Overview
Anderson, in Shasta County in California, is named after Elias Anderson, who granted the Oregon and California Railroad trackage rights and land for a station. Today, the city has a population of 9,000, and is about 10 miles from Redding.
1 sights · 2 things to do · 3 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Anderson
Anderson River Park
This, by far, is the largest and most familiar park in Anderson. Most of the sightseeing, however, is just the wildlife. There is plenty of it, though. Birds are abundant, fish jump out of the water (in season), and some…
Shasta Highlands Renaissance and Celtic Faire
The Shasta Highlands Renaissance and Celtic Faire is a very large Renaissance fair, usually put on by a group of volunteers known simply as the Friends of the Faire. It is very authentic, where you can practice such medi…
Paesano Days Italian Festival and Bocce Tournament
This free Italian festival mainly advertises its bocce tournaments, but also features a spaghetti feed, live music, activities, craft booths, and raffles.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 100°F; winter lows dip to about 37°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Dec and Jan. (climate data from nearby Redding)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- RDD Redding Municipal Airport, Redding — 4 mi away. Directions
- ACV California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, Arcata/Eureka — 102 mi away. Directions
- SMF Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento — 127 mi away (major hub). Directions
By car is the cheapest way to go to Anderson. There are two major roads to take: Interstate 5 and California State Highway 273. The fastest way is, by far, I-5 because I-5 is much straighter and CA-273 has construction work on it a lot. However, CA-273 runs along and frequently connects with a major industrial strip called Frontage Road. If you wish to go to one of these places along it on the way, be prepared for a slow ride along CA-273.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Anderson River Park, Shasta Highlands Renaissance and Celtic Faire
- Lunch Becca's Cafe
- Afternoon Paesano Days Italian Festival and Bocce Tournament
- Dinner Burrito Bandito
- Evening All Stars Sports Bar
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Visitor information
Get in
By car
By car is the cheapest way to go to Anderson. There are two major roads to take: Interstate 5 and California State Highway 273. The fastest way is, by far, I-5 because I-5 is much straighter and CA-273 has construction work on it a lot. However, CA-273 runs along and frequently connects with a major industrial strip called Frontage Road. If you wish to go to one of these places along it on the way, be prepared for a slow ride along CA-273.
By bus
There is only one bus line that goes into Anderson: RABA, from Redding in the north.
- Redding Area Bus Authority (RABA). The route that goes into Anderson. The route is called the Anderson Express, which leaves from Gate 9 at the Downtown Transit Center in Redding and then turns back at the Prime Outlets in Anderson.
Get around
Anderson is a small town, so it is wise to just drive.
See
See Anderson River Park
This, by far, is the largest and most familiar park in Anderson. Most of the sightseeing, however, is just the wildlife. There is plenty of it, though. Birds are abundant, fish jump out of the water (in season), and sometimes, you will see frogs, lizards, and some snakes. The park's facilities include a softball/soccer field, boating, fishing, tennis and basketball courts, disk golf, picnicking and two playgrounds.
Do
Annual events
Do Shasta Highlands Renaissance and Celtic Faire
The Shasta Highlands Renaissance and Celtic Faire is a very large Renaissance fair, usually put on by a group of volunteers known simply as the Friends of the Faire. It is very authentic, where you can practice such medieval leisures as fencing (with real swords), watch jugglers and other performers, eat some good food and simply listen to the volunteers' strange accents.
Buy
The major shopping area in Anderson is the Factory Outlets. There is also a California Welcome center at the very south end, and Prime 11 Cinemas is located right across from the side that most of the stores are on.
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Nearby
Cottonwood
City / town · 7 listings · 4 mi away
Palo Cedro
City / town · 3 listings · 8 mi away
Redding
City / town · 44 listings · 10 mi away
Shasta
City / town · 2 listings · 14 mi away
Shasta Lake
City / town · 4 listings · 16 mi away
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Park · 1 listings · 18 mi away
Red Bluff
City / town · 25 listings · 19 mi away
Shingletown
City / town · 3 listings · 23 mi away
My experience
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