Do It Like a Local, A Weekend Guide to Eureka

Driving through Eureka on Highway 101, you might be under the impression that all there is to this remote coastal town are shopping malls, motel franchises and used car lots. But if you dig a little deeper, you'll quickly see that this historic Victorian town has a rustic charm and funky flair that's unlike anywhere else on the Northern California coast. If getting off the beaten path is your thing, then a weekend in Eureka is for you.

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Samoa Dunes Recreation Area
Few beaches in California will allow you to run your dog off-leash, but Samoa Dunes Recreation Area in Eureka is one of them. Get there on a weekday and you and Fido can walk for miles without encountering another soul. Or for the ultimate weekend party, show up on a sunny afternoon and play with dozens of dogs who just want to have fu... More >
Few beaches in California will allow you to run your dog off-leash, but Samoa Dunes Recreation Area in Eureka is one of them. Get there on a weekday and you and Fido can walk for miles without encountering another soul. Or for the ultimate weekend party, show up on a sunny afternoon and play with dozens of dogs who just want to have fun. The southernmost tip of the Dunes will rock the world of off road vehicle lovers, and the northern end is for everyone else. Hike through the dunes, run on the sand and have a blast, but bring your windbreaker because you just might get blown away by those North Coast winds.
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Redwood Acres
Stop by Redwood Acres Fairgrounds and step back in time for a weekend of family fun and entertainment all year long. As one of the oldest event venues in the area, Redwood Acres hosts the Eureka Fair, weekend stock car races every weekend during summer, and a number of other family-oriented concerts and activities. Attend any of them ... More >
Stop by Redwood Acres Fairgrounds and step back in time for a weekend of family fun and entertainment all year long. As one of the oldest event venues in the area, Redwood Acres hosts the Eureka Fair, weekend stock car races every weekend during summer, and a number of other family-oriented concerts and activities. Attend any of them and get a feel for the down-to-earth, authentic, good people of Humboldt County.
The rooms are clean and you'll get a good night's sleep, but just don't expect the antique furniture to match, or the predictable features found in franchise hotels.
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Fresh Freeze Drive-In
Put your health-conscious eating habits aside and stop on by Fresh Freeze in Henderson Center for some old fashioned french fries, hamburgers and homemade shakes. This little gem has been a local institution since 1951. When you order, be sure to order something extra for your best friend, because Fresh Freeze is also one of the few pl... More >
Put your health-conscious eating habits aside and stop on by Fresh Freeze in Henderson Center for some old fashioned french fries, hamburgers and homemade shakes. This little gem has been a local institution since 1951. When you order, be sure to order something extra for your best friend, because Fresh Freeze is also one of the few places in Eureka where you can sit outside and enjoy a meal with your dog.
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AA Bar & Grill
At first glance, a nondescript little place called the "AA Lounge" located directly across the street from the Humboldt County jail might appear a little too seedy for respectable souls. But fear not, because if you're brave enough to walk through the front doors, you'll have the absolute best steak dinner in Northern California. The... More >
At first glance, a nondescript little place called the "AA Lounge" located directly across the street from the Humboldt County jail might appear a little too seedy for respectable souls. But fear not, because if you're brave enough to walk through the front doors, you'll have the absolute best steak dinner in Northern California. The AA is an institution for locals of all walks of life, from bankers to fishermen to ex-cons who are just out on bail and having their first real meal in the last 30 days. The fabulously friendly mature waitresses will call you "honey" while taking your order, as the gristly bartenders serve up the stiffest, cheap drinks in town. After dinner enjoy a game of shuffleboard or just hang out and listen to the barkeep tell tales of the way Humboldt County used to be. Don't miss this place!
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Eagle House Victorian Inn
If you like funky flair, oddball curiosities and quirky little establishments, head to the Old Town Eureka Eagle House Victorian Inn for a cozy stay in the heart of this historic waterfront neighborhood. The rooms are clean and you'll get a good night's sleep, but just don't expect the antique furniture to match, or the predictable fea... More >
If you like funky flair, oddball curiosities and quirky little establishments, head to the Old Town Eureka Eagle House Victorian Inn for a cozy stay in the heart of this historic waterfront neighborhood. The rooms are clean and you'll get a good night's sleep, but just don't expect the antique furniture to match, or the predictable features found in franchise hotels. The Eagle House has its own unique character that will appeal to the adventurous traveler willing to take a chance on the unusual.
Or for the ultimate weekend party, show up on a sunny afternoon and play with dozens of dogs who just want to have fun.
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Headwaters Forest Trail
Once you hike the Headwaters Forest Trail, you'll see why tree sitter Julia Butterfly Hill sat in these ancient behemoths for two years in order to save them. The Elk River Trail is a one way in / one way out hiking path that's fairly level and easy, taking hikers through thick forests, open meadows, remnants of an old mining town and a few small stream crossings too. The ambitious hiker can take it all the way to the end ... More
Once you hike the Headwaters Forest Trail, you'll see why tree sitter Julia Butterfly Hill sat in these ancient behemoths for two years in order to save them. The Elk River Trail is a one way in / one way out hiking path that's fairly level and easy, taking hikers through thick forests, open meadows, remnants of an old mining town and a few small stream crossings too. The ambitious hiker can take it all the way to the end to see a grove of ancient redwoods, but even if you don't make it there, you'll see that this leisurely hike is worth the trip. It's a pleasant place to spend the afternoon, and as a bonus, it's dog friendly too.
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About the Author

Rene Agredano
Rene Agredano
Partner, Agreda Communications, and co-founder of Tripawds.com, the world's largest community for three legged dogs and their humans. Seasonal adventure traveler, writer; and seeker of good times, tasty beverages and good people.
Websitefacebook.com/agredano
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