Shasta Cascade

Redding and Chico are the biggest cities in the Shasta Cascade region, but both still have a small-town feel. Redding recently erected the “second most famous bridge in California” in its Turtle Bay Exploration Park. College-town Chico has art galleries, public sculpture and murals in its historic downtown. You’ll also find galleries with works by local artists (especially hand-blown glass), live music venues and festivals in other communities in the area.

Savvy families know there are many reasons to include this part of the state in their itinerary, chief among them great access to the outdoors and good value for the dollar. Book a houseboat on Shasta Lake , take a father-son (or mother-daughter!) fly fishing weekend, or explore the volcanic formations at Lassen Volcanic National Park and Lava Beds National Monument . Chico has great family-friendly parks and an easygoing atmosphere, and Redding boasts the Turtle Bay Exploration Park , home to the Sundial Bridge, a botanic garden, museum, and forest-themed kids' play centre.

The Shasta Cascade region is a haven for folks who love the outdoors: tall mountains, wide-open spaces and relatively few people. Mount Shasta and Mount Lassen are the main fixtures on the skyline here. On their peaks and in the surrounding forests and lakes, you can find just about every kind of outdoor adventure. The area’s rivers are home to California’s best fly-fishing. Lake Shasta has been dubbed “the houseboat Mecca of the World.”

You’ll find gems among the small towns in this region, serving all-American favorites including hearty breakfasts, blue-ribbon barbecue, and old-time soda fountain fare. You’ll also find upscale restaurants specialising in local produce and California wines. Of particular note is Chico’s famous Sierra Nevada brewery.

When snow falls and water freezes in the Shasta Cascade region, it’s time get outside! The area’s mountains, valleys, meadows and lakes provide the terrain for downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country and back-country skiing and snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, ice fishing and sledding.