Home to Cal Poly Humboldt, one of the nation’s greenest schools, Arcata features chic shopping around the downtown plaza, including organic clothing stores, progressive bookstores, bead and crystal shops and home and gift stores. Don’t miss the historic Jacoby Storehouse.
Arcata Plaza
844 H St, Arcata, CA 95521
Cal Poly Humboldt
1 Harpst St, Arcata, CA 95521
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt is a public university in Arcata, California. It is one of three polytechnic universities in the California State University system and the northernmost campus in the system.
Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary
569 South G Street, Arcata, CA 95521 (707) 826-2359
The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is an internationally popular wetland system. If you enjoy bird watching all year round, this is the place for you. Located at the northern end of the Humboldt Bay, the sanctuary is set along the migration route for thousands of birds that head north to California, Mexico and South and Central America.
No food on-site. Bring a snack or picnic.
Restrooms available.
Approx. 2 hours to enjoy.
Weather is seasonal, and temperatures range from 55°F-65°F. We suggest wearing layers.
Arcata Community Forest
Arcata Community Forest, Arcata, CA (707) 822-8184
Arcata’s hospitality has no end in sight. They have been known to share their plaza, festivals, arts, pools, bagels and spectacular community forest with anyone who asks. Located just a few blocks away from downtown Arcata, journey into 790 acres of woodland wonder. The Arcata Community Forest offers hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as playgrounds for the little ones and public picnic space.
No food on-site. Bring a snack or picnic.
Restrooms available.
Approx. 2 hours to enjoy.
Weather is seasonal, and temperatures range from 55°F-60°F. We suggest wearing layers.
Arcata Plaza & Cal Poly Humboldt
Home to Cal Poly Humboldt (public university in Arcata, California), one of the nation’s greenest schools. It is one of three polytechnic universities in the California State University system and the northernmost campus in the system. The town of Arcata features chic shopping around the downtown plaza, including organic clothing stores, progressive bookstores, bead and crystal shops and home and gift stores. Don’t miss the historic Jacoby Storehouse.
More Activities
Holly Yashi
1300 9th St, Arcata, CA 95521 (877) 607-8361
Watch award-winning jewelry, much of it featuring stunning niobium metal, being made in the design studio, then sip espressos and browse the chic gift shop.
Mad River Fish Hatchery
1660 Hatchery Rd, Arcata, CA 95521 (707) 822-0592
This California state fish hatchery is usually full of thousands of hungry juvenile steelhead and rainbow trout, waiting patiently to do water acrobatics when young hands toss them fish pellets. Picnic tables and river trails offer more fun too.
Lighthouse Plaza Mini-Golf
180 Lupin Dr, Arcata, CA 95521 (707) 630-5105
A 40-foot faux lighthouse leads the way to what is certainly the most fun golf in Humboldt: An old-fashioned 18-hole putt-putt course with crazy bends, drops, loops and goofy giant figurines, including a lumberjack and Homer Simpson. Halfway between Eureka and Arcata on Samoa Blvd.
Natural History Museum of Cal Poly Humboldt
1242 G St, Arcata, CA 95521 (707) 826-4479
Prehistoric human skulls. Paleozoic fossils. Weird looking crabs. A pterodactyl in the rafters. A giant whale skull on the floor. A beehive behind a looking glass (Can you find the queen?). For a small space the place packs in a lot of powerfully pleasing science.
Phillips House Museum
7th St & Union St, Arcata, CA 95521 (707) 822-4722
Arcata’s oldest house offers a glimpse into Humboldt County life in the mid-1800s. This sweet little farmhouse is a snapshot of the past. Staged by the Arcata Historical Sites Society, the Phillips House Museum appears exactly as it might have almost 200 years ago—complete with lace curtains, china, quilts and newspapers. This sweet little farmhouse is a snapshot of the past, just a few blocks from the Plaza.
