You probably have heard so much amazing stuff about Eureka, CA, and now you have made up your mind to settle for the city as your vacation destination.
I am glad to announce to you that you won’t regret your decision of visiting the biggest seaside city between San Francisco and Portland, the westernmost town and Oregon.
Just to educate you more on what the city is all about, Eureka is a very beautiful city and serves as a hub for various museums, Sequoia Park, antiques, guided boat cruises, wineries, artworks, and other recreational centers.
The essence of this article is to tell you the fun things you can do in Eureka, CA, and let’s get right to it.
22 Best & Fun Things To Do In Eureka (CA)
1. 3 Redwood Highway
Have you heard of the popular scenic drive along California’s stunning coast?
You will discover that there are numerous redwood trees along the California coast hence the name Redwood Highway.
This is a place to be if you want to enjoy the California coast and luxuriant greenery. Also, you can decide to take long drives and get fresh air.
Adding this to your itinerary of things to do in Eureka won’t be a bad idea.
2. Carson Mansion
Carson Mansion is one of the historical structures that should make it to the list of places to visit in Eureka.
It may interest you to know that the Carson Mansion is currently a private club, and you must be a member of the Ingomar Club (a private, non-profit club) before you can visit.
No fun beats that of visiting one of America’s most impressive Victorian homes as well as the most photographed Victorian house in California, and even the United States.
Address: 143 M St, Eureka, CA 95501, United States
3. Clarke Historical Museum
Clarke Historical Museum is where you should visit if you want to know more about the Humboldt County history because that is what the museum specializes in.
The essence of establishing this Museum is to display the incredible history of Humboldt County which includes the lumber industry, the Native American cultures, prosperous ranching, locally-made crafts, gold rush settlements, and lots more.
You will be guided through the museum by friendly and cheerful members, and the Clarke Historical Museum is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Sundays, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Address:240 E St, Eureka, CA 95501-0433
4. Sequoia Park Forest & Garden
The Sequoia Park Forest & Garden occupies 67 acres of land and is one of the numerous places you can visit and have fun in Eureka.
Its features include several trails that can be used to hike and bike through the park, beautiful ponds, meadows, beautiful creeks, picnic tables, redwood forests, playgrounds, and a gazebo bandstand.
I consider this to be a great addition to the list of things to do in Eureka, CA.
Address: Eureka, CA 95503, United States
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5. Lost Coast Trail
If you are interested in hiking, then, Lost Coast Trail should be your target destination because it offers one of the few seaside wilderness hiking experiences you can get in the United States.
While hiking, you will enjoy the view of wildlife like sea lions, elephants, starfish, river otters, eagles, seals, bobcats, birds, sea urchins, deer, and lots more.
Please note that before you visit, you need to sit and plan your hiking experience as it takes three days before you will be able to cover the northern half of the trails.
Interestingly, at each spot, you will notice a picturesque view of the ocean, beach, and wildlife.
6. Fort Humboldt State Historic Park
Fort Humboldt State Historic Park founded in Eureka in 1853 is situated on a cliff overseeing Humboldt Bay and from this cliff, this park offers spectacular views.
That being said, this park harbors artifacts and collections pertaining to the military installation established to settle the disagreement between Native Americans and White settlers.
So, if you are enthusiastic about knowing how Native Americans fought to protect their land against the settlers, you should be headed for Fort Humboldt State Historic Park.
Address: 3431 Fort Ave, Eureka, CA 95503, United States
7. Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge
If you drive 20 minutes from Eureka, Loleta, you will see Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge staring at you in the face.
It occupies more than 400 acres of land and is regarded as a hub to a wealth of lush nature, and conserves marshlands for diverse species of birds and other wildlife.
You will mostly see hikers, birdwatchers, and photographers here because there are so many beautiful birds as well as other species to feed your eyes with.
Including the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge on your to-do list in Eureka won’t be a bad idea.
Address: 1020 Ranch Rd, Loleta, CA 95551, United States
8. Lost Coast Brewery Taproom
You will find the award-winning craft beer brewing company open from Wednesday to Sunday from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm producing year-round and seasonal beers.
