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Turtle Bay Exploration Park Redding California

4.6
·2k reviews·Redding, United States

A 300-acre cultural and natural history park featuring the iconic Sundial Bridge, museum, gardens, and wildlife exhibits.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow
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sundial bridge

Turtle Bay Exploration Park Redding California

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 300-acre cultural and natural history park featuring the iconic Sundial Bridge, museum, gardens, and wildlife exhibits.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A magical blend of art, nature, and light that feels straight out of a fairytale."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the park and the bridge. :athletic_shoe:

🎟️ Check Event Schedules

Special exhibits like Glowing Wild or Garden of Lights have specific dates and times. 📅

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 2,413 reviews

Type

Cultural Center

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sundial Bridge

Sundial Bridge

Spans the Sacramento River

An architectural marvel, this glass-decked pedestrian bridge is a working sundial and a stunning landmark.

Turtle Bay Museum

Turtle Bay Museum

Explore engaging exhibits on natural history, cultural heritage, and art, with interactive displays for all ages.

Parrot Playhouse & Butterfly House

Parrot Playhouse & Butterfly House

Get up close with colorful parrots and enchanting butterflies; feeding opportunities available!

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Redding Heat

Redding summers can be scorching! Plan your visit for early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the peak heat. Many outdoor exhibits and the Sundial Bridge are best enjoyed when temperatures are milder. Check the weather forecast before you go. Reddit

Book Tickets in Advance

While some areas like the Sundial Bridge are free, access to the museum, butterfly house, and special events like Glowing Wild require tickets. Booking online can save time and ensure entry, especially during peak seasons or popular events. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings (for events)
Why
Cooler temps, special events
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter evenings (Garden of Lights)
Why
Magical light displays
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The kids’ favorite stop on our road trip was @turtlebay_redding Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding. Thank you @thenannyconsultant for recommending this place! The park is huge! Lot’s to explore and do for the kids. The indoor museum is wonderful with great exhibits! There is currently a really fun interactive dino exhibit until 9/2. The museum focuses on the local region and incorporates art,...
shadiarh12
0 likes • 362 views

🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the park and the bridge. :athletic_shoe:

🎟️ Check Event Schedules

Special exhibits like Glowing Wild or Garden of Lights have specific dates and times. 📅

📍Sundial Bridge, Redding Ca.⬇️⬇️ . . This bridge is truly a piece of art. It’s located in the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. This bridge is a working sundial. It runs over the Sacramento River. It is a free of charge pedestrian bridge. There is food available in the park as well as The Turtle Bay Museum. At night the bridge is lit up with beautiful purple- like colors. Add to your bucket list!...
adventyuring
33 likes • 1.7K views
Fun things to do in Redding, California: 1. 📍Turtle Bay Exploration Park: Its a fun place for the whole family. It has a museum, forestry, wildlife center, arboretum and botanical garden. My favorite was parrot playhouse where u can also feed nectar to parrots for just $2/- . They do have butterfly exhibit open from June till August, you can feed and release butterflies or just walk around them....
a.nj.a.l.i._
958 likes • 46.3K views

💰 Feed the Parrots!

A small fee gets you nectar to feed the friendly parrots. So much fun! :moneywithwings:

☀️ Hydrate and Protect

Bring water and sun protection, especially during warmer months. :droplet: :sunwithface:

Glowing Wild Lantern Festival at Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Sundial Bridge, Redding, California 10 Acres of illuminated wildlife Open Now - May 26 Available Wednesday - Sunday 6 pm - 10 pm Tickets 🎟️ Adult (16+) $20 Child (4-15) $15 Child (0-3) FREE Member $5 OFF #glowingwild #lanternfestival #redding #california
lovemeroc
2.8K likes • 240.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the park and the bridge. :athletic_shoe:

🎟️ Check Event Schedules

Special exhibits like Glowing Wild or Garden of Lights have specific dates and times. 📅

💰 Feed the Parrots!

A small fee gets you nectar to feed the friendly parrots. So much fun! :moneywithwings:

☀️ Hydrate and Protect

Bring water and sun protection, especially during warmer months. :droplet: :sunwithface:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Turtle Bay Exploration Park for its blend of natural beauty and engaging exhibits, particularly highlighting the iconic Sundial Bridge and the interactive animal encounters. While the park offers a fantastic experience for families and photographers, some note that admission fees can add up, and summer heat requires careful planning.

"We enjoyed our visit inside with several exhibits from fish to Legos to a steam punk special. Small but fresh and well curated. The outside was even more special with playgrounds, reptile house, and our favorite the buddies! 😍"

Adriana Laser

"Great animal show! We loved the butterfly exhibit and the parrots! Perfect place to bring children, or like us a day time date. I recommend going early to beat the heat."

