Northern California doesn’t stop at the Bay Area—it barely starts.
The farther north you venture, the more beauty you find: postcard-perfect Mendocino and its dramatic bluffs and sweeping ocean views; famously tiny Miranda, within the towering trees of the Avenue of the Giants; historic charm and a rich logging legacy in Eureka; the breathtaking coast at Trinidad; and the renowned Glass Beach in Fort Bragg.
But it’s Arcata that is the true gem of this region—offering an artsy vibe, quirky charm, progressive energy, deep cultural roots, and stunning natural surroundings. It’s the ideal hub for any Humboldt County adventure.
So head north, beyond the “redwood curtain.” Here’s where to stay, what to do, and where to eat and drink in town.
Where to Stay in Arcata
A private outdoor bath at Front Porch Inn
(Courtesy of @miss.rover/@thefrontporch.arcata)
The Front Porch Inn
The Front Porch Inn is boutique lodging at its best. You will literally be surrounded by serenity (and ferns) at the hidden bath and oasis, which has lush gardens and a pond crafted from reclaimed old-growth redwood, private outdoor soaking tubs, and an earth-and-cedar sauna. Thoughtful suites have a charming rustic feel, while their “basecamp” re-envisions glamping by bringing the outside in with murals by legendary artist Kenneth Jarvela. It’s just a short walk to town, and breakfast is included in your stay.
// 150 G St., frontporchinn.net
Where to Eat & Drink in Arcata
Breakfast handpie and coffee at Slice of Humboldt Pie
(Courtesy of @sliceofhumboldtpie)
Slice of Humboldt Pie
The name might be a play on words, but this spot doesn’t play when it comes to pie. They have it all, sweet to savory—including handheld empanadas, pot pies, and whole pies to take home to share (or not)—with seasonal options ranging from classic to creative (think pumpkin coconut curry pot pie, peanut butter silk pie topped with a layer of blackberry compote, and chicken tinga hand pie). // 660 K St., sliceofhumboldtpie.com
Big Blue Cafe
You can’t miss this cafe with a bright blue awning whose motto is “Sunny side up all day long, brighten your day the right way.” They have the best brunch in town, including diner favorites like biscuits and gravy, benedicts, and a combo that they call the Big Blue Slam. // 846 G St., thebigbluecafe.com
Renata’s Crêperie
You can’t go wrong at Renata’s Crêperie. Try The Great Poulet—organic roasted chicken, Rumiano jack, basil, chèvre, organic spinach, onions, tomatoes, chili flakes, and crème fraîche—or the simple but sweet Maija's Secret, featuring lemon, butter, and sugar. It’s a fun spot for something deliciously different. // 1030 G St., renatascreperie.com
Los Bagels
It’s time for slime—Slug Slime. While Los Bagels is known for their organic bagels, perfect pastries, and espresso, it’s their special crunchy, savory bagel seasoning that sets them apart. The vibe leans Latin with a celebratory, revolutionary flair. // 989 I St., Ste. A, losbagels.com
Havana
You don’t need to hop a flight for a Cuban-inspired meal in Havana. On the top floor of Jacoby’s Storehouse Building, this restaurant-bar is a great spot for flavorful dishes, along with superb classic and reimagined cocktails like the Havana Smoked Old Fashioned, which is enhanced with aromas of chocolate and peanut butter. For something fruity and fun, try the Sea, Sex, and Sun. // 780 7th St., havanainarcata.com
Arcata Pizza & Deli
Arcata is home to Cal Poly Humboldt, and while college kids may still be learning how to adult, one thing they definitely already know is good pizza. Take a page from their playbook and call the “APD” (not to be confused with the local police department): Arcata Pizza & Deli. They’ve got stellar pizza, Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, fries, and salads. Seafood options like fish and chips and tacos? They catch it all themselves. // 1057 H St., arcatapizza.com
Redwood Curtain Brewery
Redwood Curtain Brewery crafts great beer with a philosophy centered around family, friends, community, and living life to its fullest. While they have a taproom in Myrtletown/Eureka, their brewing facility and tasting room is in Arcata, where they partner with the best local food trucks the area has to offer. // 550 S. G St., Ste. 4, redwoodcurtainbrewing.com
Tap into a local treasure. Whether you are a cider snob or just cider-curious, Local Cider Bar offers a varied selection, along with beers and kombucha. With 24 rotating taps and some bottles, their friendly, knowledgeable staff will make sure you find the perfect brew. The spot is aesthetically interesting too, with a décor of locally salvaged items, and there is typically a food truck nearby if you need something to nosh while you sip. // 828 I St., thelocalciderbar.com
What to Do in Arcata
The Arcata Plaza is at its liveliest at Saturday Farmers Markets and during events like Arcata Oyster Fest.
(Courtesy of @arcataoysterfest)
Arcata Plaza + Farmers Market
The Arcata Plaza is surrounded by quaint and sometimes funky shops featuring jewelry, clothing, and other artisanal gifts hailing from the town’s creative community. On Saturdays, find local produce and flowers, crafted candles, and local honey at the Arcata Plaza Farmers Market. Be sure to look out for the Ewe So Dirty soap stand, local hot sauce, and the shared hula hoop area. Open at 10am, year-round. // G and 8th St., northcoastgrowersassociation.org
Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs and Cafe Mokka
Open since 1982, this has got to be one of the more unique spots in Arcata—maybe in all of California. Soak and schvitz in one of the Finnish Country Sauna’s clothing-optional (private) hot tubs, or reserve an (also private) traditional Nordic cabin. Be sure to book ahead, as this is a popular place. If you can’t take the heat (or just can’t get in), stop by Cafe Mokka for unmatched coffee, culture, and conversation. // 495 J St., cafemokkaarcata.com
Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary + Community Forest
Almost five miles of walking and biking trails loop through the 307-acre Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary, an innovative integration of wastewater treatment and ecologically essential wetlands. The park is a wide expanse of freshwater and salt marshes, mudflats, and grassy uplands that attracts thousands of birds from the Pacific Flyway annually. If you’d prefer a walk under the redwoods, check out Arcata’s Community Forest, a 790-acre park just blocks from downtown. // Arcata Marsh, 569 G St., cityofarcata.org; Community Forest, 14th & Union St., visitredwoods.com
Mad River Beach + Ma-le’l Dunes
Arcata’s beaches are made for strolling, not sunbathing—so think San Francisco-type beach attire (sweatshirt, possibly parka) for foggy, chilly weather—even in summertime. Two nearby local favorites are the long, wide Mad River Beach and Ma-le’l Dunes North Unit, the most pristine sand dunes still remaining in the Pacific Northwest. // Mad River, 1 Mad River Rd., visitredwoods.com; Ma-le’l Dunes, 1 Young Ln., visitredwoods.com
Humboldt Bay Trail
Hit the pavement Humboldt County-style on the recently completed Humboldt Bay Trail, a paved multi-use path connecting Arcata and Eureka. It is part of Great Redwood Trail project, which, when finished, will stretch 307 miles from the San Francisco Bay to Humboldt Bay // humboldtgov.org
