Summary
Eureka, California, is the most central spot to base a tour of California’s north coast or to visit Humboldt County. With a Victorian-styled Old Town, water sports on the bay, and plenty of natural beauty all around, Eureka and Humboldt County are popular with travelers who are hikers, nature lovers, and anyone who appreciates Victorian architecture.
Best Time to Go to Eureka
The weather around Eureka is most likely to be rainy from November through March; however, temperatures are usually comfortable, ranging between 55 and 65°F for daily highs year-round.
Visitors attending the annual graduation at Humboldt State University fill hotels and restaurants in Arcata, Eureka, and other nearby towns.
Don’t Miss
When visiting, it’s a close call for visitors between the local redwood forests and the Victorian-style structures that were built from them. We recommend the town of Ferndale if you only have time for one thing. This quaint town, which appeared in the 2001 Jim Carrey film The Majestic, is sometimes called Cream City because of the dairy farms that fill the verdant valley surrounding it. Some even say it’s California’s best-preserved Victorian village, with a charming downtown full of intricate architectural details and interesting shops.
If you are a nature lover or haven’t seen towering coastal redwood trees before, below are more insights about the forests.
7 More Great Things for Visitors to Do in Humboldt County
- Redwood Forests: There are numerous redwood trees along the north Humboldt coast. Discover state and national parks all with “redwoods” in their name. The Ladybird Johnson Grove in Redwood National Forest and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, a World Heritage Site, offer chances to see Roosevelt Elk grazing. Consider a scenic drive on the redwood highway.
- Old Town Eureka: An intriguing collection of shops fills the Victorian storefronts of Old Town along 2nd Street between C and G Streets. Nearby is the Carson Mansion (143 M Street), an exuberance of Victorian architecture that captivates visitors (but is unfortunately not open to the public). Fans of old-fashioned machinery and Victorian details will also appreciate Blue Ox Millworks (1 X Street) and their historic park.
- Eureka: Delight in a beer and take a tour of the award-winning Lost Coast Brewery. Learn about their history, brewing process, and sample a variety of beers. Reservations are necessary at least 24 hours in advance and visitors must be 21 years or older. For those with children, Lost Coast Root Beer is available on tap, along with root beer floats and Humboldt Creamery ice cream.
- Eureka: The Eureka Heritage Home Tour is a self-guided tour that visitors can enjoy by car or on foot, showcasing Eureka’s historically significant buildings. A brochure with a map and brief descriptions of each building is available free of charge at Many Hands Gallery, located at Second and F Street.
- Humboldt Bay: In summer, you can cruise the bay on the 1910 ferry Madaket, the last of seven that once operated here. For a more active way to enjoy the water, rent a kayak, sailboat, or canoe from Humboats Kayak Adventures or at the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center.
- Arcata Marsh: Bird-lovers should take note. The marsh is on the Pacific Flyway, with over 425 species of birds sighted here. It’s also an innovative integration of wastewater reuse and wetlands restoration. Stop at their Interpretive Center for information about free public tours.
- Scotia: It’s worthwhile to drive through the small, tidy town of Scotia, just off US Highway 101 south of Eureka. This last remaining “company town” in America is home to about 250 Pacific Lumber Company families, many of whom have worked for the company for generations. On weekdays, you can pick up a pass to tour the lumber mill.
Annual Events
One of the most unique events in the area is the Kinetic Sculpture Race. Every Memorial Day Weekend, artistic, human-powered vehicles make a three-day trek from Arcata to Ferndale, passing through towns, over sand dunes, and across Humboldt Bay. For those unable to attend the race, decades of kinetic race history can be seen at the Kinetic Museum and Greasy Gears Gallery.
In June, Arcata hosts the Arcata Bay Oyster Festival, which highlights locally-grown bivalves and includes a humorous oyster-calling contest.
From August through May, Humboldt State Center Arts features artists and performers, including Herbie Hancock, Lily Tomlin, the Peking Acrobats, Forever Tango, and many others.
California’s oldest county fair kicks off in August for ten days of live horse racing, carnival rides, musical entertainment, livestock shows, and home arts demonstrations.
Every Labor Day weekend, the town of Willow Creek hosts its annual Bigfoot Festival.
Tips for Visiting Humboldt County
- Parts of US 101 are two-lane, winding, and hilly. Therefore, allow extra driving time and aim to reach your destination before dark. If anyone in your group suffers from motion sickness, consider their preferred remedies.
- Make reservations in advance for holiday weekends and during the Humboldt State University graduation.
Best Bites
The Samoa Cookhouse near Eureka is the West’s last remaining lumber camp cookhouse, operating since 1890. It serves three hearty, traditional meals a day in a simple dining room that has changed little since the lumber company employees dined here. While visiting, take time to explore the former Hammond Lumber Company town of Samoa to see where the workers lived.
Seascape Restaurant next to the Trinidad Pier serves fresh fish and is renowned for its delectable blackberry pie.
Where to Stay When You Visit Eureka
For lodging options, check Tripadvisor’s reviews and price comparisons on hotels in Eureka and their listings in Ferndale.
Getting To Humboldt County
Humboldt County is located in northern California, stretching from the coast inland. To get there from either direction, take US 101. Eureka is approximately 272 miles from San Francisco and 309 miles from Sacramento.
