Sundial Bridge Reviews

Great place to visit! Always a great highlight for new visitors: family and friends from east coast loved it!!

It was a pleasant surprise to find a bridge in rural northern Cal that not only spans the river, but also contributes to the aesthetics of the area. In the Bay Area the rebuild of the eastern Bay Bridge was designed with beautiful architecture after the earthquake, and we're delighted to see this on the upper Sacramento. The nearby parks and biking trails are also pleasant feature. Walking over this pedestrian-only span is a pleasure.

The bridge does need upkeep and constant repair, but it is the Jewell of Redding. Love to walk and breathe the fresh air!

Interesting to see a cable brindle in Redding California. The river view was nice, really good place to enjoy a walk with the family.

With the Golden Gate Bridge and new(ish) Bay Bridge in my "back yard" I certainly have a jaded view. The Sundial Bridge is unique in it's suspension of the pedestrian walkway and utilitarian use as a clock.

I read about this bridge maybe 10+ years ago and finally had a chance to visit while driving through Redding CA. If you appreciate bridge design, this is a must visit stop.

The park grounds are fairly clean and views are beautiful. Parking was bit tight and I luckily found some parking under a shade tree. Those shady spots are few and far.
Bring some food for a picnic by the river and enjoy the view of the bridge.

The Sundial Bridge is a beautiful place to enjoy a leisurely walk and to appreciate the view surrounding this astounding piece of architecture.

Glass bottomed bridge by famous Spanish architect Calatrava over clear, cold Sacramento River. Popular spot.

I enjoyed the walk. The bridge and the park are very clean and well maintained. There are bathrooms, a restraint , store and a small fun museum. Very good entertainment for the entire Family. Just one of those very good places to see..........

I think we have been to Sundial more than 50 times. It never gets old and the floral garden is very relaxing.No matter if you are in town or passing through it is worth the stop. VERY soon there is a Great hotel opening there as well. The combination will make for a wonderful trip. Get a coffee at the gift shop, walk the bridge ( take selfie's under the bridge) and gardens and even visit the Turtle Bay.If you are Lucky you can see the fish jumping in the steam.

Stunning bridge spanning the beautiful Sacramento River. It really is a sundial also. Scroll across the bridge and be sure to check out Turtle Bay Exploration Park and gardens. Dogs allowed on leash, but watch their paws as bridge gets hot.

The bridge is unique and does tell time very close to correct. The glass floor and view of the Sacramento River is great. We rode the bike trail to get there which made for an incredible day.

Beautiful place for a morning walk.take the walkway to the right after turtle bay before the sundial bridge for a quite walk along the river.

I hear this bridge is covered with spiders and webs in the summer, so if you have issues with those I wouldn't go then. In March, it was just perfect. It's a beautiful area, with lots of lovely places to walk around and enjoy the outdoors. The bridge itself is just a really neat thing to see and enjoy. Lends itself to lots of picture taking opportunities everywhere you look.

This is a beautiful place to take a walk, see the river, enjoy being outdoors. Meet a friend, walk your dog or just be one with the experience. The bridge is beautiful and unique. Take your visitors, for sure.

When I'd seen pictures I thought this was a vehicle Bridge. When I got to Redding I was so pleased to find out it's a pedestrian bridge. And it's absolutely amazing. The View and the bridge is beautiful. Mountains in one hand Cliffside homes along the River on the other. Bridge has a glass floor. Single suspension span is spectacular. What cables are awesome, and fun to try to climb. There was even a crazy person standing mid-span doing some kind of bizarre Sundance.

Absolutely love this place! 👍👏🏻
Thank you to the entire staff at this property who assisted, recommended and suggested what and where to go while visiting (special thank you to Bailey for assisting with our booking).
The rooms are top notch (especially if you have a patio door near the fire pit).
Pool 🏊‍♂️ was the perfect size - jacuzzi 😎 just the right temperature (also fun games like corn hole to play near the pool area).
Restaurant 🍽 onsite is a must! We enjoyed both dinner on our arrival date, as well as a late lunch/brunch on day 2.
Sundial Bridge is steps away and worth crossing over and enjoying a stroll through the gardens.
Last but not least...Turtle Bay Exploration Park - loved seeing all the animals and learning about the history of why some of the animals ended up here...happy to see such a great group of people care and look after them (especially appreciate 🙏🏻 hearing how they get to explore daily out of their homes/cages on free walks around the property) ♥️!
Oh...and visiting Burney Falls is an easy 70 minute drive away ✔️

This was a cool bridge. It was very clean and there were some beautiful views as we walked across it. One of us walks with a cane and we had concerns about the possible slipperiness of the glass tiles.

The Sundial Bridge is pretty. Once across, you can take a nice walk exploring the adjoining park. Folks go fishing, walk, & ride bikes here. All generations & families welcomed.

What a surprising place to have a $23.5 million Santiago Calatrava piece of architecture. No offense, Redding.

For years I thought this bridge actually kept time, but it's only *modeled* after a sundial!

I'd love to visit again when it's not a humid 100°+. And shame on the people who let their dog poop in the middle of the bridge and didn't clean it up.

When we had our motorhome being serviced, we spent a lovely day at the Sundial Bridge and Turtle Bay museum.

This is amazing! Real working, huge sundial on a glass bridge. We went during the week and very few people, was great and able to get awesome pictures. I would definitely recommend going here wether you’re just passing through and need a break or staying. There are several additional things to see and do here with a couple of restaurants with walking, bike trails along the Sacramento River (e-bike rentals).

We had an appointment in the afternoon and a little time to spare so we went to see the bridge. It is beautiful. We didn't have time to see the Turtle Bay Exhibit but we will be back for sure. I'd love to walk the trail someday too. Lot's to do here.

I visited Redding from Maryland to see my boyfriend. He told me about the bridge and I really wanted to see it. It’s beautiful and lights up at night. It’s amazing and there’s a little restaurant.

As a Redding native I love the Sundial Bridge. There was so much criticism about its construction but I hope that everyone can see its beauty and how it just draws crowds of visitors. I have since move out of state but I visit Redding every year to see family and I always meet family or friends for a walk on the bridge and the river trail!! I can't get enough of the views or good vibes that I get every time I visit the Sundial Bridge!!!

NOTE: I'm posting this review under both "Sundial Bridge" and "Turtle Bay Exploration Park", since my comments encompass both.

My siblings and I met in Redding for a family reunion, and before heading out to the coast, we spent the morning at Turtle Bay Exploration Park. What a lovely place! Lots of easy-to-walk, well-groomed nature trails; beautiful foliage; stunning fountains and other creative works; and the bridge itself, which is a marvelous work of art as well as architecture. This portion of the Sacramento River is very pretty, and there’s always wildlife to be seen. It’s a great place to spend a couple of hours, walking and seeing the local flora and fauna.

A nice place to take a quiet stroll and see the Sacramento River. We took walk between our conference sessions and found it to be so refreshing.

Lovely early morning walk on the bridge and along the river led to some pretty pictures. Be aware that there are homeless people who do sleep along the way.

This was a beautiful and amazing experience! I highly recommend anyone in the area to make the stop.

To be honest it's a bit Meh. If you are in Redding it is probably worth going to see it - lets face it there isn't that much else to do in Redding.

I noticed a sign for this park as we exited for our overnight stay in Redding. We inquired at the front desk and were given details so off we went. It far exceeded our expectations! A beautiful setting along the river with plenty of paved walking trails. The bridge itself is so unique and fascinating - an actual working sundial! Highly recommend stopping for the Sundial Bridge - even if you're just driving through Redding.

During construction, my dad thought the Sundial Bridge was a big waste of money. Once it was done, though, he took every visitor to see it. I've enjoyed several afternoons there when I've been in Redding. And the adjacent botanical gardens/park across the bridge are an enjoyable way to spend some relaxing time.

We went for sunset. The Bridge is very cool and the park is very cool with lots of trails and things to see. It’s right in Turtle Bay Exploration Park . If your in Redding this is a great way to spend a day exploring- gardens , museum, trails!

Stopped in to waste a few hours during one of Redding’s unusual snowfalls. Maintenance crews were busy picking up broken branches but the peace surrounding the river with the snow couldn’t be beat.

Amazing views from the bridge, cool breeze and fish swimming in the river.

Sundial Bridge spans over the Sacramento River and offers a unique walk across a glass bridge. Plenty of paved walking and bike trails to enjoy and lots of picnic benches with fantastic views.

Very nice park with lots of short trails & education stations. The green grass, plants & trees were amazing. So nice to see in the middle of winter. So much different than back home, in SW KS

The walk bridge crosses the Sacramento River. It’s a glass & steel bridge, but unable to see through the glass, as I’d hoped. Was nice to stand on the bridge, watching fishermen & Wildlife. A good variety of ducks & geese on the river

There’s a small gift shop with all the usual items. A coffee shop is also in the gift shop

We planned to visit the museum, which stated they had an aquarium & aviary. The admission is too pricey for us

It may seem touristy but it's worth it! The bride is amazing but the botanical gardens are the hidden gem! Beautiful landscapes and foliage!

popular spot for families, good hike available, felt safe in area. Good birds available to view. Gardens are worth visiting.

