Humboldt Guidebook
Sightseeing
Open WEDS - SUN, 10 am - 4 pm. Beautiful botanical garden with both native and exotic plants and mini ecosystems, on the College of the Redwoods campus, which is in our neighborhood of South Eureka.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Humboldt Botanical Garden
7707 Tompkins Hill RdOpen WEDS - SUN, 10 am - 4 pm. Beautiful botanical garden with both native and exotic plants and mini ecosystems, on the College of the Redwoods campus, which is in our neighborhood of South Eureka.
Open for self-guided walks MON - SUN 8am - 5pm. A socially distancing birdwatcher's delight, just an 8 minute drive from us. These habitats support over 316 species of birds and 40 species of mammals on mudflats, estuarine eelgrass meadows, saltmarsh, brackish marsh, freshwater wetlands, riparian wetlands, streams, coastal dunes, and forest.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge
1020 Ranch RdOpen for self-guided walks MON - SUN 8am - 5pm. A socially distancing birdwatcher's delight, just an 8 minute drive from us. These habitats support over 316 species of birds and 40 species of mammals on mudflats, estuarine eelgrass meadows, saltmarsh, brackish marsh, freshwater wetlands, riparian wetlands, streams, coastal dunes, and forest.
Steven Spielberg described Fern Canyon as "an unforgettable natural wonder" when choosing it as a location for Jurassic Park 2. A favorite day trip among locals, in northern Humboldt. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101, drive approx. 2 mile north of Orick to Davison Road and turn left. Follow through Elk Meadow and onto dirt road (motorhomes and trailers are not allowed on this road). Follow this spectacular scenic drive for 6 miles until you reach the Gold Bluffs Beach kiosk. Pay the $8.00 day use fee (cash or check only). California State Park and National Park Service passes are accepted. Follow the road along the beach for another 3 miles (fording through several small streams -- do-able by car) until the parking lot at the end. The trailhead to Fern Canyon is there.
103 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fern Canyon
Steven Spielberg described Fern Canyon as "an unforgettable natural wonder" when choosing it as a location for Jurassic Park 2. A favorite day trip among locals, in northern Humboldt. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101, drive approx. 2 mile north of Orick to Davison Road and turn left. Follow through Elk Meadow and onto dirt road (motorhomes and trailers are not allowed on this road). Follow this spectacular scenic drive for 6 miles until you reach the Gold Bluffs Beach kiosk. Pay the $8.00 day use fee (cash or check only). California State Park and National Park Service passes are accepted. Follow the road along the beach for another 3 miles (fording through several small streams -- do-able by car) until the parking lot at the end. The trailhead to Fern Canyon is there.
No fees. The sandy beaches in Manila and even the more accessible one in Samoa are usually an easy place to "socially distance." Access to the Manila beach can be gained from the Manila Dunes Community Center on Peninsula Drive. From there it’s about a one-third mile walk on a sandy trail through the dunes to Manila Beach. The beach stretches north and south for miles offering great beachcombing and shoreline walking opportunities. Take Highway 255 from Arcata or Eureka to get here. Peninsula Drive is a loop off Highway 255 (New Navy Base Road). To get to the easily accessible Samoa beaches, head south on 255 at the Samoa Bridge.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Manila Dunes
No fees. The sandy beaches in Manila and even the more accessible one in Samoa are usually an easy place to "socially distance." Access to the Manila beach can be gained from the Manila Dunes Community Center on Peninsula Drive. From there it’s about a one-third mile walk on a sandy trail through the dunes to Manila Beach. The beach stretches north and south for miles offering great beachcombing and shoreline walking opportunities. Take Highway 255 from Arcata or Eureka to get here. Peninsula Drive is a loop off Highway 255 (New Navy Base Road). To get to the easily accessible Samoa beaches, head south on 255 at the Samoa Bridge.
