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Arcata, California Travel Guide

Arcata in Humboldt County is surrounded by stunning coastal redwoods with the world's oldest, tallest trees. Arcata has a town square, university, beaches and a friendly atmosphere European tourists on holiday thoroughly enjoy.

Certainly Arcata's most prominent attraction that bring people to the city is Humboldt State University. Outside magazine named Arcata one of the top 15 college towns. When you visit you'll observe a vibe that speaks of privilege--not in the normal sense, but in its setting. Towering redwoods, a downtown square immaculately maintained with historic buildings and a campus and city reflecting a tolerance and even warmth to youthful living, Arcata's Humboldt State might well be considered the antithesis to another California university institution, UCLA.

In the center of the city is a town square with a statue of President McKinley in the middle of a park. This Plaza has a unique history stemming from its mining days back in the 1850s. In 2008 the city celebrated its 150th birthday with special events. But most every year, some highlights include the Kinetic Sculpture Race that takes several days and goes south, ending in Ferndale. Gotwit Days and a seafood festival are additional events. But if you visit the university?s web site, you?ll discover a full calendar of world class entertainment such as featured musicians, symphonies, comedy, plays and entertainment that only a university could attract.

In the summer there?s an outdoor market in the Plaza, where the Independence Day celebration occurs. Because the area gets one of the highest average rainfalls in California (40 to 50 inches per year), be prepared to enjoy the rain when you visit (except for the driest season during July and August.)