Well worth the trip, especially awesome at night. Took an evening walk across the bridge which was colorfully lit.

No trip to Redding is complete without a night time visit to the Sundial Bridge. It was not overly crowed and there were still folks fly fishing at sunset.

The give shop has a very friendly staff with a number of items themed for the bridge as well as coffee and snacks.

The bridge is beautiful and there are walking paths and a garden. Thoroughly enjoyed wandering around and taking pictures. Can be a quick stop or you can spend several hours.

I’m not huge on architectural design but this bridge is pretty neat. There are great walking trails just on the other side of it too and it’s worth stopping by if you’re already at turtle bay

This is quite an unusual bridge architecturally. Interesting place to view the river and people watch. Probably busy during the summer.

I was staying a short walk away at the Redding Sheraton. So I visited the Sundial Bridge. There is arboretum North of the bridge. The bridge was a popular spot for visitors to Redding. There is also the Turtle Bay Store South of the bridge. The store also sells Coffee and Ice cream. Plenty of Souvenirs too.

The bridge crosses the Sacramento River and is a fabulous engineering spectical. You access thru the Turtle Bay Disvovery area. There is an arboretum and a museum on the grounds.

There arent to many places these days especially in california that are free to use and enjoy. The river is beautiful and try going to turtle bay if you have children. It has a,fee though.

Every time I visit Redding, I must come to this attraction and plan on hiking to the turtle pond. The bridge is spectacular and the hike and gardens on the other side are very nice as well! A must for all that come to Redding.

So Unexpected to come across a Santiago Calatrava sculpture / bridge / gardens here in Redding but it is a great work. Well worth the side trip to see. If visiting during the summer months best early morning before the temp hits triple digits but really this is the man made crown jewel of Redding and the upper Sacramento Basin.

The bridge design is really something to see and the tracking of its shadow along the linear clock is pretty cool. In addition to the bridge one can find very nice walking trails, a garden, and a Junior museum. Make an afternoon out f your adventure and bring a picnic lunch

Such a beautiful gem in Redding! Perfect for a walk with a nice view of the Sac. The trails and park area is great and the option to visit Turtle Bay for something extra to do. Looked like there was plenty of parking. Def something I could bring the kids to for the day.

The bridge itself is very pretty, and located just off the parking lot by Turtle bay and the hotel. It’s not as big or as long as I thought, so it was a nice walk across. We explored Turtle Bay Exploration Park, the bridge, and the gardens all in a couple hours, which was nice because the complex was not as big or overwhelming as I thought. Could easily spend all day there exploring everything and enjoying the scenery.

I have been here many times as I live in the area and watch much of the construction as it took place. You can see the salmon making their way up river under the bridge at different times of the year. The river trail is close and you can take an easy walk and see lots of flowers and wildlife such as geese, osprey, eagles and many species of song birds. and the occasional river beaver.

We visited the bridge twice during a recent stay. Once we biked all the trails and the other time we hiked with friends. The Sacramento River seemed high and was running fast. Enjoyed having a beverage at the Turtle Bay Exploration Station which was closed but the coffee shop was open. Delightful to sit outside and enjoy the river.

If you are visiting Redding for the first time please don't miss the Sundial Bridge. It is truly superb. From the Sundial Bridge you can take the River Trail, Visit Turtle Bay or just set back and enjoy the view.

We stopped here for about 1 1/2 hrs on our way to Oregon. Beautiful design, interesting architecture and wonderful view of the river. We walked across the bridge to see the design and experience walking on glass. I really admire the creativity of the designer. We also enjoyed iced cold drink in the cafe. We have fun even if it was just for a short time.This is a free tourist attraction with enough parking, safe location and well maintained facility. We also enjoyed the music from a freelance guitarist and soloist near the entrance.

Since the Sundial Bridge is the number one attraction in Redding, of course we had to go see It! The name Sundial comes more from the single cable stay at the end of the bridge than from any timekeeping facility. It looks like a sundial. The structure spans the Sacramento River. An informative sign says it took eleven years to complete and its components weigh about as much as 400 elephants! We visited on a very hot sunny day. If you are going during the summer months wear plenty of sunblock and a hat.

The very pleasant ranger/guard took at least 20 pictures of us!

We always enjoy the stroll around the grounds of the sundial bridge. Beautiful view of the Sacramento River and boats passing underneath. Had trouble finding the geocache but enjoyed looking none the less as an added activity on the grounds. Plenty of parking every time we have stopped as well.

While visiting Redding, we walked across the bridge and the river trail. The walking bridge was designed by an acclaimed architect from Valencia Spain. It is reminiscent of a bridge in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The trail along the river goes for miles and mingles with nature.

This is a nice place to get some exercise while traveling by Redding or if you are in town.

One of the best places to visit in town! This bridge is photogenic and has a tremendous area for walking or birdwatching! There is a cafe and gift shop at Turtle Bay that has great food and other items! Loads of parking available and next to the convention center.

The Sundial bridge has been a popular destination for Redding visitors. But many of us Redding residents wish the bridge's construction was a bit more in harmony with the surrounding landscape and 'feel' of Redding. With that said, it is a nice bridge to walk on and take pictures of, and is located right next to the Turtle Bay Exploration Park, which I highly recommend for families and lovers of nature.

As a side note, the Sundial Bridge connects with the River trail, which I would not personally recommend walking as there are a lot of homeless people living around the trail. The trail isn't thought of as a very safe place for one to walk alone. But the Sundial bridge itself is fine.

This is such a cool place. First of all, the bridge is really neat. Besides being an engineering feat, there are tons of birds flying around and nesting near the bridge. We saw swallows, ducks, geese and many others. We explored the botanical gardens and saw some neat art, flowers and wildlife. We watched the wild animal show, explored the museum, visited the butterfly house and parrot sanctuary. All in all, it was a great place to spend the afternoon. Definitely bring some water as it's hot and involves walking. Fun for kids and adults alike and is wheelchair accessible

There’s a lot to see when you walk across the bridge and check out the botanical gardens and the gift shop. Love the lights on the bridge at night- got some cool pics. And check out the sundial on a sunny day, it actually works and it’s huge.

We were there on a sunny day so got to see the clock shadow at work. A lovely bridge with an opaque glass surface. Walk from one side of the river to the other thru park settings - LOVELY

This is a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Sacramento River at Redding, CA. It is a glass topped bridge with a huge pillar at one end that acts as a sun dial. Very unusual and quite nice. Lots of joggers and walkers. Very scenic view from the bridge.

Unique bridge, nice park for a walk. Not too hot the day we were there. A cafe and museum store on site

Our friends took us here and it was an expected beautiful bridge. It's difficult to describe, so best come and see for your self. Be sure to took for bird nests under the glass walk area.

This was a bit of a pleasant surprise. This bridge is so elegant. We went in the morning, before it got hot and it was so lovely. There was a nice breeze coming down the river. There were lots of fisherman in the water, both in waders and boats. The design is very sleek and unique. There were a few vendors selling their things on the walk towards the bridge - which was nice. This is not a long walk, the parking lot is ample. All in all, I enjoyed this.

would recommend to anyone and everyone, the architecture is phenomenal and the environment is very nice

What a cool place to visit! I will start by saying expect to spend a minimum of 2-3 hours here - it opens to a huge botanical park with lots to do. The bridge is so very cool, and really pretty. Foot traffic and non- motorized vehicles. the bridge is also great if you roller skate! I didn't, but that would have been so fun! Lots of happy wagging tails, and beautiful views. A must see!

The Sundial bridge is a one of a kind attraction. It is an actual working Sundial. Just a few feet away is the gardens which also includes beautiful sculptures. The grounds are clean and well manicured. We didn't have enough time to tour the museum. The museum is very pricey. We took our time looking around and enjoying the day. The parking is limited which is a downside for this popular attraction.

Recently, advertising banners were attached to the bridge. PLEASE DO NOT allow such clutter on works of art.

What a bridge and it is set in such a nice area with lots of lovely walks. Great views down river from bridge.

Very busy beautiful park. Has a butterfly garden, a museum and a walk/bike path. The Sundial walkway is very beautiful and amazing. What’s said is very limited parking, and lack of upkeep to it. Some of the explaination signs are faded and informative “bird sound” boxes no longer work. Very crowded with lots of bikes, people walking dogs, so you need to be alert. But it’s very neat.

Excellent place to walk and feel the air and take interesting pictures.

Students and musicians gather here sometimes.

Go between 11 and 12 is good many people.

I would not say you should go out of your way to visit the Sundial Bridge but if in the area it was fun to walk over and explore the connecting trails. Nice view.

I checked on trip advisor for a quick stop off near Redding CA to get out and stretch our legs. The great reviews are right on! It was a really neat park and would have loved to be in less of a hurry and actually enjoyed all the gardens. If you want an easy nature walk just off the freeway, it's a must-do. Plus there's a nice gift shop with good coffee.

