More than just a Redding icon, the Sundial Bridge is a hub for all sorts of activities, from walking and biking trails, to museums and gardens. We've compiled some of our favorites below so that you can have the best day ever checking out the heart of Redding!
The Sundial Bridge is Redding's centerpiece - and no wonder! This architectural marvel reaches 217 feet into the sky and spans 710 feet across the Sacramento River, serving as a hub for Redding's rich trails system. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the bridge was the first of its kind in the United States and is a functioning sundial.
The San Francisco Chronicle called Redding "the gem of the US trails system," and nowhere is that more apparent then next to the Sundial Bridge. Multiple walking and biking trails surround the area, from short loops around Turtle Bay Exploration Park, to the Sacramento River National Recreation Trail, a 17.4 mile trail following the Sacramento River all the way to Shasta Dam. No matter your skill level, you’re bound to find a trail for you, all with gorgeous views of the river and surrounding trees.
Once you've explored the trails to you hearts content, enjoy a snack at The Branch House, which offers a variety of drinks and refreshments, and has captivating views of the Sacramento River and the Sundial Bridge that you can enjoy from their patio dining area.
After you've had a bite, check out Turtle Bay Exploration Park - a 300-acre campus with educational and entertaining experiences that interpret the relationship between humans and nature. The Park tells the story of the region and its people through a museum that includes an underground aquarium, Native American history and exhibits, interactive experiments, rotating art exhibits, wildlife exhibits, and Paul Bunyan's Forest Camp, which features a variety of play areas for kids to let off some steam.
With 20 acres of Mediterranean-climate display gardens, the McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are not to be missed. Across the Sundial Bridge from Turtle Bay, the gardens also feature a children’s area, a medicinal garden, and two beautiful and unique water features.
After a full day, sit down for a nice meal at Mosaic. This local restaurant sits right next to Turtle Bay and offers California cuisine with a wine country twist. With a menu focusing on pizzas, shareable appetizers, hearty salads and pasta, Mosaic offers something for the whole family.
Not ready to end the day quite yet? Stick around in the evening and catch a show at the neighboring Redding Civic Auditorium, or head over to Viking Skate Country for some disco-style roller rink fun. Either way, make sure to stop by the Sundial Bridge again before you leave - at night the glass deck is lit up beautifully from beneath, making for an entirely different experience.
None! Once you've parked in the Sundial Bridge/Turtle Bay parking lot (bus parking is available) all activities and dining are within easy walking distance. You'll probably want to spend about 5-6 hours to experience the activities listed above. Budget more time if you're planning to head to Viking Skate Country, have dinner at Mosaic, or add on a show at the Redding Civic Auditorium.
