Conde Nast praised Humboldt County in 2021 as part of an “alternate version of the California Dream,” with it's rugged, uncrowded forests, dramatic coastal landscapes and empty beaches. For those of us who know and love the North Coast, it comes as no surprise.

Humboldt County is a haven for travelers and residents alike. It features 160 miles of unspoiled coastline, hundreds of thousands of acres of coastal redwood trees, wild rivers, bustling seaports, quaint farming communities and fascinating historical areas. Travelers will find exceptional accommodations, fine restaurants, wonderful shops and numerous campgrounds and RV Parks in Humboldt County. They can explore the area's rocky coastlines, warm inland communities and major rivers while taking advantage of the local businesses.

The county is situated on the northern California coast 90 miles south of the Oregon border, and its largest towns are adjacent to Hwy 101. Eureka, the county seat, is about 300 miles north of San Francisco and just over 400 miles south of Portland, Oregon.

In southern Humboldt, Hwy 101 is lined by some of the first large stands of redwoods encountered by northbound California travelers. Richardson Grove State Park is a magnificent 2,000 acres of redwoods, located 9 miles south of the town of Garberville. The state acquired the area in the early 1920s, making it one of the oldest state parks in California. A jaunt down smaller side roads that exit Hwy 101 will lead travelers to the King Range National Conservation Area and Humboldt County's Lost Coast. This adventure leads to hamlets such as Hidden Valley and Whitethorn, eventually ending at the town of Shelter Cove. Further north on Hwy 101 after leaving the towns of Garberville and Redway is the Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile stretch of two-lane road, dotted with small unique towns. It winds through stands of huge redwoods along the Eel River; Humboldt Redwoods State Park is located along the Avenue, and covers more than 52,000 acres.

After leaving the Avenue of the Giants, travelers will once again be on Hwy 101 and will pass the town of Scotia, located on a striking wooded hillside overlooking a giant bend in the Eel River. Further north is the sunny inland town of Fortuna, known as the jewel of the Eel River Valley. Friendly Fortuna has developed tremendous accommodations for visitors in recent years, including several hotels along the Eel River and an attractive conference center. East of Fortuna, along State Hwy 36, is Grizzly Creek State Park, a favorite for hiking, camping and summer sun. The Victorian Village of Ferndale is about 7 miles west of Fortuna and 16 miles south of Eureka. The entire town was designated a State Historical Landmark because of the strong preservation policies for its fine old commercial buildings and residences.

Eureka also contains excellent examples of Victorian architecture, particularly in the Old Town section along the city's waterfront. Old Town is home to the extravagantly ornate Carson Mansion, one of the most photographed buildings in California. Eureka's population of nearly 28,000 makes it the largest coastal city between San Francisco and the Oregon border. It has a multitude of excellent restaurants, cafes, specialty shops and lodging facilities. The city is also known for its large and active arts community. In fact, Humboldt County has the distinction of having more artists per capita than any other of the state's 58 counties. Eureka is also a busy seaport with a large fishing fleet. A variety of activities can be enjoyed in and around the waters of Humboldt Bay, including kayaking, sport fishing, and spotting birds and other wildlife, including maybe even a harbor seal or two. There are tours of the bay aboard the M.V. Madaket, and the Woodley Island Marina is a great spot to take in a panoramic view of the waterfront.

Seven miles north of Eureka is Arcata, home to Cal Poly Humboldt. It's also known for its unique marsh and wildlife area that serves as a natural wastewater treatment filtration system. East of Arcata along Hwy 299 and Hwy 96 are sunny Willow Creek and Hoopa, and the Trinity and Klamath Rivers and their tributaries. Back along Hwy 101 the town of McKinleyville is home to the California Redwood Coast — Humboldt County Airport, the county's only commercial airport. In northern Humboldt County visitors will find the coastal jewel of Trinidad, which overlooks a beautiful sheltered harbor with stunning scenery, and Orick, the gateway to Redwood National Park.