Things To Do
Avenue of the Giants
This famed road, easily the most scenic drive among the redwoods, has been called the finest forest drive in the world. Lined by titan trees, the 31-mile Avenue parallels Highway 101 and offers an excellent alternate (and slower) route through southern Humboldt County. Mostly flat with gentle curves, it passes secluded forest hamlets, campgrounds, picnic areas, and access points to the Eel River, a federally-designated Wild & Scenic waterway with idyllic swimming, fishing and paddling spots. Numerous trailheads can be found along the Avenue, each leading into the magical redwood forest. Here you can also drive through a redwood tree!
Redwood National and State Parks
Home of the world’s tallest trees, this World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve protects nearly half of the world’s old growth redwoods, including champion specimens more than 370 feet (113 meters) in height—or five stories taller than the Statue of Liberty. Walk, bike, camp or horseback ride along 200 miles of trails in the park system, which in a unique state/federal partnership includes Jedediah Smith Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks. The park’s forests, hills, rivers and coastline support a rich mosaic of life, including Roosevelt Elk, whales, seals and seasonal wildflowers such as lupine and rhododendron. The sprawling park system also provides many opportunities for scenic drives.
Fern Canyon
Fern Canyon is a remarkable place. A level trail of about one mile follows Home Creek as it courses through the forest. This modest stream has over the eons carved a 50 to 80 foot deep canyon through the rich sedimentary soils. The canyon walls sprout an amazing variety of luxuriant ferns and other moisture-loving plants. On a sunny day, thousands of tiny drops of moisture make the canyon walls sparkle.
Beer, Wine, and Spirits.
Something is definitely brewing in Humboldt County. While technically north of California Wine Country, grapes do well in our microclimates and we are home to some amazing wineries. The breweries are leaders in the American craft beer movement, and Humboldt County is home to a growing family of craft distilleries and cider makers. Click on the link above to see a list of many great options!
Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate
This unique chocolate factory is right on the Humboldt bay in Eureka. They offer tours and have a tasting room and cafe.
Sequoia Park Zoo
Established in 1907, the zoo is the oldest in the state, and the largest on the California coast north of San Francisco.
Redwood Sky Walk at Sequoia Park Zoo
The Redwood Sky Walk is a self-guided interpretive experience designed to educate, inspire, and delight visitors. Learn about the rich hidden ecology of the world’s tallest trees from an entirely new perspective. 100 feet above the lush and verdant forest floor, view the canopy and legendary old-growth and mature second-growth redwood trees closer than ever before. As the longest sky walk in the western United States, the Redwood Sky Walk is just under 1/4 mile to the end and back.
Wale Watching in Humboldt County
The best observation sites on land in Humboldt County are high on the cliffs overlooking the waters. Shelter Cove, Sinkyone Wilderness State Park otherwise known as the Lost Coast Table Bluff just south of Humboldt Bay - Hookton Rd/Loleta Exit off Hwy 101 Hike to the overlook on Trinidad Head Sue-Meg State Park, north of Trinidad, along the Rim Trail Or just head for the beach. Pick a clear, calm day. Bring your binoculars and watch for their spouting. Optimum viewing months are September-January and March-June. Early morning hours are the best.
Beaches
Although they may not be the warmest, there are many beautiful beaches in the area. The link provides a detailed list and pictures.
Redwood Creek Buckarettes - Experience the Redwoods on Horseback!
Redwood Creek Buckarettes is a family owned and operated business whose goal is to provide you with a relaxing, memorable horseback ride through the Redwood Forest.