Sundial Bridge
Sundial Bridge
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Scheduled for completion in Summer 2004, this unusually designed bridge, functioning as a sundial at one end and conveying a sense of weightlessness, connects the north and south campuses of Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,517 reviews
Excellent
955
Very good
438
Average
104
Poor
13
Terrible
7
dwroz
Seattle, WA15 contributions
Nov 2022
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.
Written December 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheLeongOhana
United States7,870 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
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.
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.
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
junemb
Atascadero, CA6 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
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).
Written September 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kevan j
Norman, OK1,549 contributions
Jun 2023
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.
Written June 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Galeda
Kansas City, MO445 contributions
Apr 2022
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.
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.
Written May 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan H
Tacoma, WA4,171 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
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.
Written September 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
claussie
Hamburg576 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
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.
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.
Written August 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick N
5 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
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.
Written March 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeattleReebs
Seattle, WA1,052 contributions
Sep 2022
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 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.
Written September 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Timothy Y
Redwood City, CA2,162 contributions
Jul 2022
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.
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How can I post a photo of my dog on the Sundial Bridge?
Written August 4, 2017
Assuming you have a picture of your dog on the bridge, go to the section on Trip Advisor where you can review the Sundial Bridge and you can download a picture from your computer/phone. You will see towards the bottom of the review where you can click on to download the picture. If this is what you are asking, hope this helps.
Written August 5, 2017
Yes, I saw people walking their dogs. However, be aware that Redding gets very hot! The glass-top bridge temperatures are too hot for dogs feet. (Think of what it would be like to walk barefoot on a hot stove!!!) Please do not take your large dog on days where the temperature is above 85 degrees (the glass gets to be 100+). If you have a smaller dog, they will have to be carried. Whatever you do, DO NOT leave a dog in a hot car for any amount of time!!!!
Written August 5, 2017
mbeall202
Kelseyville, California
I'm a little confused, the attraction representative says all four answers are correct then states they are open 7 days a week 9-5. They answers state museum only open wed-spun. Which is it?
Written July 19, 2015
Sundial Bridge is not part of Turtle Bay Exploration Park. you can walk on the bridge anytime. There is no charge and at night the bridge is lit from under the bridge and the walk area is well lit and patrolled.
Written July 23, 2015
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