What to do in Arcata, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Arcata

Types of activities

Where to stay

Arcata travel guide

Grandmother Rock Standing Proudly at Trinidad State Beach, California, USA

Mad River near downtown Blue Lake, California

Gearhart Marsh has short trails to wander, looping through wetlands and next to Humboldt Bay.

Just off of New Navy Base road, looking past Humboldt Bay towards Arcata, California

Arcata Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Arcata has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Arcata, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Arcata with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Arcata

Arcata is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Arcata, and make it a breeze to explore Arcata and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Arcata to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Arcata, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Arcata.

Arcata attractions

Arcata has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Arcata to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Arcata.

Looking for things to do in Arcata can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Arcata or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Arcata attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in Arcata

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With kids

What to do in Arcata

Popular places to visit

Arcata, California, USA - November 22, 2021: Morning light illuminates beautiful historic downtown Arcata.

Arcata Plaza

You can learn about the history of Arcata when you stop by Arcata Plaza. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Arcata Community Forest

Explore the great outdoors at Arcata Community Forest, a lovely green space in Arcata. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Cal Poly Humboldt State University

Explore the campus of Cal Poly Humboldt State University during your travels in Arcata. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Finnish Country Sauna & Tubs

You can take time to visit Finnish Country Sauna & Tubs during your travels to Arcata. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Humboldt State University Natural History Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Humboldt State University Natural History Museum in Arcata. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Arcata Theatre Lounge

You can make plans for a show at Arcata Theatre Lounge on your trip to Arcata. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Los Bagels

Enjoy an outing to Los Bagels during your stay in Arcata. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Arcata Playhouse

You can enjoy a show at Arcata Playhouse during your stay in Arcata. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center during your travels in Arcata. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Explore areas of Arcata

Pacific

While visiting Pacific, you might make a stop by sights like Azalea State Natural Reserve and Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Jacoby Creek

While visiting Jacoby Creek, you might make a stop by sights like Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Baywood Golf And Country Club.

Downtown

While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Arcata Plaza and Arcata Theatre Lounge.

East Arcata

East Arcata might not have many top sights, but Arcata Community Forest and Arcata Plaza are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Arcata Heights

While Arcata Heights isn't home to many top sights, Arcata Plaza and Finnish Country Sauna & Tubs are some notable places to visit nearby.

Sunny Brae

While there might not be top attractions in Sunny Brae, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Arcata Community Forest and Arcata Plaza.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Day trip destinations from Arcata

Eureka

Samoa

Frequently asked questions

Is Arcata worth visiting?

Arcata offers an interesting mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into nature, history or local culinary flavours, there are many things you'll enjoy here.

How do I spend a day in Arcata?

Kick-start your day with a visit to Sequoia Park Zoo and Humboldt State University Natural History Museum. Then, explore different parts of Arcata for a bite to eat and some souvenir shopping.

What is the top tourist attraction in Arcata?

Sequoia Park Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in Arcata and should be high on every must-do list of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Arcata?

Three days will give you enough time to check out the leading city sights, including Arcata Theatre Lounge, Humboldt State University Natural History Museum and Arcata Playhouse. The average stay in Arcata is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your escape, Eureka isn't far away.

What are some activities to do in Arcata with kids?

Deciding what to do in Arcata with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're taking a trip with little ones or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Arcata for adults?

Finnish Country Sauna & Tubs and Los Bagels are just a couple of the things to do in Arcata. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.

Are there free things to do in Arcata?

In Arcata, Mad River Beach County Park is a popular spot for anyone looking to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the local parks and neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a simple way to discover the best free things to do in Arcata.