Outdoor Paradise in Upstate California

When it comes to outdoor  activities and adventures, Redding offers outdoor options for all ages — in a beautiful location cradled by Mt. Shasta and Lassen Peak, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year — cementing the town’s claim to being the nation’s “second sunniest city.”

Playing in the Parks

The area has an abundance of state and national parks, suitable for many activities, including running and cycling events, along with all types of water sports. 

“We have over 225 miles of hiking, biking and walking trails surrounding Redding,” said Shasta County Sports Commissioner Sabrina Jurisich, “and our trails offer access year-round.”

In early 2020, Redding hosted the NorCal High School Mountain Bike race “The Swasey Shred” and is also home to the Lemurian Shasta Classic, one of the oldest and most famous mountain bike races. But it’s not just mountain biking that appeals; Redding has trails to suit all types of cycling, both challenging and recreational, with some amazing sights along the way, including crossing the internationally acclaimed Sundial Bridge (which is an actual, working sundial), right in the middle of town.

The trails around Redding also host the annual Redding Marathon, a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. The combination of venues for biking, running and water sports creates a perfect environment for hosting triathlons.

Water Sports

Redding offers a variety of water sports, from swimming to boating and kayaking, to regattas, fishing and more. In fact, TIME Magazine called Redding the “Unofficial Capital of Kayaking.”

“Our summers are beautiful, and the water is so inviting,” Jurisich notes. “Not only do we have amazing lakes and streams throughout this region, but we have the beautiful Sacramento River running right through the heart of town.” 

Redding is also the heart of Northern California’s fishing, and is the center of some of the best fly-fishing in the region. Fishing year-round is possible with the temperate climate, and because the Sacramento River runs cold and swift, it creates one of the best fisheries in the country. The area is home to famous trout-fishing waters which helped Redding make Forbes.com’s list of “10 Trout Fishing Towns in North America.”

California Soccer Park

The California Soccer Park is a one-of-a kind, “state-of-the-sport” 22-acre facility that features four all-weather synthetic turf NCAA regulation-sized lighted fields, offering year-round play. For players, each soccer field has permanent benches in the team area along with misting stations, with drinking water provided.

The park was designed to offer an exceptional soccer experience, with unique features and amenities. Paved walkways weave throughout, and the seating around the fields is elevated. There’s also a full-service restaurant with more than 2,000 square feet of covered seating, equipped with ceiling fans and misting stations. From the covered seating area, spectators can view the action on all four fields. There are also playgrounds and other equipment for younger attendees. 

Baseball and Softball

For those who have dreamed of playing in a big-league ballpark, Redding’s Big League Dreams Sports Park is the right place. The 30-acre sports complex includes scaled-down replicas of three famous ballparks: Boston’s Fenway Park, New York’s Yankee Stadium and Chicago’s Wrigley Field. All the fields are designed to accommodate youth baseball, youth fastpitch softball and adult slowpitch softball.

The facilities include a fieldhouse, batting cages, playground and stadium seating. The Stadium Club restaurant offers views of all three replica stadiums. There’s also a 20,000-square-foot indoor pavilion that can accommodate leagues and tournaments for indoor soccer, inline hockey, basketball and more. The complex also has sand volleyball courts and a children’s play area. 

For more information on these venues, visit: www.VisitRedding.com/Sporting SDM