Travel Guide to Eureka and Its 8 Best Attractions

Eureka is in the far north of California, 280 miles north of San Francisco, on the rugged "Lost Coast." As it’s situated on a scenic bay, and bordered by beautiful mountains covered in giant redwoods, the main draw to Eureka is its natural beauty. Visitors can explore the nearby state parks, hike through the dense forests, kayak on Humboldt Bay, or just get lost in one of the many other scenic communities in Humboldt County. Either way, don’t be surprised if you fall in love with Eureka and never want to leave!

A Humboldt Bay Oyster Tour is a must-do for oyster lovers

Humboldt Bay Oyster Tours offers two-hour boat tours that take visitors on a cruise of Humboldt Bay and an exploration of the history of oyster farming, harvesting techniques and bay and marsh ecology. Guests even get to try their hand at oyster harvesting, and the tour includes three oysters that guests can take home with them. After the tour stop by the company’s Buckport Oyster Bar to put your newfound oyster knowledge to good use.

Get a dose of history at the Clarke Historical Museum

The museum is located within the landmark Bank of Eureka building, meaning you get to see a historical piece of architecture as well as a history museum – can’t complain there. The Clarke Historical Museum exhibits historical artifacts from California's North Coast, Humboldt County and Native American cultures. There are things like basketry, regalia, stoneware and implements. Visitors will also see the history of the area’s lumber, ranching and farming industries.

Fort Humboldt State Historic Park is a must-see for history buffs

It’s like a regular park, but with tons of cool old stuff in it. Walk around and learn about the conflicts that began as a result of the gold rush, which caused tension between the Native Americans and the gold seekers. The old hospital and surgeon’s quarters have been lovingly restored as exhibition spaces. Another interesting element of the park is the historic garden, where you can see plants and vegetables that folks ate in the 1850s. The park has been hit by budget cuts, though, so access to the buildings is limited and there isn’t any park staff on hand to offer info, for the time being.

Enjoy a pint at Gallagher's Irish Pub

Gallagher’s is a proper Irish pub. And it’s got all the stuff one would expect from such a venue. Pubby décor with lots of old wood? Check. Live music? Check. Hearty pub food, like some good ol’ fish and chips? Check. Oh, and great beer of course. This family friendly pub ticks all your proverbial pub boxes, so you’d be mad as an Irishman not to stop by for a pint or two.

Try some artisanal beers at Lost Coast Brewery & Cafe

This microbrewery is equally as famous for the funky artwork that you can see on the bottles as it is for its delicious, homemade beers. As it’s a brewpub, you can drink the beers at the Lost Coast Brewery venue itself. True fans order in bulk, but could also pick some up at one of the many vendors selling their beer across the country. Along with a large selection of beers on tap at Lost Coast Brewery, there’s also pub food on offer.

Rest your head at Carter House Inns, a beautiful Victorian house

This quirky house is more than an interesting building to take photos of, as visitors can stay in it too! Features inside the Victorian-era Carter House Inn include great big four-poster beds, fireplaces and big bathtubs. Wine and cheese tastings are often organized here, and guests are even provided with free wine, cheese, cookies and tea at happy hour. There’s also an eatery onsite, Restaurant 301, which is a Eureka restaurant popular with visitors and locals alike.

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