Serena’s Guidebook to Arcata/Humboldt
Food scene
Delicious California cuisine for the family! Located in a neat old historic building.
56 locals raden deze aan
Plaza Grill
780 7th StDelicious California cuisine for the family! Located in a neat old historic building.
Campground
865 9th StUnique dining experience with very fresh, delicious food.
SALT Fish House
935 I StExcellent seafood, beautiful interior decor
Sushi Spot Arcata
670 9th StBest sushi in town
Best Mexican food in town. Indoor and outdoor seating. Blended mango margarita.
9 locals raden deze aan
Rita's Margaritas & Mexican Grill
855 8th StBest Mexican food in town. Indoor and outdoor seating. Blended mango margarita.
Best bakery in town. Fresh baked breads, amazing treats, great coffee. Seasonal fruit galette or almond croissant.
Brio Breadworks
1309 11th StBest bakery in town. Fresh baked breads, amazing treats, great coffee. Seasonal fruit galette or almond croissant.
APD is an easy Arcata favorite with good all-around food. Out-n-about burger is delicious and a good value. Good fresh pizza.
6 locals raden deze aan
Arcata Pizza & Deli
1057 H StAPD is an easy Arcata favorite with good all-around food. Out-n-about burger is delicious and a good value. Good fresh pizza.
Great breakfast. I recommend the huevos rancheros or French toast special.
13 locals raden deze aan
The Big Blue Cafe
846 G StGreat breakfast. I recommend the huevos rancheros or French toast special.
Another Arcata classic if you like New York Style Pizza.
15 locals raden deze aan
Pauls Live From New York Arcata
665 Samoa BlvdAnother Arcata classic if you like New York Style Pizza.
A late-night, easy Arcata favorite. Where else can you get donuts, pizza, and a sandwich at midnight?
6 locals raden deze aan
Don's Donuts Pizza & Deli
933 H StA late-night, easy Arcata favorite. Where else can you get donuts, pizza, and a sandwich at midnight?
Located in beautiful Trinidad, a 20 minute drive north of Arcata. Really good baked goods and coffee. Only open Friday - Monday 8AM-2PM. Only outdoor seating.
69 locals raden deze aan
Beachcomber Cafe
363 Trinity StLocated in beautiful Trinidad, a 20 minute drive north of Arcata. Really good baked goods and coffee. Only open Friday - Monday 8AM-2PM. Only outdoor seating.
Another Trinidad favorite (20 minute drive north of Arcata). Eat while looking right out to the ocean and pier. Good blackberry pancakes, blackberry milkshake, and omelets. One of Jeff and Serena's favorite places for breakfast.
56 locals raden deze aan
Seascape Restaurant
Bay StreetAnother Trinidad favorite (20 minute drive north of Arcata). Eat while looking right out to the ocean and pier. Good blackberry pancakes, blackberry milkshake, and omelets. One of Jeff and Serena's favorite places for breakfast.
In Trinidad, 20 minute drive north of Arcata. Great clam chowder and blackberry cobbler (with ice cream on top).
48 locals raden deze aan
Trinidad Bay Eatery and Gallery
607 Parker StIn Trinidad, 20 minute drive north of Arcata. Great clam chowder and blackberry cobbler (with ice cream on top).
Cool historic liquor store open since the 1940s and located right on the plaza square! Great selection of wines and liquors, unique high-end booze and largest selection of mescal.
Arcata Liquors
786 9th StCool historic liquor store open since the 1940s and located right on the plaza square! Great selection of wines and liquors, unique high-end booze and largest selection of mescal.
If you're looking for a creative 90's style food and drink lounge, look no further! Recommend breakfast sandwich and Blondie's brownies. Also contains a little food and drink market where you can grab some goods to go!
Blondies Food & Drink
420 California AveIf you're looking for a creative 90's style food and drink lounge, look no further! Recommend breakfast sandwich and Blondie's brownies. Also contains a little food and drink market where you can grab some goods to go!
