Eureka Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks

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 harbour 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.

Where to stay in Eureka

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Downtown Eureka

4/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Eureka, Carson Mansion and Morris Graves Museum of Art are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Eureka
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Old Town Eureka

Restaurants and shopping are notable features of Old Town Eureka. You might consider stopping by Clarke Historical Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Old Town Eureka
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Freshwater

Freshwater might not have many top sights, but Sequoia Park Garden and Sequoia Park Zoo are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Freshwater
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Greenside Park

While Greenside Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Carson Mansion and Sequoia Park Garden.

Greenside Park
Best Western Plus Humboldt Bay Inn
Best Western Plus Humboldt Bay Inn
3 out of 5
232 W 5th St, Eureka, CA
The price is £169 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£169
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Eureka. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"It’s clean but smell of smoke was suck"

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Best Western Plus Humboldt Bay Inn
Eureka Inn, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Eureka Inn, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
3 out of 5
518 7th St, Eureka, CA
The price is £138 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
£138
2 Jul - 3 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star historic hotel in Eureka. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Marvelous"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Eureka Inn, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Motel 6 Eureka, CA – Redwood Coast
Motel 6 Eureka, CA – Redwood Coast
2 out of 5
1934 Broadway, Eureka, CA
The price is £91 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
£91
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Eureka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,015 reviews)
"Rooms are updated nicely and our stay was quiet and restful"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Motel 6 Eureka, CA – Redwood Coast
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Charming Historic 3-Bedroom Home Just One Block from Humboldt Bay – Walk to Shops & Restaurants
Charming Historic 3-Bedroom Home Just One Block from Humboldt Bay – Walk to Shops & Restaurants
Eureka, CA
Stay at this holiday home in Eureka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Carson Mansion and Morris Graves Museum of Art are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Historic and cute neighborhood
"The neighborhood is in a good walking area, but a little desolate. The heating, cleanliness, water pressure, WiFi were all great. The kitchen was basic and the neighborhood didn’t have amazing food options, but it was a great launching pad for exploring Arcata, Clam Beach, Trinidad and the state ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Charming Historic 3-Bedroom Home Just One Block from Humboldt Bay – Walk to Shops & Restaurants
Quiet cottage on the bay with dog-friendly backyard & private dock - near beach
Quiet cottage on the bay with dog-friendly backyard & private dock - near beach
King Salmon, CA
Stay at this holiday home in Eureka. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Samoa Dunes ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (19 reviews)
Could not make it
"I injured my knee the evening before I was to drive up to King Salmon, so was unable to enjoy Shell Cottage, and too late for any refund! I had stayed previously however, and it was lovely; hence my desire to return."

Reviewed on 5 Dec 2023

Quiet cottage on the bay with dog-friendly backyard & private dock - near beach
Comfortable dog-friendly home with patio, grill, board games, & enclosed yard
Comfortable dog-friendly home with patio, grill, board games, & enclosed yard
Eureka, CA
Stay at this holiday home in Eureka. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Sequoia Park Garden and Sequoia Park Zoo are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Very homey
"Love the location"

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2025

Comfortable dog-friendly home with patio, grill, board games, & enclosed yard
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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