The best-known sight in the Redding region is undoubtedly the magnificent and unusual Sundial Bridge (daily 6 a.m.–midnight, free). Part of the Turtle Bay Exploration Park, the Sundial Bridge crosses the Sacramento River.

It’s a beautiful bit of architecture designated for pedestrians only, with a single large pylon structure anchoring the suspension cables that fan out over the bridge. Most folks get to the bridge from Turtle Bay and walk north across it.

When you begin your stroll across the bridge, you’ll see more of the unique design of the structure. You’ll be walking on blocks of green glass, strips of granite, and ceramic tiles from Spain. The overall effect is breathtaking, and you’ll probably stop a few times just to take in the details of the design.

On the other side of the bridge, you’ll see how it got its name. The brilliant white pylon acts as a huge sundial; brass plaques embedded in the north side lawn act as timekeepers. You’ll see that the bridge keeps pretty good time on sunny days; the shadow hits the 20-minute markers right about on time!