Enjoyed seeing this unusual structure. We had planned on seeing the Turtle Bay Discovery Center and the botanical gardens but it was a hellish hot day in Redding so we walked across the bridge and back then hurried for our air conditioned vehicle.

This is a unique structure and I enjoyed walking across it. It was fun to watch the fishing boats below and the geese with there heads in the water looking for food and their butts in the air. Great peaceful walk over a beautiful river.

this was awesome standing there and being able to look down and see the water. It was so wonder how its is strung from one side to the other

We spent two days in Redding recently during a heat wave where the daytime high was 108 degrees. Not that motivating to get out and do things outside (at least for us). We decided an evening walk on the Sundial bridge would be good. It was lovely. The bridge itself is unique and artful and a sunset walk in the “cooler” evening was a great way to end our time in Redding.

We stopped to take a break on a trip down I-5 from Oregon, perhaps find a coffee and sandwich. The food at the local gift shop is not great, thought he variety of gifts is good and the staff is fine. However, the bridge is magnificent, particularly since we had seen similar bridgework by the same architect in Spain. It has fine views of the mountains in the distance. Make sure you look up to see the swallows' nests in the bridge superstructure. They flutter as they feed their young.

We enjoyed our walk on the Sundial Bridge! It was raining so it is very slippery, but if you walk on the stone and not the glass you will be fine. A very unique thing to see in Redding, CA!

Great park, facility around the most interesting pedestrian bridge over the Sacramento River. Worth a stop and hike to enjoy the beautiful scenery that is Northern California.

I had visited the area over 10 years ago and wanted to share the beauty of the bridge with my spouse during this visit. We drove over to the bridge area and successfully were able to get a close-up of the bridge from the roadway. We waited a little bit as the sun set and the bridge lighting went on. It is a beautiful. I suggest coming at this time, as the sun sets, the lights go on, and the place become quiet and serene. The sight in the early evening is well worth the effort to drop by.

We enjoyed a lengthy walk around the park and view the sundial Bridge and the beautiful river flowing by. There were many different types of flowers and artwork to be seen along the way. It was awesome to get out of the rat race of I five and enjoy the beautiful weather of Redding California. The only drawback is an annoying helicopter that keeps circling around every five minutes and buzzes the crowd with their annoying helicopter noise.

Been to the bridge several times, as I lived in Redding for several year. I recently took a friend there and was accosted two different times by people asking for money or food. One was rather aggressive. Felt like I was in San Francisco. Then under the north side of the bridge there was two people smoking marijuana. Not the impression of Redding I wanted my friend to have. But they enjoyed the bridge.

Great place to walk and an amazing sight. Turtle bay can almost always see turtles. My wife loves the gift shop.

This is a unique structure but it's hazardous in the rain. Cross the wet glass with extreme caution. Parking is plentiful and the gardens on the sundial side are lovely. A minimum of one hour is suggested for the full experience, and longer in inclement weather.

My daughter and I enjoyed walking across this bridge. It provides a great view of the Sacramento River.

I've enjoyed this River trail for years. Many miles of walking/ biking trails in the area with breathtaking views along the Sacramento river from Shasta Dam to Whiskeytown Lake and beyond.

Sundial Bridge was one of our road trip pitstops. This glass bottom bridge and the surroundings are amazing. Good place to relax that offer free parking and restrooms. If you have the time visit the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. We did not have the time but still managed to visit the gift shop.

We have visited Redding twice this year and each time have headed to the Sundial Bridge for a walk. The first time was in May after we had had lunch at the Mosaic. My husband and I strolled long the bridge and took in the view along the Sacramento, a few obligatory selfies and chatted with other families. It’s a real working sundial that the geek in me thoroughly appreciated. I thought the bridge connected two sides of the city but the other side leads to trails and benches which we only briefly explored. People we exercising and having a great time - it was, in a word, delightful because the weather was overcast and a bit breezy. We visited again in August with our kids and went in the late afternoon. Don’t go during the heat of the day! The glare and reflection from the bridge can be awful and quite possibly burn skin and feet. If you’re spending time in Redding this is one of those free things that you might as well do. It’s unique and quite special, especially after a nice meal at Mosaic.

There is a lot to do right here in terms of walking and exploring. Hard to do when it is hot thought. And we went on a hot day. So our visit was limited to walking across the bridge, sitting by the river for a few and the gift shop. The gift shop sells good coffee, so one could come here for a treat and sit in a lovely spot. The bridge itself is cool and seeing how accurate the sundial is. We were there around 11:45 AM. A time when the shadow can be seen on the markers on the ground. Easy parking, easy access.

I woke up to be surrounded by smoke from fires by it didn’t deter me to see this magnificent bridge $24 million when new made out of 4” thick automotive glass and spandex Sacramento River
Beautiful trail , museum , aquarium ( didn’t see that)and gardens surrounded it

I finally got to visit the Sundial Bridge. Pictures don’t do it justice. It is so big and beautiful ! Walking across it was a experience in itself. It was so bright that you definitely need a sun hat and sunglasses. Both sides of the bridge are beautiful with sceneries of the river. Once you get to the sundial make sure you look at it from a distance to see the whole structure. It’s a work of art. This is a must see while visiting Redding.

We visited this on a cloudy weekday - it wasn’t crowded. The bridge design was unique but the bridge has not well maintained. New paint and clear plexiglass panels are badly needed.

The Sundial Bridge was right next to our hotel so we decided to take a walk over. The Bridge is not too long and is interesting. There are places to sit and it is a great place to watch the sunset. I was surprised at how large the Sacramento River was from one side to the other. On the main side there is a small shop with coffee and souvenirs. We also walked through a small arts flea market and enjoyed talking to the local artists there. The most memorable part was the skunk that kept running around the place. It didn’t bother anyone but my son have never seen one before. Fun way to spend some time.

Finally walked across the bridge after passing it for years! Gorgeous park area, lots of people out with their dogs and on bikes. We plan on going back to visit the museum and arboretum one day!

Loved this bridge and the park area around it. I know if I lived in this city I'd be spending many hours here.

I have lived inRedding before the bridge was built. Since the bridge it is a very nice walk over the river and through the arboretum. At times of the year you can see salmon transiting up river to spawn. The walk is always beautiful and inspiring to be in a beautiful setting.

I visited the sundial bridge about 10 minutes after the sunset, and was able to snap some photos of the last glimmers of orange light disappearing over the mountains. Because of the time of year, the sun set perfectly over the top of the mountains. The whole scene was beautiful, and there were many people walking around on this chilly evening. Definitely a must, and it’s free!

If you have traveled Interstate 5, you know how monotonous and boring it can be. The Sun Dial Bridge is just off the Interstate in downtown Redding, CA and a perfect place to stop if only for a photo opt.There is free parking The bridge is a foot bridge across the Sacramento River and a beautiful, artistic architectural masterpiece.

The Sundial Bridge is an interesting design. Easy walk over the Sacramento River. On hot summer days try to cross the bridge in the morning or at dusk as it can be very hot in Redding in the afternoons (often 100 degrees plus). There is nearby parking and on each side of the river are other venues to spend some time-McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Garden and the Turtle Bay Exploratory Park.

The Sundial Bridge spanning the Sacramento River was a welcome stop off Highway I5. Architecturally the bridge is impressive however there are only minimal interpretive plaques on its functioning on the north side of the bridge. It is helpful to read on-line details before or during your visit to explore and fully experience the design and history of the bridge. It opened in 2004 so at that time of our visit was almost 15 years old.
The bridge is also an entrance way to the McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Garden. Definitely a work in progress and potentially wonderful nature space for that area to complement the Sacramento Trail and trail network.
Both the bridge and the garden are a little worse for wear and need some clean-up and care. Perhaps because of the prolonged draught all seemed dusty, dry, and disheveled during our visit this fall. Despite that it is still a worthwhile stop with adequate parking, picnic tables and walking paths. The signage/directions from I5 are minimal but will get you there. The entrance plaza, also a little down trodden, is a nice space and the little coffee-gift shop has awesome postcards of the bridge.

This place is amazing. The staff was friendly. There was so much history about the area. Please go! I can't wait to go again.

While visiting Redding take a stroll across the Sundial Bridge. You can watch small boats go up the river and people fishing. The Bridge's unique design makes this a fun walk. There are several trails to continue your walk. While in the area there is a great Wildlife area to visit. Turtle Bay Exposition Park is a great area for a family outing.

Cross the bridge that cost over 123 million dollars. Turn around and walk back. The river view is beautiful, the rest of the place around the bridge is bland at best.
Should have some gardens or something there, and if this is a sundial. where are the numbers to tell time? Watch out for the land mines from the pets who love the area also. Owners of pets are not very considerate to our shoes..

