City in the United States
Photo: Robert Campbell, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Eureka is a city in Humboldt County, California. With a population of slightly over 25,000, it is the largest coastal city on the West Coast of the United States north of San Francisco and south of Portland and the center of the California North Coast (Redwood Coast). Eureka is Ancient Greek for "I have found it," and the city got its name as a hopeful statement made by miners during the California Gold Rush, but it was the timber industry that gave the town its early wealth. Now, with logging in decline, it retains the charm of that era with older Victorian buildings and the feel of an old-fashioned working town.
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This is a very respectable museum for a smaller area, and the architecture itself is quite artistic. The structure was the first Carnegie library in California and was completely renovated in the late 1990s. The Museum today houses seven galleries including a Courtyard Sculpture Garden, a Museum Store, classroom facilities, an Arts Resource Center and a Performance Rotunda.
In operation since 1907, the Sequoia Park Zoo is the oldest zoo in California has long been considered one of the most important cultural facilities in the area. It also features the Redwood Sky Walk, an approximately 0.25-mile long sky walk suspended 100 feet above the ground that provides visitors a chance to view coastal redwoods above ground level.
Regarded as one of the most extravagant Victorian-style homes in the United States, the Carson Mansion was constructed in 1884 and served as the home for local lumber baron William Carson. Members of the Carson family sold the mansion in 1950 to the Ingomar Club. Not open to the public, although visitors are permitted to photograph the house and surrounding garden.
The historic heart of Eureka. Home to beautiful Victorian era buildings, which house dozens of locally owned and operated stores ranging from beads to coffee to clothing. A must-see for those traveling via 101.
A 6-mile pathway along Humboldt Bay from Truesdale Street next to the Bayshore Mall to Pound Road. A mostly flat trail that offers glimpses of local salt marshes and dunes, with birdwatching opportunities.
A 24-mile section of the Lost Coast Trail leads north from Black Sands Beach to the Mattole River, along the wilderness beach. This is a rugged hike, not a simple walk on the beach, and is one of the few coastal wilderness hiking experiences in the U.S.
Community festival in early September.
During fishing season, Captain Gary Blasi takes anglers out on his 22 ft boat the Seaweasel. Prices vary depending on what fish and how long you're out for. He fishes for Tuna, Salmon, Rockfish and Halibut. $150 for a half day or $250 for a whole day. Prices are per person.
A kayak and canoe specialist, certified by the ACA and BCU, catering to all levels of paddlers.
Northern California salmon, tuna, rockfish, and halibut saltwater sportfishing hook and line-caught fishing experts.
Located in a 100-year-old building, a restored wood frame structure built in 1892.
This is the last remaining lumberjack style cookhouse in America. There is no menu. You get what the cook serves and you can eat all you want. Dinners usually consist of soup, salad, fresh bread, and either porkchops, fried chicken, beef, plus dessert (usually pie). In Samoa, California right across the bridge from Eureka.
Awesome local cafe in Old Town. Been going there for decades.
New Orleans inspired bar that hosts live blues music, burlesque, and other prohibition themed fun; located in a 120 year old building which no doubt served the same purpose during the real days of prohibition. No food is served, 21 and over only. Beautiful ambience, perfect for a romantic meeting or a nightcap after a long day's travel. Plenty of local beer selection as well as an extensive drink menu. Open every day at 4!
Eureka Books is one of the last classic antiquarian bookstores on the West Coast, offering new, used, and rare books, along with an extraordinary selection of vintage photographs, prints and maps. Located in the heart of Old Town in an elegant Victorian storefront built in 1879, Eureka Books is truly a destination bookstore.
Two Street Music has been serving Humboldt County's musical needs for over 25 years.
By plane
By bus
By boat
As a port city, Eureka has facilities to dock yachts and other private water vessels, most notably at the Woodley Island Marina.
By car
Eureka is fairly easy to navigate by car, with most of the city arranged in a grid pattern.
By foot
Old Town and the waterfront area are compact enough to be navigated on foot, although a car or public transit is recommended for areas outside of downtown.
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Arcata/Eureka · Regional · ACV
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