Welcome to Arcata

A Northern California College town located just north of Eureka along the Pacific Coastline, Arcata (Pop: 17,400) is home to Humboldt State University.

Arcata was originally founded as a port town (named Union City) in the late 1840s to support gold mining operations in the nearby Klamath, Trinity and Salmon mountains.

Arcata is home to the Humboldt Crabs, the nation's longest continuously operated semi-pro baseball team, which has played every season since 1945.

The traditional homeland of the Yurok ranges from Mad River to beyond the Klamath River in the north. Today, Arcata is the headquarters of the Big Lagoon Rancheria tribe, who maintain a 20-acre reservation close by.

Arcata Plaza
In the 1850s the Plaza was where goods destined for the Trinity County mines were loaded onto mule trains. Today it features a vast green lawn, extensive flower plantings, and at its center a statue of President McKinley. The Plaza is surrounded by stores, bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and live music venues. Arcata Plaza hosts the local farmers market and a number of festivals during the year. The Plaza is also a popular rendezvous point for travelers who stop off in Arcata.

Arcata / McKinleyville Area Accommodations:

Arcata Inn - Arcata CA - Best Western
Days Inn - Arcata CA -
Hampton Inn - Arcata CA -
Howard Johnson - Arcata CA
Quality Inn - Arcata CA
Super 8 Motel - Arcata CA
Holiday Inn - McKinleyville CA

Arcata also features a large number of original Victorian structures, many of which have been restored, and is home to the Minor Theater, one of the oldest movies-only theaters in the United States which is still in operation.

Other points of interest include Redwood National Park located 35 miles north, Blue Lake Casino 5 miles east, Arcata Airport 5 miles north, Humboldt State University 4 miles south, Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary 4 miles south. Several restaurants and shops are located only 1/2 mile away.

Humboldt State University
HSU is the northernmost campus of the CSU School system, located in Arcata. The main campus, nestled at the edge of a coast redwood forest, is situated on Preston hill overlooking Arcata and with commanding views of Humboldt Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Arcata Civic Groups:
City of Arcata California
Arcata Chamber of Commerce
Arcata Inn
Baywood Golf Club
Arcata High School Tigers

Arcata Plaza

The heart of this Northern California college town is Arcata Plaza. The Plaza has a green lawn, extensive flower plantings, and at its center a statue of President McKinley. The Plaza is surrounded by stores, bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and live music venues. The Plaza is also a popular rendezvous point for travelers who stop off in Arcata.

The Plaza is also the center of Humboldt County's largest farmer's market (April through November), and serves as a major venue for local 4 July festivities, the Arcata Main Street Oyster Festival, the start of the Kinetic Sculpture Race, and the North Country Fair.

In the 1850s the Plaza was where goods destined for the Trinity County mines were loaded onto mule trains.

Arcata also features a large number of original Victorian structures, many of which have been restored, and is home to the Minor Theater, one of the oldest movies-only theaters in the United States which is still in operation.

A Northern California College town located just north of Eureka along the Pacific Coastline, Arcata (Pop: 17,400) is home to Humboldt State University.

Arcata Plaza - Restaurants
Popular social spot:
3 Foods Cafe - 835 J St - 707-822-9474
Alibi - 744 9th St - 707-822-3731
Arcata Pizza & Del - 1057 H St - 707-822-4650
Crosswinds - 860 10th St - 707-826-2133
Golden Harvest Cafe - 1062 G St - 707-822-8962
Jambalaya Restaurant - 915 H St - 707-822-4766
Mazzottis on the Plaza - 773 8th St - 707-822-1900
Plaza Grill - 780 7th St - 707-826-0860
Round Table Pizza - 600 F St - 707-822-3761

Arcata Farmers Market
Arcata Plaza, Arcata CA;
Market Website;
Saturdays 9AM-2PM / Apr-Nov (Seasonal)
At all farmers markets you will find the freshest local produce, ornamental and edible plants, live music, and more! Come enjoy the bounty of Humboldt County's finest farmers.

Arcata Main Street Oyster Festival [JUN]
Arcata Plaza, Arcata CA;
Festival Website;
An annual tradition since 1991 - 35 + food vendors, including some of Humboldt’s finest chefs, serving their creations of oysters and for the non-oyster lover there are delicious non-oyster options available. In addition to the amazing live music, the Oyster Festival wild & wacky oyster contests. One annual favorite, the “World Famous” Oyster Calling Contest with David Silverbrand as Master of Ceremonies, has delighted crowds for years.