The bridge is definitely one of a kind. Something different to see and do. Unfortunately the weather was 100 degrees plus.
Things to take in with the bridge. The birds nesting under and on the upper part of the sundial part of the bridge. There are spider webs throughout the sides. Nice views of the river. There are places to see through the bridge to the river below where the cables are secured.
The hiking trail was easy, paved, and little places to turn out an explore.
My one suggestion would be to replace some of the opaque glass tiles with clear glass tiles. Then you could get some interesting views and pictures.
I would also take the time to walk through the arboretum just on the other side of the bridge.

Out of the blue, this impressive piece of architecture stares you right in the face. Easy to get to and worth seeing,

Unique bridge architecture that marks time on a concrete ring set along the path. Walk the many gardens with your dog(s) for Kodak moments - kayakers on the Sacramento River, wooden bridges, various plants from around the world.

This is an interesting bridge/work of art, and it is clearly worth checking it out if you're in Redding. Parking was nearby and readily available. It was inexpensive to visit and see and experience (i.e., free). It is also a great example of the silly mixed up values we have in the "art" community. This is essentially a high-priced decoration in a park that oversees the Sacramento River. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy it. I did enjoy walking across the bridge and back. Very nice park.

A short walk to cross the Sacramento River on this bridge. Some real forward (and out-of-the-box) thinking on p=behalf of the city. An unique find in Northern California.

Super cool Bridge. Very close to the hotel we stayed at. If you like taking pictures and posting it on Instagram, this place is good for that.

We were accidental tourists here since the other place we wanted to go to was closed. Enjoyed the bridge. Please don’t take your dog though when it’s warm. The bridge surface is searing hot. I could feel it through my sandals. I saw two dogs being walked on it even though there are warning signs and they were hopping and raising their feet.

I live locally and walk in the area of this beautiful Sundial bridge often. It’s beautiful when lit up at night. And beautiful during the day. Wonderfully engineered artwork with the glass bottom and the monster size sundial that does reflect light on the clock (ground monuments) noting the time. There are beautiful arboretum trails and a little pond in the back that shows nature changing throughout the seasons. The kids will love the walk through the arboretum, in addition to the bridge. All of it is free. Arboretum has a donation box if you can spare a few dollars to help support the upkeep. Also mostly all of this is wheelchair and stroller friendly. I’m posting this review because I appreciate when I go to new places and the locals have provided input on what to do in the area. (P.S. If you want to see another cool bridge, there is a segmental concrete slab bridge suspended across the river on cables about 4.5 miles west. Just follow the River Trail that is on the North side of the river right here at the Sundial bridge, and travel west. Bike is easiest. It’s paved the whole way. We call this other bridge the Ribbon Bridge. It looks like concrete bending like a rubber band; that’s what makes it cool looking. Because we all know concrete does not bend.) Hope this review helps someone out.

If you visit Redding it is almost a requirement to stop at the Sundial Bridge. The views you get when walking across the bridge are tremendous.

There is plenty of free parking, easy walking or stroller access, a nice museum, botanical garden and coffee shop right there. It’s got everything!

A visit to the Sundial Bridge can easily meet the needs of everyone in your group. The bridge itself is a spectacular piece of architecture from it's glass and metal walkway to the soaring single tower. From the middle of the bridge you get wonderful views up and down the Sacramento River. After crossing the bridge you can simply stroll along the edge of the river, find a shady place to sit and contemplate nature, walk one of the nearby trails, or explore through the adjacent gardens. Do plan to be patient and allow time to find a parking space because parking is limited considering the popularity of the bridge.

Worth seeing! This unique bridge is worth the stop. It is beautiful and so is the river. There are paved trails that go along the river and are great to walk, run, bike, scooter, or etc. A must see if your in the area.

Walked to the Sundial Bridge about thirty minutes before sunset and stayed until thirty minutes after. The sunset views of the bridge were amazing, especially as one watched the changing light on the bridge structure. Well worth a visit at sunset!

Like the movie said, "Build it and they will come" is what they expected when they built this. I remember the press.
Wiki said 24mil for this thing. IT IS Different but not for the money. Dangerous in summer because of the hot surface according to signs leading in. People no doubt go there for lack of something better but what a huge extravegant use of public funds. Admittedly, I prefer my Redwoods, rivers and beaches. They can have this thing. I wont be back. Was only killing some time while in town.

Beautiful looking bridge and interesting design footpath. Also saw people fly fishing down in the river and from boats.

Please....if you are anywhere near Redding this a a must to stop and see. Parking was great and the walk to the bridge was not very far. It was so amazing. Just to walk across it is awe inspiring. Take your camera

We chose to stay at the Sheraton specifically for its walking access to the Sundial Bridge. We could not really experience the true nature of the bridge on a cloudy January day, but can still appreciate the engineering achievement. Almost more importantly was the fact that the bridge took us to the Botanical Gardens. It was a lovely walk.

We walked from our hotel across this pretty bridge to the gardens on the other side. On the way, we had our first ever sighting of a skunk, hiding in the bushes nearby. It was a Saturday evening, so there were a lot of families out enjoying the sun, many of them on rented scooters. About a third were wearing face masks. There’s a café at the entrance to the bridge, but it closes early.

Super beautiful. The bridge is amazing. Architectural wonder. No fees to see. Plenty of parking. You can visit Turtle Bay; so close by.

Beautiful, serene, and well worth the stop. Dog friendly. Parks and bikes galore. Great place to visit.

This is my absolute favorite place to take my toddler on a walk. We live the garden area. Has a nice little play area for kids and a cute pond with fish. A must visit when you come to Redding!

Took the grandchildren for a walk over the bridge and through the arboretum beyond it; they loved the glass deck of the bridge, and the architectural curiosity of its form, but the hike was too hot and dusty, and everyone was glad to get home and cool off afterwards.

If you are traveling on the Interstate 5 freeway and want to take a break, then head on over to the Sundial Bridge in Redding, CA. It is a very nice looking bridge, and it crosses over the Sacramento river. It is truly a beautiful work of art and architecture. Check it out!

We came into town around 7:00 PM at night, and a friend had recommended this area. Parking was hard to find, but glad we persisted. A family of skunks walked right in front of us!!! SO CUTE!!! And the sundial bridge area was amazingly beautiful. Even if you are only in town for a night, this place is worth the view.

Stunningly impressive design. Well worth a visit by itself but there are other features close by. World’s largest working sundial at 210ft. Glass ‘planking’!

We really wanted to walk across this bridge - it's beautiful! But beware if you are with your dog. There are signs everywhere warning that the walking surface of the bridge can get very hot and be painful for dogs. I would say that the temperature when we visited in August was not even 90, but the surface was HOT, so unfortunately we weren't able to cross. We did however go down below the bridge to the river where it was nice and cool, and dogs were playing in the river - that's much better!

Easy to visit from downtown; a unique structure for a 'small' town. Also next to an arboretum (hot and dry in the summer).

Beautiful area for a stroll with the Discovery Museum nearby and lots of great activities for free and charge. The bridge has an amazing design with a glass deck and crosses the Sacramento river

This bridge has been described as world-famous (and was also designed by a world-renowned Spanish architect). After seeing the bridge in person, I’d have to agree the bridge is impressive. The sundial is a working sundial but due to the immense heat, we didn’t stop and observe any movement. We also didn’t take advantage of hiking around the area.

I’ve seen literature highlighting the floor being glass and perhaps folks would get the impression you could see through it, but you can’t. The glass is akin to green bottle glass and so you can see the girder foundation but you can’t see through to the ground. A bit disappointing but I can see how some folks may be unwilling to walk on it if the floor was truly see-through.

The Sundial Bridge is next to the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. We didn’t patronize the Bistro or Museum but we did stop at the Store, which, although small, carried a wide variety of items. We browsed and picked up more than I expected we would, so it’s worth a stop. And a good reason to get out of the 100+ degree weather.

If you’re heading in that direction, I’d recommend a stop to see the Sundial Bridge in person. You can’t climb it but you can walk across it and if you’d like, you can sit and get proof the earth is rotating. Best of all, it hits the best price point – free! If you have kids, there is a museum, but not free, if I recall correctly.

This is a highlight when I have out of town guests. They are always amazing that it is an actual sundial...not just an extraordinary and beautiful bridge. Don't miss this if you come to - or through - Redding California!

Located in the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. We have visited several times and park in the Exploration Park parking lot. It can get very hot (100+) in the summer so we visit after dinner. The bridge is a marvel as it spans the Sacramento River. Take your time and enjoy the wildlife and fishermen down on the river. The docent told us to lay our ear to one of the main cables as he rapped it with his knuckles. Sound like a Star Wars blaster! The bridge is also the trail head for several river walk trails on both sides of the river.

What an experience to walk along Calatrvava's masterpiece. This should be on everyone's bucket list. And it is FREE>>>>>>>

When I lived in Redding I would regularly take walks with my family and my dog who wàs a hundred pound red nosed pit would walk from Bechelli Lane to the Sundial Bridge located at Turtle Bay on the Sacramento River on the Eastern side of town. There are great gardens and an adventure play area for children there as well.

