Things to Do Around Our Redding Campus

Our Redding campus is a gateway to the beautiful vistas, amazing flavors, and unforgettable national parks of northern California. Whether you’ve got time in between classes or you’re visiting for the weekend, you’ll find that there are plenty of fun things to do nearby. Not sure where to start? See the region through a local’s eyes with our guide to Redding, CA’s must-see attractions.

Culture at Your Fingertips

Our city is a home for painting, sculpture, live music, and more. No matter your tastes, you’ll find that Redding, CA has plenty to offer:

• Art in City Hall + Sculpture Park: Redding’s Art in the City Program has transformed Old City Hall into a three-story art gallery that happens to be the largest in town. Need a little fresh air? Right outside, you’ll find a sculpture park with both permanent and traveling installations. Located at 1313 Market Street, Old City Hall is just a six minute drive or a twenty minute bike ride from our campus.
• Cascade Theatre: It’s no secret. The historic Cascade Theatre is one of Redding, CA’s most celebrated attractions—and one of our favorite examples of Art Deco architecture! The Cascade’s family-friendly programming brings in touring bands, local symphonies, and other kinds of entertainment too, so there’s really something for everyone to get excited about. Although the theatre was briefly closed during the late 90s, its story stretches back nearly nine decades.

See the Sights

Whether you’re spending the day downtown or getting out of town for the weekend, Redding, CA is the ideal place to start your next adventure:

• Sundial Bridge: You might hear it described as the Golden Gate Bridge of Redding, but this comparison doesn’t quite get at the unique appeal of our city’s most stunning pedestrian walkway. In fact, since this bridge is located in the heart of Turtle Bay Exploration Park—near the McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens—a trip to the grounds can provide a whole day’s worth of fun.
• Lassen Volcanic Natural Park: You won’t get bored in downtown Redding—but if you’re up for a day trip, you should know that Lassen Volcanic Natural Park is less than an hour by car from our Redding campus. This beautiful mountainside park offers more than 150 miles of trail, making it perfect for would-be backpackers and weekend warriors alike.

Frequently Asked Questions: Why Redding?

We’ve barely scratched the surface of what you’ll find when you look for fun things to do in Redding, so check out these FAQs to put the perfect finishing touch on your next day out:

• What are the best restaurants in Redding, CA? The Park is Redding’s official truck hub, where you can sample some of the city’s most delicious eats. Looking for something with more history? Jack’s Grill is one of our favorite’s for steak and seafood, and they’ve been in the community since 1935! Plus, Redding is home to some of the region’s top breweries, including Woody’s Brewing Company.
• Does Redding have many local festivals? No matter the season, you’ll find that there’s always something to do nearby. Check out the Redding Roots Revival Music Festival or the Redding Beer and Wine Festival if you have the chance.
• How’s the weather? Redding is California’s sunniest city. With an average of 25 fewer rainy days and 45 more sunny days—compared to the U.S. as a whole—we think it’s safe to say that Redding is where you want to be!

Get in touch with the Institute of Technology’s Redding campus if you’d like more recommendations. We’d be more than happy to show you around.