Arcata Travel Guide

 
by photochaser
 
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by photochaser
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by photochaser
  • The Plaza
      The Plaza
    by yursparky
  •   Arcata
    by yursparky
  •   Things to Do
    by pipster
 

Explore Arcata

Things to Do  

A true example of people being people!

A true example of people being people!, Arcata

 pipster Says:  Lots of people trying to fight the little guy to get his place on the curb to watch hundreds of other people doing the same thing! The annual Kinetic Sculpture Race is unique to say the least! Interest in this yearly activity seems to be dwindling so I am not sure how much... 

Watching the Kinetic Sculpture...

Watching the Kinetic Sculpture..., Arcata

 pipster Says:  Watching the Kinetic Sculpture Race ...OR watching the people at the Kinetic Sculpture Race...They all come out for it..not sure where from in some cases and I prolly better not venture a guess at this point, but you get my drift..Very interesting to say the least..this is... 

The yearly adventure entitled...

The yearly adventure entitled..., Arcata

 pipster Says:  The yearly adventure entitled the 'Kinetic Sculpture Race'! People travel to Arcata from everywhere (the whole country) to be involved in this activity. Basically, vehicles (cycle driven)are built that will withstand hours in the bay, on the roads, across railroad... 

Pastels On The Plaza is a...

Pastels On The Plaza is a..., Arcata

 jgemini65 Says:  Pastels On The Plaza is a yearly event that should not be missed!Artists and local business owners get together and create some very enjoyable works of art that will remain until the next rain! 

Essentially, living here is...

Essentially, living here is..., Arcata

 jgemini65 Says:  Essentially, living here is living in the redwood empire! The coast is breathtaking everyday! Each time you come around the bend and the Pacific comes into view you are totally awe inspired! For the outdoor activities alone it will be a hard place to leave!A real must see is... 

Hotels  

Best Western Arcata Inn

 118 Opinions

Restaurants  

Tranquilitea Organic Cafe: Paninis, Juices, Smoothies and More!

Tranquilitea Organic Cafe: Paninis, Juices, Smoothies and More!, Arcata

 Caitlinette Says:  Set in a small yellow building with Tibetan prayer flags across the front, this organic vegetarian cafe is a place I'll want to come back to again and again. You can sit at one of their handpainted tables and watch people walk by, or you can sit out back in the patio at... 

Mazzotti's: Excellent casual Italian food

Mazzotti's: Excellent casual Italian food, Arcata

 jessicadf Says:  Looking slightly upscale from the outside, felt a bit more downscale once on the inside. Burgundy tablecloths are covered with brown paper. Perhaps at night the paper comes off?Lots of food for the money and the food is GOOD. A hot, fresh, sliced roll comes out first with a... 

Nightlife  

Reggae On The River is not a...
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1.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

jgemini65 250 reviews

Reggae On The River is not a night spot...it is a weekend long event that takes place every August in Southern Humboldt! It is world famous and tickets are hot commodities!
Is definitely not for everyone! And you will not remain clean! If you are in to a real communal event this is for you! 10 years ago I was interested...I have lived here to long to be drawn to this event!

Dress Code: What dress code? Humboldt County has no dress code! Reggae on the river sometimes has no clothes...it can be a wild event! Have fun!!

Written Aug 25, 2002

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Transportation  

Humboldt County in on the...
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1.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

jgemini65 250 reviews

Humboldt County in on the Pacific Northwest Coast of Northern California! We are often referred to as being 'behind the Redwood curtain' because of the remoteness of our location! Howevere you can drive here in about 5 hours from San Francisco or fly from there in less than an hour!
Arcata is a very bike friendly place. I have been here for over ten years and I never fail to see a bike each and every day no matter what the weather! Also, we are a college town, consequently everything in arcata proper is within walking distance!

Written Aug 25, 2002

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Local Customs  

Arcata is a very liberal...

Arcata is a very liberal..., Arcata

 jgemini65 Says:  Arcata is a very liberal community...many things are tolerated to the extreme! Sounds good? Maybe so...until you try to walk around town and your rights are abused in the name of others freedoms. Arcata is a place very much on its own! If you were to drive 5miles in any... 

For better or worse, Arcata...

For better or worse, Arcata..., Arcata

 jgemini65 Says:  For better or worse, Arcata and Humboldt County is known for the 'Humboldt Homegrown' and while it is definately not legal here...it seems to be tolerated! 

What to Pack  

It always rains in Northern California!
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3 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

jgemini65 250 reviews
These folks are ready to camp!

Luggage and bags: Backpacks are definately the norm!

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Just be prepared for any kind of weather! However, the hottest it will get is 80 degrees...and that would be a rarity!

Written May 25, 2003

Related to:
 Festivals
 Hiking and Walking
 Camping

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Off The Beaten Path  

Redwood Park

Redwood Park, Arcata

 photochaser Says:  This park as a lot of trails to walk or ride a bike through. It is truly a special place. Nature is all around you and you feel so peaceful while strolling through the redwoods. If you are a nature or photography buff you will LOVE this place. There are hundreds of plants... 

Watch the sunset off the ocean

Watch the sunset off the ocean, Arcata

 photochaser Says:  There are so many beautiful pictures to take here. Everywhere you look there is something spectacular. This was a simple shot just waiting for the sun to go down. It came out beautifully. A must see is the coastline with all the rocks and the wonderful sunsets. 

This is a photo of the...

This is a photo of the..., Arcata

 jgemini65 Says:  This is a photo of the sanctuary taken from the interpretive center! If you have any questions as to what birds can be viewed here don't hesitate to write! We are on the 'pacific Flyway' meaning there is great access to many birds of the Pacific Northwest! 

The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife...

The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife..., Arcata

 jgemini65 Says:  The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to visit here on the Northcoast! And if you are a birdwatcher it is a must! This site is recognized worlwide as a integrated wetland wastewater treatment plant combined with the marsh and bird sanctuary! 

Favorites  

Sceenery

Sceenery, Arcata

 photochaser Says:  The pace is much slower than in SoCal. The people are friendlier and the scenery breath-taking. All of the times I have been here have been great. The weather is a bit chilly sometimes, but the sight seeing is always good.I really enjoyed the day when my sister, my... 

My favorite pastime, other...

My favorite pastime, other..., Arcata

 pipster Says:  My favorite pastime, other than traveling, is taking in a movie...Even though I live in a relatively small area we never suffer from a lack of theaters. The Minor Theater was built in 1914 and is the oldest continually active theater is the U.S. They actually have three or... 

The 'Plaza' in the center of...

The 'Plaza' in the center of..., Arcata

 jgemini65 Says:  The 'Plaza' in the center of Arcata is something you won't miss when you visit! This is the setting for many of the city events! This place looks very inviting from this view; However, be aware of the many transients on the plaza! They are NOT all that friendly! Many can be... 

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Map of Arcata