It took us a bit time to figure out the correct entrance leading to this bridge. The GPS kept us driving around. We stopped by around 4pm on a cold and windy day. The architecture of the bridge is unique and special. Too bad, the dog owners did not appreciate and respect it. The walk way was dotted with dog poops. We walked from one end to the other. It could have been more inviting if the landscape were more lushes. I guessed spring time would be much better. We drove by Redding a couple times but never had a chance to stop and see this. Worth the visit.

We walked across the bridge just as the sun was setting. The lights beneath our feel were really cool!

Beautiful area, beautiful river. People fishing and just hanging out. Nice visitors center next to it, and very close to the Auditorium. A great addition to a concert or meeting at the auditorium.

The bridge is beautiful! The river under it is even more beautiful! The structure Is incredible and there’s a great coffee place there too.

Beautiful bridge on the river and among walking trails. Interesting glass walkway and tiled borders. Near the river and the Turtle Bay Exploration Center.

Excellent trip out, we spent an enjoyable two hours walking over the bridge and along the river.

A find we were not aware of until we arrived in Redding.

Took an early morning walk and it was beautiful. Parking was easy, very few people, river was really pretty, lots of birds.

Walking this amazing bridge over the Sacramento River - connecting two sides of a beautiful park - is fun!-

An amazing view of the Sacramento River, this is a must see. It is next to the Turtle Bay Museum and connects to the Rivertrail for more lovely scenery and adventures.

They surely picked a scenic location for this bridge. The bridge is like a lady, it is beautiful and elegant. You have to see it at least once in your life.

I met my high school friend that I haven't seen in years and we met at the glass bridge. It was a beautiful sight to hehold with the river running under neath the bridge. There is little shade so to go early or later in the day would make it perfect. Many people walk their dogs but be advised it could be to warm for them.

This is the second time we have visited this beautiful architectural work and it is so awesome. It w
As designed by Anthony Calatrava and is a walking bridge over the Sacramento River. Adjacent is 300 acre Turtle Bay. Be sure to check the hours if you want to visit Turtle Bay.

Awesome park with an awesome iconic bridge. It's been one of my Favorite parks in what's been one of my top 10 favorite towns in all the 3 West Coast States.

We walked the long path from the highway to the bridge. It was lovely. There is a gift shop and rest rooms near the bridge.

We spent the night in Redding on our way north and decided to explore Sundial Bridge. It's a good destination to see and explore. Glad we did!

This is one of Redding's must see's. Make sure you see it during the day as well as at night. During the day you can explore the Sacramento River trail, the Arboretum to see native plants and examples of how to landscape using them, as well as a very interesting museum and mini zoo.

We enjoyed walking on this bridge and the view of the river. I probably would have enjoyed it more if there had not been smoke from the CA fires (very sad).

I visited the bridge for the first time recently and was very impressed. Easy to find the Turtle Bay park, and there was ample parking there. From the parking lot it was no more than a two-minute walk to the south end of the bridge, where you can get some great photos. There are more excellent photo opportunities as you walk across the bridge, which only takes a few minutes. The perspective of the tower and cables changes with every step, and there are terrific views in both directions along the Sacramento River - Lassen Peak can be seen to the east as well. The museum was closed when I visited but the adjacent gift shop was worth a visit - drinks and snacks are available there too. Had an enjoyable time at the bridge, and worth a return visit next time I'm in Redding.

It was fun to stroll across the bridge and through the arboretum. City has done a nice job developing the waterfront for recreation and cultural events.

Great to see this type of rich and different architecture in a small city like Redding. Glass, stainless steel, and lights over the river. Beautiful. Easy access but sometimes difficult to find parking even middle of the week. The adjacent gardens are beautiful and change with the seasons. Plan on about 30 minutes if only doing the bridge and over one hour with the gardens.

Really neat that Redding has a bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava! I've been on another of his bridges in Seville Spain, and this one is just as unique. Nice to walk across and enjoy the views of the Sacramento River. Check it out at night as well, all the glass tiles on the floor of the bridge light up. On a hot day, you can dip your feet in the river on either side of the bridge to cool off immediately, it's freezing! ;)

The bridge is pretty cool, but would be even better if you could actually see through walkway. It looks like glass but can’t see through to the river below. Great place to take a walk along the river, as far as you want to go.

Great place to take a walk. The support tower for the bridge cables acts as a sundial, casting a shadow on markers on the ground, just like a sundial. The day we were there it was very hot so the sun was really beating down. The bridge spans the Sacramento River, so you can watch boaters and fishermen from the bridge. The time is accurate on the 21st of June and changes slightly as the sun's angle changes . There are also other activities right next to the bridge, so worth spending a day of it at the Turtle Bay Museum, Park and the Botanical Garden.

Something you don't see every day. Beautiful, glass-bottomed foot-bridge over the clear Sacramento River, with a huge sundial on the north end. Wow !!

We loved cruising around this area on bikes. It was easy to haul the double chariot behind us through the park and on the bridge and paths everywhere we went. I’d give this more stars if the housing problem weren’t so bad in this area. Sorry it even needs to be said - It’s a beautiful spot, but the city needs to find a solution for the people struggling to find housing because the facilities and parks are just not safe for children in this part of the city. In fact one of the restrooms had a sign to say not to let children go in alone. It really affected our ability to relax and be comfortable. Beautiful spot though.

Super calm and beautiful, not a hard ride at all- good for all ages - highly recommended that you check it out and enjoy the bridge and all of the surroundings

We stopped here in the evening with the whole family. The bridge was very cool. Thre is also a very interesting botanical garden at one end of the bridge. This was a huge hit with the kids. Everyone had a great time exploring.

The bridge was a really nice walk, especially at night. I was pleasantly surprised at how it made me feel as walked on the lights. Great idea. Looking forward to doing it again!

Definifetly worth a short detour to catch this. You might want to see the museum and Gardens too.One caveat--the glass surface of the bridge gets very hotin summer, no bare feet. Architecturally amazing.

It certainly is pretty to look at, it is fun to walk and venture along it and the adjoining trails. My little girl and I have made wonderful memories there. There are some issues of the city that can cause a negative reflection of the area ( i.e. homeless, bad elements and such), but it is like that all over places. I love the events that take place there (i.e. lighting the bridge different colors) and have enjoyed photographing it. I personally find spiders to be beautiful and fascinating and love that the bridge provides a place for them. The bridge is pretty, and the nature around it is lovely.

“This is where everyone goes!” I heard as I arrived. It’s true. For a good walk, to be with friends or to get some solo time, this a lovely place to experience the Sacramento River and local community.

Went to Sundial Bridge and enjoyed our walk around the path. Very pleasant walk. We did not visit the museum there but would go there again if I was in the area. Very relaxing.

On our way south from a week at Lake Shasta, we stopped to see the bridge. It is a glass deck. We do not like heights, but did not mind the bridge. It was pretty, as was the view and surrounding park. It makes for somewhat quiet time outside (depending on when one goes).

We have been to this area a few different times now. But this time in particular was my favorite. The weather was warm, in the 70's and there were so many people. Lots of people with friendly dogs, which for me is always fun to see. We were even there into the evening. I was so pleasantly surprised at how many people started showing up after the sun went down. It was just a great time and beautiful with the sunset.

We visited the bridge several years ago when it was newly opened. Now the surrounding park and walking paths have been added. The Turtle Bay Exploration center was not open so we couldn't check it out. A beautiful area to enjoy after driving for several hours on our trip back to Oregon. This will be a stop we will visit again on our way through.

Absolutely beautiful morning. I'm a little scared of heights but had no problem crossing the bridge. It was worth the stop on my way to Mt Shasta Caverns

Easy and accessible trail to the bridge and many paved trails in the same location. Parking is free and there is a small park on the river near by with bathrooms. Cafe for goodies or a hot drink and lots of lawn to play on during the summer !

What an amazing place to visit! It's extremely different! The views are amazing and the atmosphere is fresh and clean!

The place has many attractions, but the bridge needs to be clean so we can see the river. It has an arborium and museum. Good look of the river.

It’s worth seeing this bridge over the Sacramento River. It’s one of Redding’s attractions. There’s also a few gardens and trails along the river. There’s also a museum for kids. Plenty of parking.

Great ride along the Sacramento River and the bike/pedestrian Sundial Bridge. Neat little gift shop and coffee cafe on the Southside of the bridge.

The bridge was a must see before I left Northern California, so I made the effort to drop into Turtle Bay Park to see it. It was cool to see and walk across, but it was not a big deal. The glass you walk on also is frosted so there’s no way to see through it to the water. I would find that to be much more interesting, but I suppose it’s meant to be a sundial, not a looking glass/aquarium. On that note I did not see anything resembling the sundial that can be read to understand an approximation of the time of day. No sign explained where to look on either side and no numbers were visible Roman numeral or otherwise. I was confused and left just considering it a good view of the river.

This place is wonderful to take your family for a beautiful walk. Animals are always welcome and bring your bike and remember bikes are always passing you up. Everyone should go if in the Redding area.

Just a walk in a cool October morning makes one appreciate the splendor of great engineering design.

