A Locals Guide: The Perfect Weekend In Shasta Lake
Shasta Lake once started out as five smaller communities but has now been an incorporated city for over 25 years. Also referred to by some locals as CV or Central Valley- Shasta Lake, CA is the closest town to Shasta Dam and the Shasta Lake reservoir. Both are popular tourist destinations with abundant recreational opportunities!
Photo of Shasta Lake, Taken by Tracy Jones
We love Shasta Lake and want to help you plan your next trip, whether you are passing through or hanging around for the Weekend!
Friday
Morning: Breakfast at Old Mill Eatery and Smokehouse
Old Mill Eatery is a great option for Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner! Their Smokehouse has built up quite a reputation as they have well over 350 reviews with a 4.2 average star rating! Offering things like Chicken Fried Steak, Omelettes, and French Toast for breakfast…this is a great place to fuel up and please the whole family for a great weekend ahead!
If your interested in coming back for Lunch or Dinner, make sure you add the Garlic Fries to your order. They are DELISH! Find their Menu Here
Afternoon: Shasta Dam Tour + Dip in the Lake at Fisherman’s Point
Photo of Fishermans Point, Taken by Tracy Jones
After enjoying Breakfast with the Fam, its only a short drive down Shasta Dam Blvd to get to Shasta Dam and easy access to Shasta Lake. And let me tell you…Shasta Dam is a magnificent sight to behold!
Typically, the Shasta Dam Tour runs every day of the week, with 6 Tours per day. You seriously cant miss it! After all, it’s a FREE Tour. Afterwards, park up by ‘Fisherman’s Point‘ for a dip in the Lake!
Evening: Friday Night In the Park!
Every Summer, the Shasta Lake Chamber hosts, ‘ Friday Night in the Park‘ a Live Music event at Clair Engel Park from 6PM to 8:30PM. With varying local bands this event draws a huge crowd and is a great time! Looking for something to snack on while you enjoy the music? We love the great food options at Sentry Market adjacent to the Park - especially the Guacamole and Salsa made on-site!
Photo of Friday Night in the Park, Taken by Shae Lynch
Photo of Friday Night in the Park, Taken by Michelle Swift
Saturday
Morning: Gourmet Pancakes from Vida Pancake Truck
Photo of Vida Pancakes, Taken by Hannah Townley
Photo of Vida Pancakes, Taken by Hannah Townley
Alastair Rundle recently built his own food truck, ‘Vida‘ where he sells delicious Gourmet Pancakes! You can usually see his beautiful truck sitting outside of Heritage on Saturday Mornings, where there is also an array of Yard Games available! Pancakes and Coffee are just meant to be together! You must try the Morning Glory Pancake - a Pancake topped with Orange Whipped Butter, Orange Slices, and Candied Walnuts!
Afternoon: Visit the Shasta Lake Heritage and Historical Museum
Photo of the Shasta Lake Heritage and Historical Museum
Photo of the Shasta Lake Heritage and Historical Museum
The Shasta Lake Heritage and Historical Museum recently moved locations and has a gorgeous new museum. The Museum has a cool vibe and great historical information about Shasta Lakes past!
As they are open from 9AM to 1PM on Saturdays, you could easily take a stroll after breakfast down Shasta Dam Blvd to catch the Museum before it closes. On your way you can check out the Veterans Memorial Garden, beautifully maintain by our local Garden Club!
Evening: Shasta Lake Farmers Market
The Shasta Lake Farmers Market happens at Heritage from 6PM to 9PM on Saturdays - one of the few evening Markets around! Features an array of local farmers, makers, and artists(many of which are Live Painting). Great vibes from the string lights overhead and community-focused atmosphere.
Heritage Roasting Co runs many delicious Specials during the Farmers Market only, like locally-sourced Charcuterie Boards, Croissant Ice Cream Sandwiches, and more.
“The London Fog at Heritage is my absolute favorite. I have it made with sugar free syrup. ”
The Shasta Dam Kiwana’s Club also hosts ‘Kids Club‘ during the Market, really making this a fun, family-friendly event!
Follow the Market here!
Sunday
Morning: Hike to Chemise Peak
This is one of Shasta Lake’s most known trails and at 4.8 miles its rated as ‘moderate’ difficulty. It might take a little work getting up there but its well worth It, as it yields amazing views of the three Shasta’s - Mt. Shasta, Lake Shasta, and Shasta Dam.
Photo of Chemise Peak, Taken by Danielle Hackworth
Afternoon: Lunch at the Cookhouse Restaurant at Bridge Bay
Eating at the Cookhouse Restaurant is great opportunity to dine on the Shasta Lake’s waterfront and is a place many locals love to eat! They serve Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner - with such great food…really, its your pick!
Evening: Watch the Sunset over the Lake
We really cant get enough of the views! The Lake is just so magnificent…adding a sunset in the mix? Makes it all the more grand! Whether you watch it from on a Boat, on the Dam, or at a Look Out…you’re in for a treat.
Photo at Fishermans Point, Taken by Michelle Swift
We hope you enjoy your time here in Shasta Lake and would love to hear what you’ve enjoyed the most in our little City - follow us for more local guides!
Header Photo Taken by Becky Carter