Great fresh Thai food in Arcata. Tum ka Gai is one of Serena's favorites.
13 locals raden deze aan
Bencharong Thai House
600 F StGreat fresh Thai food in Arcata. Tum ka Gai is one of Serena's favorites.
I recommend the delicious fresh smoothies from the juice bar. Also Ramone's bakery inside Wildberries has great baked goods, cakes, fresh baked bread and coffee. Fresh organic produce.
56 locals raden deze aan
Wildberries Marketplace
747 13th StI recommend the delicious fresh smoothies from the juice bar. Also Ramone's bakery inside Wildberries has great baked goods, cakes, fresh baked bread and coffee. Fresh organic produce.
Huge selection of health food and fresh produce. Will find plenty of variety for every dietary need. Good sandwiches and to-go food.
63 locals raden deze aan
Cooperative
25 4th StreetHuge selection of health food and fresh produce. Will find plenty of variety for every dietary need. Good sandwiches and to-go food.
Great vegetarian and vegan food! Guaranteed to please everyone, even if you're not vegetarian.
23 locals raden deze aan
Wildflower Cafe & Bakery
1604 G StGreat vegetarian and vegan food! Guaranteed to please everyone, even if you're not vegetarian.
Great baked goods and coffee in an interesting, cool old building. One of Jeff and Serena’s favorites. This cafe is located in Eureka (15 minutes south of Arcata), but a new location just opened up in Arcata as well.
Familia Café at The Vance
525 2nd StreetGreat baked goods and coffee in an interesting, cool old building. One of Jeff and Serena’s favorites. This cafe is located in Eureka (15 minutes south of Arcata), but a new location just opened up in Arcata as well.
Quaint little Scandinavian cafe with private hot tubs and saunas in the back located in a beautiful garden! Grab a hot chocolate with their homemade whipped cream and soak in the hot tub for a half hour/1 hour. Afterwards, cool off by walking around the little gardens, or sit on the bench by the mini pond and look up at the stars. This a special little place, highly recommended. Call ahead of time to reserve a spot for the hot tubs or sauna.
17 locals raden deze aan
Cafe Mokka
495 J StQuaint little Scandinavian cafe with private hot tubs and saunas in the back located in a beautiful garden! Grab a hot chocolate with their homemade whipped cream and soak in the hot tub for a half hour/1 hour. Afterwards, cool off by walking around the little gardens, or sit on the bench by the mini pond and look up at the stars. This a special little place, highly recommended. Call ahead of time to reserve a spot for the hot tubs or sauna.
Classy, romantic dinner spot with great food and great atmosphere. Located in the beautiful beach town of Trinidad (20 minutes north of Arcata).
110 locals raden deze aan
The Larrupin' Cafe
1658 Patricks Point DrClassy, romantic dinner spot with great food and great atmosphere. Located in the beautiful beach town of Trinidad (20 minutes north of Arcata).
Newer, hip, modern sushi place in Arcata with great sushi. If you’re looking for more rich rolls with a fun twist (less traditional), this is the spot!
nori sushi grill & sake bar
761 8th StreetNewer, hip, modern sushi place in Arcata with great sushi. If you’re looking for more rich rolls with a fun twist (less traditional), this is the spot!
Great American style breakfast. A local favorite. They recently started making really good homemade donuts 😋
McIntosh Farm Country Store
1264 Giuntoli LnGreat American style breakfast. A local favorite. They recently started making really good homemade donuts 😋
Sightseeing
Pretty sweet climbing gym if you like to climb. Great for kids too!