Followed the bike trail and came to the Sundial bridge. From the middle of the bridge the view is spectacular - mountains, river.

The Sundial Bridge is a very unique glass bottom bridge with the amazing HUGE working sundial at the end of it. What a beautiful view of the Sacramento River and Mt. Shasta in the distance. Also enjoyed a short walk in the botanical gardens (we were pleased to have a deer join us) and the Turtle Exploration Place. Enjoyed our stop here.

Another great place to visit. It is a nice stroll around and across this area. Highly recommended and great photo op!!

Enjoyed walking through the park today . Was very interesting . The gardens were so pretty . Will definitely visit again if given the chance

Went for a run earlier in the day and came back at night with the family to see it in the dark. We enjoyed our time there.

This is a favorite stop on road trips to get out and walk. You can get Peet's coffee and other drinks at the gift shop before the bridge. The walk can get hot so bring water, you can walk all through the garden on the other side. We also tried the restaurant at the hotel right outside the bridge and it was delightful! We sat on the patio with our dog and the kids enjoyed playing in the mist that helped cool the patio.

Must see while in Redding...fun easy walk to the bridge and river..great coffee cafe next to bridge..

I love the Sundial Bridge. The structure itself is beautiful and there are really pretty views all around. There are several trails for exploring, too, and plenty of places to sit and simply enjoy the day.

Sundial bridge is a long lighted expanse of a bridge that goes over a wide stretch of the Sacramento river, there is fishing, interactive things for kids of all ages, a cafe with a general store, clean restrooms & glorious hiking trails.

We visited on December, but it was little disappointing. I think it would be a lot nicer during the warmer seasons. The garden areas was nothing special and nothing interesting. The Aquarium sign should not be there.It is not an aquarium. Not worth the entrance fee charged.

I have seen signs off I-5 for this and finally had the chance to visit.

Lots of free parking and there is no admission charge for the park. The botanical gardens were shut down for renovations, so I did not get to go there. But taking in the bridge and walking the park was fabulous. Easy, paved trails for most of it, there is some marked steeper inclines for the more ambitious folks. I am not fit and did one of the "steep incline" trails without problems.

The views of the bridge, the Sacramento River and the mountains are worth the visit.

It looks cool and all but on a damp spring morning the glass deck was pretty darn slippery. I didn't fall but there was s fall while I was there.

Picked up lunch and sat by the bridge and enjoyed the sunshine. We walked and took in the sites of the river and the gorgeous bridge. All For Free!!! Bring the family and enjoy the day.

World wide build. Excellent scenes, beautiful water, can be tough to find parking. Dogs ok. A must see.

This place is definitely worth the stop any time of day. We happened to stop by when there was live music being played in the park. Very well done and should be appreciated by all.

The Sundial Bridge is a beautiful bridge spanning the Sacramento River. It is a picturesque destination in it's own right but it is also a gateway to so much more. The Turtle Bay Exploration Park with a nice snack area is great for families but that's not all you will find. Cross the bridge to find gardens and paths leading to educationally labeled native vegetation. A bicycle trail will take you on an extremely nice scenic ride. The walking/jogging paths which also can share space with cyclists prove there is room for everyone. The Sundial Bridge is an inviting beginning to a wonderful space with a lot to offer. Enjoy!

The sundial bridge is by far one of my favorite things to see in Redding! I stop every time on my way through! Theres plenty of walking trails, beautiful views of the Sacramento River, and who wouldnt want to see a bridge that can tell you the time?!

Very unique pedestrian/bicycle only glass bottom bridge with working giant sundial spanning the Sacramento River. Lots of photo opportunities of the bridge, from the bridge, the river (and the many bird species which frequent the river), the Turtle Bay Park and the mountains in the distance. When in Redding I always make it a point to walk across the bridge and through the surrounding park and it's easily accessible paths and trails. The bridge was recently lit up in pink at night in for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I took a few photos of the bridge in the early evening after sunset. Usually there are quite a few people in the area and it feels pretty safe during daylight hours, but I would say to be aware or your surroundings and walk with family or friends after dark as well as carry a light source.

We live in the area and never tire of bringing our guests to this landmark. The bridge is amazing and beautiful. There are plenty of walking trails and an arboretum to explore. The nearby Turtle Bay museum is always interesting as well. This is a treasure for our town!

Pretty cool bridge 👌 but that’s the only thing cool their lol don’t go to the garden it’s lame very dry not much to see.

Good place to be on a lovely day, nice trails for hiking. Wild life and fishing available. Plants, fruit trees and flowers with names in the park.

This bridge is an architectural masterpiece. An easy stroll from one side to the next over the Sacramento River, this is a must-see, must-do opportunity while in Redding. Sunset is the best with lights below the bridge providing even more unique coloration after dark!

A must see, Sacramento river views are awesome. The bridge looks great lit up at night. And loys of trails to walk and seek an adventure

We had first read of the construction of this bridge in a building publication, where it was a headline article. When in Redding then, we made it a point to stop.
Our hotel was not far, so after checking in and dinner, we decided to go to see it.
It was a bit more difficult to find than the directions we were given. Unfortunately, it was after dark when we arrived. We had been told that it would be lit so that it could be seen. While there was a spotlight going up the spar, the whole area was dark enough so that a complete idea of the exciting architecture this bridge is was not able to be seen.
The spar is made to look like a large sundial, but it is not absolutely accurate everyday for time telling.
The bridge was designed as a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Sacramento River, and the structure does not touch the water. The spar, which is a cantilever tower, is set at a 42-degree angle and is loaded by cable, stays on only one side.
The walking/biking surface is glassy and it is lit by downward directed lighting. It is not transparent and we were warned that it can be slippery. It's also divided for bikes on one side and people on the other. That does not mean walking people should not watch out for speeding bikes.
The area around it is a large park with grassy areas for picnicking and there is adeqaute parking. It is free to visit. Even at night, it was crowded. We were a bit disappointed.

Be sure to check out the bridge at night.Looks awesome with the lights on it's also alot cooler at night everyone comes out and walk thier dogs most everyone has thier dogs on leashes.When we went there was more people out enjoying the bridge at than in the day. There is a nice hiking trail at the end of the bridge that goes to Shasta Dam

Whenever I need to clear my head, this is where I come. Excellent geocaching. Easy hiking trails. Even just an amble in the garden can be rewarding.

Family and dog friendly albeit pick up your pooch as the bridge gets hot.

The hype is more than the bridge. It is interesting with an interesting touristy hype. Would I drive out of my way to see it again, probably not.

We were in Redding on 8/25/18 and having read about Sundial Bridge decided to see it. Since I had read that the bridge had a glass deck, I expected to see the river flowing beneath my feet as I crossed the bridge.
I should have done better research on the bridge as the glass was not transparent (i.e. no view of the river below) but translucent.
It is a very cool bridge and worth visiting. But to appreciate the glass deck, either do a day and evening visit or just an evening visit when it is lit up.
Go early or late, we got there around 9 am and there was plenty of parking, when we left at 12 pm the lot was full.

The best place to park and begin a walk along the Sacramento River Trail. Bring water and time to relax. The things you’ll see if you slow down.

I've been here 5 times but the last trip was the first time I came at night. It was amazing. We went around 9:30pm and there was barely any people. The bridge was lit up beautifully. This is a bucket list bridge to visit especially at night.

While visiting family in Redding, CA, we took a late afternoon walk over the Sundial Bridge, along the Sacramento River to Turtle Bay. It was a lovely, sunny afternoon and we enjoyed the scenery (including brave fly fishermen out in the winter river practicing their catch-and-release) and comradery of like-minded locals & tourists. The bridge is quite a treasure to be enjoyed!

While I’m Redding with a group of 10 recently we headed to the Sundial Bridge for a look about. It was a beautiful summer evening so some went to the adjacent arboretum while the rest of us sat on the grass and watched the river.

The bridge was quiet interesting but it’s just a nice location to steal a few minutes out to enjoy the beauty of the area.

Highly recommend a visit!

The bridge is a landmark and A nice destinasjon for an afternoon walk. The spectacular Construction crosses the river and there is an park on One side. This attraction is free.

It's hard to come up with different comments about this highly rated and much-reviewed iconic emblem of Redding. It is truly stunning - in design, engineering, placement and accessibility. And it's FREE! Be sure to check out the information kiosk just beyond the north end of the bridge. There you will find a list of interesting facts about the bridge - like the number of tons of concrete required and the height of the dial. There's plenty of free parking, a nice gift shop, and a small museum. This is a photographer's delight with hundreds of angles to capture at multiple times of day. The bridge is "open" from 6 am to midnight.

Great place to stroll over the sacramento river while watching cascading water in serene setting with snow covered mountains on three side, Shasta, Trinity and Lassen.

We were staying at the Sheraton and had some time after dinner and decided to check out the bridge. We’ve fished below it many times and it is quite beautiful. This time we finally walked across it. It’s a nice place for a walk and a good spot to see the river.

