Avelo Flights to Eureka / Arcata

Plan a trip to Eureka / Arcata

Eureka, CA

As the county seat of the world-famous Humboldt County, California, Eureka is surrounded by iconic redwoods, the world’s tallest trees, and stunningly beautiful remote ocean landscapes.

Visitors from around the world travel here for easy access to the region’s unmatched beauty and outdoor recreation, but they are often surprised to find that the city itself, which sits directly on the shoreline of Humboldt Bay, is an art lover’s paradise offering more than 100 murals and public art installations, rich history, unique “behind the redwood curtain” culture, and widely celebrated Victorian Architecture.

Arts & Culture

Eureka’s officially designated California Cultural Arts District is home to monthly Arts Alive festivals, summertime Friday Night Market events, multiple live performance theaters, weekly farmers markets, abundant museums, galleries, and boutiques.

While you’re in town, don’t miss:

• The Morris Graves Museum of Art, housed inside the beautiful and pristinely maintained historic Carnegie Library
• The new Wiyot Cultural Center on 2nd Street, highlighting the culture and traditions of the small indigenous tribe that has populated the area surrounding the Humboldt Bay since “time eternal”
• Blue Ox Millworks, home of “The Craftsman” streaming series, one of the most popular shows on Discovery Plus and the Magnolia Network

History and Architecture

Eureka’s history stretches from rich native American traditions through the famous high times of the area’s legendary timber barons, fishing industry, and cannabis culture. This storied past has helped to shape the present-day community’s focus on arts, culture, and ecological preservation.

The city has 21 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Carnegie Free Library, several nationally notable Queen Anne Victorians, and a Tudor Revival hotel. As a unique superlative, Eureka’s entire Old Town and waterfront area, the city’s premier shopping and dining district, is on the national historic register. It is filled with Late Victorian, Greek Revival, and Classical Revival storefronts. To the delight of visitors, many of these buildings still contain original fixtures, hardware, and millwork.

While you are in town, don’t miss:

• The chance to take your photo in front of the Carson Mansion and its sister property, the Pink Lady
• The Clarke Historical Museum, which details much of the region’s journey through multiple iconic phases of the American story
• Hillsdale Street, a local community of private residences that has worked hard to keep its glorious, colorful Victorian homes in immaculate condition
• The area’s most historic hotels: The Carter House, The Inn at Second & C, and the Eureka Inn

Outdoor Recreation

California’s North Coast is famous for its beautiful parks, iconic beaches, and, of course, its magical Coastal Redwood groves, home to the world’s tallest trees.

Eureka is in the heart of the famous Redwood Coast, and no trip here is complete without a few days spent taking in the stunning nature that surrounds. Residents and visitors alike enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, sailing, surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding along the city’s shorelines and within its many parks and dedicated recreation areas.

With 13 in-city parks, guided birdwatching, oyster and fishing tours, 30 nearby beaches and 20+ state, national, and community parks, forests, and reserves, there is no shortage of ways to access and partake in all of nature’s glory.

While you’re here, don’t miss:

• The Redwood Sky Walk at Sequoia Park Zoo
• Bike Rentals at the Eureka Visitor’s Center
• Specialty tours from the area’s various outfitters and boat captains
• Guided birdwatching on the Hikshari’ and Waterfront Trails, and nature hikes along the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area

Culinary Delights

In Eureka, you won’t have to go looking for farm-to-table or fresh-from-the-sea local cuisine. Fresh and local is a way of life. Whether you are looking for casual coastal fare or fancier entrees for a night on the town, Eureka has you covered.

While you’re here, don’t miss:

• Cocktails and other libations at any of the restaurants along 2nd Street – the city offers delicately appointed blends at some of the city’s nicest boutique restaurants and old seafarer scenes, where the vibe is decidedly casual and locals will soon know your name
• Oysters – prepared any way you want them (and usually, literally, just hauled out of the bay)
• Food trucks and festivals – while Eureka’s restaurants are undeniably fabulous, some of the best local food comes out to meet you
• Fresh catch-of-the-day crab purchased off the back of a boat, available in the early morning hours at the Woodley Island Marina
• Handmade chocolate from one of Eureka’s famous chocolatiers
• Fish tacos from just about anywhere!

Eureka / Arcata Airport

Getting to and from Eureka / Arcata is easy. Just 15 minutes from the city, California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV) is conveniently located north of the city, just off Highway 101.