more than 600 games to chose from, including poker, slots, and bingo.
Every fall downtown Redding hosts the Beer and Wine Festival, where the whole city comes together to sample local brews and vintages along with food from the best restaurants and enjoy live entertainment.
Just a few miles outside of Redding awaits a challenge with a beautiful reward: Four different waterfalls in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, each more beautiful than the rest.
Rafting is fun. Rafting on the Sacramento River is awesome. A trip with North Country Raft Rental will take you under six different bridges on the river and even spots on the shore where you can stop for a picnic lunch.
On Saturday mornings from April through December Cypress Avenue turns into a farmers market with locally grown fruit and vegetables waiting to go home with you. Can't make it on Saturday? No worries, the city hosts two other markets on Sundays and Tuesdays.
Hunger Games got you inspired to take up archery? Straight Arrow Bow Hunters is where the pros come to improve their accuracy in a safe and controlled area, and you can too.
The incredible limestone caves in Shasta Caverns date back nearly 250 million years, and the calcite formations spiking down from the ceiling make you feel like you've landed on an alien world.
Sure, anyone can have fireworks on the Fourth of July. But Redding goes all out with a celebration lasting all day, and includes food, games, entertainment, and the largest fireworks show in Northern California. 'MERICA.
There's only one place that really comes to mind when you're talking about steak in Redding: Jack's. This restaurant has been serving up the best beef around since 1938.
There's nothing quite like a classic county fair, and Redding is home to one of the best. Livestock shows, live music, and even an apple-pie eating contest!
Sometimes you just need something sweet. J Nicolay Bakery has more options than you can count, baked fresh daily (from scratch, of course). Scones, cookies, cinnamon rolls, croissants, donuts, cupcakes-well, you get the idea.
An afternoon at Viking Skate Country Park will make you feel like a kid again. This indoor roller rink has been making days since 1974, and also has a video arcade and snack bar.
There's one yard in Redding that shines a little brighter at Christmas. OK, a lot brighter. It's the Redding Lights, a fantastic display of twinkling lights in various scenes in a private yard that is opened up to the public so everyone can come by to marvel.
Every month the Rivercity JAZZ Society hosts a concert and dance for the public, with live music provided by local musicians. Everyone's welcome to mix and mingle and most importantly, enjoy the great music.
If you're excited by the idea of a dance but not exactly light on your feet, take a class at the Old City Hall. Choose from classic ballroom or Latin, and the instructors will have you twirling and foxtrot...ing around the floor in no time.
And by hog I mean motorcycle. Redding's Big Bike Weekend has a scavenger hunt around the county, stunt biking, food, music and more. Plus you could win a new paint job for your ride or other prizes in the raffle.
I did say that Redding is sunny 88 percent of the time, but that means 12 percent of the time it's not. When those days arrive, pack up the family and head to Shasta Lake's Oasis Fun Center, where you can choose from go-karting, laser tag, miniature golf, rock climbing and more.
Skip the next Michael Bay-directed explosion-fest and instead opt for Redding's Silent Film Festival. Past festivals have featured Charlie Chaplin, Lon Chaney and films by movie pioneer D.W. Griffith.
Another awesome adventure to be had on this river is the fast-growing sport of stand-up paddleboarding. Rent boards and take beginner lessons from Adventure Recreation Center in Anderson and get out on the water.
Sure, sun isn't exactly uncommon, but the Weather Channel named Redding the second sunniest city in the entire country behind Yuma, Arizona. It's sunny a staggering 88 percent of the time here. Whether it's one of the adventures on this list or just a simple walk around town, make sure to get outside and enjoy all that Redding sun!
