This Quiet Northern California City Is Hiding In Plain Sight
Few regions can claim the diversity that Northern California does. It’s home to the redwoods, most of the Sierra Nevada, major volcanoes like Mount Shasta, and innovation hubs like Silicon Valley. As you might expect, a region this remarkable has its share of major tourist hubs, along with plenty of places that still fly under the radar for those not in the know. Arcata is a perfect example of a town with a quieter and lesser-known kind of beauty.
This town is home to fewer than 19,000 residents and is situated in the heart of the Redwood region on the Northern California coast. Hiking and biking trails abound, passing through forests, wetlands, and secluded beaches. The festival calendar is equally notable, with oyster festivals, country fairs, and holiday markets taking place throughout the year. So strap on your hiking shoes or hop on your mountain bike and get ready to explore the underrated beauty of Arcata.
Outdoor Adventures At Arcata’s Doorstep
In less than five minutes from downtown Arcata, you can reach an impressive range of natural attractions. One of the most well-known is the Arcata Community Forest, a redwood forest with 790 acres of woodlands that lies just east of the downtown district. An intricate network of trails winds throughout, popular for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Heading a couple of minutes south of town, meanwhile, you’ll hit the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary, a 307-acre area that features salt and freshwater marshes, brackish marshes, tidal sloughs, mudflats, and grassy uplands. Interestingly enough, this sanctuary is also home to the city’s innovative wastewater treatment system, exemplifying how wastewater can be turned into a valuable resource.
For an afternoon of pure relaxation, stay right downtown and head to the Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs on J Street. These tubs have provided an oasis for travelers since 1982, featuring private outdoor tubs, sauna cabins, and a rustic coffeehouse where you can enjoy espresso, chai, and Italian sodas. Surrounded by trees and ferns, each outdoor tub offers a multi-level jet system and is built of Jarrah wood.
In addition to the Arcata Community Forest, there are several biking routes that sit within an hour's radius of town. About 55 minutes northeast, you’ll find Lacks Creek, a management area with nearly 15 miles of mountain bike downhill single track, as well as an entertaining jump line near the parking lot. 45 minutes to the south of town, bikers can enjoy an afternoon on the beautiful Ossagon Trail. This trail begins next to some gorgeous old-growth redwoods, descending through an alder and spruce grove to a quiet and secluded beach. The Sunny Brae section of the Arcata Community Forest deserves a mention as well, situated on the southside of Fickle Hill Road and offering an exhilarating section of single track.
Downtown Events And Festivals
Consider planning your visit to Arcata during one of the town’s famous festivals or events. The following is just a little taste of everything the city has going on! In June, the town’s love for seafood is put on display during the annual Arcata Bay Oyster Festival. Taking place right on Arcata Plaza, attendees can savor oysters from dozens of vendors and delicious brews from around the county.
A few months later, in September, the plaza comes to life for the North Country Fair, which features a packed schedule of live music, local art, food, and handmade goods. Check out more local artisan work during the annual Holiday Craft Market in December, where artists from around the county gather during one weekend to showcase their goods. A $2 entrance fee is collected at the door, with all proceeds supporting a community scholarship program that provides children with access to recreational activities!
Bites And Sips
From your morning coffee to your late-night beer, Arcata’s dining establishments have you covered. Northtown Coffee is a great place to start your morning, serving all kinds of beverages like espresso, drip coffee, matcha, and specialty lattes. In its bakery, you can also choose from a wide variety of pastries, like cookies, muffins, and scones. For lunch or dinner, The Kitchen Arcata is a townwide favorite, offering a seasonally rotating menu of soups, sandwiches, and other small bites.
The brewing scene in Arcata is quite active as well, with Redwood Curtain Brewing Company being a highlight. This brewery has been family-owned since 2010, creating quality brews through premium malts and hops, multiple yeast strains, and Humboldt County water. Grab a lager or pilsner and see for yourself!
A Town Off The Beaten Path
If you are seeking a trip a bit further off the beaten path this year, look no further than Arcata. Between its community forests and wildlife sanctuaries, this small town is a nature lover’s paradise. Downtown stays lively throughout the year as well, whether it be through an annual festival, the Finnish Country Sauna, or one of the local breweries. So pull out your calendar and start planning your dates; you won’t regret the trip!