9 locals raden deze aan
Far North Climbing Gym
1065 K StPretty sweet climbing gym if you like to climb. Great for kids too!
Interesting old theatre, a local favorite. Shows new movies and occasionally shows films from local film artists. Order food while comfortably sitting down in the theatre and they will bring it out to you. Choose from beer, kombucha, pizza, popcorn and so much more! Enjoy the show :)
60 locals raden deze aan
Minor Theatre
1001 H StInteresting old theatre, a local favorite. Shows new movies and occasionally shows films from local film artists. Order food while comfortably sitting down in the theatre and they will bring it out to you. Choose from beer, kombucha, pizza, popcorn and so much more! Enjoy the show :)
An Arcata classic. Huge trail system, you could spend years exploring. I recommend going in the morning or on a sunny day. Some big old redwoods with creeks weaving through the lush fern laced forest. There's also a little park for kids at the top by the parking lot. Also contains a beautiful, yet challenging, disc golf course. Close to town and Cal Poly Humboldt.
***You can access the community forest from the house! It's a 0.6 mile walk through the neighborhood, then you will arrive at an entrance to the forest. Ask Serena for more information!
92 locals raden deze aan
Arcata Gemeenschapsbos
An Arcata classic. Huge trail system, you could spend years exploring. I recommend going in the morning or on a sunny day. Some big old redwoods with creeks weaving through the lush fern laced forest. There's also a little park for kids at the top by the parking lot. Also contains a beautiful, yet challenging, disc golf course. Close to town and Cal Poly Humboldt.
***You can access the community forest from the house! It's a 0.6 mile walk through the neighborhood, then you will arrive at an entrance to the forest. Ask Serena for more information!
Our farmer's market is quite the experience in spring and summer! So many amazing vendors and farmers doing unique and wonderful things for our community. Worth checking out!
43 locals raden deze aan
Arcata Farmer's Market
8th StreetOur farmer's market is quite the experience in spring and summer! So many amazing vendors and farmers doing unique and wonderful things for our community. Worth checking out!
Nice walking beach in Arcata with best dunes. Bring your windbreaker and beanie, those winds can be chilly. Pretty drive through farm lands to get to the beach.
15 locals raden deze aan
Mad River County Park
1 Mad River RdNice walking beach in Arcata with best dunes. Bring your windbreaker and beanie, those winds can be chilly. Pretty drive through farm lands to get to the beach.
Cool disc golf course, also right next to a great river swimming area (summer time). Good course for all skill levels. Pretty drive to get out here.
6 locals raden deze aan
Mad River Pump Station 4 - Disc Golf Course
371 Warren Creek RdCool disc golf course, also right next to a great river swimming area (summer time). Good course for all skill levels. Pretty drive to get out here.
Best beach nearby (20 minute drive north of Arcata). Easy walking beach with giant picturesque islands/rocks surrounded by forest. Great sunsets here (if it's not foggy). We recommend hiking the Trinidad Head for an amazing viewpoint at the top (~1 hour hike).
72 locals raden deze aan
Trinidad State Beach
Best beach nearby (20 minute drive north of Arcata). Easy walking beach with giant picturesque islands/rocks surrounded by forest. Great sunsets here (if it's not foggy). We recommend hiking the Trinidad Head for an amazing viewpoint at the top (~1 hour hike).
One of my favorite hikes, located in Trinidad 20 minutes north of Arcata. You can go two different directions, both are beautiful. You can hike down to the beach (steep at some parts) or have a peaceful walk through the woods with amazing viewpoints of the beach.
29 locals raden deze aan
College Cove Beach
College Cove TrailOne of my favorite hikes, located in Trinidad 20 minutes north of Arcata. You can go two different directions, both are beautiful. You can hike down to the beach (steep at some parts) or have a peaceful walk through the woods with amazing viewpoints of the beach.
RampArt Indoor Skate Park Arcata
700 S G StCool indoor skate park for skateboarders, great for kids!
Quaint little zoo in Eureka that families love! The otter exhibit, red pandas, and redwood canopy walk are worth checking out, among many other things!
112 locals raden deze aan
Sequoia Park Zoo
3414 W StQuaint little zoo in Eureka that families love! The otter exhibit, red pandas, and redwood canopy walk are worth checking out, among many other things!
