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Eureka

Eureka travel guide

City in the United States

Best time to visitJuly to September
Nearest airportEKA · 3 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−7
Population26,512

About Eureka

Eureka is a city in and the county seat of Humboldt County, located on the North Coast of California. The city is located on U.S. Route 101 on the shores of Humboldt Bay, 270 miles (435 km) north of San Francisco and 100 miles (161 km) south of the Oregon border. At the 2020 census, the population of the city was 26,512 and the population of the greater Eureka area was 48,119.

Places to visit in Eureka

  1. Old Town Eureka

    Historic

    A waterfront historic district of restored Victorian buildings with shops, galleries and restaurants, plus a boardwalk along Humboldt Bay where you can watch fishing boats and birds.

  2. Carson Mansion

    Carson Mansion

    Landmark

    An elaborate Queen Anne Victorian mansion built for a lumber baron, often cited as one of the finest examples of the style. It is a private club, so view it from the street.

  3. Sequoia Park Zoo

    Sequoia Park Zoo

    Zoo · 2 mi from centre

    A small zoo set in a redwood grove, featuring a treetop canopy walkway, red pandas and river otters. The surrounding park has trails through the trees.

  4. Fort Humboldt State Historic Park

    Fort Humboldt State Historic Park

    Historic · 2 mi from centre

    A former army post on a bluff above Humboldt Bay with a restored building and outdoor displays on regional logging history, including vintage steam equipment and machinery.

  5. Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary

    Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary

    Nature · 5 mi from centre

    In nearby Arcata, flat trails loop through marshland and ponds that double as a natural wastewater treatment system and rich habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl, great for birdwatching.

Where to stay in Eureka

Popular hotels in Eureka, out of 38 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Eureka

Best time to visit Eureka

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Eureka is July to September, when average daytime highs are around 72–77°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 33° – 48° 13
Feb 30° – 47° 13
Mar 31° – 46° 17
Apr 34° – 52° 11
May 40° – 59° 8
Jun 47° – 68° 4
Jul 55° – 77° 1
Aug 55° – 77° 2
Sep 51° – 72° 5
Oct 45° – 65° 7
Nov 36° – 52° 13
Dec 34° – 49° 16

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Eureka weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 62° 47° 8%
  • Thu 22 Oct 63° 47° 4%
  • Fri 23 Oct 61° 44° 2%
  • Sat 24 Oct 73° 47° 35%
  • Sun 25 Oct 72° 51° 39%
  • Mon 26 Oct 75° 55° 13%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/Los_AngelesUTC−7
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Eureka

These are the airports closest to central Eureka. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • EKA Murray Field3 mi (4 km) from the city centre
  • ACV Arcata-Eureka Airport12 mi (20 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Eureka

Eureka Transit Service (ETS) and Redwood Transit System both run service within town, with the latter linking neighboring towns as well.

By car

Eureka is fairly easy to navigate by car, with most of the city arranged in a grid pattern. In Downtown, numbered streets (1st to 15th Streets) travel in a west-east direction, while lettered streets (A to Y Streets) travel in a north-south direction. U.S. Route 101 also goes through downtown as local streets rather than a freeway, with northbound traffic carried by 5th Street and southbound traffic carried by 4th Street.

By foot

Old Town and the waterfront area are compact enough to be navigated on foot, although a car or public transit is recommended for areas outside of downtown.

Eureka travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Eureka?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Eureka is July to September, when average daytime highs are around 72–77°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.

What is the weather like in Eureka?

July is usually the warmest month in Eureka, with average highs of 77°F (25°C). March is the coolest, with average lows of 31°F (-1°C). The wettest month is typically December, with about 346 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Eureka?

Murray Field (EKA) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (4 km) from the centre of Eureka. Other nearby airports include Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV, 12 mi).

What time zone is Eureka in?

Eureka uses the America/Los_Angeles time zone (currently UTC−7). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Eureka?

Eureka Transit Service (ETS) and Redwood Transit System both run service within town, with the latter linking neighboring towns as well.

What are the best places to visit in Eureka?

Top sights in Eureka include Old Town Eureka, Carson Mansion, Sequoia Park Zoo and Fort Humboldt State Historic Park. A waterfront historic district of restored Victorian buildings with shops, galleries and restaurants, plus a boardwalk along Humboldt Bay where you can watch fishing boats and birds.

Where should I stay in Eureka?

Popular areas for hotels in Eureka include Old Town and Eureka Arcata Airport. Well-reviewed options include Best Western Plus Bayshore Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites Arcata.

How many hotels can I book in Eureka?

Destina Holidays currently lists 38 properties in and around Eureka, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.