Redwood Coast California, USA Travel Guide
The region provides trails for all skill levels and diverse water activities.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove (1.5-mile loop), Founders Grove Loop (0.5-mile, flat), and paved short walks off Newton B. Drury Parkway. Suitable for most visitors.
Fern Canyon Loop (1.1-mile, can be wet, summer vehicle permit required), James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon (10-mile return trip), Tall Trees Grove Trail (3.2-mile return trip with steep incline, permit required).
Lost Man Creek Trail (11.5-mile round trip with significant elevation), areas of the multi-day California Coastal Trail, Miners Ridge Trail (11-mile loop for a full day's hike).
Always prepare for changing weather conditions, carry adequate water and supplies, and inform someone of your plans before venturing into remote areas. Heed all park warnings and closures.
Connect with the local culture through art, performances, and community initiatives.
Support local businesses and Native American-owned enterprises. The Yurok Tribe operates Klamath River Jet Boat Tours, providing a glimpse into their ancestral lands.
Arcata Oyster Festival (June), Kinetic Grand Championship (May, Eureka/Arcata - human-powered art sculptures), Reggae on the River (August, near Garberville), Humboldt Crabs Baseball (Summer, Arcata).
English is universally spoken in the region, so language learning is not a main tourist activity.
Limited high-end spas. Independent massage therapists are available in larger towns. No natural hot springs directly on the coast. Some local yoga studios. The coast is natural and undeveloped.
Live music venues like The Jam (Arcata), Humboldt Brews (Arcata), Blue Lake Casino & Hotel. Theater at Arkley Center (Eureka), Dell'Arte (Blue Lake), Ferndale Repertory Theatre. Formal nightclubs are limited, but some bars offer dancing. Old Town Eureka and Arcata Plaza for bar districts. Blue Lake Casino is open late for gaming.
Farmers' Markets (Arcata, Eureka, Garberville) for locally grown food and artisan goods. Galleries and studios in Eureka (Old Town), Arcata, and Trinidad for local artists. Souvenirs: Redwood-themed items, local crafts, Humboldt Bay Oysters, Cypress Grove Cheese, craft beer/cider. Limited luxury shopping, but boutiques offer special items. Support local, buy sustainably sourced.
Discover local crafts, unique souvenirs, and fresh produce on the Redwood Coast.
Numerous local artists and craftspeople operate in the region. Look for galleries and efficiency apartments in Eureka (Old Town), Arcata, and Trinidad for one-of-a-kind discoveries.
True luxury shopping is limited. However, boutique shops in Old Town Eureka and Arcata offer unique clothing, home goods, and gifts.
Demonstrates and sells historic crafts, providing unique handmade items with a story.
Look for carvings, art, and local books about redwoods as lasting mementos.
Handmade pottery, jewelry, and textiles make unique gifts that support local artisans.
Humboldt Bay Oysters or Cypress Grove Cheese are delicious reminders of your trip (check transport rules for perishables).
Practice mindful shopping and get ready for shipping your purchases.
Major shipping carriers (UPS, FedEx, USPS) are available in towns such as Eureka, Arcata, and Crescent City for sending purchases home.
For international travelers, be aware of customs regulations for your home country regarding food items, plant products, and quantities of alcohol or tobacco. Check these rules before shipping.
If shipping perishable items like cheese or oysters, ensure they are properly packaged for temperature control and swift delivery.
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