California’s Best-Kept Secret

Jan 16, 2019

As we settle into the new year, we remember the devastating wildfires that greatly affected Northern California and its residents in 2018. Redding wants you to know we’re open for business and awaiting your visit in 2019.

Orbitz.com recently labeled the city of Redding as “California’s best-kept secret” in addition to the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration calling it the sunniest city in California, with over 300 sunny days per year.

The variety of natural attractions including national and state parks, scenic byways, mountains, volcanoes, lakes, rivers and caves—plus historical sites with fun and informative student group tours—makes Redding an ideal place for groups to explore. Best of all, the lack of traffic makes for effortless accommodations to 22 tour bus-friendly hotels surrounded by 300-plus restaurants and many free or affordable attractions.

“Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge is an icon that most tours have stopped to marvel in, but what most don’t realize is how much more the region has to offer,” said Jennifer Fontana, the Group Coordinator for the Redding Convention & Visitors Bureau. “That’s why the Redding CVB is now providing complimentary site visits and new incentives for tour operators, so we can showcase the variety of activities and top attractions in the area.”

Getting student groups to what the San Francisco Chronicle called “California’s Last Frontier,” is smooth sailing. Redding is an easy two-hour drive north from Sacramento or three hours northeast from San Francisco, with direct flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles available daily to the Redding Municipal Airport.

Student groups can enjoy activities such as kayaking on a pristine mountain lake, hiking Redding’s extensive trail system or exploring the area’s 50 waterfalls and historic mining towns. Additional area attractions include:

  • McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
  • Turtle Bay Exploration Park
  • Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • Shasta Dam & Shasta Lake
  • Lava Beds National Monument

Photo and content courtesy of Visit Redding.