This is a really interesting bridge with a glass walkway and the cables that hold the bridge up and are attached to the sundial tower. The park is clean and nice. There is a museum and snack bar with a souvenir shop.

The bridge is beautiful especially at night when it's lit up!!! Has nice hiking trails (very mild but nice!!!)

My boyfriend is a bit of sundial fanatic. He had a blast! It was pretty cool to see the sundial I’m action. Given the summer solstice just ended a bit ago the time was a bit off to be expected.

Once per year this bridge is a working sundial bridge. Its a beautiful bridge and worth the walk over it crossing the Sacramento River. The river views from the bridge is great. The glass panel floors can make it slippery to walk on when icy or wet. Turtle Bay exploration park is nearby as well as a museum and cafe.

This was a great place to visit with the family. Not only the bridge itself but the park itself along with the museum that is there as well. There is a lot to see and do for the kids. A lot of trail to explore with a lot of wild life that "pops" out of the woods if you are quite and look closely. They also have a section for kids to play which is on the south side of the museum area.

Redding is proud about it's Sundial Bridge, and rightly so. This is a very good example of modern architecture that is also utilitarian. Walk across the bridge for views of the Sacramento river, and snap a few pictures to tell you were here.

If you are passing by Redding, this is worth a visit.

The Sundial Bridge is a great quick stop in Redding. It is an easy walk from the free parking and offers great views of the river and the surrounding mountains. There are also other trails leading from the bridge and the nice Turtle Bay Museum.

Very leisure atmosphere and you can go at your own pace. Since I am a little unsure on my feet no one pushed me or complained of my slow pace. We went to the Sundial which is very tall! We arrived at 5 pm and crossed back over the bridge which has glass blocks that light up at night! The kids had an amazing time trying not to step on the lit up blocks!

Great place to check out in the area. I visited in the morning when I was in the area. Lots of locals out walking.

This is a great place to spend the morning walking along the river. They have a gift shop with refreshments and public restrooms are clean and available on both sides of the bridge. You can take a short walk or go for miles along the river on a paved trail.

Family of five, two teens ages 13 &14. Peaceful walk from the parking area to the bridge. No money was spent. While on the bridge we took photos and were able to look through the bridge into a birds nest made of mud to see the eggs. Such a lucky find!

The Sundial Bridge in downtown Redding is a pedestrian bridge and public art installation which crosses the Sacramento River, linking the north and south parts of the Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
Built in 2004. 700 feet long. It is a working sun dial but you can see that only four hours a day, around noon. Built of steel, glass and granite.
The bridge floor i.e. the deck has translucent glass panels but there are not very clear and transparent.
If you happen to be in Redding you could pay a visit. But it is not a must-see.

wonderful place for your early am or sunset stroll, and to it the river tail and arborituim and ur all set. Don't forget ur camera!!

Visited here on our way home from a state park and enjoyed it more than we expected to. It's free, with convenient parking, good signs, and basically is a very pleasant stroll across a fascinating bridge constructed with cables, glass blocks and concrete. Modern design juxtaposed against a scenic backdrop of river, trees, and mountains to the west.

Redding gets very hot in the summer, and the bridge has a very large sign before you start across, warning that the glass blocks on the bridge surface can get to 150 degrees! It warns parents and people with pets of this, but clearly, if the air temperature outside is already 100, you won't enjoy walking on a 150-degree surface reflecting even more heat back at you.

So go in the spring, fall or winter. There is a very nice, good-sized gift store with a coffee/ice cream/snack bar, covered outside seating, and other amenities. Oh, and a botanical garden on the far side of the bridge which looked very interesting but we didn't have time to see it. So definitely check this place out if you are anywhere nearby, it's very close off I-5.

Lovely location for an after dinner walk. Beautiful setting especially at sunset. Very family friendly.

We took our dogs for a walk in the park and came across this bridge. What a cool idea for a bridge! However, because of the glass floor, only 1 of our dogs was willing to walk on it. The other 2 just did not want anything to do with the bridge and we had to carry them.

There is a narrow strip in the center of the bridge floor that was not made of glass and they were more comfortable walking on that.

Interesting bridge. There is also a gift shop at one end. The view at sunset is the best, but be sure to bring some bug spray for children.

I've hiked over the Sundial Bridge different times of the day or evening and it is beautiful. This spring I was hiking over the bridge and swallows were building their mud nests on the upright part. Another walker said the nests could be seen under the bridge also. As I walked with children, we saw several nests and in one we saw baby swallows. It was so cool. I was excited and so were the kids.

This is an amazing structure, both in construction and positioning to create a massive sundial that is accurate on a specific date (Jun 21) and pretty darn close when we were there in early August.

The bridge was quite impressive. The sun clock was huge, but it’s till 3 pm. It was fun crossing the bridge, and taking pictures at the sunset.

The bridge is amazing and the view of the river is inspiring! There are several trails for you to explore the river and more. We parked by the Sheraton Hotel, because my husband has trouble walking. There were several handicapped parking spots close the bridge path so he could enjoy it too.

We enjoyed walking the bridge and exploring the many trails around it. Interesting place to visit, if you get a chance.

Very fun bridge to see and walk across. We enjoyed the surrounding park. Lovely quiet and scenic walking trails. Dog and kid friendly. Pretty flat so good for seniors too. Clean restroom. We did not visit the museum but it looked nice from the outside.

Simply an amazing piece of architectural sculpture spanning the beautiful Sacramento River. There were thousands of swallows pouring in and out of their nests from underneath the bridge during our morning walk over to the Sacramento River Walk and the McConnell Arboretum which await on the other side. We combined the bridge, river walk and the arboretum into a 2 hour event. Certainly go before 10AM this time of year because it gets seriously hot after that.

It is very entertaining and apart from the bridge there are a few parks around. very family oriented.

This is a “must see” if you are in Redding and have the time. It was neat to walk over a very swollen river and look down from the safety above as water rushed past. Only downside was that someone’s dog had pooped on the bridge, smeared it around with their paws, and the owner didn’t bother to clean it up. Shame that people can’t respect shared public spaces and clean up after their pets.

If you are afraid of spiders don't walk on this bridge. They are EVERYWHERE. However, they leave you alone, so if you aren't afraid, have a great visit to a unique architectural feature.

The bridge is beautiful. We had a pic nic near by and then walked across and back. Totally free parking and free use of the park, so a nice pit stop if you are on the I5 corridor on your way elsewhere.

The Sundial bridge is located within the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. There is a museum, forestry & wildlife center, arboretum and botanical gardens.

My wife had read something about the bridge and wanted to see it. She also knows I am into architecture and engineering projects.

We parked in the lot nearby and took the short walk to the bridge which spans the Sacramento River. It is a cable stayed bridge with cables extending from only one side of the bank. It spans the river without any supports in the river, only on each side.

It was a nice evening and the bridge is definitely different and cool looking. It also provides access for people to explore other paths.

The glass floor is frosted and does not provide a "see-through" experience to the river below.

Overall if you are in the area we would recommend you check it out. If time allows you can also explore the trails nearby.

It's a beautiful park with seemingly endless trails in all directions. Wildlife, water, and nature abound. But if you go in the summer, go early in the morning & bring water. It gets up to 1115+ degrees.

It's a nice place for an occasional walk. Not a place to visit often & not all that it's hyped up to be.

I love everything about this area; Garden, walking paths and even helpful staff from the security guards to the janitors all have a great respect for all people!

We enjoyed a walk across this modern bridge and into the adjacent gardens. Dog friendly and spacious. Plenty of quiet spots to enjoy the scenery or take in a reflective moment.

By all means, visit here when in or near Redding. Beautiful bridge, north side hides a lower plaza next to the river with great views, and much more to do in adjacent Discovery Bay.

Really beautiful bridge in a very bucolic setting that contrasts it nicely. It's a very short walk but a hot one in the summer! Don't miss the turtle museum if you're with kids!

Took a nice walk across the bridge. It was wonderful. On the day we went most things were closed which is why it wasn’t terribly crowded.

the bridge is an interesting architecture and the river has beautiful sites if you like taking pictures. It has nice hikes whether walking or biking.

I grew up as a kid and went fishing in this area I was back in town for my 50-year class reunion. I enjoyed exploring. :).

The sundial bridge and hiking paths are a wonder to see! Allow 2-3 hours. Plenty of parking. The gift shop has coffee and ice cream!

This bridge had a fantastic view and a really nice nature walk in the Turtlebay exploration park it was close by to a nice hotel .Parking was fairly easy I might suggest dropping off people closer to the entrance way and then parking if you had a whole bunch of people or someone who can’t walk really well .I wouldn’t advise taking pets on the bridge when it’s hot because their feet can get burnt.The gift shop in coffee shop looks pretty nice with an outside gathering area where you can have your coffee. You can get in a really nice walk

Spaning the Sacramento River in Redding CA is a beautiful bridge. More than a bridge, it is a piece of art... a functional piece of art. Walk across the span from the Turtle Bay Park and find a sundial on the opposite side with beautiful walking paths all along the Sacramento River. The structure itself is amazingly beautiful!

