Fun Things to do Near Gaia Anderson Hotel

Sundial Bridge National Park Chico Shasta Lake

There is much to see and explore when you vacation at Gaia Anderson Hotel near Redding. The Anderson/Redding area of Northern California is known as the Gateway to the Wilderness. This Mount Shasta Region is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise. From Lassen Volcanic National Park to Mt. Shasta, to Shasta Lake and the Sacramento River, the list of things to do is only as limited as your free time.

Sundial Bridge. Sundial Bridge in Redding is not only a pedestrian bridge, but it is unique work of art. The expansive bridge crosses over the Sacramento River and connects a nationally-designated trail system with the Turtle Bay Exploration Park and McConnell Arboretum attractions. The bridge features an opaque glass deck and a 217-foot pylon that represents a sundial. The sundial provides an accurate time once a year: on June 21, the summer solstice. The Sundial Bridge was designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. There is no cost to walk across the bridge. Pets are allowed. Visit www.visitredding.org.

Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding captivates kids and adults with myriad things to do. Among the attractions at Turtle Bay Exploration Park are historical railroad exhibits, the interactive Paul Bunyan forest camp and seasonal butterfly house, the McConnell Arboretum with 220 acres of walking trails and wetlands, and the 34,000-square-foot art and history museum that features interesting exhibits of native Wintu Indians. The exhibits and activities at Turtle Bay Exploration Park strive to interpret the delicate relationships between nature and humans. Visit www.turtlebay.org.  [Top]

Lassen Volcanic National Park. Volcanic activity at Lassen Peak occurred as late as the early 1900s. The area was designated a national park in 1916 due to its active volcanic nature. Today, Lassen Volcanic National Park offers 150 miles of hiking trails, 17 of which are part of the Pacific Crest Trail, geothermal features, pine and fir forests, mountain lakes and vast meadows. Visit http://www.nps.gov/lavo/.

Mt. Shasta. Mt. Shasta is the iconic peak of the Shasta Cascade region of Northern California. Its summit reaches a height of 14,179 feet, making Mt. Shasta the second tallest peak of the Cascade chain. Climbing and backcountry skiing the steeps of Mt. Shasta are popular pursuits among experienced athletes. Mt. Shasta is also regarded as a spiritual place among many Northern California Native American tribes. Visit www.climbingmtshasta.org.  [Top]

Chico. An hour’s drive from Gaia Anderson Hotel is the quaint, historic college town of Chico. Three of Chico’s most renowned sites include California State University, Chico, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, and Bidwell Park, the second largest municipal park in the United States, second only to Central Park in New York City. Bidwell Park comprises 3,750 acres, an 18-hole golf course, baseball diamonds, play areas, and a labyrinth of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Visit www.chico.com.

Redding. Redding, largest city in the Cascade Region of Northern California, is located just 10 minutes from Gaia Anderson Hotel. Redding is home to famous Sundial Bridge and the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, one of only two All American Roads in California. Visitors to Redding also enjoy quick access to Shasta Lake and championship sports tournaments at the new Big League Dreams Redding Sports Complex.  [Top]

Shasta Lake. With more than 365 miles of shoreline, Shasta Lake is the largest manmade lake in California. The lake is the most popular attraction in the Redding area, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. Boating, fishing, waterskiing and wakeboarding, and swimming are all permitted on the lake. Shasta Lake features 10 marinas that offer boat rentals and incidentals. Visit www.shastalake.com.

Sacramento River. Meandering 375 miles from Mt. Shasta to the San Francisco Bay, the Sacramento River is the largest river in California. Listen to it burgle past Gaia Anderson Hotel or float the river’s exciting rapids in a thrilling whitewater tour. Several public river access points are located in the Anderson/Redding area. The Sacramento River can be enjoyed for kayaking, swimming, tubing, fishing and wildlife viewing. Visit http://www.dbw.ca.gov/Pubs/Redding/INDEX.HTM.  [Top]