Located in beautiful Old Town Eureka, the most photographed Victorian home in the United States. Built for William Carson (1825–1912), one of Northern California’s first major lumber barons, the intricately detailed, peculiar mansion took more than 100 men over two years to construct. The Carson family sold the mansion in 1950 to the private Ingomar Club, which still uses the house and does not allow tours of the residence, but it is of course a popular spot for selfies.
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Carson Mansion
143 M StLocated in beautiful Old Town Eureka, the most photographed Victorian home in the United States. Built for William Carson (1825–1912), one of Northern California’s first major lumber barons, the intricately detailed, peculiar mansion took more than 100 men over two years to construct. The Carson family sold the mansion in 1950 to the private Ingomar Club, which still uses the house and does not allow tours of the residence, but it is of course a popular spot for selfies.
Old Town Eureka has many well preserved Victorian storefronts that are open regular hours again including charming bookstores and cafes, plus a boardwalk and a waterfront walking trail that starts at Adorni Center, just down the hill from the famous Carson Mansion.
66 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old Town
Old Town Eureka has many well preserved Victorian storefronts that are open regular hours again including charming bookstores and cafes, plus a boardwalk and a waterfront walking trail that starts at Adorni Center, just down the hill from the famous Carson Mansion.
If Eureka's Old Town wasn't quiiiiiite Victorian or rural enough, this "Victorian village" to the south is so well preserved it's been featured as a location in numerous films and TV shows set in the past. Also: Ferndale's beloved Sitka spruce is the "tallest living Christmas tree in America."
63 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ferndale
If Eureka's Old Town wasn't quiiiiiite Victorian or rural enough, this "Victorian village" to the south is so well preserved it's been featured as a location in numerous films and TV shows set in the past. Also: Ferndale's beloved Sitka spruce is the "tallest living Christmas tree in America."
World-famous scenic drive. A 31-mile portion of old Highway 101, which parallels Freeway 101. Surrounded by the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which has the largest remaining stand of virgin redwoods in the world. This is one of the easier scenic drives in Humboldt.
60 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Avenue Of The Giants
Avenue of the GiantsWorld-famous scenic drive. A 31-mile portion of old Highway 101, which parallels Freeway 101. Surrounded by the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which has the largest remaining stand of virgin redwoods in the world. This is one of the easier scenic drives in Humboldt.
Located off HWY 101 in Prairie Creek State Park, the road gently takes you past thousands of acres of old-growth redwood forests and a popular prairie to spot Roosevelt Elk. If you want to step out of your vehicle for a few minutes to explore, there are plenty of well-marked trails and pullouts for vehicles of all sizes along the parkway. To get onto the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, take either exit 765, or exit 753. Do not get close to the elk.
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
Newton B. Drury Scenic ParkwayLocated off HWY 101 in Prairie Creek State Park, the road gently takes you past thousands of acres of old-growth redwood forests and a popular prairie to spot Roosevelt Elk. If you want to step out of your vehicle for a few minutes to explore, there are plenty of well-marked trails and pullouts for vehicles of all sizes along the parkway. To get onto the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, take either exit 765, or exit 753. Do not get close to the elk.
It's called "the Lost Coast" because this scenic drive is not for the faint of heart, but there are stunning ocean vistas for the daring driver who checks road conditions first. Selected by National Geographic as one of the 36 most scenic drives in the country, Mattole Road traces its erratic 65 mile course through some of the most remote areas of the country - so bring a picnic and don't forget water! It is mostly two-lanes, although they're usually very narrow lanes, with plenty of curves and gravelly switchbacks. Drive very carefully on this one and check in with someone before & after, it is quite remote.
Mattole Road
Mattole RoadIt's called "the Lost Coast" because this scenic drive is not for the faint of heart, but there are stunning ocean vistas for the daring driver who checks road conditions first. Selected by National Geographic as one of the 36 most scenic drives in the country, Mattole Road traces its erratic 65 mile course through some of the most remote areas of the country - so bring a picnic and don't forget water! It is mostly two-lanes, although they're usually very narrow lanes, with plenty of curves and gravelly switchbacks. Drive very carefully on this one and check in with someone before & after, it is quite remote.
