Arcata Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of California's picturesque North Coast, Arcata is a vibrant city that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and outdoor adventure. With its lush redwood forests, stunning coastline, and charming small-town atmosphere, Arcata is a true hidden gem just waiting to be discovered.

Nature lovers will be in awe of the breathtaking beauty that surrounds Arcata. The city is located just a short drive from the majestic Humboldt Redwoods State Park, home to some of the tallest trees on Earth. Take a leisurely hike through the ancient groves, or embark on an exhilarating bike ride along the scenic Avenue of the Giants. For a more coastal experience, head to the nearby Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can observe a wide variety of birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Arcata is also a haven for art and culture enthusiasts. The city boasts a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries and studios showcasing the works of local artists. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Arcata Playhouse, a charming venue that hosts a diverse range of performances, including theater, music, and dance. For a taste of Arcata's vibrant music scene, check out one of the many live performances at the historic Arcata Theatre Lounge.

Food lovers will delight in the culinary offerings of Arcata. The city is known for its farm-to-table dining, with numerous restaurants and cafes sourcing their ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. Indulge in delicious seafood dishes, fresh organic produce, and artisanal cheeses, all while supporting sustainable and ethical food practices.

No visit to Arcata would be complete without exploring its unique shops and boutiques. Stroll down the bustling Plaza, the heart of the city, and browse through an array of charming stores offering everything from handmade crafts to vintage clothing. Don't forget to stop by the Arcata Farmers' Market, where you can sample locally-produced goods and mingle with friendly locals.

Alternative names: Population: 17.8 thous.Area: 10.99 mi²Elevation: 39 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 40°52'11"N, 124°5'10"W

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CaliforniaUnited States

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Arcata Top Attractions

Arcata Attractions - What to See and Explore

Arcata offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Statue of William McKinley, Arcata Theatre, Humboldt State University Natural History Museum, Arcata plaza. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Monuments and statues
Statue of William McKinley
The McKinley statue for the purposes of this article refers to one of various statues of President of the United States William McKinley, specifically the 8.5-foot bronze statue by Haig Patigian that stood in the center of the town plaza in Arcata, California, from July 4, 1906, until February 28, 2019.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Arcata Theatre
The Arcata Theatre Lounge is a historic structure located in the city of Arcata in Humboldt County, California.
Museum • Natural history museum
Humboldt State University Natural History Museum
Cal Poly Humboldt Natural History Museum is a natural history museum in Arcata, California in the United States.

40°52'7"N • 124°5'10"W
Arcata plaza
Park • City hall
Universities and schools
Humboldt State University
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt also known as Cal Poly Humboldt or Cal Poly is a public university in Arcata, California. It is one of three polytechnic universities in the California State University system. It is the northernmost campus of the 23-school California State University system.
Area
Arcata Wastewater Treatment Plant and Wildlife Sanctuary
Arcata Wastewater Treatment Plant and Wildlife Sanctuary is an innovative sewer management system employed by the city of Arcata, California. A series of oxidation ponds, treatment wetlands and enhancement marshes are used to filter sewage waste. The marshes also serve as a wildlife refuge, and are on the Pacific Flyway.
40°52'11"N • 124°5'31"W
Arcata Playhouse
Concerts and shows • Theater
Sport complex
Humboldt Crabs
The Humboldt Crabs are a collegiate summer baseball team located in Arcata, California. Playing in every season since they were founded in 1945 by Lou Bonomini, later joined by Ned Barsuglia, the Crabs are the oldest continually-operated summer collegiate baseball team in American baseball.
40°52'16"N • 124°5'6"W
Pythian Castle
The Pythian Castle is a building in Arcata, northwestern California, that was built during 1884-85 for the North Star chapter of the Knights of Pythias fraternal order.
40°52'13"N • 124°5'35"W
Arcata Community Recycling Center
The Arcata Community Recycling Center, founded in 1971 as part of the Northcoast Environmental Center, is one of America's oldest non-profit recycling facilities.

Things to See and Do in Arcata by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Arcata.

Culture

Arcata Theatre
Arcata
Concerts and showsTheater
Minor Theater
Arcata
NightlifeCinema
Arcata Playhouse
Arcata
Concerts and showsTheater

Day trips

Arcata – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Arcata, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Fern Canyon (Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park), Freshwater Lagoon (Redwood National Park), Trees of Mystery (Klamath).

37 milesN
Natural attraction, Canyon
Fern Canyon, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Nestled within the verdant embrace of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in the United States, Fern Canyon is a natural wonder that seems to have leapt straight from the pages of a fairytale. This ancient gorge, with its towering walls draped in a lush tapestry of ferns...
27 milesN
Cliff
Freshwater Lagoon, Redwood National Park
Freshwater Lagoon is the northernmost and smallest of three similar lagoons within Humboldt Lagoons State Park, along the coast of Humboldt County, California.
49 milesN
Scenic walking areas, Specialty museum, Theme park
Trees of Mystery, Klamath
Trees of Mystery is a park and tourist attraction along U.S. Route 101 near the coastal town of Klamath, California. It features interpretive trails through Giant Redwoods and a number of unusual tree formations, many of which can be seen from its Trail of Mysterious Trees.
6.2 miSW
Square
Old Town Eureka, Eureka
Old Town Eureka in Eureka, California, is a historic district listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places. It is an 350-acre area containing 154 buildings mostly from the Victorian era.
6.2 miSW
Museum, Art museum, Art gallery
HSU First Street Gallery, Eureka
HSU First Street Gallery was a contemporary, fine arts gallery located in the E. Janssen Building at 422 1st Street in the historic Old Town district of Eureka, California.