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Old Town Eureka

2nd St & F St · Eureka, CA

Why you should go…

Eureka's Old Town preserves several blocks of 19th-century commercial architecture built on lumber and fishing wealth, now filled with galleries, shops and restaurants. The boardwalk along Humboldt Bay offers waterfront views and easy access to harbor tours. Arts Alive, a monthly evening gallery walk, is a good excuse to see it after dark.

  • #historic-district
  • #waterfront
  • #shopping
  • #architecture

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Old Town Eureka, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Local Gem

    M/V Madaket Harbor Cruise

    Under $25

    A narrated cruise on Humboldt Bay aboard a wooden ferry built in 1910.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Free

    California Welcome Center Eureka

    Free

    Official California Welcome Center for Humboldt County, staffed to help visitors plan trips along the Redwood Coast.

    0.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Foodie Favorite

    Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate

    Under $25

    Bean-to-bar factory tour and tasting at a craft chocolate maker on Humboldt Bay in Eureka.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Blue Ox Millworks & Historic Park

    Under $25

    A working Victorian-era mill and blacksmith shop where craftspeople still run antique, belt-driven machinery.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Arcata Plaza

    Free

    A tree-lined town square ringed by cafes, bookstores and the historic Jacoby's Storehouse building.

    6.1 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Fortuna

    Free

    Small Humboldt County city near California's Redwood parks, promoted as a base for lodging, dining, and shopping while visiting the redwoods.

    14 mi awayMore like this