Things to do in Arcata

Activities, attractions and tours

A moonlit ocean with waves crashing onto a rocky shore.
A rocky coastline with a prominent rock formation, sandy beach, and ocean waves.
A pink and white Victorian-style building with a tower, surrounded by trees and a street.
A calm river bordered by dense forest and a clear blue sky.
A calm lake with a rocky shoreline and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.

Things to do

Redwoods National and State Park: Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

Redwoods National and State Park: Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

P1,033
per traveler
100% of travellers recommend
Redwoods National and State Park: Self Guided Driving Audio Tour
Amazing Scavenger Hunt: Eureka From Wood To Wonder!

Amazing Scavenger Hunt: Eureka From Wood To Wonder!

P748
per adult
Amazing Scavenger Hunt: Eureka From Wood To Wonder!
Eureka: Histories and Street Art Tour

Eureka: Histories and Street Art Tour

P9,666
per adult
Eureka: Histories and Street Art Tour
Private Flying Dress Photography Experience with Rental Included

Private Flying Dress Photography Experience with Rental Included

P33,437
per adult
Private Flying Dress Photography Experience with Rental Included
US West National Parks Driving and Walking Audio Tour Bundle

US West National Parks Driving and Walking Audio Tour Bundle

P12,158
per traveler
US West National Parks Driving and Walking Audio Tour Bundle
See all activities in Arcata
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Arcata

Stay near popular Arcata attractions

A street with palm trees, a red car, and a building with a yellow facade.

Arcata Plaza

8.2/10 (440 reviews)
Arcata Plaza buzzes with community life, especially during Saturday Farmers' Market with local crafts and music. Explore surrounding historic buildings like Jacoby's Storehouse for unique shopping and dining.
See properties

Where to stay in Arcata

Find the best Arcata areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.

Pacific

If you're spending some time in Pacific, Mad River Beach County Park and Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge are top sights worth seeing.

A calm lake with a cloudy sky and a line of trees in the distance.
Photo by Mel Vin
Open Photo by Mel Vin

Jacoby Creek

If you're spending some time in Jacoby Creek, Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Baywood Golf And Country Club are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown

While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Arcata Plaza and Arcata Theatre Lounge.

Samoa Boulevard

If you're spending some time in Samoa Boulevard, Finnish Country Sauna & Tubs and Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge are top sights worth seeing.

East Arcata

While there might not be top attractions in East Arcata, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Arcata Community Forest and Arcata Plaza.

A beach with people walking and playing in the sand, waves crashing onto the shore, and a forested hill in the background.

Eureka

A moonlit ocean with waves crashing onto a rocky shore.

McKinleyville

A lake surrounded by mountains, a road, and snow-covered ground.

Blue Lake

Frequently asked questions

Is Arcata worth visiting?
Arcata offers an interesting mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into nature, history or local culinary flavors, there are many things you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Arcata?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Sequoia Park Zoo and Humboldt State University Natural History Museum. Then, explore different parts of Arcata for a bite to eat and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Arcata?
Sequoia Park Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in Arcata and should be high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Arcata?
Three days will give you enough time to check out the leading city sights, including Arcata Theatre Lounge, Humboldt State University Natural History Museum and Arcata Playhouse. The average stay in Arcata is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your escape, Eureka isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Arcata with kids?
Deciding what to do in Arcata with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're taking a trip with little ones or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Arcata for adults?
Finnish Country Sauna & Tubs and Los Bagels are just a couple of the things to do in Arcata. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Arcata?
In Arcata, Mad River Beach County Park is a popular spot for anyone looking to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the local parks and neighborhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a simple way to discover the best free things to do in Arcata.