Things to do in Arcata
-
A
Humboldt State University
On the northeastern side of town, Humboldt State University is Arcata's raison d'être. The Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT) is a world-leader in sustainable technologies. The center is based in CCAT House, which is a converted residence that uses only 4% of the energy of a comparably sized dwelling. Dig the pedal-powered TV! You can take a self-guided tour at 14:00 on Fridays.
reviewed
-
B
Tranquilitea
Sunny and mellow Tranquilitea is part tea house-cafe, and part wellness center - so Arcata! On the menu, organic-vegetarian salads, smoothies, grilled-panini sandwiches and excellent teas. The atmosphere is mellow and girly, good for a Tarot reading. Nice garden patio. In back there's massage and bodywork; call ahead.
reviewed
-
C
Finnish Country Sauna & Tubs
Especially if sore from hiking, you mustn't leave Arcata without visiting the Finnish Country Sauna & Tubs, where you can sip chai by the fireside or in meditative gardens, then rent a private open-air redwood hot tub or sweat in a sauna. Reserve ahead, especially on weekends.
reviewed
-
D
Jambalaya
In a cavernous space, Jambalaya serves a mishmash of Caribbean-influenced dishes - at lunch Cuban sandwiches, at dinner wild salmon and (of course) jambalaya. Good midrange option with lots of local wines and beers. Hosts live music after 22:00 Fridays and Saturdays.
reviewed
-
E
Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary
On the shores of Humboldt Bay lies Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary has 5 miles of walking trails and outstanding birding - and it doubles as the city's (nearly) odor-free wastewater treatment facility (ya gotta love this town's ingenuity).
reviewed
-
F
Folie Douce
Arcata's best, Folie Douce presents a short but inventive menu of seasonally inspired bistro cooking, from Asian to Mediterranean, with an emphasis on local organics. Wood-fired pizzas are a specialty. Sunday brunch too. Reservations essential.
reviewed
-
G
Redwood Park
Redwood Park has beautiful redwoods and picnic areas. Adjoining the park is the Arcata Community Forest, a 575-acre old-growth forest crisscrossed by 10 miles of trails, with dirt paths and paved roads good for hikers and mountain-bikers.
reviewed
-
H
Phillips House Museum
The 1854 Phillips House Museum is a living museum that shows what the life of Arcata residents and farmers was like in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The historical exhibits and tours provide insights into the character of the town.
reviewed
-
I
Renata's Crèperie and Espresso
We love Renata. She formerly served crepes out of a truck, but finally has permanent digs, and her café is the new hot spot, with organic sweet and savory crepes, salads and coffee. All the cool cats hang here.
reviewed
-
J
Cafe Mokka
Bohos head to this cafe at Finnish Country Sauna & Tubs on weekends for mellow hearthside acoustic music - usually European folk. Other nights read international newspapers and join multilingual conversations.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
HSU Center Activities
From Tai Chi and African dance to backpacking and kayaking, HSU Center Activities sponsors myriad activities, workshops, outings, sporting-gear rentals and consignment sales; nonstudents welcome.
reviewed
-
L
Daybreak Cafe
The veggie-heavy breakfasts are tasty, with omelets and burritos, but the blueberry cornmeal pancakes take the prize. At lunch there's turkey in some dishes, but the place is mostly vegetarian.
reviewed
-
M
Wildflower Cafe & Bakery
- Arcata, USA
- Restaurants › Café
The place for vegetarians, Wildflower serves fab frittatas and pancakes, and big crunchy salads. At dinner there's mushroom stroganoff, veggie lasagna and other substantial dishes.
reviewed
-
N
Golden Harvest Cafe
Tops for breakfast with a hangover (it's windowless), Golden Harvest serves classic benedicts, four-egg omelets, and pancakes with real maple syrup. Alas, the coffee sucks.
reviewed
-
O
Arcata Co-op
Arcata Co-op is a member-owned cooperative that carries natural foods (using organic ingredients where possible) and has a good butcher with grass-fed beef, a bakery and a deli.
reviewed
-
P
Humboldt Brewing Company
Humboldt has 15 brews on tap (including Hemp Ale, Oatmeal Stout and Hefeweizen), fab fish tacos and bitchin' buffalo wings. There's live music Wednesday to Saturday nights.
reviewed
-
Q
Arcarta Plaza Farmers Markets
These markets are fantastic. For near on 30 years they have been selling fresh Humboldt County produce (including fruit and veggies, meats and shellfish, herbs and honey).
reviewed
-
R
Japhy's Soup & Noodles
The budgeteers first choice serves big salads, tasty coconut curry, cold noodle salads and great homemade soups. Best of all, you can fill up for next to nothing. Score!
reviewed
-
S
Center Arts
You'd be amazed who shows up at Humboldt State University, from Diana Krall, Herbie Hancock Quartet and Dave Brubeck to Lou Reed, Cowboy Junkies and Ani Difranco.
reviewed
-
T
HSU Natural History Museum
The HSU Natural History Museum has kid-friendly interactive exhibits of fossils, live animals, a beehive, tidepool tank, and cool tsunami and seismic displays.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
U
Muddy Waters Coffee Co
Housed in a turn of the century, 4-bedroom California Tudor, this is the coolest happenin' joint in town that has occasional live music, coffee, beer and wine.
reviewed
-
V
Minor Theatre
Screens first-run and classic films, has been in continious operation since 1914 and is one of the oldest theatre buildings still showing films in the US.
reviewed
-
W
Tomo Japanese Restaurant
Everybody loves Tomo. Sushi is the thing and the cuts are good, but the tempura is weak, with flavorless batter and uninteresting veggies. Stick to fish.
reviewed
-
X
Plaza Grill
Professors and the literati head upstairs in Jacoby's Storehouse (an 1857 Arcata landmark building) to the handsomest bar in town. Great pork chops too.
reviewed
-
Y
Pacific Rim Noodle House
Super-duper noodles, wholesome rice bowls, potstickers and sushi rolls are mainstays at this hole-in-the-wall take-out favorite, with tables outside.
reviewed