In the town of Orick (40 minute drive north of Arcata), check out Fern Canyon Loop Trail located in Prairie Creek State Park. A must see, absolutely beautiful. Fairly easy - moderate hike a little over a mile long.
Big Tree Trail has some beautiful giants worth seeing. One of Jeff's favorites.
Orick is known for its majestic elk sightings. There's a good chance you'll see herds of elk on your drive over. You might even run into one while hiking (happened to me)! Make sure to give the elk space, they are powerful animals.
87 locals raden deze aan
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
127011 Newton B. Drury Scenic PkwyIn the town of Orick (40 minute drive north of Arcata), check out Fern Canyon Loop Trail located in Prairie Creek State Park. A must see, absolutely beautiful. Fairly easy - moderate hike a little over a mile long.
Big Tree Trail has some beautiful giants worth seeing. One of Jeff's favorites.
Orick is known for its majestic elk sightings. There's a good chance you'll see herds of elk on your drive over. You might even run into one while hiking (happened to me)! Make sure to give the elk space, they are powerful animals.
I recommend the Skunk Cabbage Coastal Trail located in Orick (40 minutes north of Arcata). It's a longer, moderate level difficulty hike but it's very beautiful and ends at an epic viewpoint of the ocean. You can also just do part of the trail if you're not looking for an all-day hike. Named after the famous stinky skunk cabbage plant that grows by creek sides with large vibrant green leaves and bright yellow flowers. One of my favorites.
Lost Man Creek trail is another a beautiful trail that follows along stream with nice redwoods. It’s flat for the first part of the trail so it’s easily accessible for families and people with disabilities. Also has nice picnic spots with a great view!
Redwood State Park
I recommend the Skunk Cabbage Coastal Trail located in Orick (40 minutes north of Arcata). It's a longer, moderate level difficulty hike but it's very beautiful and ends at an epic viewpoint of the ocean. You can also just do part of the trail if you're not looking for an all-day hike. Named after the famous stinky skunk cabbage plant that grows by creek sides with large vibrant green leaves and bright yellow flowers. One of my favorites.
Lost Man Creek trail is another a beautiful trail that follows along stream with nice redwoods. It’s flat for the first part of the trail so it’s easily accessible for families and people with disabilities. Also has nice picnic spots with a great view!
A unique theatre that plays older films, has themed film nights (sci-fi Wednesday for example), and offers some fun music shows of all different kinds from electronic to bluegrass to reggae!
25 locals raden deze aan
Arcata Theatre Lounge
1036 G StA unique theatre that plays older films, has themed film nights (sci-fi Wednesday for example), and offers some fun music shows of all different kinds from electronic to bluegrass to reggae!
If you're looking for a close to town, peaceful, easy little walk and you enjoy bird watching, look no further! This is a local favorite. It's easy, it's pretty, and there's birds. I saw a family of otters swimming here once! *Note* Please don't swim in the water.
37 locals raden deze aan
Arcata Marsh
If you're looking for a close to town, peaceful, easy little walk and you enjoy bird watching, look no further! This is a local favorite. It's easy, it's pretty, and there's birds. I saw a family of otters swimming here once! *Note* Please don't swim in the water.
Now this is an interesting place. Throw hatchets with your friends/family and drink some beer! Great combo.
15 locals raden deze aan
Hatchet House Throwing Club
737 G StNow this is an interesting place. Throw hatchets with your friends/family and drink some beer! Great combo.
If you're into rocks, this is the spot. Definitely worth checking out. Located right off the 101 in Fortuna (35 minutes south of Arcata).
Chapman's Gem & Mineral Shop
66 Metropolitan RdIf you're into rocks, this is the spot. Definitely worth checking out. Located right off the 101 in Fortuna (35 minutes south of Arcata).
If you're driving from the South up to Arcata, it's worth taking your time to drive through the Avenue of Giants. Plenty of pretty hiking trails along the way or just enjoy the scenic drive. Great view of giant redwoods and the beautiful Eel River.