Tangerine Wheat, Great White, Alleycat Amber, Downtown Brown, 8-ball Stout, Raspberry Brown, Watermelon Wheat, Scotch Ale, Strawberry Wheat, and other seasonal selections are some of the finest wines produced by Lost Coast Brewery.
This is yet another place of interest to visit in Eureka, CA.
Address:1600 Sunset Dr, CA Eureka,95503-2401
9. Humboldt Bay Tourism Center
The Humboldt Bay Tourism Center is popularly known to be a contemporary information center that provides information about Eureka and its neighborhoods.
Interestingly, visitors can use their iPads to take a look at the tourist center’s list of attractions, accommodations, and other things to do in the area as this site provides useful information about the best places to visit in the area.
It may also interest you to know that every Sunday, Humboldt Bay Tourism Center hosts artists, local chefs, and brewers, and they showcase their work to the public.
10. Scour The Old Town Eureka
Do you know that The Old Town Eureka is listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places?
Now, this is enough reason for you to consider it to be one of the best fun things to do in Eureka, CA.
This recognized area features 154 buildings, of which the majority of them are from the Victorian age.
Although the commercial district can be traced back to the late 19th century, however, the area in which historic buildings, museums, and shops are well-maintained.
11. Blue Ox Millworks Historic Park
I think this is one of the treasures of Eureka, CA that is hidden, surprisingly, it’s more than 100 years old, and is capable of taking you back in time.
In addition to this, the park houses a Victorian job shop and a completely operational sawmill used for complex designs and attractive architectural millwork.
In case you are the type that admires handcrafted artisan work in wood or ceramics, this place is a must-visit for you.
Address: 1 X St, Eureka, CA 95501, United States
12. Morris Graves Museum Of Art
Every art lover on a visit to Eureka, CA shouldn’t leave the city without visiting the Morris Graves Museum of Art.
Some of the things you will find in the museum include the work of musicians, actors, historians as well as ceramists.
When you go outside the museum, you will see a beautiful courtyard sculpture garden where you are allowed to sit and appreciate the natural beauty of the garden.
It is a place to be if you want to have a closer look at the works of Eureka’s local artists.
Address: 636 F St, Eureka, CA 95501, United States
13. Bayshore Mall
There is no vacation without shopping, and if you’re looking for a suitable shopping mall for this purpose, then I recommend the Bayshore Mall, as they have just the perfect choices of various things to buy.
Being considered the biggest mall in over 200 miles, this mall currently has over 60 stores therein.
Some of the stores you will find in Bayshore Mall include Walmart, Ross Dress for Less, TJ Maxx, Kohl’s, Petco, Sports Authority, Ray’s Food Place, ULTA Beauty, C&K Markets, Bed Bath & Beyond, and the rest.
In addition to this, this mall ensures that you enjoy your shopping experience by providing a wide range of services and amenities.
Address: 3300 Broadway, Eureka, CA 95501-3833
14. Headwaters Forest Reserve
The aim of establishing the Headwaters Forest Reserve in 1999 is to preserve and protects redwood groves along the northern California coast close to Humboldt.
Worthy of note is the fact that this is the only left old-growth redwood forest, and it serves as a home to both wildlife and plants.
For people who are interested in hiking, there are two hiking trails available in the reserve that is surrounded by lush nature.
Pay a visit to the Headwaters Forest Reserve in Eureka, CA to have a feel of the beauty of California’s redwood forests.
Address: Palco Road 1, Fortuna, CA 95540, United States
15. Old Growth Cellars
Old Growth Cellars is best described as a remarkable boutique winery located in South Eureka CA featuring an incredible tasting room and a winemaking process of various wines in Humboldt County.
Upon visiting this winery, you will be shown the processes involved in producing a wide variety of wines and the methods of pressing grapes.
They are kind enough to offer about 10 different wines to visitors to taste, and they all have incredible tastes.
Furthermore, you can host your events in Old Growth Winery because they have centers available for events.
