Take a one-of-a-kind guided tour on the Madaket, the nation’s oldest passenger ferry. This 8.5-mile, one-hour cruise travels along the inspiring Eureka Waterfront. You will learn everything you ever wanted to know about the colorful Humboldt Bay, the timber industry, wildlife, shipping, maritime lore, local indigenous histories and so much more. Seasonal schedule: Daily Mid-May — October. 

Located in the historic Old Town district of Eureka, the Clarke Museum houses numerous historical and cultural artifacts from Humboldt County. Exhibits include one of the largest Native American tribe collections in Northern California, Victorian rooms with authentic furniture, Gold Rush memorabilia and much more.

The 6.5 mile Eureka Waterfront Trail (Hikshari’ Trail)  is located along the shores of Humboldt Bay. This paved trail invites bikers, walkers, skaters and paddlers to experience the unique ecosystems, including salt marshes, sand dunes and riparian habitats alongside the waterfront. Access points include Herrick Ave Park & Ride, Hilfiker Ln, Foot of Truesdale St, North Bayshore Mall Parking Lot, Foot of Del Norte St, Foot of “C” St, the Samoa Bridge Boat launch off Waterfront Dr and Tydd St. Sunset is an excellent time to hop on the trail.

If it’s your first time visiting, you would be surprised to find a zoo of such high caliber in a remote coastal destination like Eureka. Clean, well-designed, delightful attractions populate the lush grounds and feature an impressive variety of unusual animals. Make double sure to pay a visit to the Children’s Barnyard and Petting Zoo. And don’t forget to say hello to the ever-popular red pandas! Then dive deep at the exhilarating River Otter Experience with an up-close and personal view of life beneath the water’s surface. Otters swim, dive and play on every side—even above you.

This amazing aerial experience in Eureka, California, takes visitors to new heights among the world’s tallest living things. The $4 million canopy trail, the longest in the western United States, rises more than 100 feet above the forest floor in Eureka’s Sequoia Park, a 65-acre community forest that features trees rivaling those of nearby Redwood National Park and the Avenue of the Giants. The quarter-mile sky walk, most of it ADA compliant, is included with admission to Eureka’s Sequoia Park Zoo, the oldest certified zoo in the state of California.

For almost a century, Sequoia Park has been a community treasure well worth discovering. 70 acres of massive, old-growth redwood forest can be found right smack in the middle of town. Runners, cyclists, walkers, picnickers, and lovers abound. With an abundance of inviting trails, Sequoia Creek Trail also offers a paved 3/4 mile (wheelchair and stroller) trail heading from a picture-perfect duck pond out into the forest and meadows. Peaceful and calm, it is a sight to behold for people of all ages.

Small batch bean to bar craft chocolate maker specializing in single origin chocolate from two ingredients, made on site.

Explore one of America’s fastest growing and least conventional microbreweries, and then taste popular beers like Great White and Downtown Brown in the tap room.

“The Fisherman” statue is a memorial created by Dick Crane to honor the mariners whose lives were claimed by the sea. Grab a bite to eat at Café Marina on the waterfront then go see its namesake statue with fishing net in hand as his eyes scanning the waves for a catch. The statue is large enough to be seen from Old Town Eureka. 

Get whisked away in a horse-drawn carriage down the historic streets of Old Town Eureka. Transport yourself to an era gone by and have a marvelous time learning about the once bustling commercial district of Eureka on unique and fun carriage tours.

Established in 1853, Fort Humboldt was occupied by the U.S. Army for only 13 short years. Among the fort’s early garrison was none other than Captain Ulysses S. Grant, a decorated Civil War general and eventually the president of the United States. Allow plenty of time to meander through outdoor exhibits, historic logging equipment, steam donkeys, locomotives and more. A large, open grassy bluff provides picnic tables and the chance to slow down and take it all. During operating hours you can find a museum, bookstores and restrooms.

Explore the vast history of shipwrecks and the construction of floating vessels off California’s north coast. Visit Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum located next to the Samoa Cookhouse, and view artifacts salvaged from ships and lighthouses throughout Humboldt history. And while you’re in the area, hop aboard the M.V. Madaket, the oldest passenger carrier in operation in the United States, for a narrated tour of the bay.  

The Morris Graves Museum of Art houses seven premier galleries that host diverse displays from artistic youths and music to dance and literary art. Every weekend the arts come to life through a variety of programs such as Mini Masters Kids Club, Night Art Alive, Art Talk Sunday, Family Arts Day, Afternoon of Dance and Wine and Jazz. With free entry for children, discounts for seniors and affordable general admission, it’s the perfect place to bring the family and spend time inspiring your inner creative.

This hands-on science center is packed with interactive exhibits that both amuse and educate, whether giant Lego blocks, a self-starting puppet theater, gadgets that spark, roll and create wind gusts or weather streams.

The arts are very much alive in Humboldt County, and this fact is even more true in Eureka. Many of the buildings in Eureka are adorned with beautiful murals that are painted by local artists. Come experience the magnificence of Eureka’s murals on a self-guided tour that spotlights local artist Duane Flatmo who has painted many of the more humorous and historical murals in the Eureka area.

Learn what happened in Opera Alley, what lies beneath 2nd street, who lurks upstairs in Ruby’s room and more while walking the Victorian streets of Eureka.

Take a stroll down the beautifully nostalgic Victorian-era streets of Eureka. Start your walk or drive through Hillside Street, a neighborhood filled with preserved Queen Anne and Eastlake styled houses. If you want to see more historical Victorian buildings go to Old Town Eureka to see the commercial district and visit the famous Carson Mansion.

The Humboldt County Library consists of a main library in Eureka, ten branch libraries throughout the county, and a bookmobile. The Eureka branch is located on the edge of Old Town, next to the Carson Mansion bordered by the marina. A handsome multi-story redwood structure, the Eureka branch hosts regular community events for children and adults. It also houses the Humboldt Room, an immense space overlooking the waterfront where visitors can access a unique collection of local historic documents and primary research materials.

Surrounded by redwoods, Eureka’s scenic Freshwater County Park features a playground and grassy area, swimming hole, picnic areas with barbecue pits & tables, a gazebo and cooking facilities. It’s the perfect place to host events and activities or spend a sunny afternoon with family. Group reservations available.