Milan Franco

"A Magical Night at Glowing Wild – Redding’s Radiant Hidden Gem

If you’re looking for a night of wonder, beauty, and unforgettable memories in Redding, look no further than Glowing Wild. This lantern festival is unlike anything else in Northern California—an awe-inspiring blend of art, nature, and light that feels straight out of a fairytale.

From the moment you step through the entrance, you're transported into a dreamlike world filled with giant illuminated sculptures. Towering tigers, graceful dolphins, luminous butterflies, and glowing floral arches line the walking paths, each more breathtaking than the last. The colors are vivid, the craftsmanship is exquisite, and the atmosphere is pure magic.

What makes Glowing Wild truly special is how it transforms the familiar landscape of Turtle Bay and the McConnell Botanical Gardens into something otherworldly. The lanterns are perfectly placed to complement the natural surroundings, and as the sun sets, the entire area begins to glow with warmth and wonder. The iconic Sundial Bridge lit up in the background only adds to the surreal beauty."

Christopher Bray

What People Like

Iconic Sundial Bridge
Interactive animal exhibits
Beautiful botanical gardens

What People Dislike

Summer heat
Admission costs for multiple attractions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Turtle Bay Exploration Park is located at 844 Sundial Bridge Drive in Redding, California. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. The park is situated along the Sacramento River, making it a scenic destination. Instagram+1

While direct public transportation routes might be limited, local bus services can get you close to the Redding area. It's recommended to check with the local transit authority for the most up-to-date information on routes and schedules. Reddit

Yes, the park is connected by trails, and the Sundial Bridge itself is a pedestrian and bicycle bridge, making it accessible for those arriving on foot or by bike. Instagram

The park is quite large, spanning 300 acres. Wear comfortable shoes and consider a map of the park to plan your route between the museum, gardens, and other attractions. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are hotels located very close to Turtle Bay Exploration Park, including options with views of the Sundial Bridge, making it convenient for overnight stays. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices vary. The Sundial Bridge and surrounding grounds are free to access. However, the Turtle Bay Museum, Parrot Playhouse, and Butterfly House typically require a paid admission. Special events like the Garden of Lights or Glowing Wild have separate ticket prices. Expect around $18 for adults and $14 for children for general park admission. Instagram+1

It's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for special events or during peak visiting times, to guarantee entry and potentially save time. Instagram+1

Operating hours can vary by season and for specific exhibits or events. The museum and outdoor areas generally have daytime hours, while events like the Garden of Lights run in the evenings. Always check the official Turtle Bay Exploration Park website for the most current hours. Instagram

Yes, discounts may be available for members, military personnel, or during special promotions. Check the park's website for details on potential discounts. Instagram

Absolutely! Walking across the iconic Sundial Bridge is completely free and offers beautiful views of the Sacramento River. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the Sundial Bridge, the Turtle Bay Museum with its diverse exhibits, the interactive Parrot Playhouse, and the enchanting Butterfly House. The McConnell Botanical Gardens are also a highlight. Instagram+3

Yes, it's a fantastic place for kids! They'll love the animal encounters, interactive museum exhibits, playgrounds, and the chance to feed parrots and butterflies. Instagram+2

You can encounter various local wildlife, including parrots in the Playhouse, butterflies in their exhibit, and reptiles in the museum. The park's natural setting also attracts local birds and other small animals. Instagram+1

Yes, the park features outdoor play areas that are perfect for children to burn off energy. Reddit

Absolutely! The Sundial Bridge, gardens, and exhibits offer numerous picturesque photo opportunities. Remember to check any specific photography restrictions within the museum. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are usually food options available within the park, such as cafes or snack bars, offering refreshments and light meals. Instagram

Picnic areas are often available within the park grounds, allowing visitors to bring their own food and enjoy a meal amidst the natural beauty. Reddit

Dining options typically include casual fare like sandwiches, salads, snacks, and beverages. It's a good idea to check the park's website for current food vendor information. Instagram

Yes, the area surrounding Turtle Bay Exploration Park and the Sundial Bridge has several restaurants and cafes offering a variety of cuisines. Instagram

Vending machines or smaller kiosks might be available for quick snacks and drinks, especially in high-traffic areas. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The Sundial Bridge is a prime photography location, especially at sunrise or sunset. The McConnell Botanical Gardens offer beautiful floral shots, and the lantern displays during events are incredibly photogenic. Instagram+2

Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and near attractions like the Sundial Bridge to ensure safety and respect for other visitors. Always check park regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for the Sundial Bridge. Golden hour light can create stunning reflections on the glass deck and surrounding water. Instagram+1

While not always advertised, keep an eye on the park's event calendar or local photography groups for potential workshops or guided photo walks. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the Sundial Bridge and landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife shots in the gardens. A tripod can help with low-light photography during evening events. Instagram

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