Like many of the towns in Humboldt County, the city of Eureka got its start as a Gold Rush transport center and later a logging and milling town—full of bars, card rooms and shady enterprises patronized by hundreds of loggers and sailors. With a population of more than 28,000 today, Eureka remains the cultural, political and economic hub of Humboldt County. While logging is still an important part of the local economy, Eureka also caters to an increasingly diversified local population.
A turn toward Humboldt Bay off Hwy 101 (4th or 5th Street in the heart of Eureka) between C and M Streets will bring the visitor to Eureka’s Old Town district. At the foot of F Street is the Eureka Boardwalk, which runs for five blocks along the waterfront area. Lined with benches, signal flags and other nautical touches, the boardwalk affords views of the Woodley Island Marina, Humboldt Bay and local wildlife. The city continues to work on waterfront development and enhancement. An easy stroll behind the Carson Mansion at the top of 2nd Street leads to the lovely, massive Humboldt County Library. Comfortable chairs and great views encourage patrons to curl up with a good book.
Things to Do
- Sequoia Park Zoo
- Old Town Haunted History Ghost Tours
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
- Clarke Historical Museum
- Eureka’s Historic Buildings
- Eureka Old Town and the Boardwalk
- Fort Humboldt State Historic Park
- Eureka Summer Concert Series
- Woodley Island
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding on Humboldt Bay
- Samoa Cookhouse & Logging Museum
- Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum
- Humboldt Coastal Nature Center
- M.V. Madaket Humboldt Bay Harbor Cruise
- Redwood Acres
- Blue Ox Millworks and Historic Park
- Humboldt Botanical Gardens
- Morris Graves Museum of Art
- Humboldt B52s Baseball
- Humboldt Roller Derby
- Samoa Dunes Recreation Area
- Auto Races & Motorcycle Races
- Headwaters Forest Reserve
- Eureka’s Utility Box Art Program
- Eureka’s Public Sculptures
- Eureka’s Murals
