Whether your romance is new or lovingly aged, a sweet getaway can always bring a little spark into it. Although the list may be endless, there are times when you need a little help planning something special. Here are our top 10 romantic things to do in Humboldt County CA.
Redwood Highway Road Trip
With over 200 miles of breath-taking steep ocean-side cliffs, lush stately redwood forests, and quaint little villages, driving the Redwood Highway is a great getaway adventure. It’s your choice how long you want to drive—moving straight through, making a few stops or stopping as often as possible to enjoy the natural beauty. The redwoods are so majestic and exclusively grow on this narrow strip of coastline that you can’t go wrong with this drive. Just a word of caution, don’t walk too close to a cliff’s edge and watch for strong riptides if you choose to swim.
Take a Hike
Northern California has numerous trails from very easy strolls to challenging climbing trails. Whatever your preference, you’ll be able to find a trail that’s just right for you. Depending on how long you choose to get away, you can take in several of the trails that run along beaches, into the forest, or along grassy meadows. One of the best trails is the James Irvine Trail. The entire trail is 10 miles long but can be broken up into smaller sections. Learn more about redwood hiking trails here.
Visit the Farmer’s Market
For some great locally-grown vegetables and so much more, visit the Arcata Farmers Market. Choose a great menu, make your shopping list, and head out together to choose the best produce for your romantic meal. They also provide a seasonal eating guide to help you choose the freshest produce no matter when you go. If you’d rather not shop, then just stroll through the vendors, have a picnic lunch on the lawn, and enjoy all the spontaneous activities that pop up, like group tai chi. Another word of caution—this is a people event. Sorry, no pets allowed.
A Little Exercise, A Little Education
The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary provides a number of paths where you can either walk or bike. Breathe the fresh air and enjoy a variety of natural areas including freshwater and salt marshes, mudflats, tidal sloughs, and more. This innovative wastewater treatment center provides an eco-friendly option to exercise and learn about the migrating birds that breed further north and winter in California and down into Mexico and South America.
Visit the Historical Victorian Village of Ferndale
Country Living Magazine states that “You’d be hard-pressed to discover a place more alluring than Ferndale.” This quaint village is a haven for the creative-minded and artful souls. You will see some of the most ornate, well-preserved Victorian homes in the U.S. That’s only part of it. You’ll experience the beautiful architecture, stunning art galleries filled with works by local artists, museums, landmarks, and so much more. You may even want to check out Ferndale’s Owl Cam.
Visit the Black Sand Beaches
Along the northern California coast you’ll find the Black Sand Beaches. These are more rugged than many beaches we see. With crashing waves, volcanic rock and the dark sand, this is definitely an adventure. Most beaches are made up of silica (quartz). Some can be brilliantly white. However, the black sand beaches have a number of minerals and iron that are darker in color and heavier than silica. It’s interesting to note that since this sand is heavier, it doesn’t not shift like we see in many beaches.
Ride Horseback on the Beach
Just picture yourself galloping along the shore with your hair flying in the breeze and the horses hoofs kicking up sand and sea. Yes, this truly is the “ultimate California experience.” See the coastline in a new way atop these majestic animals. Regardless of your equestrian expertise, you can enjoy a very pleasant ride. If you choose, you can also go on tours through the redwoods on horseback.
Moonstone Beach Adventure
The options are almost endless on Moonstone Beach. Do you want to relax? Great! Just sink your toes into the sand and enjoy the sea breeze and sun. Are you an animal lover? There are plenty of marine life watching opportunities here—sea otters, dolphins, and more. You can also explore living tidal pools, catch a wave on your favorite surfboard, head out to sea on a boat, etc. Don’t forget to take in the stunning sunsets and gorgeous vistas—a photographer’s haven!
Taste a Little Wine
This is an adventure for the senses—sight, smell, taste, and touch. Experience the lush vineyards heavy with grapes, the oak barrels aging the wines to perfection, the tastings where you’ll experience the flavors of northern California. Winemakers share their history and dedication to the land and their wines. Here are a few you could try:
Relax with a Spa Day
Life can be so fast-paced and chaotic. Take a moment…breathe…and relax! Enjoy the benefits of massage. Feel your muscles relaxing, stress flowing out, and soothing lotions replenishing your skin and refreshing your soul. A facial will exfoliate your skin and bring the glow of good health. Relax down to your toes with a pedicure. Getting your feet scrubbed, your toenails clipped and buffed, and a gentle massage to help increase blood flow is a great way to relax. Adding a splash of color will brighten your day!
“It doesn’t matter where you are going, it’s who you have beside you.”
Book Your Romantic Stay
As you plan your romantic getaway, let us host your stay at The Redwood. You’ll have excellent hospitality and comfortable rooms to make your adventure amazing. Whatever you choose, these top 10 romantic things to do in Humboldt County will help spark a little romance.
