11 Fun Places In Northern Humboldt County to Take Visiting Guests

It's nice when friends and family come to visit and luckily, Northern Humboldt has plenty of fun, unique and entertaining things to do to keep everyone having a good time.  We've highlighted 11 we think you'll like.   

On the Cover:  Woodley Island Marina offers gorgeous views of Old Town Eureka, Humboldt Bay and beyond.  There are also quite a few points of interest on the island including, The Fisherman and Table Bluff Lighthouse.  The amount of wildlife that can be spotted is vast and looking over all the boats is pretty cool too. 

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11 Fun Places to Take Visiting Guests in Southern Humboldt County  

1 - Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary

The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is over 300 acres of gorgeous wetlands and wonderful walking trails (5+ miles!) that wind visitors through the park.  Home to thousands of local and migrating birds, insects, mammals and a variety of plants, the Marsh is a wildlife lover's dream. 

The Marsh is also home to an interpretive center that has interactive exhibits, free maps and literature, a bookstore, birding checklists and a log of recent bird sightings.  

More info --> Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary

2 - Trinidad State Beach

Trinidad State Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Northern Humboldt County and for a lot of wonderful reasons.  Nature walks, picnics, surfing, photography and exploring the tidepools are just a few of the activities that are popular here.  Of course, just relaxing and enjoying the views and the sounds of the waves crashing at your feet is pretty awesome too!

Don't miss the incredible trail system at Trinidad Head while you're there. 

More info --> Trinidad State Beach

Fun on the Water! Our friends at Kayak Trinidad offer kayaking adventures around Trinidad Bay's beautiful coastline if you really want to add a unique and exciting experience to their visit.

3 - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Home to almost 45 percent of all of the old-growth redwood forest remaining in California, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is one of the best state parks in NorCal.  In addition to hiking and biking trails (75 miles worth!), camping, beachcombing, picnic areas and miles of coastline to explore, the park is also home to Gold Bluffs Beach and the incredible Fern Canyon.

Your guests will also enjoy spotting the Roosevelt Elk that call the area home.  These animals are stunning in their grace & beauty and highlight any trip to the area.

More info --> Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

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4 - Root, Root, Root for the Home Team!

A home game at Arcata Ball Park rooting for the Humboldt Crabs is more than just attending a baseball game, it's an experience.  The action, the food and the sense of community are just part of the fun.  Kick back and enjoy some Humboldt baseball and if you're lucky, you'll witness an appearance by the Crab Grass Band. 

If you can't catch a game or  if you have some extra time, other fun events to check out include those at, Humboldt Roller Derby, Redwood Acres Raceway and the Samoa Dragstrip. 

More info -->  Humboldt Crabs Baseball

Hungry?  Arcata has a diverse selection of locally owned restaurants.  Visit our Humboldt County Eat & Drink section for a comprehensive list and enjoy the culinary delights of eating local. 

5 - Arcata Community Forest

Located on the eastside of Arcata, the forest encompasses hundreds of acres of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. The forest is full of beautiful coastal redwoods that are absolutely stunning and the lush surroundings only add to the park's chill ambiance. Whether you're looking for some exercise or a peaceful place to spend some quality time, the Arcata Community Forest is a great choice. 

If you have disc golfers in your group, they will really appreciate the park's incredible disc-golf course which is reported to be the most redwood intensive disc-golf course in the world.

More info  -->  Arcata Community Forest

6 - Sue-meg State Park

This 640-acre park is one of the best parks in Humboldt County. The dramatic shorelines, tree-lined walking trails and spectacular views are just a few of the attractions you'll find here. Whether you're searching for agates at the park's popular Agate Beach, enjoying the views from the Rim Trail, camping or exploring some of the park's other points of interest, Sue-meg State Park has it all.

Located just a few miles north of Trinidad, it's only $8 to acquire a day-use pass. 

More info --> Sue-meg State Park

7 - Cal Poly Humboldt Natural History Museum

The Cal Poly Humboldt Natural History Museum is awesome.  It's a small museum with BIG exhibits and visitors of all ages will have an enjoyable experience exploring the artifacts and other displays housed within.   Combined with the museum's knowledgeable and friendly staff, it's an entertaining and fun place to bring your guests.  

More info --> Cal Poly Humboldt Natural History Museum

Related:  More Humboldt County Museums

8 - Samoa Dunes Recreation Area

This 300-acre park offers everything from hiking, surfing and fishing to bird watching, nature walks and off-roading. There are also restroom facilities and plenty of room to just relax. If wetlands and wild native plants are what you're looking for, Samoa Dunes has that too. Enjoy a picnic at one of the park's many picnic tables while taking in the incredible views and ambiance. And speaking of views, the sunsets here are pretty spectacular.

More info --> Samoa Dunes Recreation Area 

9 - Find Bigfoot! 

While you could go out and search for yourself, an easier way might be taking the short, beautiful drive to Willow Creek and explore the China Flat Museum which houses a unique Bigfoot Display that features print casts, facts, photos, maps and other information.

While in Willow Creek, enjoy a picnic at Veteran's Park or Creekside Park, which is home to the Steelhead Disc-Golf Course.  Kimtu Beach is a fantastic place to get some sun and take a refreshing swim in the Trinity River during those hot Willow Creek days.  

More info --> China Flat Museum

Exploring Will Make You Hungry -->  Willow Creek Restaurants 

10 - Headwaters Forest Reserve

Headwaters Forest Reserve is made up of over 7,000 incredible acres and features a walking trail which guides visitors through old-growth redwoods and into the middle of a strategically protected ecological habitat.  Home to the endangered marble murrelet and the threatened coho salmon, the reserve is a vital part of the county's natural protection system and showcases the progressive efforts to protect it.  It's so peaceful and beautiful, it's hard to believe it's just south of Eureka and near the Highway. 

More info -->  Headwaters Forest Reserve

11 - Sequoia Park Zoo

Located under the umbrella of the beautiful redwoods of Sequoia Park, the zoo is home to a wide variety of animals that are sure to entertain.  The monkey exhibit, the aviary, the petting zoo barnyard, the Red Pandas (pictured) and the zoo's interactive exhibits are just a few of the attractions that make it such a fun and popular destination.  

Recently, the Zoo opened the unique Redwood Sky Walk which takes visitors on a journey through the trees of Sequoia Park, 100 feet in the air!  It's pretty awesome!

More info -->  Sequoia Park Zoo

Connected to the Zoo --> Sequoia Park Forest & Garden is a 67-acre redwood park located right next to Sequoia Zoo. It's a beautiful park that features walking and biking trails, a duck pond, two creeks and an amazing Rhododendron Garden. The park also has wheelchair accessible trails and restroom facilities.  See if you can spot the Redwood Sky Walk from the ground.

Written by Colby K. for norcalpulse.com