60 locals raden deze aan
Avenue Of The Giants
Avenue of the GiantsIf you're driving from the South up to Arcata, it's worth taking your time to drive through the Avenue of Giants. Plenty of pretty hiking trails along the way or just enjoy the scenic drive. Great view of giant redwoods and the beautiful Eel River.
Neat train ride through the redwoods. If you're driving from the south up to Arcata, it's a fun spot to check out especially if you have kids! Located 1.5 hours south of Arcata.
Confusion Hill
75001 US-101Neat train ride through the redwoods. If you're driving from the south up to Arcata, it's a fun spot to check out especially if you have kids! Located 1.5 hours south of Arcata.
Beautiful hiking trails, about 30 minutes south of Arcata. If you're lucky, you might spot spawning salmon in the river that parallels the trail. Home to some threatened wildlife species, old growth redwoods, and remnants of the old mining town of Falk.
Headwaters Forest Reserve
Palco Road 1Beautiful hiking trails, about 30 minutes south of Arcata. If you're lucky, you might spot spawning salmon in the river that parallels the trail. Home to some threatened wildlife species, old growth redwoods, and remnants of the old mining town of Falk.
If you want to see some really beautiful giant redwoods, drive this scenic route. Located in the town of Orick, about 45 minutes north of Arcata. Surrounded by many amazing hiking trails such as Fern Canyon, Big Tree, Cathedral Tree, and Skunk Cabbage.
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
Newton B. Drury Scenic ParkwayIf you want to see some really beautiful giant redwoods, drive this scenic route. Located in the town of Orick, about 45 minutes north of Arcata. Surrounded by many amazing hiking trails such as Fern Canyon, Big Tree, Cathedral Tree, and Skunk Cabbage.
Located in Willow Creek, 40 minutes east of Arcata. Excellent swimming spots all along Camp Kimtu Beach which follows the Trinity River. Lovely in the summer time when temperatures can reach the 90’s and all you want to do is be in the water! Great place to bring the family or a group of friends.
9 locals raden deze aan
Camp Kimtu
151 Kimtu RdLocated in Willow Creek, 40 minutes east of Arcata. Excellent swimming spots all along Camp Kimtu Beach which follows the Trinity River. Lovely in the summer time when temperatures can reach the 90’s and all you want to do is be in the water! Great place to bring the family or a group of friends.
Stunning state park with lots of great view points. You could spend a lot of time hiking the woods and along the beach here. Wedding rock is a popular hiking spot.
90 locals raden deze aan
Patricks Point State Park
4150 Patricks Point DrStunning state park with lots of great view points. You could spend a lot of time hiking the woods and along the beach here. Wedding rock is a popular hiking spot.
Peaceful boat cruise along Eureka’s lovely waterfront with a mini bar inside. Also known as the “booze cruise” :) Another Humboldt classic.
29 locals raden deze aan
Madaket Harbor Cruise
1 C StPeaceful boat cruise along Eureka’s lovely waterfront with a mini bar inside. Also known as the “booze cruise” :) Another Humboldt classic.
Cute botanical gardens with lots of Northern California native plants and some exotic plants as well. Check out the zen labyrinth at the end. Lovely to meander through this lush, peaceful area. Well worth the visit, especially during blooming season.
9 locals raden deze aan
Humboldt Botanical Garden
7707 Tompkins Hill RdCute botanical gardens with lots of Northern California native plants and some exotic plants as well. Check out the zen labyrinth at the end. Lovely to meander through this lush, peaceful area. Well worth the visit, especially during blooming season.
City/town information
Picturesque Victorian main street town about 35 minutes south of Arcata. Fun shops to explore. Nice beach spot about 15 minutes away from downtown.
63 locals raden deze aan
Ferndale
Picturesque Victorian main street town about 35 minutes south of Arcata. Fun shops to explore. Nice beach spot about 15 minutes away from downtown.
