Eureka Travel Information
Set at the edge of the second-largest enclosed bay in California,
close to a national park and endowed with an attractive clutch of
cultural charms, Eureka, a modest city of 26,000, deserves an admiring salute.
Ranked a historic landmark for its quaint Victorian buildings, Eureka
and neighboring Arcata (home to Humboldt State University) harbor both many boats and a thriving population of artists,
not to mention a youthful student body. Collectively, the two
communities serve as intriguing destinations in their own right but
also act as gateways on to Humboldt County's natural assets.
Once a raucous
lumber town, Eureka has mellowed and now the Victorian storefronts and
houses, especially in Old Town, create an atmosphere more seaside
resort than timber industry in feel. Once you've enjoyed a walking tour of the Eureka's historic facades, check out sights like the Sequoia Park Zoo, which takes pride in being one of the smallest institutions
that has
been accredited by the Association of American Zoos and Aquariums.
There's also a fine little art museum in town, as well as a decent list
of additional cultural sights and facilities like the Clarke Memorial
Museum, Fort Humboldt State Historic Park and Blue Ox Millworks and
Historic Park. Within easy driving distance is another historic landmark town, Ferndale (which hosts the Kinetic Sculpture Race
each year, look it up), which sits at the northern end of the rugged
Lost Coast, the latter a great place to enjoy an uncrowded, multi-day backpacking
trip.
That, however, is not the only option when it comes to outdoor
recreation. Kayakers and canoers can drift
down one of four nearby rivers, spotting birds along the way, or
paddle
through the saltwater waves of the Pacific in Humboldt Lagoon. You'll
find that anglers who speak of the abundant salmon and steelhead in
the area aren't just telling fish stories but it's also easy enough to
charter a
boat for an ocean fishing expedition with halibut, snapper, and petrale
sole the haul. Land-lubbers can stick to a stroll along the waterfront
boardwalk for the scent of salt breezes and a glimpse of boats bobbing
along out to sea.
But Eureka isn't just about water-based activity. There's also
wildlife viewing at the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, where
those with a quick eye can spot over 400 different species of birds.
For those who'd rather hit the trail, there's mileage to chose from
whether you're bound on by bike or on foot;
the state parks surrounding Eureka are an easy place to start. Set up
camp
amongst the country's tallest trees in Humboldt Redwoods State Park or
on the shoreline at Clam Beach or Gold Bluff Beach. Big Lagoon County
Park gives you the best of both land and shore with easy access for
canoes and kayaks.
Eureka is located alongside Humboldt Bay, 270 miles north of the
San Francisco Bay Area via Highway 101.
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