Experience the lively arts community and lumber-milling heritage of this Northern Californian city bordered by redwood-studded hills and Humboldt Bay.
Eureka is a large coastal city with a charming 19th-century town at its heart. Discover its preserved Victorian streetscape and learn about the city’s former life as a West Coast lumber hub. Explore the broad expanse of Humboldt Bay and enjoy some of Eureka’s best-kept secrets. You’ll find fantastic fishing spots, beautiful foreshore hikes and a wide variety of wildlife.
Take a stroll down the captivating streets of the Old Town Eureka Historic District to get a great introduction to the city. See beautiful Victorian-era façades and grand old buildings that paint a picture of the city’s lumber-milling wealth. Check out the Renaissance-style Clarke Historical Museum, browse art galleries and antiques stores and relax in coffee shops and restaurants that populate this historic district. At the eastern edge of the Old Town, the magnificent Carson Mansion looks out over Humboldt Bay. This Victorian jewel is not open to the public but its exquisite architecture has made it a landmark in the city.
Go on a scenic tour of Humboldt Bay and take photos of the sweeping views of the harbor and the coast. Follow foreshore hiking trails and find bird-watching hot spots at the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. If you chat to locals you’ll also learn about some of the city’s best fishing and clamming spots.
Explore the water with a rented kayak or join one of the bay’s boat tours. Go for a stroll along the beach near Manila and explore the peninsula trails at North Spit. Drive past the historic Coast Guard Station to reach a viewpoint looking back over Eureka toward picturesque Table Bluff.
Take the kids to see the animals at Sequoia Park Zoo and walk amid the towering redwoods at Sequoia Park Garden. Another popular spot for enjoying the forests’ tranquil beauty is Headwaters Forest Reserve. The scenic Redwood Highway presents a showcase of California’s natural beauty.
Eureka is easy to reach via Arcata-Eureka Airport. You can also take advantage of the Amtrak, Greyhound and local bus services. Enjoy the coastal beauty of Eureka from a waterfront hotel or stay overnight in a charming Victorian townhouse. Visit at any time of the year to experience Eureka’s energetic local culture, preserved architecture and striking scenery.