Quaint little beach side town located 20 minutes north of Arcata. Gorgeous oceanic views and beautiful hiking trails.
66 locals raden deze aan
Trinidad
Quaint little beach side town located 20 minutes north of Arcata. Gorgeous oceanic views and beautiful hiking trails.
Home to Cal Poly Humboldt State University and a vibrant community of laid back, creative minded people. We're artists, scientists, farmers, environmentalists, entrepreneurs and much more! We're so grateful to be a part of this beautiful environment filled with giant redwood trees, magnificent beaches, weaving rivers, and fertile farmland.
32 locals raden deze aan
Arcata
Home to Cal Poly Humboldt State University and a vibrant community of laid back, creative minded people. We're artists, scientists, farmers, environmentalists, entrepreneurs and much more! We're so grateful to be a part of this beautiful environment filled with giant redwood trees, magnificent beaches, weaving rivers, and fertile farmland.
Located 40 minutes east of Arcata, stunning scenic drive across the 299. Come check out Willow Creek nestled in the beautiful Six Rivers National Forest. Home of the famous Big Foot, also known as Sasquatch. Swim and kayak in the stunning Trinity River. Camp Kimtu is a classic swimming area along the river, absolutely beautiful in the summer. Kayak renting and tours available.
11 locals raden deze aan
Willow Creek
Located 40 minutes east of Arcata, stunning scenic drive across the 299. Come check out Willow Creek nestled in the beautiful Six Rivers National Forest. Home of the famous Big Foot, also known as Sasquatch. Swim and kayak in the stunning Trinity River. Camp Kimtu is a classic swimming area along the river, absolutely beautiful in the summer. Kayak renting and tours available.
Check out Old Town in Eureka, a 15 minute drive south of Arcata. This historic part of town is close to the waterfront with neat architecture and old victorian buildings. Lots of good restaurants and interesting shops to explore. Arts Alive! is an event that occurs on the first Saturday of every month from 6-9pm all around Old Town Eureka. Fun to explore if you enjoy some good down town walking.
Also check out the Sequoia Park Zoo! A family fun zoo that weaves through a mature second growth redwood forest. Known for the famous Redwood Sky Walk, otters, red pandas, and so much more!
20 locals raden deze aan
Eureka
Check out Old Town in Eureka, a 15 minute drive south of Arcata. This historic part of town is close to the waterfront with neat architecture and old victorian buildings. Lots of good restaurants and interesting shops to explore. Arts Alive! is an event that occurs on the first Saturday of every month from 6-9pm all around Old Town Eureka. Fun to explore if you enjoy some good down town walking.
Also check out the Sequoia Park Zoo! A family fun zoo that weaves through a mature second growth redwood forest. Known for the famous Redwood Sky Walk, otters, red pandas, and so much more!
If you're looking for some outdoor exploration, this is the town. Secluded, very small town about 40 minutes north of Arcata. Fill up your gas tank before you leave Arcata because there's not much other than the beautiful outdoors once you get here. Check out Fern Canyon, Big Tree, Cathedral Tree, or Skunk Cabbage trail. Lush forests with giant ancient trees, mossy/lichen covered woods, peaceful streams, and scenic beach viewpoints. You will probably see herds of majestic elk on your way to Orick!
I recommend driving the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway that takes you through some really beautiful giant old-growth redwoods in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Orick
If you're looking for some outdoor exploration, this is the town. Secluded, very small town about 40 minutes north of Arcata. Fill up your gas tank before you leave Arcata because there's not much other than the beautiful outdoors once you get here. Check out Fern Canyon, Big Tree, Cathedral Tree, or Skunk Cabbage trail. Lush forests with giant ancient trees, mossy/lichen covered woods, peaceful streams, and scenic beach viewpoints. You will probably see herds of majestic elk on your way to Orick!
I recommend driving the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway that takes you through some really beautiful giant old-growth redwoods in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.