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.
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.
Arcata
Arcata encompasses all that’s great about Humboldt County, from the giant Redwoods of the Community Forest to the eccentric and spirited streets downtown. With its lush green lawns and vibrant flowerbeds, The Plaza in central Arcata is perhaps the liveliest gathering spot in all of Humboldt. Delightful shops line quaint streets, as locals, tourists, and intellectuals wander, gawk, and ponder.
Being that Arcata is a college town, you might find the bookstores and coffee shops of particular interest. At certain times of the year, you might stumble upon the Kinetic Sculpture Race, or the world-famous Oyster Festival.
And do find the time to take a self-guided tour of the many beautifully restored Victorian homes. If “big city” life isn’t for you, take a walk on the wild side at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, or perhaps do a bit of hiking or biking amongst the trees in Arcata Community Forest and Redwood Park.
