Humboldt County’s 160 miles of virtually unspoiled coastline, acres upon acres of ancient redwoods, quaint coastal towns and villages, rivers, farms and history, offer something for everyone, including in the winter months. Whether you’re an outdoorsman, bookworm, art lover, wine connoisseur, or gourmet, you will discover a treasure chest of hidden travel gems – all within easy access of your stay at The Redwood Riverwalk Hotel. Here is your guide to off-the-beaten path winter activities in Humboldt County, CA.
Sweetness & Light
554 Main St., Ferndale CA 95536 (13 minutes from The Redwood)
This old-fashioned, family-owned candy store will satisfy the sweet tooth of the most fastidious of chocolate-lovers. Making their chocolate in small batches by hand using classic recipes and fine ingredients, Sweetness & Light captures the essence of confectioneries long ago. Stop in for some traditional caramels, truffles, bon bons and more. Once you do, you’ll be hooked. Thankfully, they offer online sales for those future cravings.
Humboldt Botanical Garden
7351 Tompkins Hill Road, Eureka, CA 95503 (15 minutes from The Redwood)
The beautiful and fragrant Humboldt Botanical Garden features over 44 acres of spectacular flora. Peruse vibrant and unique plants and flowers as they thrive in a variety of displays, such as the rainbow-hued, ornamental terraced garden, and the temperate woodland garden. Northern California’s unique climate combination of Mediterranean and Pacific Marine provides the ideal environment for a variety of plant species, to the delight of garden-lovers everywhere. The Garden also features trails, resting areas, and vantage points for the optimal experience.
Hammond Trail
Access to the trail is from both northern and southern trailheads near McKinleyville, CA (40 minutes from The Redwood)
Hikers, cyclists, runners, walkers and equestrians can avail themselves of the 5+ mile Hammond Trail, a well-used portion of the California Coastal Trail. The trail follows a segment of the abandoned Little River and Hammond Railroad line, which once extended from Humboldt Bay to the town of Crannell. The trail features an easy, paved path that runs over the Mad River, up to Clam Beach, through Hiller Park to the bluffs for sweeping ocean views.
Brick & Fire
1630 F Street, Eureka, CA (22 minutes from The Redwood)
Loved by locals, Brick & Fire serves up Mediterranean fare with a California touch. The heart of this bistro is the wood-fired oven, which not not only helps retain the food’s nutrients and antioxidants, but also enhances the flavor of every dish, from roasted vegetables to savory pizzas. The bistro’s menu changes often, ensuring that neither the diners nor the chefs get bored, but the Wild Mushroom Cobbler is a staple that must be tried. The Bistro is currently open for sidewalk cafe dining and carryout service only.
Forested cliffs tower over the black sands of the Lost Coast backpacking trail in California
The Lost Coast
(1-½ hours from The Redwood)
A naturally wild land where forest and fog meet sand and sea, The Lost Coast is every hiker’s dream; and literally off the beaten path. Where renowned Highway 1 merges with Highway 101 and heads north, the coast extends northwest, leaving the area inaccessible by any major roads. However, hikers can trek this seemingly untouched land by foot. Located between Mattole River to the north and Shelter Cove to the south, this north-south scenic trail offers a glimpse of coastal California before the Rush. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of 4,000’ King Range up above, Native American shell mounds on the beach, and the majestic Pacific Ocean as it crashes into the shore. For the truly adventurous types, stock your overnight backpack and hike the 25-mile one-way trail in about three days. Afterward, head to The Redwood for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
The Redwood Riverwalk Hotel in Fortuna is the ideal choice for your overnight stay. While we’re not off the beaten path, we’ll certainly make you feel like you are with our hand-painted, artistic and informative murals, Eel River overlook, dog-friendly environment, and close proximity to the famed redwoods.
We are open year-round and conveniently located near other attractions like the Avenue of the Giants and historic Eureka. When you stay at our independent hotel, you will receive exceptional hospitality and guest amenities, including free breakfast, parking, and free WiFi – all in a 100% smoke-free environment. Call us at 707-725-5500 or book online to reserve your room!
