Head to Northern California’s Humboldt County, where the redwoods reign supreme then, visit historic Eureka and experience the charm of Victorian architecture, quaint shops, and stunning scenery. Eureka and the surrounding parks and coastline are north of San Francisco and Petaluma (click to see our visit there) on Highway 101. You can’t miss them.

 

Storefront with clock

Old Town Eureka is an eclectic collection of specialty shops, art galleries, and vintage stores. And don’t miss the excellent locally grown produce at Eureka’s farmers market.

 

Eureka boardwalk

View the bay from the boardwalk, then enjoy a stroll through the shops, galleries, and museums of Eureka’s Old Town.

 

Victorian building in Old Town

Eureka rose on the fortunes of the Gold Rush, logging, and the fishing vessels of the busy seaport. Its prosperity resulted in the many decorative storefronts that dot the Old Town district. Lots of eye candy for the casual stroller.

 

North Coast Knittery

Stop in at North Coast Knittery for an afternoon of needlework.

 

Vintage dressing table

Spend a little time at Annex 39 and you’ll be tempted to spend a lot of money.

 

Old Havana travel poster

A travel poster evokes Old Havana.

 

Vintage kitchen cabinet

This cool vintage cabinetry would grace any kitchen.

 

Horse-drawn carriage

When you’ve shopped till you’re ready to drop, relax and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through Old Town.

Do you long for the personal touch of a bed and breakfast? Or are you looking for a closer connection with nature? Inns, B&Bs, campgrounds, and the usual chain hotels are all available to suit your fancy. Check listings at eurekachamber.com.

 

Roys Club Italian sign that reads Roys Italian Dinners Sea Food Cocktails

Local eateries offer a variety of options, from seafood to cafe casual to Irish pub fare. Our favorites? Jack’s Seafood on the bay, Café Nooner in Old Town and Roy’s Club Italian restaurant.


Pink Victorian

If you love architecture, don’t miss the hundreds of unique Victorian homes like the Pink Lady.

 

Carson Mansion

Regarded as one of the finest executions of American Queen Anne Style architecture, the stunning Carson Mansion has been called “the most grand Victorian home in America.”

 

Carson Mansion ornamentation

The amount of detail on every surface of the exterior is remarkable.

 

Redwood trees

When you’re ready to get outside city limits, make the most of your visit to redwood country by taking in its best features. Nothing will make you recognize the fleeting nature of human life more profoundly than walking in the shade of majestic 2,000-year-old trees. Drive through the scenic Avenue of the Giants or take a stroll among the coastal titans in the Redwood National Forest.

 

small man photographing redwood trees

Where’s the top of this darned redwood tree?

 

Roosevelt Elk herd

Photograph a herd of wild elk in lush fields or hike through Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

 

Smith River flowing strongly between bank and rocks

Go whitewater rafting down the free-flowing turquoise Smith River. If fishing is your thing, cruise down the Eel River, a designated National Wild and Scenic River.

 

Northern California Coastline

Collect shells and driftwood treasures at Trinidad State Beach, and visit the lighthouse at Trinidad Head, or go beachcombing in Patrick’s Point State Park. Hike the longest undeveloped shoreline in the contiguous United States on the Lost Coast.

 

© Caruth Studio

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