Arcata is a free-spirited university town set on Humboldt Bay and surrounded by towering redwood forests. It’s nicknamed “Sixties by the Sea” and is a hotspot for artists, hippies and nature lovers. Shop at artisan workshops, dine at plant-based restaurants and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery.
Things to do in Arcata
Cafes, bookstores and boutiques spill onto Arcata Plaza. The plaza is the beating heart of the town and features picturesque lawns and colourful flowers. Shop for handcrafted wares and dine at farm-to-table restaurants. You’ll find some of the best shops and eateries in Jacoby's Storehouse, a Gold Rush-era building with a handsome brick-and-stone façade. The plaza moonlights as a venue for community events, including fairs, festivals and the seasonal Saturday farmers market.
Spot rare and endangered species at the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is set on Humboldt Bay and criss-crossed with scenic walking and cycling trails. Explore the park independently or join guided walks run by local wildlife societies.
Stroll around the town centre and admire a jewel box of Victorian and Queen Anne architecture. Admire picture-perfect houses with turrets, bay windows and ornate woodwork. They’re beautifully restored and painted in a rainbow of colours. Learn about the town’s pioneer heritage at the Phillips House Museum and enjoy a drink at the landmark Hotel Arcata founded in 1915.
Arcata is a gateway to the enchanting North Coast & Redwoods area. Wild and rugged, this pocket of California features windswept beaches, mist-cloaked valleys and some of the tallest trees in the world. Trails and boardwalks wind through Redwood National Park and take you past enormous trees, some more than 100 metres tall.
Getting around Arcata
Downtown Arcata is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The town is in Humboldt County, five hours from San Francisco and Sacramento. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Arcata and explore the North Coast & Redwoods area at your own pace.