Aaron & Niki’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
Eureka’s historic Old Town and Waterfront are a must-visit. Sip on craft beer, eat at hyper-local restaurants, rent a kayak or go for a sunset cruise on the Madaket, and visit shops populated with passionate home-grown business owners. All this and more, nestled in stunning Victorian architecture interspersed with giant, colorful murals.
The entire Old Town district is part of the United States National Register of Historic Places, featuring over 150 buildings from the Victorian era. The spectacular architecture is authentic and is one of the last well-preserved downtown areas in California, having missed out on the redevelopment era in the ‘70s.
Park your car and take the town by foot, or hop aboard an old-timey carriage ride to see the sites from a different perspective.
Eureka’s waterfront runs along historic Old Town, but it isn’t relegated to history — it’s a vibrant, working wharf where you can buy local crab and other seafood delights fresh off the boat.
The Eureka Boardwalk & Marina is part of the Eureka Waterfront Trail, which runs along the Humboldt Bay for over 6 miles. As you stroll along the Eureka Boardwalk, you’ll be looking across the Humboldt Bay to Woodley Island.
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Old Town
Eureka’s historic Old Town and Waterfront are a must-visit. Sip on craft beer, eat at hyper-local restaurants, rent a kayak or go for a sunset cruise on the Madaket, and visit shops populated with passionate home-grown business owners. All this and more, nestled in stunning Victorian architecture interspersed with giant, colorful murals.
The entire Old Town district is part of the United States National Register of Historic Places, featuring over 150 buildings from the Victorian era. The spectacular architecture is authentic and is one of the last well-preserved downtown areas in California, having missed out on the redevelopment era in the ‘70s.
Park your car and take the town by foot, or hop aboard an old-timey carriage ride to see the sites from a different perspective.
Eureka’s waterfront runs along historic Old Town, but it isn’t relegated to history — it’s a vibrant, working wharf where you can buy local crab and other seafood delights fresh off the boat.
The Eureka Boardwalk & Marina is part of the Eureka Waterfront Trail, which runs along the Humboldt Bay for over 6 miles. As you stroll along the Eureka Boardwalk, you’ll be looking across the Humboldt Bay to Woodley Island.
Trinidad is a seaside town in Humboldt County, located on the Pacific Ocean. Situated directly above its own natural harbor, Trinidad is noted for its spectacular coastline with ten public beaches and offshore rocks. These rocks are part of the California Coastal National Monument of which Trinidad is a Gateway City. This natural landmark is joined by three additional marine landmarks - the historic Trinidad Head Light, the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse, and Humboldt State University's Fred Telonicher Marine Laboratory. Fishing operations related to Trinidad Harbor are vital to both local tourism and commercial fishery interests in the region. In addition to its coastal assets, the city honors and works to protect its Native American cultural and historic heritage.
Head over for a hike at Trinidad trail head and catch a glorious sunset at Camel Rock or just simply walk on the beach with a warm mash potato cone from the Light house grill or a slice of pizza and a beer from Headies Pizza joint.
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Trinidad
Trinidad is a seaside town in Humboldt County, located on the Pacific Ocean. Situated directly above its own natural harbor, Trinidad is noted for its spectacular coastline with ten public beaches and offshore rocks. These rocks are part of the California Coastal National Monument of which Trinidad is a Gateway City. This natural landmark is joined by three additional marine landmarks - the historic Trinidad Head Light, the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse, and Humboldt State University's Fred Telonicher Marine Laboratory. Fishing operations related to Trinidad Harbor are vital to both local tourism and commercial fishery interests in the region. In addition to its coastal assets, the city honors and works to protect its Native American cultural and historic heritage.
Head over for a hike at Trinidad trail head and catch a glorious sunset at Camel Rock or just simply walk on the beach with a warm mash potato cone from the Light house grill or a slice of pizza and a beer from Headies Pizza joint.
Arcata’s lovely downtown, expansive forests, and laid back style is sure to put a smile on anyone's face
Across the northern stretch of Humboldt Bay from Eureka, the colorful buildings of Arcata are clearly visible. The two cities are only minutes apart by highway, but are distinct in character. Originally named Union, Arcata's beginnings go back to the Gold Rush when she was a shipping and supply center for the miners on the Trinity River.
The docks are long gone, but Arcata retains (and celebrates) a sense of her uniqueness. Sprawling over the hillside above Arcata, Humboldt State University dominates the city and promotes a youthful, artistic and intellectual ambiance.
