Redwood Romance Itinerary

Humboldt County is a wonderful place to relax for a romantic getaway. Beautiful redwood forests, many gorgeous beaches to explore, quaint towns, historic inns, fabulous farmers' markets and great restaurants.

Here is a list of what to do and where to go for a romantic vacation in the redwoods. Explore all the romance each of these regions of Humboldt County has to offer.

Lodging:
There are plenty of romantic places to stay in all parts of Humboldt County, in the redwoods or in Victorian boutique properties. Book your stay.

Things to Do (Northern Humboldt):

Take a hike through the redwoods. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park within Redwood National Park has more than 70 miles of trails to explore. One of the more popular hikes is the James Irvine Trail. This trail starts at the Prairie Creek Redwoods Visitor Center and takes you through old growth redwoods and then drops you down into the famous Fern Canyon.*

Keep in mind that driving to Fern Canyon requires a permit, however if you hike the James Irvine Trail you can access Fern Canyon without a permit. From there you can walk out of the canyon and onto Gold Bluffs Beach where you can enjoy lunch at a picnic table while watching the waves crash onto the sand.

You might even see some Roosevelt Elk, they like to hang out on this beach.

*Due to the volume of visitors, California State Parks/National Park Service will require Day Use Permits to access to Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon. Reservations will be required May 15 to Sept. 15. Reservations are not required Sept. 16th to May 14. Visitors are still required to pay the day-use fee.

Apply for a permit at: redwoodparksconservancy.org/permits/fern-canyon-permits

Take a long walk on the beach. There are many beaches to visit, here’s a few beaches near to get you started:

• Trinidad State Beach
• Luffenholtz Beach
• Moonstone Beach County Park
• Little River State Beach
• Clam Beach County Park
• Gold Bluffs Beach
• Agate Beach

Dining: Founded in 1983, Larrupin' Cafe has been a cherished dining destination in Trinidad, CA for decades. Plus, Moonstone Grill's romantic setting overlooks Moonstone Beach, the Sunset Restaurant at The Heights Casino also has beautiful views of the bay and ocean, or you can dine on the pier at Seascape Restaurant.

Things to Do (Eastern Humboldt):

Enjoy a hike or have some fun in the winter snow on Horse Mountain.

Take a hike and look for Bigfoot in Willow Creek.

Head to Miles Garret Wines for a tasting.

Check out the Trinity River, which provides plenty of opportunity for recreation – fishing, rafting, swimming or just watching the water flow by.

Dining: Trinity River Farm has a farm stand right in town open all summer long, stop by to pick up fresh produce before you head to the river. Enjoy causal dining at the Pizza Factory.

Things to Do (Central Humboldt):

So much to see and do! Take in the sights of Historic Eureka with Old Town Carriage Company. While riding in a horse drawn carriage, Marty will guide you on a most unique and informative tour of Eureka's Old Town.

Take a harbor cruise aboard the historic Madaket on Humboldt Bay. Take a 75 minute narrated cruise around Humboldt Bay. You'll learn about Humboldt Bay, its main attractions and its wildlife. You can also take the one-hour cocktail cruise where you can enjoy drinks - the Madaket is home to California’s smallest licensed bar.

Kayak around Humboldt Bay.

Explore the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area.

Walk or ride around the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a prime spot for birding, hiking (all easy hikes) and great views of the Arcata Bay. At any time of the year birds or mammals can be viewed from one of the many trails that network the over 225 acres that are open to the public.

Take a walk in the Arcata Community Forest.

Book a private outdoor wooden hot tub and sauna cabin at Cafe Mokka in Arcata. Since 1982 Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs and Cafe Mokka has been an oasis for those seeking the relaxation and peace of mind.

Explore the Victorian village of Ferndale. 

Dining: The Sea Grill in Old Town Eureka specializes in fresh local seafood and since opening in 1988, the menu has featured a wide variety of fresh seafood, exquisitely prepared to your liking. You can also enjoy rooftop dining at Rooftop Japanese restaurant and bar. Campground in Arcata is a modern steakhouse, featuring dishes cooked over a live-fire grill of mesquite, almond and cherry wood. In Ferndale, Tuya's is an authentic Mexican restaurant with a contemporary twist. The restaurant brims with fresh flavor from its exciting menu, vibrant local art and warm sense of community.

Things to Do (Southern Humboldt):

Explore the Avenue of the Giants. Take a hike in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Trails here will take you through lavish redwood groves and show you amazing trees.

The Shrine Drive Thru Tree has been attracting visitors for years. Located in Myers Flat, four miles south of the Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor Center, it's an easy stop right on the Avenue of the Giants -- just look for the signs and the gift shop.

Head to Briceland Vineyards for a wine tasting.

Shelter Cove offers many ways to explore the beautiful coastline. Go tide pooling at Mal Coombs Park or tour the Cape Mendocino Light House. Visit Black Sands Beach. This is a large, mostly west-facing, black sands beach with offshore reefs just north of the town of Shelter Cove.

Dining: Located in the heart of Redway, The Lost French Man has been serving up delicious food since 2012, stop in for a bite. Dine and stay a night at the Benbow Historic Inn. Enjoy a meal at California's most remote brewery in Shelter Cove, the Gyppo Ale Mill.