Vintage Redding California Travel Postcard

Redding, California, is a vibrant regional hub nestled at the convergence of Northern California’s Central Valley and Cascade foothills, framed on three sides by forested mountains and just south of majestic Lake Shasta. With roughly 321 days of sunshine per year—making it the second sunniest city in the U.S.—Redding is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a launching point for thousands of miles of hiking, biking, and river trails. Anchored by the iconic Sundial Bridge, designed by Santiago Calatrava, Redding’s Turtle Bay Exploration Park serves as both cultural centerpiece and gateway to recreation along the Sacramento River. The park houses the Turtle Bay Museum, botanical gardens, wildlife exhibits, and connects to the scenic 17-mile Sacramento River Trail—perfect for walking, cycling, or simply soaking in river views. Nature and history blend seamlessly in the area. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area offers miles of trails, serene lakes, and dramatic waterfalls like Whiskeytown Falls—about 300 feet tall—while Shasta State Historic Park preserves relics of the Gold Rush era for history buffs to explore. From dramatic sunsets over the riverbanks to towering views of Mount Shasta on clear days, Redding offers a little bit of everything: nature, culture, and small‑town community spirit wrapped in a sunlit Northern California setting.