Red Bluff

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Red Bluff's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival and Downtown Exploration
morning
:

Touch down in Red Bluff and savor a hearty breakfast at a local café before checking into your cozy accommodation. The crisp morning air invites you to stretch your legs with a leisurely stroll along Main Street. Admire historic storefronts and pick up a map from the visitor center.

afternoon
:

Dive into Red Bluff's downtown shops and galleries to browse artisan crafts and regional souvenirs. Stop for a farm-to-table lunch at a popular bistro that sources ingredients from nearby farms. Chat with friendly shopkeepers to learn little-known stories about the town's past.

evening
:

Watch the sunset glow off the Sacramento River as you enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant. Sample fresh river trout or hearty comfort fare paired with a local craft beer or wine. Cap off the night with live music or an open-air movie screening in a quaint downtown plaza.

day 2
Historic Old Town Stroll
morning
:

Start your morning with a freshly baked pastry and coffee from a local bakery. Then wander through Old Town, where brick-lined sidewalks lead to historic landmarks. Pause to admire restored Victorian architecture and colorful murals.

afternoon
:

Lunch at a family-run deli offers homemade sandwiches and salads bursting with local produce. Head to the Tehama County Museum for an intriguing journey through the region’s pioneering days. Spend time exploring vintage photographs and interactive exhibits.

evening
:

Attend a live theater performance or local concert if available in the historic Empress Theatre. Dine under twinkling bistro lights at a nearby café serving seasonal specialties. End the evening with a stroll under the star-filled sky, taking in the peaceful small-town atmosphere.

day 3
Shasta State Historic Park Adventure
morning
:

Enjoy an early breakfast, then drive a short distance to Shasta State Historic Park. Step back in time as you wander the preserved pioneer-era buildings and interpretive trails. Listen for bird calls echoing through the oaks as the sun rises over the valley.

afternoon
:

Join a guided ranger talk to learn about the Gold Rush origins and historic preservation efforts. Picnic amid the old mill foundations, surrounded by oak-strewn hillsides. Capture photos of rustic wooden structures set against rolling countryside.

evening
:

Return to Red Bluff and unwind over casual pub fare at a local tavern. Share stories of your day’s discoveries with fellow travelers and residents. As darkness falls, enjoy a pint by the fireplace or on a cozy patio.

day 4
Wildwood Park and River Activities
morning
:

Kick off the day with a quick coffee and head to Wildwood Park for a refreshing hike along shaded trails. Cross babbling creeks and observe wildlife such as deer, songbirds, and playful squirrels. The dappled sunlight through the trees creates an immersive forest atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Pack a picnic to enjoy beside the Sacramento River’s gentle current. Rent a kayak or canoe to paddle along tranquil waters, taking in riverside flora. Try fishing from the bank or boardwalk for a chance to catch local bass.

evening
:

Savor a casual barbecue dinner at a riverfront park shelter as dusk falls. Watch fireflies dance over the water while you grill burgers or veggie skewers. Toast marshmallows over a small beach fire and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature.

day 5
Beegum Gorge Hiking and Nature
morning
:

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before driving to Beegum Gorge Recreation Area. Tackle scenic hiking trails that wind through canyon landscapes and granite outcroppings. Breathe in fresh mountain air as pine and oak scents mingle.

afternoon
:

Stop at a clearing to enjoy a packed lunch amidst wildflowers and distant mountain peaks. Keep an eye out for eagles riding thermal updrafts along the canyon walls. Photography enthusiasts can capture dramatic cliff faces and verdant valleys.

evening
:

Head back to town for a relaxing dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant showcasing locally raised meats and produce. Sample a seasonal salad or roasted vegetable medley paired with regional wine. Conclude the day with a sunset drive through rolling farmlands.

day 6
Art and Culture Immersion
morning
:

Begin the day with a latte and quiche at a downtown café adorned with local artwork. Explore the Tehama County Art Association gallery to view rotating exhibits featuring regional painters and sculptors. Chat with artists to gain insight into their creative processes.

afternoon
:

Join a hands-on workshop in pottery or watercolor, led by seasoned local artisans. Create your own souvenir under expert guidance, dipping clay or brush into vibrant pigments. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at an artsy café where paintings line the walls.

evening
:

Stroll through a nearby outdoor sculpture garden as dusk paints the sky in pastel hues. Dine on inventive fusion cuisine at a chef-driven restaurant that showcases local ingredients. Cap off the night by attending an intimate poetry reading or jazz session in a cozy art lounge.

day 7
Winery Visits and Vineyard Picnic
morning
:

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to nearby vineyards for a day of tasting. Stop at a boutique winery to tour sun-drenched rows of grapes and learn about sustainable viticulture practices. Sample crisp whites and fruity reds in a rustic tasting room.

afternoon
:

Spread out a picnic blanket among the vines and savor a basket of artisan cheeses, cured meats, and fresh bread. Pair your meal with a flight of estate-grown wines while taking in panoramic views of rolling hills. Wander through the vineyard to appreciate the harvest season’s beauty.

evening
:

Return to Red Bluff for a wine-themed dinner at an upscale bistro offering wine pairing menus. Sip on a flagship red while enjoying dishes like grilled steak or mushroom risotto. Wind down with a digestif or after-dinner coffee at a quiet sidewalk table.

day 8
Golfing and Local Flavors
morning
:

Start with a protein-packed breakfast and hit the greens at Cottonwood Country Club or Tehama Golf Club. Tee off under open skies on well-manicured fairways framed by oak and pine. Enjoy the serenity of dew-kissed grass as the morning sun warms the course.

afternoon
:

Grab a light lunch at the clubhouse grill before finishing the back nine. Challenge your short game on the putting green and admire scenic views over the valley. Celebrate post-round successes with a cold beverage on the patio.

evening
:

Relish an evening of farm-fresh dining at a restaurant featuring daily specials of locally sourced produce. Try seasonal soups, salads, or entrees that highlight regional flavors. Finish with a house-made dessert and a nightcap in the welcoming ambiance.

day 9
Lassen Volcanic National Park Day Trip
morning
:

Rise early for a scenic drive north to Lassen Volcanic National Park, savoring coffee on the way. Explore bubbling mud pots and fumaroles in the Sulphur Works area, marveling at geothermal wonders. Hike a short trail to see volcanic features up close.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Manzanita Lake with views of Lassen Peak towering overhead. Rent a canoe or paddleboard for a serene float, watching ducks glide across the water. Opt for a moderate hike around the lake or a longer trek to a scenic overlook.

evening
:

Return to Red Bluff and treat yourself to a farm-to-table dinner celebrating Northern California’s harvest. Share tales of steaming vents and alpine meadows over glasses of local cider. Relax back at your lodging with cozy accommodations to restore weary limbs.

day 10
Farewell Brunch and Departure
morning
:

Savor one last brunch at a beloved local spot known for fluffy pancakes and omelets crafted with farm-fresh eggs. Reminisce about favorite highlights from your Red Bluff adventure while sampling seasonal fruit compote. Grab a cup of specialty coffee to go as a final treat.

afternoon
:

Take a leisurely walk through a quiet neighborhood park or along the river one last time. Stop by a locally owned shop to pick up souvenirs or artisanal goods as mementos. Pack your bags and check out with plenty of time for a relaxed departure.

evening
:

Enjoy an early dinner at the airport café or a final stroll through downtown under the glow of street lamps depending on your travel plans. Reflect on the tranquility and charm of Red Bluff as you prepare to journey home. Plan your next visit to revisit hidden gems and new discoveries.

Discover Red Bluff

Read more in our Red Bluff 2025 Travel Guide.

Red Bluff Travel Guide