The Plaza, with its lawns, flowerbeds and statue of President McKinley, is the social and commercial center of Arcata. Delightful shops offering locally handcrafted merchandise, sports equipment, (kayaks, bikes, etc.) boutiques and restaurants line the Plaza. Arcata being a college town, the local bookstores and coffee houses are especially interesting.
Events: The Plaza is also the venue for numerous events including, the Kinetic Sculpture Race Starting Point (Memorial Day Weekend), the famous Oyster Festival (June), Pastels on the Plaza (October), Saturday farmers market on the plaza (seasonal) and the North Country Fair (September). Of particular note is the beautifully restored Jacoby's Storehouse, a California Historic Landmark
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Arcata
Arcata’s lovely downtown, expansive forests, and laid back style is sure to put a smile on anyone's face
Across the northern stretch of Humboldt Bay from Eureka, the colorful buildings of Arcata are clearly visible. The two cities are only minutes apart by highway, but are distinct in character. Originally named Union, Arcata's beginnings go back to the Gold Rush when she was a shipping and supply center for the miners on the Trinity River.
The docks are long gone, but Arcata retains (and celebrates) a sense of her uniqueness. Sprawling over the hillside above Arcata, Humboldt State University dominates the city and promotes a youthful, artistic and intellectual ambiance.
The Plaza, with its lawns, flowerbeds and statue of President McKinley, is the social and commercial center of Arcata. Delightful shops offering locally handcrafted merchandise, sports equipment, (kayaks, bikes, etc.) boutiques and restaurants line the Plaza. Arcata being a college town, the local bookstores and coffee houses are especially interesting.
Events: The Plaza is also the venue for numerous events including, the Kinetic Sculpture Race Starting Point (Memorial Day Weekend), the famous Oyster Festival (June), Pastels on the Plaza (October), Saturday farmers market on the plaza (seasonal) and the North Country Fair (September). Of particular note is the beautifully restored Jacoby's Storehouse, a California Historic Landmark
City/town information
Ferndale, California, is a quaint Victorian village on the north coast of California, in Humboldt County. Worth visiting if you have an extra itinerary free day in your trip. Walk around the village and eat in one of the local restaurants or shop in the towns independently owned businesses. The victorian style architecture is the main attraction in this town.
Highlight: Ferndale's Cemetery is totally worth visiting. It is a trip through the history of the town and the people who founded it.
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Ferndale
Ferndale, California, is a quaint Victorian village on the north coast of California, in Humboldt County. Worth visiting if you have an extra itinerary free day in your trip. Walk around the village and eat in one of the local restaurants or shop in the towns independently owned businesses. The victorian style architecture is the main attraction in this town.
Highlight: Ferndale's Cemetery is totally worth visiting. It is a trip through the history of the town and the people who founded it.
Sightseeing
Sequoia Park Zoo is the oldest zoo in California and one of the smallest accredited zoos in the country. Situated next to the magnificent old-growth redwoods of Sequoia Park, the zoo is truly a jewel in the heart of Eureka. It’s a major draw for tourists and locals, schools and families, students and researchers – anyone with an interest in animals, conservation and education.
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Sequoia Park dýragarður
3414 W StSequoia Park Zoo is the oldest zoo in California and one of the smallest accredited zoos in the country. Situated next to the magnificent old-growth redwoods of Sequoia Park, the zoo is truly a jewel in the heart of Eureka. It’s a major draw for tourists and locals, schools and families, students and researchers – anyone with an interest in animals, conservation and education.
An absolute must visit.
Tucked away in Eureka’s beloved Sequoia Park, the Redwood Sky Walk offers a unique vantage point and a new way to experience the history, nature, wildlife, and diverse ecology of this very special region.
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Sequoia Park dýragarður
3414 W StAn absolute must visit.
Tucked away in Eureka’s beloved Sequoia Park, the Redwood Sky Walk offers a unique vantage point and a new way to experience the history, nature, wildlife, and diverse ecology of this very special region.
A redwood forest just blocks from downtown Arcata.
Arcata's Community Forest is comprised of approximately 790 acres of woodland recreation, with an exceptional network of developed trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding (check the trail maps to determine which trails are open to bikes and horses). Trail Maps are available at the parking lots.
A number of bridges, stairways and corduroy roads allow the trails to cross steep ravines and traverse forested hillsides. Elevations range from 250 feet at Redwood Park to 1010 feet at the eastern most boundary near the Long Loop Trail #17. This intensively managed forest, combined with developed trails, has an overall effect of a magical, manicured parkland.
