Northern California provides amazing scenery. The rugged coastline, dense forests of majestic redwoods and sequoias, lush meadows and marshes, are all posed and ready for your viewing pleasure. With so many vistas from which to choose, we’ve compiled our list of the 7 best scenic overlooks in Humboldt County, CA.
“Great views are not meant to be captured. They are meant to be experienced.”
— Unknown
#1 Redwood Sky Walk
- Location: Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka
Distance: Approx. 24 min.
Poised 100 feet above the rich forest floor and hundreds of feet below the vast canopy of both old and second-growth redwoods, the Redwood Sky Walk is a blend of fun and facts. Signage sharing facts on the history and ecology of the redwoods is dotted throughout your trek up the ascent ramp toward the Launch Deck. The Sky Walk provides a unique view of our statuesque redwoods. Fun fact: the ascent ramp is 360 feet in length, which is almost the height of the tallest coastal redwood.
#2 Luffenholtz Beach
- Location: Trinidad
Distance: Approx. 45 min.
This protected area has a recently improved beach trail and upper parking lot vista with a view of breath-taking sunsets. Traditionally, Luffenholtz Beach was a popular fishing area for local Native Americans. Wildflowers, some that are becoming scarce, marine wildlife, and a rugged seascape of jutting rocks all work together to make this a beautiful stopping point.
#3 Sue-meg State Park
- Location: Trinidad
- Distance: Approx. 50 min
Formerly known as Patrick’s Point State Park, the Sue-meg State Park is an amazing natural phenomenon. The exchange between the Gorda Plate and the North American tectonic plate caused a literal scraping of natural material off the ocean floor and landed it right up against the shoreline. This exchange is a large part of what has shaped the northern coastline. The name change occurred in September 2021. The first in a series of name changes that may be occurring as part of the state’s Reexamining Our Past Initiative. Sue-meg was how the Yukon people described the area and made it an appropriate choice.
#4 Vista Point
- Location: McKinleyville
- Distance: Approx. 40 min
If you’re ready to get out and walk, Vista Point on the Hammond Trail will provide some spectacular vistas. Seals frolic about or simply bask in the sunlight making the scene delightful. As you move toward the beach you’ll also see many wildflowers and wild berries. This is a wonderful choice for a good stretch and some gorgeous views
#5 Table Bluff County Park
- Location: Loleta
- Distance: Approx. 20 min
Would you like to relax in a peaceful spot to take in the best sunset views? Then Table Bluff is the place for you. There’s also a picnic area and a small trail in the park. The sunsets aren’t the only thing you’ll see because this is a favorite takeoff location for hang gliders. If you’re not floating with the hang gliders, this is definitely a scenic overlook where you can unwind and soak in the natural beauty.
#6 Moonstone Beach
- Location: Trinidad (Clam Beach County Park)
- Distance: Approx. 45 min.
Moonstone Beach is a great spot for surfing, surf kayaking, or simply walking along the shore. The natural landscape includes a variety of vistas: tidal pools, rocks and coves, and the long stretch of sand where the waves roll in. Here, too, the sunsets are lovely.
#7 Trinidad Head Loop
- Location: Trinidad
- Distance: Approx. 50 min.
Would you like to see some marine wildlife? Whales, seals, dolphins, sea lions, and elephant seals are all some of what you may see while hiking the Trinidad Head Loop. This trail has fantastic scenic overlooks where you can stop and take it all in. No matter if you’re looking up at the seabirds or down at the wildflowers, you’ll enjoy all the surrounding natural beauty.
A Stay at The Redwood
After you’ve spied our seven best scenic overlooks in Humboldt County, CA, come and enjoy a warm welcome at The Redwood Riverwalk. We’re not your average place to stay in not your average place to visit. Check availability today.
