Chugging fishing boats bring Eureka’s stylish port to life, while the rumble of logging trucks animate the coastal roads. We guide you through the best of the ‘queen of Humboldt County’.
Enjoy Old Town charm
Eureka’s Old Town is famed for its distinctive buildings, which were built to channel an English Baroque revival style in the 19th-century lumber industry heyday.
Carson Mansion is the most photographed example, clad in beautifully green-tinted materials sourced from Central America and the Philippines. Now run as the private Ingomar Club, there’s no public access to the building - but it’s easy to see the magic by driving your rental car down M Street.
Swing by the Clarke Historical Museum to place the beauty in context at exhibits on local history. The Victorian Room collection is a particular highlight, where early residents’ stories are retold through their possessions.
Today, the Old Town provides an enchanting backdrop for unique shopping experiences. Timber Boutique curates a unique collection of clothing from premium and bohemian brands, while Ciara’s Irish Shop channels the energy of the Emerald Isle.
Take in ocean vistas
The Pacific Ocean magnetises many of the millions who visit California each year – and the views from Eureka are simply magical. Head to North Jetty near the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area for uninterrupted sea views and easy access to blissful Samoa Beach.
Some of northern California’s best beaches are close to Eureka. Trinidad State Beach – just 20minutes away in your car - is a particular highlight. It’s surrounded by woodland, seasonal wildflowers and blessed by smooth sand. There is also a picnic area with barbeque stoves.
See the coast from a refreshing angle by boarding the MV Madaket for a 75-minute guided cruise of Humboldt Bay.
Then, visit Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum to learn about locals’ relationship with the sea, from fishing to boat building. The collections include more than 20,000 photographs and two retired vessels.
Listen to jazz ensembles
Eureka’s vibrant events calendar illuminates the city each summer – especially the Redwood Coast Music Festival, which specialises in jazz acts.
Visit in May to hear traditional American music including blues, swing and jazz ringing out across the bay. At other times of the year, simply pop into one of its jazz bars to catch local acts.
Walk through blissful city parks
This bright and breezy Californian city is a great place to balance a love of nature with urban experiences. There are six community parks in Eureka, including Sequoia Park, which has its very own zoo.
This relaxing 60-acre zone has sky-high redwood trees that will make you forget you’re in the city. Many have been growing since before the park was donated to the city in 1894.
Get lost among the trails or take the whole family to see colourful birds, red pandas and barnyard animals at Sequoia Park Zoo.
Wander past the salmon tanks and otter enclosures, then visit the Learning Lab to find out about conservation. There is an on-site restaurant and a place to buy souvenirs, too.
Hire a car in Eureka to experience more of northern California.