Redwood Park is adjacent to the Community Forest and offers trail access into the forest. The Park has a playground, picnic areas and restrooms as well as public meeting spaces.
On certain days you could even catch musicians playing in the park.
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Arcata Community Forest
A redwood forest just blocks from downtown Arcata.
Arcata's Community Forest is comprised of approximately 790 acres of woodland recreation, with an exceptional network of developed trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding (check the trail maps to determine which trails are open to bikes and horses). Trail Maps are available at the parking lots.
A number of bridges, stairways and corduroy roads allow the trails to cross steep ravines and traverse forested hillsides. Elevations range from 250 feet at Redwood Park to 1010 feet at the eastern most boundary near the Long Loop Trail #17. This intensively managed forest, combined with developed trails, has an overall effect of a magical, manicured parkland.
Redwood Park is adjacent to the Community Forest and offers trail access into the forest. The Park has a playground, picnic areas and restrooms as well as public meeting spaces.
On certain days you could even catch musicians playing in the park.
The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the City of Arcata’s innovative wastewater treatment facility. The sanctuary is 307 acres, including freshwater marshes, salt marsh, tidal sloughs, grassy uplands, mudflats, brackish marsh, approximately 5 miles of walking and biking paths and an Interpretive Center. By integrating conventional wastewater treatment with the natural processes of constructed wetlands, Arcata has succeeded in turning wastewater into a resource.
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Arcata Marsh
The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the City of Arcata’s innovative wastewater treatment facility. The sanctuary is 307 acres, including freshwater marshes, salt marsh, tidal sloughs, grassy uplands, mudflats, brackish marsh, approximately 5 miles of walking and biking paths and an Interpretive Center. By integrating conventional wastewater treatment with the natural processes of constructed wetlands, Arcata has succeeded in turning wastewater into a resource.
Dunes Trail
Dunes TrailGreat trails in the sand dunes by the ocean.
An absolute favorite. Imagine walking through a narrow canyon where the walls are completely covered by luxuriant ferns and mosses and are dripping with moisture.
Incredible national park that's totally worth visiting.
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Fern Canyon
An absolute favorite. Imagine walking through a narrow canyon where the walls are completely covered by luxuriant ferns and mosses and are dripping with moisture.
Incredible national park that's totally worth visiting.
Prairie Creek Redwoods ríkisvöllurinn
127011 Newton B. Drury Scenic PkwyFood scene
If you're here on a Saturday make sure to hit up Arcata Farmers Market between 8 AM and 2 PM. Fresh local produce, food, music and more.
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Arcata Farmer's Market
8th StreetIf you're here on a Saturday make sure to hit up Arcata Farmers Market between 8 AM and 2 PM. Fresh local produce, food, music and more.
Our favorite spot for breakfast and coffee. Farm to table, hip and as local as it gets.
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Cafe Phoenix
1360 G StOur favorite spot for breakfast and coffee. Farm to table, hip and as local as it gets.
A drive through coffee shop with excellent choice of coffees, teas, bagels and sandwiches. Seating is available too. The smoked salmon bagel is our favorite.
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Coffee Break Internet Cafe
700 Bayside RdA drive through coffee shop with excellent choice of coffees, teas, bagels and sandwiches. Seating is available too. The smoked salmon bagel is our favorite.
SALT Fish House
935 I StPricey but excellent sea food with fresh local catch
Gourmet restaurant with amazing ambience. Very trendy, hip and the food is delicious. Pricey.
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Campground
865 9th StGourmet restaurant with amazing ambience. Very trendy, hip and the food is delicious. Pricey.
Fancy restaurant($$$$) on the ocean. Great views and great food. Great for a celebration or date night.
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Moonstone Grill
100 Moonstone Beach RdFancy restaurant($$$$) on the ocean. Great views and great food. Great for a celebration or date night.
Bencharong Thai House
600 F StGood thai food. Reasonably priced.
Sea Grill
316 E StCafe Brio
791 G Stcasual coffee shop with patio seating
Phatsy Kline's Parlor Lounge
129 2nd StMazzotti's on the Plaza
773 8th StBrick & Fire
1630 F StOld Town Coffee & Chocolates
211 F StBayside Trio Café
1602 Old Arcata RdBeachcomber Cafe
363 Trinity StThe Larrupin' Cafe
1658 Patricks Point Dr