Make a point of going by the Sundial Bridge when you're in Redding. It really is quite beautiful; something to behold.

Lovely place for a quick stop right off the freeway. The surrounding park is gorgeous, and besides the amazing bridge itself, there are events and children’s activities.

Great spot to go for a stroll across the river. Easy, free parking and nice trails on the other side.

Great place to visit and take pictures! Very relaxing! Beautiful view of the Sacramento River! Very unique in its structure!

What a great fun piece of architecture! We stayed at the Sheraton within walking distance and went to see the foot bridge at dusk and then again in the daylight.
A must see if staying in Redding.

A short walk from the parking area leads you to the Sundial Bridge. From the bridge there are beautiful river and mountain views. It's kid and stroller friendly. The bridge is part of the Turtle Bay Exploration Park which also includes McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Turtle Bay Museum and Paul Bunyan's Forest Camp.

I was a little uncertain if this would be an okay thing to do in hot weather, but it was great. We crossed the Sundial Bridge and spent the day in the gardens. Both were free and beautiful. Bicycle and stroller friendly, many wonderful art exhibits and a grassy area at the end of the bridge to picnic. Loved it. ♡

There is a lot to do by the SunDial Bridge. Lot of different activities to do for adults and children. Love seeing the flowers and also the water views.

Walked the bridge (and ran it) several times over our week long stay in Redding. The bridge connects to beautiful walking trails along the Sacramento River.

I wanted only to see and photograph the bridge and was able to do so. Limited mobility didn't allow us to park and walk, but the area looked very pretty.

Definitely a stop when you are in the Redding area. Very nice walk through the botanical gardens and over the bridge to the Turtle Bay Children's museum.

Beautiful blue bird skies found us unexpectedly in Redding and luckily we crossed path with this weird white structure sticking up into the sky.

When we finally figured out what and where it was we were excited to see the huge sundial.

Rented some electric scooters and spent the best part of an hour exploring. Great way to kill some time in a gorgeous city.

I thought we were just going to visit the bridge. Found out there was so much more to do in this park. The bridge itself is worth the trip. It is beautiful. Wish we could have stayed to see the floor lit at night. We walked around and saw the beautiful gardens. Didn't have time to visit the other offerings. When we were leaving we saw someone giving fly fishing lessons. Great place to visit for a short time or the entire day.

Stayed the night here do to snow. Went to check it out to have something to see and do and it's nice. Easy to get to, well marked, seems very safe, easy parking. Nice little activity and attraction.

Recommend it if you're near.

This is a fantastic walking bridge and area to spend time doing many things - biking, walking, sightseeing, there is a nice museum and many events are held here. Anyone visiting Redding should stop here.

It was far from Sacramento, still doable in one day. Nice journey by I-5 north, rural scenic beauty. The river is scenic and the arboretum great

This was a functional sundial seamlessly merged together with a glass bridge that spanned the Sacramento River. together they added up to a very beautiful combination.

It was an easy, short walk from the parking lot over a flat surface. Even though it was a large parking lot, it was quite full on the day of our visit.

On this side of the bridge was the Turtle Bay Exploration Park which include a museum and cafe. Restrooms were located here.

The floor of the bridge was constructed of glass and metal that was solid under our feet. What would have been better if the glass wasn’t frosted so we could see the river below.

At the middle of the span, we stopped and had a nice view up and down the river. Unfortunately it was over 102 degF during our visit so we did not linger that long. as we got closer to the sundial itself then we and others stayed in the shade it cast over the bridge.

On this side of the bridge was an arboretum (admission fee dropped into a box) and a trail that followed the river. A walk along the river we was enticing but just too hot to do this time.

Huge free parking lot located right off the freeway. It’s a beautiful walk with beautiful views of the Sacramento River. Dog friendly and short

While on an overnight in Redding, we visited the Sundial Bridge and it was well worth the time. Besides the uniqueness of this structure, and Turtle bay Exploration Park made for a great walk on a summer day.

Beautiful bridge and definitely worth the walk...for all ages & dogs!
It’s easy to find and plenty of parking. Plan accordingly it’s very easy to spend a few hours wondering.

Pictures don't do this bridge any justice. It is just the right size for a quick stroll across and see the arboretum and gardens.

Your civil/structural friends will love this place. An interesting feature in Turtle Bay park, right next to the civic auditorium, and has been featured in a number of magazine articles. There is no parking right at the bridge but larger lots available at the auditorium and Sheraton hotel. There is a nice restaurant right at the bridge embankment and another restaurant at the hotel that offers views of the bridge. Fun to walk across the bridge and see the sundial feature and visit the exploration center.

THE sundial bridge at Turtle Bay is an impressive piece of architecture. The view, the time, the place...gives you food for thought . Calatrava is a timeless artist of architecture.I recommend you visit on different times and seasons. You will experience a different bridge every time.

The bridge itself is not a long walk in fact shorter than I expected. Great views and walking trails all around.the bridge is neat on how you can tell time worth a stop if in Redding. There is a garden but in winter it's just ok spring would be better. There is some other things to do right in the area. Good place to stop when driving through to kill sometime.

This is def a hotspot in the evenings and very crowded with tourist and locals alike. We enjoyed the walk and the weather was nice. We spent well under an hour there - but for being a tourist in town, it was a nice spot to visit and see something different.

Went over the bridge with my Grand Children. They enjoyed it. It is a glass bottomed bridge, but you cannot see through the glass. It is obscured. The bridge leads to a nice park to walk around.

beautiful bridge that also acts like a sundial. take a short walk across and see the gardens. there is also a really nice bike and walking path along the river on the same side as the hotel. it's worth a ride or a walk. and if you have a kayak or canoe the river looks like a ton of fun.

This is a hidden jewel in an otherwise sleepy town. The bridge is spectacular and in a picturesque natural setting. We didn't go into the Turtle Bay exploration park, but many families with small children seemed excited to be visiting the site. There is a paved loop trail around the Sheraton hotel which took us about ten minutes on bikes but many families were either walking or biking. Great for stretching your legs after our 3 hour drive.

Great time and lots of activities indoor and outdoor! Even during summer months, you can always walk down to the river and put your feet in

I went there because the online photos looked interesting. When I saw this Sundial Bridge in person, first in the daytime then at night, I was awed. This massive graceful structure and the professionally designed lighting is simply amazing. I'll be back to visit on future visits through the area during other seasons so that I may see it in its all moods.

This is a beautiful piece of art in addition to a functional sundial! It is a pedestrian bridge joining the Turtle Bay Exposition with the Botanical Gardens on the other side of the river. Great fun to walk across and check the sundial. We arrived at 1:00pm and the sundial nailed it!

If you like the outdoors, need a natural high, or quick burst of refreshment....Walk this Trail and soak up the awe and beauty of this architecture and scenic beauty! You’ll feel Grrrreat!

The Sundial bridge is an amazing piece of architecture, allowing walkers to enjoy the beauty of the Sacramento River in a way no other structure would. Highly recommend visiting the bridge, and the arboretum grounds. Great for families.

Read about this planning our trip through Redding, CA. This is a "do not miss" stop.. A lot of people have problems getting good pictures at night because of the low-light conditions. I have a low-light app on my phone. Well worth the time to go, park for free, and walk across it and marvel at the engineering.

This is a magnificent structure. Easy to access and perfect for instagram pics. Parking is close and it’s all FREE

I’m a big fan of Calatrava’s architecture so loved this. We could have used more time as there are a lot of hiking trails in the area and we just scratched the surface. It did look like the sundial component would work best on June 21.

Yes, a pretty architectural bridge but a small pedestrian bridge that you can walk across in 10 minutes. Unless you are an eager engineer or architect, or plan to take the kids to the adjacent Turtle Bay for a few hours, it may not be a good use of vacation time if you are on the road particularly as good restaurants are not abundant in the downtown. However we did find CRGibbs restaurant across the highway at the Best Western Hotel to be great.

The sundial bridge is a beautiful bridge that also serves an important purpose, getting you a cross the Sacramento River. During today's trip I used the sundial bridge as the starting point for and awesome 35 mile round trip bike ride from the sundial bridge to the Shasta dam.

This is a great place for families with young children especially on bikes or skates, plenty of great trails and a botanical garden in a protected area. Always busy with people but a good place to have a picnic or bring your family for free. Note it’s really hot in the summer months and if you are sensitive to heat it’s better to go before noon.

I should have read TripAdviser reviews and we would have known it was a pedestrian bridge! LOL! It was a nice surprise...the day was sunny with a breeze so it was fun to walk across the bridge on glass! The bridge is a stunning design so we were each taking lots of photos! We thank the person who casually mentioned we should see Sundial Bridge because I would've hated to find out about this attraction after we left Redding...and missed seeing it!

A unique emblem of Redding and a surprise to find....the sundial bridge showcases one of the most beautiful places in California.

It was very rainy when I walked on the bridge. Impressive.architecture. Saw lots of waterfowl on the river.. Nice museum and gift store.