exploring Humboldt County -a visitors guide

Humboldt County offers a remarkable variety of hiking spots, stunning vistas, and unforgettable experiences, making it a truly unique destination. With so much to explore, planning your visit can feel overwhelming. To help, here’s a curated list of my favorite places and activities to enjoy while passing through on the 101!

(Hyperlinked!)

FOOD

• Dinner

  • Larapins in Trinidad (a more upscale option)

  • The Sea Grill (clam chowder is a must-try)

  • The Sushi Spot (try the Dragonfly roll)

  • Gills by the Bay

  • The Diver

  • Roof Top (sushi and incredible views and outdoor seating)

• Lunch

  • Los Bagels in Eureka or Arcata (try the off-menu Seafood Delilah)

  • Ferndale Pizza Co. in Ferndale

  • Hey Juan Burritos (Arcata) Try the dirty hippy.

• Breakfast/Snacks

  • Ranatas Creperie (Arcata) THE BEST crepes (the amber rose and hungry farmer are my favorites!)

  • Sweet Greens Juice Bar in Old Town Eureka (try the Paradise Humbowl)

  • Ramone’s in Arcata (to-go sandwiches and fresh bread)

  • Wildberries Marketplace in Arcata (grab a pottery mug and a green smoothie)

  • Cafe Waterfront

  • Marina Cafe

• Coffee & Treats

  • Dick Taylor Chocolate (old town Eureka)

  • Living the Dream ice cream (on the Eureka boardwalk)

  • Fogline coffee

• Hard Cider/Beer

  • Humboldt Cider Co (the Imperial Blueberry is my favorite)

  • Redwood Curtain Brewing Co

  • Lost Coast Brewery

STAY

• Benbow Inn

• Gingerbread Mansion in Ferndale

• Lost Whale Inn

• The Front Porch Inn

• Radio Ranch Camp

• Dome Home Stay in Fortuna

SHOP

• Timber Boutique(old town Eureka)

• Land of Lovely (old town Eureka)

• Blue Ox Boutique (old town Eureka)

• Tulip (perfume, old town eureka)

• Plaza (on the plaza in Arcata)

• Sea Goat Farm Stand

SPA

• Esperanza Del Mar (old town Eureka)

• Finnish Country Sauna & Tubs

• Cafe Mokka (arcata)

WALK & EXPLORE

• Avenue of the Giants

  • Rockefeller loop Trail

  • Founders Grove Nature Loop (Easy, 0.5 miles)

  • Drury-Chaney Trail (Easy, 2.4 miles)

  • Gould Grove Nature Loop (Easy, 0.6 miles)

  • Bull Creek Flats / Giant Tree (Moderate, 3.5 miles)

  • Mahan Plaque Trail (Easy, 0.7 miles)

  • High Rock Trail:

• Melel Dunes (Friday to Monday)

• Sequoia Park, Eureka

• Arcata Community Forest (dog friendly!)

• Arcata marsh and bird sanctuary

• Trinidad State Park

• Headwaters Forest Reserve (11mi round trip)

• Trinidad Head Loop Trail

• College Cove Beach

• Mad River Beach

• Elk Head Trail

• Ferndale (possibly the cutest town anywhere!)

• Sue Meg Wedding Rock, Trinidad

• Prairie Creek (Fern Canyon and elk viewing—day-of reservations May through September)

• Lady Bird Johnson Trail (a must-see)

• Strawberry Rock

• Tepona Point (good for picnics)

ACTIVITIES

• Kayaking with a chance to spot whales (book through local outfitters)

• Searching for agates at Agate Beach, Trinidad

• Camping at Sue Meg State Park

• Scenic drive to A.W. Way near Petrolia