Address:1945 Hilfiker Ln, Eureka, CA 95503-5711
16. Restaurants In Eureka
One thing that is sure is that food can never be a problem in Eureka as the city is home to a wonderful food scene, with delicious seafood that will satisfy whichever craving you have.
Also, you will find outstanding restaurants all over the city offering delicious cuisine and an exceptional dining adventure.
In addition to this, most of these restaurants provide the finest food in town, and if you are a vegetarian, you don’t need to fret as there is a wide range of options available for vegetarians and vegans.
17. Explore Cafes In Eureka
Eureka, CA has several cafes where you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while touring the beautiful places in the city.
Ramone’s Bakery & Cafe located on Harrison Avenue, Los Bagels Eureka, Golden Harvest Cafe, and Cafe Nooner are some of the well-known cafes to mention but a few.
Additionally, these cafes aside from serving tasty, healthy food from local produce, also have a relaxed atmosphere where you can quickly grab a coffee.
18. Humboldt Bay Harbor Cruise, Madaket
I suggest you join the Humboldt Bay Harbor Cruise as it offers 8.5-mile one-hour cruise tours along the Eureka Waterfront, and this is undoubtedly one of the fun things to do in Eureka, CA.
Please note that the Bay Harbor Cruise- Madaket is the most ancient passenger vessel in continuous service in the United States, it is used to convey workers and families around Humboldt Bay.
This presently serves as a reminder of the bay maritime past kept for future purposes and has also become an integral part of the local heritage tourist industry.
19. Arcata Community Forest
Speaking of a lush forest featuring small redwoods ferns that occupy 622 acres of land located 9 miles from Eureka, in the city of Arcata, then Arcata Community should quickly come to mind.
This is a well-known place where you can cycle and even hike in the Arcata Community Forest trail network, and it is a pleasant means of connecting with nature away from the hustles and bustles of the city.
Are you a nature lover? You should include this attraction in your list of fun things to do while in Eureka, CA.
Address: Arcata, CA 95521, United States
20. North Coast Repertory Theatre
If you want to enjoy the live performances of talented and creative local artists like comedy, concerts, and poetry readings as well as other actors while in Eureka, CA, then you should pay a visit to North Coast Repertory Theatre.
This theatre is bent on creating a platform where the audience and artists can experience the intimacy of love theatre, welcome the diversity and variety in our lives and intensify their imagination.
Yearly, this theatre as a result of its year-round performances of an award-winning primary stage season welcomes over 40,000 visitors in its 194-seat setting.
Are you a lover of theater? If yes, North Coast Repertory Theatre shouldn’t be missing from your to-do list in Eureka, CA.
Address:300 5th St, Eureka, CA 95501-0306
21. Doe Flat Trail
This is undoubtedly a wonderful hiking spot covering roughly 2.5 hours from Eureka along the Oregon boundary and in the Six Rivers Forest.
Furthermore, if you hike in Doe Flat Trailhead, you will discover Doe Lake which is a perfect picnic location and a suitable campsite en route to Devil’s Punchbowl on the same trail.
Some of the features of Doe Flat Trailhead include Six Rivers National Forest, access through the eastern part of Smith River National Recreation Area, Siskiyou Wilderness, Coast Ranges, and Klamath Mountains, CA.
This popular vacation spot is better experienced than told.
22. Relaxation In Eureka
Now, after you must have moved from one attraction site to the other, the only thing on your mind may be how to get a drink to quench your thirst.
I am glad to announce to you that this should be the least of the things to worry about as there are several bars, clubs, and breweries in Eureka.
That being said, the best places to grab a drink as well as enjoy a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere are the Speakeasy and The Shanty in Eureka.
As a way of concluding, I’ve exhausted my list of 22 top things you can do in Eureka, CA.
I want you to note that there is a wide range of fun places and things to do which includes theatres, zoos, historic buildings, restaurants, cafes, parks, playgrounds, and so on.
I hope that you are able to choose the ones that resonate with you, and explore them when you get to Eureka.
I wish you happy holidays, and I can wait for you to return with one or two words about the places you visited in Eureka, CA.
