Redding is an easy, 2.5-hour drive up Interstate 5 from Sacramento, and in March and April you’ll absolutely relish the scenery: landscapes are velvety green, orchards are in full pink-and-white bloom and the weather is just a little bit better than perfect. On a clear day, you’ll see Mount Shasta’s snowy cone from more than 100 miles away. Bunk down in town and take a day to explore close by while you get the lay of the land.
Two top choices for dog-friendly base camps:
Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge, a boutique property (with just 130 rooms, it’s the smallest Sheraton in the country) in an ideal location just steps from the iconic Sundial Bridge and Sacramento River Trail hugging the namesake river. In fair weather, dine at a patio table outside the on-site restaurant serving California-inspired cuisine with a wine country twist. Check the calendar for weekly “yappy hours” — a great chance for your dog to socialize while you enjoy a drink by the river.
Gaia Hotel & Spa: A few miles south of Redding, in the community of Anderson, this one-of-a-kind hotel is as “green” as it gets. It’s LEED Silver certified, with construction incorporating many recycled materials, and proud to show off its energy-efficient features to guests. Dog-friendly, ground-level rooms in a campus setting open directly onto lawns and open space, including a trail to the Sacramento River. The on-site Woodside Grill serves excellent farm-to-fork fare, and the spacious grounds give your pup plenty of room to stretch their legs between meals.
Both hotels put you within easy reach of Redding’s top dog-friendly attractions. The Sacramento River Trail is a paved, 25-mile path perfect for morning walks, and nearby Turtle Bay Exploration Park has trails along the river where leashed dogs are welcome. If you’re up for a short drive, Whiskeytown Lake and Shasta Dam offer more outdoor options where your dog can tag along.
Other options: Want something more predictable? Most chains, from Best Western to Red Lion to La Quinta, also have a presence in and around Redding. Check DogTrekker.com listings here and dog-friendly restaurant options here.
Pro tip: Spring is prime time for Redding. The wildflowers are out, the waterfalls are running strong, and temperatures hover in the comfortable 60s and 70s — ideal for long hikes with your dog before summer heat sets in.
