If you’re heading to the Redwoods of Northern California, then you’re probably going to pass through Eureka because it’s a gateway to the national park and other bucket list adventures. When you do, I have created the perfect 12-hour itinerary that will have you up close with ancient trees, noshing on some seriously delicious local bites and exploring town like a local.
Here’s my one-day bucket list for making the most of your visit to this coastal town.
12-Hour Itinerary for Eureka, California
9:00 AM
Coffee & Breakfast at Familia Café
We kicked off our day bright and early at Familia Café. It’s tucked away in the historic Eagle House, a beautiful old hotel full of character (you can feel the history oozing from every nook and cranny).
The café offers a cozy atmosphere, and the menu, though limited, was delish! I went for the avocado toast (because who doesn’t love avocado toast?), and Peter settled on the chilaquiles.
10:30 AM
Do the Redwood Sky Walk at Sequoia Park Zoo
After fueling up, we headed over to the Redwood Sky Walk at Sequoia Park Zoo. If you do one thing in Eureka, make it this! You’ll be walking 100-feet above the forest floor, on suspension bridges, surrounded by the towering giants of the redwoods. Trust me, it’s even better in person—photos don’t do it justice!
This is the longest canopy walk in the Western United States, so you’ve got plenty of time to take in the views, breathe in the fresh air, and snap a few Instagram pictures.
TIP: The Redwood Sky Walk is inside the zoo. You’ll need to pay the entrance fee for the zoo, but there’s no extra fee to walk the canopies. I recommend getting there right at opening, so skip the animals (you can see them later!) and head straight to the sky walk entrance. This way you’ll avoid the crowds and get the best pics when the least amount of people are.
1:30 PM
Grab Lunch at Lost Coast Brewery
After our sky-high adventure, we were ready for some lunch, so we made our way to Lost Coast Brewery, since they actually brew their beer in the city of Eureka. I’m not a beer fan in general (or a day drinker), but Pete couldn’t resist sampling some of their craft beers— the Great White was a winner.
I will vouch for the ginormous elk burger—it was not only delicious, but is also totally picture worthy. Plus, the buffalo chicken salad was tasty, but be prepared for a little spiciness!
NOTE: If you have time, their actual brewery is in another location not far from the restaurant and you can take a tour of it. Plus, they distribute their beer across the country, so if you like what you taste, you can enjoy it back home too!).
3:00 PM
Walk the Dunes at Samoa Dunes
After lunch, we took a short drive to the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area to burn off that burger. This place is known for its sandy beaches, wetlands, and grassy dunes, making it the perfect spot for a walk.
Beware, you might have to navigate some of the offroad vehicles! We felt pretty safe just sticking to the boardwalk that goes right next to the water.
4:30 PM
Shop & Explore Eureka’s Old Town District
As the afternoon rolled in, we headed back to Eureka’s Old Town District for a little shopping and exploring. With its historic buildings, this area is like stepping into a different era, plus it has charming shops, art galleries, and street art (there’s over 100 murals downtown!).
Our first stop was the Romano Gabriel Wooden Sculpture Garden, a quirky outdoor museum that’s definitely worth a quick stop. After that, we treated ourselves to some craft chocolate at Dick Taylor Chocolate (their chocolate is handcrafted from scratch using organic cacao beans!). I fell in love with their dark chocolate bar that had brown butter with nibs & sea salt. Can someone send me a bar (or a dozen)?
As we wandered through the streets, we couldn’t help but admire the incredible street art—there are over 100 murals downtown. Plus they had some of the cutest shops. Rosebud Home Goods and Land of Lovely both have (perfectly curated items for your house. For cute clothing and gifts, I loved The Bodega.
6:30 PM
Cheese & Oyster Dinner at Humboldt Bay Provisions
To wrap up our perfect Eureka day, we had dinner at Humboldt Bay Provisions. If you’re a seafood lover, this place is going to be your new favorite spot.
We started with broiled oysters topped with Sicilian pesto—yum! Then we moved on to a cypress chèvre platter with three local Humboldt cheeses from Cypress Grove—talk about a cheese lover’s dream! We washed it all down with a Sticky Fingers IPA and a yummy California Malbec.
It was the perfect ending to our day of adventures.
Make it an Overnighter
Inn at 2nd & C
If you want to turn your 12-hour Eureka adventure into a cozy overnighter, I highly recommend checking into the Inn at 2nd & C. This historic boutique hotel is located right in the heart of Old Town Eureka, so you’ll be just steps away from all the action.
The Inn is housed in a beautifully restored Victorian building, offering a mix of vintage charm and modern comforts. With its cozy rooms, charming decor, and stunning views of Humboldt Bay, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
Plus, you’ll love being within walking distance of some of Eureka’s best restaurants and shops!
And there you have it—my one day bucket list for Eureka, California. From walking among ancient redwoods to tasting all the local flavors, this town has a little bit of everything for everyone. Have a great day!
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