Easy walk just a couple minutes drive away, off the Herrick exit on 101 on the Bay side of the highway, this NEW 1.5-mile section of waterfront trail follows the Elk river, offering views of the water, coastal willows, and sand dunes. Many trailside benches are available to take it all in. Trail ends at Bayshore Mall.
Hikshari' Trail
Hikshari' TrailEasy walk just a couple minutes drive away, off the Herrick exit on 101 on the Bay side of the highway, this NEW 1.5-mile section of waterfront trail follows the Elk river, offering views of the water, coastal willows, and sand dunes. Many trailside benches are available to take it all in. Trail ends at Bayshore Mall.
College Cove is tucked away and not usually crowded, has sheltered waters that are safe to enter under the right conditions, in addition to having fascinating rocks and tide pools to explore. There is a natural arch near the north end of the beach. Low tide is the best time to visit. Stagecoach Rd. off Hwy 101 at Trinidad exit. Follow trail and stairs down to the cove. Check tide conditions at https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
College Cove Beach
College Cove TrailCollege Cove is tucked away and not usually crowded, has sheltered waters that are safe to enter under the right conditions, in addition to having fascinating rocks and tide pools to explore. There is a natural arch near the north end of the beach. Low tide is the best time to visit. Stagecoach Rd. off Hwy 101 at Trinidad exit. Follow trail and stairs down to the cove. Check tide conditions at https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
No fees. Easy self-guided walking tour in our neighborhood of South Eureka. The Elk River Trail is Headwaters Forest's main attraction. The trail is in an isolated, somewhat narrow canyon and there’s no traffic noise or any other sign of civilization. A ghost town called Falk is located on the trail though there's not much left of the logging town so go for the trees. The trail does go through some old-growth redwood stands and tends to be an easy place to socially distance in the great outdoors.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Elk River Trailhead & Old Town of Falk Walking Tour
Headwaters Forest TrailNo fees. Easy self-guided walking tour in our neighborhood of South Eureka. The Elk River Trail is Headwaters Forest's main attraction. The trail is in an isolated, somewhat narrow canyon and there’s no traffic noise or any other sign of civilization. A ghost town called Falk is located on the trail though there's not much left of the logging town so go for the trees. The trail does go through some old-growth redwood stands and tends to be an easy place to socially distance in the great outdoors.
This very popular short, level hike takes you through a towering redwood grove and (seasonally) colorful rhododendrons. Due to its elevation, this grove sees more fog than surrounding groves, which really adds to the whole Pacific Northwest temporate rainforest experience! As one of the more popular hikes in Redwood National Park, it is a good idea to get there early to secure parking and miss the crowds. To get to the parking lot from the Kuchel Visitor Center, travel north on Highway 101 from the center and turn on Bald Hills Rd just passed the town of Orick. After a few miles, you will drive under a footbridge. The parking lot is immediately after this bridge.
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
Bald Hills RoadThis very popular short, level hike takes you through a towering redwood grove and (seasonally) colorful rhododendrons. Due to its elevation, this grove sees more fog than surrounding groves, which really adds to the whole Pacific Northwest temporate rainforest experience! As one of the more popular hikes in Redwood National Park, it is a good idea to get there early to secure parking and miss the crowds. To get to the parking lot from the Kuchel Visitor Center, travel north on Highway 101 from the center and turn on Bald Hills Rd just passed the town of Orick. After a few miles, you will drive under a footbridge. The parking lot is immediately after this bridge.
In Southern Humboldt, this state park has several easy trails with a high return on effort. I recommend the Rockefeller Loop Trail, which is less crowded than the more popular Founder's Grove nearby, and feels more quiet and secluded.
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Estatal de Humboldt Redwoods
17119 Avenue of the GiantsIn Southern Humboldt, this state park has several easy trails with a high return on effort. I recommend the Rockefeller Loop Trail, which is less crowded than the more popular Founder's Grove nearby, and feels more quiet and secluded.
