Eureka rewards exploration on foot and on the water. Old Town is the natural starting point — the streets around 2nd and 3rd are lined with Victorian buildings, galleries, and the kind of independent shops that have mostly disappeared from larger cities. The waterfront is a short walk away, and Humboldt Bay offers some of the best birdwatching on the Pacific Coast.
For a different perspective on the bay, the Humboldt Bay Harbor Cruise runs narrated 75-minute tours covering the wildlife and history of the bay. Boats depart from the foot of F Street. Call 707-445-1910 for schedules.