Real. Authentic.
Different.
Old Town & Waterfront
Location: Roughly, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Streets, between B and M Streets
Eureka’s historic Old Town and Waterfront are a must-visit. Located just blocks off Highway 101, you’d never know they’re there unless you pulled off to linger a bit longer. Sip on craft beer, eat at hyper-local restaurants, rent a kayak or go for a sunset cruise on the Madaket, and visit shops populated with passionate home-grown business owners. All this and more, nestled in stunning Victorian architecture interspersed with giant, colorful murals.
The entire Old Town district is part of the United States National Register of Historic Places, featuring over 150 buildings from the Victorian era. The spectacular architecture is authentic and is one of the last well-preserved downtown areas in California, having missed out on the redevelopment era in the ‘70s.
Park your car and take the town on foot, or hop aboard an old-timey carriage ride to see the sites from a different perspective.
Eureka’s waterfront runs along historic Old Town, but it isn’t relegated to history — it’s a vibrant, working wharf where you can buy local crab and other seafood delights fresh off the boat.
The Eureka Boardwalk & Marina is part of the Eureka Waterfront Trail, which runs along Humboldt Bay for over 6 miles. As you stroll along the Eureka Boardwalk, you’ll be looking across Humboldt Bay to Woodley Island.
Please note that offerings and operating hours may be affected due to COVID-19.
Woodley Island
Hop in your car and zip across the bridge to Woodley Island. Home to the biggest marina in the area and centrally located in Humboldt Bay, you can soak in the coastal vibes and catch a different view of Eureka from across the water. Grab a bite to eat at Café Marina, check out the iconic fisherman statue (aptly named “The Fisherman” and easily spotted from Old Town), and watch fishermen bring in their hauls of salmon, tuna, and crab.
Carson Mansion
143 M St, Eureka, CA 95501
Stroll down to the Carson Mansion, one of the finest examples of American Queen Anne style Victorian architecture in the country, sitting at the northern foot of Old Town. It was originally home to one of Northern California’s first lumber barons, William Carson, and now houses the private Ingomar Club (not open to the public).
Please note that you can't tour the Carson Mansion from the inside, but feel free to take all of the photos you'd like from the gates.
Pink Lady
202 M St, Eureka, CA 95501
Located across the street from the Carson Mansion and built in 1889, the Pink Lady is a classic Queen Anne Victorian. The unmistakable pink and white mansion was a wedding gift from William Carson to his eldest son. Many of the original details remain, from the pocket doors, fireplace, elaborate facade, and stained glass, all with views out to the Humboldt Bay. Don't miss the short walk to the end of Old Town to view these masterful representations of Victorian architecture.
Old Town Haunted History Tours
211 F St, Eureka, CA 95501 | (707) 672-5012
Sometimes paranormal, sometimes historical, sometimes a little bit of both. This two-hour walking tour explores Eureka's ghostly present and its wild past. As you tour the streets of Old Town, you’ll learn what happened in Opera Alley, and what is underneath 2nd Street. Find out about Captain Buhne’s tragic loss, and what’s lurking upstairs in Ruby’s Room. Bundle up and get ready for a history lesson with a paranormal twist.
Horse Carriage Rides
F Street & 1st Street, Eureka, CA 95501
Sometimes it's just better to be taken care of. Give your feet a break from walking and your car a break from driving and see Old Town by horse-drawn carriage. Daily tour guided rides are available Wednesday through Monday, 12:30pm - 6:30pm. You can't miss the horse and carriage parked in front of the Old Town Gazebo — that is, unless they're already showing someone around. Perfect for families or those looking for a little old-timey romance.
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Eureka Visitor Center
108 F Street
Eureka, CA 95501
(707) 441-4150
info@visiteureka.com
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