Recently completed and now open! As the longest sky walk in the western United States, the Redwood Sky Walk is just under 1/4 mile to the end and back. 100 feet above the lush and verdant forest floor, view the canopy and legendary old-growth and mature second-growth redwood trees closer than ever before. The sky walk is at Sequoia Park Zoo, which also has a beloved river otter exhibit and petting zoo. Check for current admission prices.
112 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zoológico de Sequoia Park
3414 W StRecently completed and now open! As the longest sky walk in the western United States, the Redwood Sky Walk is just under 1/4 mile to the end and back. 100 feet above the lush and verdant forest floor, view the canopy and legendary old-growth and mature second-growth redwood trees closer than ever before. The sky walk is at Sequoia Park Zoo, which also has a beloved river otter exhibit and petting zoo. Check for current admission prices.
Food scene
Open TUE - THU 11am - 6pm & FRI & SAT 11am - 6:30pm for outdoor seating & takeout. Locally sourced, fresh ingredients and the best Mexican place for vegetarians, vegans, and other dietary restrictions. They have "al pastor" jackfruit nachos! It's located at the edge of the Eureka municipal golf course.
Cocina Mariposa
4750 Fairway DrOpen TUE - THU 11am - 6pm & FRI & SAT 11am - 6:30pm for outdoor seating & takeout. Locally sourced, fresh ingredients and the best Mexican place for vegetarians, vegans, and other dietary restrictions. They have "al pastor" jackfruit nachos! It's located at the edge of the Eureka municipal golf course.
Open MON - FRI 3:30pm - 9:30pm, SAT & SUN 11:30am - 9:30pm. If you're into classic American food, steaks, cowboy hats, and randomly, a tesla coil. Next to the Bayshore Mall. *Double check current hours.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Shamus T Bones
1911 Truesdale StOpen MON - FRI 3:30pm - 9:30pm, SAT & SUN 11:30am - 9:30pm. If you're into classic American food, steaks, cowboy hats, and randomly, a tesla coil. Next to the Bayshore Mall. *Double check current hours.
Open 12pm - 9pm for takeout, call to confirm hours. Pizza joint featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives," with locations in Eureka & Arcata. Flavortown's Guy Fieri says "The two hot choices from the menu include the Margarita Pizza which include thick garlic cloves as the finishing touch. Also, their thick crust, deep dish square pie is a delight as well. Crispy, crunch, fried at the bottom, you'll eat every crumb!"
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Paul's Live From New York Pizza
604 F StOpen 12pm - 9pm for takeout, call to confirm hours. Pizza joint featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives," with locations in Eureka & Arcata. Flavortown's Guy Fieri says "The two hot choices from the menu include the Margarita Pizza which include thick garlic cloves as the finishing touch. Also, their thick crust, deep dish square pie is a delight as well. Crispy, crunch, fried at the bottom, you'll eat every crumb!"
Indoor + outdoor seating, craft cocktails & small menu of California comfort food. "The Goat" is the place to get reasonably priced, house infused cocktails with house-made syrups & fresh squeezed juices. Vegetarian, gluten-free, & vegan snack options. Also hand-blended teas. Next to the Arcata Marsh trails, a 5 minute walk from the Plaza. *NOTE: Sundays & Thursdays after 9 pm are popular karaoke nights in the attached venue space, so there will be a longer wait for food and drinks then. Open TUE 6pm - 11pm (a popular "Taco Tuesday"), WED 6pm - 11pm (free movie screenings at 6:30 & 8:30 most weeks), plus THU, FRI, SAT & SUN 6pm - 2 AM.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Richards' Goat Tavern & Tea Room
401 I StIndoor + outdoor seating, craft cocktails & small menu of California comfort food. "The Goat" is the place to get reasonably priced, house infused cocktails with house-made syrups & fresh squeezed juices. Vegetarian, gluten-free, & vegan snack options. Also hand-blended teas. Next to the Arcata Marsh trails, a 5 minute walk from the Plaza. *NOTE: Sundays & Thursdays after 9 pm are popular karaoke nights in the attached venue space, so there will be a longer wait for food and drinks then. Open TUE 6pm - 11pm (a popular "Taco Tuesday"), WED 6pm - 11pm (free movie screenings at 6:30 & 8:30 most weeks), plus THU, FRI, SAT & SUN 6pm - 2 AM.
