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Eureka town, California

Redwood Highway, Eureka, California

Description

Eureka is the largest coastal town between Portland (Oregon) and San Francisco. It is located on the shores of Humboldt Bay and has historically developed on the back of the lumber industry given the redwood forest in the region. It is known for its preserved historical old town and hundreds of Victorian mansions (20 of which are on the national historic register) such as Milton Carson Home (the Pink Lady), the Carson Mansion or the William S. Clarke "cottage" Other points of interest include the Fort Humboldt State Historic Park, the Clarke Historical Museum and the Sequoia Park Zoo.

Access & Transport

It is a 5h drive from San Francisco on the US-101, 3h from Redding in the Shasta area (CA-299) or 7h drive from Portland.

Instructions & Recommendations

From there you have the choice of going south towards the Humboldt Redwoods SP, east towards Six Rivers (some rafting options) or north towards Redwood NP - all about 1h drive.

Meta review

This one is a little odd with inconsistent reviews but overall, it seems the old town area really is small and , even though the Victorian houses look impressive and there are some noteworthy museums, the atmosphere is far from lively. They are also a lot of comments about the number of homeless people and the selling of cannabis but no harassment is reported. The majority of visitors seem disappointed by the town, but not by its surroundings (Humboldt Bay and the redwood forests)

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral. Tourism injects much needed economic activity in the town

Conclusion

Eureka is worth stopping for a short visit as part of a regional exploration but don't make it your destination.

Key positive

Unusual Victorian mansions

Key negative

Not that much to see

Feels a bit run down and some people may feel unsafe

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h

est. visit time:2h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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