Poised at the northern edge of California's vast central valley, Redding is the perfect destination for all types of exploration. This lively city has several museums and many lovely parks, including the new Turtle Bay Exploration Park with its hands-on museum exhibits, river aquarium, forest camp and much more. The Sacramento River runs right through the heart of the city, and this lush, meandering corridor offers many peaceful spaces for walking, bicycling or fishing for salmon, steelhead and trout.

Redding is a short drive from some of California's most dramatic natural wonders including Mt. Shasta and the pristine Trinity Mountains. Take a hike through the rugged mountain wilderness, go kayaking or rafting on the mighty Sacramento River or spend a quiet afternoon on Shasta Lake, where you'll likely see bald eagles and other wildlife. Winter brings Alpine and cross-country skiing to some of California's finest, unspoiled terrain. This area abounds with hot springs, and you can explore other artifacts of its volcanic activity, past and present, in the many sulfur springs, thermal vents and lava caves at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

After a fine day in the great outdoors, come back to town to enjoy fine riverside dining and live music or theater at one of the city's downtown venues. Or hop aboard the Shasta Sunset Dinner Train for a spectacular ride around Mt. Shasta, complete with a fine four-course dinner and live entertainment. The surrounding communities of Dunsmuir, McCloud, Anderson and Weaverville also offer many interesting sights and a warm welcome for visitors.