Location: Arcata
Top Things to do in Arcata
10 Things to Do in Arcata That You Shouldn't Miss
Arcata, originally Union Town or Union, is a city adjacent to the Arcata Bay (northern) portion of Humboldt Bay in Humboldt County, California, United States. At the 2010 census, Arcata's population was 17,231. Arcata, located 280 miles (450 km) north of San Francisco (via Highway 101), is home to Humboldt State University. Arcata is also the location of the Arcata Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Land Management, which is responsible for the administration of natural resources, lands and mineral programs, including the Headwaters Forest, on approximately 200,000 acres of public land in Northwestern California.
Restaurants in Arcata
1. Redwood Highway
Overall Ratings
5 based on 669 reviews
Reviewed By Nancy M
I came to this part of the world to see these wonderful trees. We spent an entire day touring this road except for side trips suggested by a ranger. We went on one dirt road that allowed us to get up close to the trees without having to get out of your car. This is a really beautiful place to visit.
2. Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By Terri B - Eureka, California
I have been to this marsh next to the Humboldt Bay in Arcata many times. Each season offers a different array of weather, birds, and unique botanical growth. Check in at the Visitor Center for detailed information about the area. They offer camps and classes for kids, cards and books to buy. There are organized walks with explanations of how they created the marsh for sewer local treatments. The marsh and Mt Trashmore is uniquely engineered and people from around the world come to find out a natural way to deal with waste water.
My favorite sightings are the night herons sleeping in the alders or the sweeping group of Godwits in the Winter.
3. Arcata Community Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
A beautiful 600-acre forest of small redwoods and ferns.
Reviewed By Terry A
If you do not have much time and you want to take a wonderful walk try this. Trails 1 and 2 are doable by any age. The trail is a nice width, fairly even, and these two trails do not have too much climb.
Parking tips: There are two main places to park. The road that curves up (14th) has a parking area, and then there is a parking area near the playground, entrance is off 12th.
Trail tip: There is a trail map online. You'll see that trail 1 does not loop. However, the beginning and ending of Trail 1 are just at different points within a large lawn area. So, if you go from one end to the other, you do not have to go back to get to your car.
If you take trail 2 off of trail 1, you'll end up a the road. It's fairly safe to walk back up the road and you'lll see a pretty cool carved out tree, which your kids might be able to climb up for a good picture. Continue up the road and you will end up at one of the parking areas.
This visit is great if you only have an hour or two. You can enjoy trails 1 and 2 easily within an hour.
4. Sequoia Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
Reviewed By pmork - Redwood City, California
Really nice nice little Zoo. I had no idea that we would find something as pretty and as well preserved as we did here in Eureka. Good selection of animals and the grounds are really well taken care of and maintained. Lots of things to keep the kids entertained and also to provide some learning. Well worth the trip if you're here for a visit.
5. Carson Mansion
Overall Ratings
4 based on 368 reviews
Reviewed By Mary V - McKinleyville, California
The Carson Mansion is a highlight of Eureka CA and Humboldt County in particular. At this time of year (December), it is brilliantly-lit with many many strings of Christmas lights and is amazingly beautiful. Add to that the supermoon and it was a definite must-see this week. We had the great pleasure of getting inside for a special event and were treated to a top-quality meal, outstanding service and the ability to see the insides of this special Victorian structure decorated to the hilt for the holidays. Absolutely lovely. Please note that, unless you are a member of the Ingomar Club, entry is not allowed - but it's worth seeing from the outside!
6. Arcata Farmers' Market
Overall Ratings
5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By julesofthesea - Eureka, California
One of the best Farmer's Markets anywhere. Meet the farmers and their produce. Colorful, flavorful and multi-dimensional. You can have breakfast or lunch right in the market or take your food home with you. Everything from grains for bread-making to goat cheese or beautiful mix and match mushrooms. All organic, of course.
7. Clam Beach County Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By Lee L - Apache Junction, Arizona
Lots of byways to pull into, and make your way to the sea. We pulled into a paved parking area, and slogged thru the sand to the beautiful Pacific. Wind was going pretty strong, and the temp of it was near icy. Didn't get down to the water, but found a log to sit on for a bit while taking in the beauty. Didn't lose my hat, so all was well.
8. Mad River Beach County Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By bonmom707 - Arcata, California
Beaches in Humboldt are unsurpassed, uncrowded, and inspiring. Great walks for health, inspiration, winding down. Can take dogs (unlike So. Cal.); some beaches allow dogs off leash if have voice command. Pick-up bags available at parking lots. Nice views of Mad River beach along Hammond Trail connecting to Clam Beach to the North.
9. Humboldt State University Natural History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Natural history museum known for its fine collection of fossils and its special programs tailored for kids.
Reviewed By Cindy T - Northampton, Massachusetts
Small but packed with informative exhibits. A must-see if you are interested in dinosaur history. Go across the street to the Redwood Capitol Bank to see two more dinosaur sculptures. The college student who was working at the desk was extremely well informed and eager to talk about the museum. We were glad we went here.
10. Humboldt Crabs Baseball
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By richansen53 - Central Valley of California
We have been to two Crabs games. They are a summer collegiate baseball team, though some people have told me they’re a Triple A team. (They aren’t.) Crabs games are events, not just baseball games. The Crabgrass Band, is a 15 to 20 member band that plays between innings. They are very entertaining. I read somewhere that the band members are all musicians that attended Humboldt State.
The park is also home to some of the best ballpark food around! They barbecue hot dogs and hamburgers and other tasty things. Some of those tasty things include individual-sized pies and cakes. I found that out when the family sitting in front of us bought some cakes for each family member from some young ladies that were selling them to the crowd.
The Crabs are made up of college baseball players from all around northern California that spend the summer in what essentially an instructional league. They are good, but they occasional make mistakes.
Between watching the Crab Grass band dancing around as they play, the friendly atmosphere in the stands and the food, it’s sometimes hard to remember you’re there to watch a baseball game. There are two things to remember if you’re going to the ball park. First, it’s all bleacher seating and second, unless you’re accustomed to the cold, foggy weather, dress for cold and bring something to sit on because the bleachers can be nasty cold by the ninth inning!
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