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Turtle Bay Exploration Park: Where Nature, Culture, and Adventure Converge

Explore art, science, and nature at this 300-acre park in Redding, CA, featuring a museum, gardens, wildlife exhibits, and the iconic Sundial Bridge.

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Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a 300-acre cultural center along the Sacramento River in Redding, California, featuring a museum, the iconic Sundial Bridge, gardens, and wildlife exhibits. It offers a blend of art, science, history, and outdoor activities, making it a destination for all ages.

A brief summary to Turtle Bay Exploration Park

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler morning hours to comfortably explore the outdoor exhibits and gardens.
  • Check the Turtle Bay Exploration Park website for seasonal events, rotating exhibitions, and special programs.
  • Take a stroll across the Sundial Bridge for views of the Sacramento River and surrounding landscape.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the park covers a large area with walking paths and trails.
  • Visit the Turtle Bay Cafe or Branch House Riverfront Bistro for a snack or meal with views of the Sacramento River and Sundial Bridge.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a short walk. Head west from the hotel towards the Sundial Bridge, cross the bridge, and the park's entrance will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5 minutes and is free.

  • Public Transport

    From Downtown Redding, take the RABA bus towards Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The bus ride takes approximately 5 minutes, and the bus stops directly at Turtle Bay Exploration Park. A single ride fare costs $1 to $2.

  • Driving

    From Interstate 5, take exit 678 for CA-44 toward Redding/Susanville. Head east on CA-44, then take the exit for Sundial Bridge Drive. Follow Sundial Bridge Drive to the park entrance. Parking is available in the Sundial Bridge parking lot free of charge. Additional overflow parking is located at the Rodeo Grounds.

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Discover more about Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Turtle Bay Exploration Park, a 300-acre complex in Redding, California, is a vibrant center where art, science, culture, and outdoor adventure meet. The park's story began in the 1980s with a vision to unite Redding's smaller museums into a single entity, materializing in the mid-1990s along the Sacramento River. The park features the Turtle Bay Museum, a space where history, art, and science converge. Exhibits are dedicated to the Wintu people, early settlers, and the construction of the Shasta Dam. Interactive displays bring learning to life, with a replica of the Shasta Caverns and artifacts from the area's pioneering days. The museum also hosts rotating art exhibitions. Outdoors, Paul Bunyan's Forest Camp offers playful exhibits and water features exploring the world of forestry. The McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens showcases native and drought-tolerant plants. The Sundial Bridge, designed by Santiago Calatrava, links the park's north and south campuses and serves as an entrance to Redding's Sacramento River Trail. The bridge functions as a working sundial and is illuminated at night. Turtle Bay offers educational programs and classes for all ages, from nature walks to art workshops. Throughout the year, the park hosts events, from concerts and festivals to holiday celebrations.

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