Open TUE - SUN 4:30pm - 10pm. Upscale seafood restaurant just off the Arcata Plaza serving classics and more modern fare. *Double check current hours.
47 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
SALT Fish House
935 I StOpen TUE - SUN 4:30pm - 10pm. Upscale seafood restaurant just off the Arcata Plaza serving classics and more modern fare. *Double check current hours.
Opens at 12pm daily. Beloved local 'dive bar' with a diverse clientele, currently doing outdoor seating in their beer garden.
Shanty
213 3rd StOpens at 12pm daily. Beloved local 'dive bar' with a diverse clientele, currently doing outdoor seating in their beer garden.
Open TUE - SAT 12pm - 8pm for dine-in. American food and beers brewed onsite in McKinleyville. Try their Macadamia Nut Porter if they have it on tap. *Double check current hours.
61 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Six Rivers Brewery
1300 Central AveOpen TUE - SAT 12pm - 8pm for dine-in. American food and beers brewed onsite in McKinleyville. Try their Macadamia Nut Porter if they have it on tap. *Double check current hours.
If you're gonna go to a drive-thru coffee place, go to this one. Open 6am - 6pm MON - FRI, 7am - 6pm SAT & SUN. Fast service. Try the "espresso bean rush" if you like blended iced coffee drinks and want something extra decadent.
Gold Rush On Broadway
2742 Broadway StIf you're gonna go to a drive-thru coffee place, go to this one. Open 6am - 6pm MON - FRI, 7am - 6pm SAT & SUN. Fast service. Try the "espresso bean rush" if you like blended iced coffee drinks and want something extra decadent.
Breakfast place open 7:30am - 2pm every day but only for outdoor seating & takeout currently. The California Benedict is a popular menu item, and they have vegetarian versions of many things on the menu including veggie bacon & sausage substitutions. *Double check current hours.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Golden Harvest Cafe
1707 Allard AveBreakfast place open 7:30am - 2pm every day but only for outdoor seating & takeout currently. The California Benedict is a popular menu item, and they have vegetarian versions of many things on the menu including veggie bacon & sausage substitutions. *Double check current hours.
Open for dine-in WEDS - SAT 11:30 - 2:30 for lunch and 5:00 - 8:30 for dinner. Reservations recommended. Featured on Food Network's "Diners, Dives, & Drive-Ins." Guy Fieri thinks you should try the wild mushroom cobbler, I agree. *Double check current hours.
63 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brick & Fire
1630 F StOpen for dine-in WEDS - SAT 11:30 - 2:30 for lunch and 5:00 - 8:30 for dinner. Reservations recommended. Featured on Food Network's "Diners, Dives, & Drive-Ins." Guy Fieri thinks you should try the wild mushroom cobbler, I agree. *Double check current hours.
Open 5pm - 9pm every day but Tuesday. Upscale French & California cuisine overlooking the Bay. Go for the view. *Double check current hours.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Humboldt Bay Bistro
1436 2nd StOpen 5pm - 9pm every day but Tuesday. Upscale French & California cuisine overlooking the Bay. Go for the view. *Double check current hours.
Open 8am - 4pm. If you're going to one of the Trinidad beaches and want a restaurant with a view. Note: they're not serving dinner currently. I can't speak for the food because I've only had one thing here, but the view is amazing. *Double check current hours.
56 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seascape Restaurant
Bay StreetOpen 8am - 4pm. If you're going to one of the Trinidad beaches and want a restaurant with a view. Note: they're not serving dinner currently. I can't speak for the food because I've only had one thing here, but the view is amazing. *Double check current hours.