Witness Victorian architecture on a whole new level. Since 1884, this gingerbread, storybook mansion – a Eureka landmark – has been one of the most written-about, photographed and celebrated Victorian homes in the country. Built by lumber magnate William Carson, it boasts towers and turrets, columned porches, gables and striking ornate details, all topped off with a radical paint job.

Carson Mansion
143 M Street, Eureka, CA 95501 (707) 443-5665
No food on-site. Restaurants within walking distance.
Restrooms available nearby.
Approx. 1 hours to enjoy.

Old Town Carriage Co
200 F Street, Eureka, CA 95501 (646) 591-2058
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.
No food on-site. Bring a snack or picnic.
Restrooms available.
Approx. 1 hour to enjoy.
Weather is seasonal, and temperatures range from 55°F-65°F. We suggest wearing layers.

Madaket Cruise on Humboldt Bay
1 C St, Eureka, CA 95501 (707) 445-1910
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, Indian history and so much more. Seasonal schedule mid-May til Oct runs daily.
No food on-site. Bring a snack or picnic.
Restrooms available.
Approx. 1 hour to enjoy.
Weather is seasonal, and temperatures range from 55°F-65°F. We suggest wearing layers.

Eureka’s Historic Old Town
525 2nd St, Eureka, CA 95501 (707) 441-4150
Before or after you venture into the redwoods, Old Town Eureka is a must-see. Restaurants, galleries, theaters, coffee houses, boardwalks and antique shops make up only a portion of everything this cozy quaint Victorian town has to offer. The arts are very much alive in Old Town Eureka from the renowned Native American wing in the Clarke Historical Museum to the murals that adorn the walls of buildings in the area. Experience Eureka’s history on walking tours or take in the sights while relaxing in the back seat of a horse-drawn carriage.
Food available on-site.
Restrooms available.
Approx. 4 hours to enjoy.
Weather is seasonal, and temperatures range from 45°F-65°F. We suggest wearing layers.
Eureka
Tucked just inland of Humboldt Bay, Eureka is the largest city between San Francisco and Portland and the perfect home base for your Redwood adventure.
Filled with a rich history of gold mining and bustling port activity, nowhere is Eureka’s Victorian heritage more evident than in Old Town. Here you’ll find a meticulously restored district of shops, restaurants, galleries and museums. The Eureka Boardwalk is open for strolling and baywatching and is also home to the Carsion Mansion. If it is a water-facing activity you’re looking for, you’ll have no problem finding waterfront dining opportunities, kayaking excursions, oyster tours, or sunset cruises. Leaving, however, will be a challenge.
Head inland from the bay and you’ll find it hard to miss the massive old-growth redwood forest smack dab in the middle of Eureka (just under 70 acres to be exact). Developed trails, stairways, bridges and corduroy roads make this an easy adventure. Don’t forget to stop by the Sequoia Zoo to say hi to our magnificent red pandas or check out the new river otter experience. Few cities the size of Eureka have zoos, let alone world-class exhibits such as these.
Whether it is before or after you find yourself lost amongst the ever-famous Redwoods of Humboldt County, Eureka is a perfect jumping off point on any itinerary.
How About A Sneak Peek?
Sometime words just don’t cut it. Let these videos transport you directly to some of the natural wonders of Humboldt. Fair warning… even these videos don’t do it justice.
- Eureka

#Ask A Local
When friends or family come to town, I love to take them to Lady Bird Johnson Grove about 45 minutes north of Eureka. After that, we stop by Patrick's Point State Park to show them Wedding Rock (the most amazing view on the North Coast). We always end our day in Old Town Eureka for sunset views of the Humboldt Bay and the must-see Carson Mansion, before choosing one of the many fabulous restaurants for dinner.

Patrick’s Point State Park
4150 Patricks Point Drive
Trinidad, CA 95570

Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Bald Hills Road
Orick, CA 95555

Eureka’s Historic Old Town
525 2nd St
Eureka, CA 95501