Explore Humboldt Bay
Think of Humboldt Bay as ocean water sheltering between deeply curving shores, catching its breath
From a bird's perspective, the Bay looks like a long, thin lake snuggling up to the Pacific Ocean. Whether your crew navigates across serene blue water or treks the sand dunes, marshes and beaches surrounding it, California's second largest natural bay will inspire and exhilarate you.
Hello, Humboldt Bay
Awe will be your companion as you adventure on and around Humboldt Bay, exploring its unique habitats, from open water to mud flats and salt marshes. This pristine estuarine environment on the rugged northern coast is home to hundreds of species of fish and marine birds, not to mention visiting marine mammals. Boating gets you in the thick of things, but you'll see wonders from shore too. The variety makes for exceptional family entertainment.
You Get a Line, I'll Get a Pole
Forget the old crawdad hole! Fishing on Humboldt Bay brings up words like thrilling and unforgettable. Much of the Bay is a National Wildlife Refuge, but you can fish year round for sharks, jack smelt, starry flounder, English sole and halibut up to 75 pounds. Your family will have the most luck if you organize a charter boat for two hours before or after a high tide. Alternatively, take a guided cruise or ply the Bay in kayaks.
Walk the Dunes
No boots required for a fun land tour of Humboldt Bay. The thin dune strips that serve as western walls of the Bay are great for barefoot hikes, family picnics and bird-watching. Hike Samoa Dunes— on the northern tip of the Bay mouth—to experience the dunes up close and personal while catching glimpses of brown pelican, Brandt's cormorants, northern harriers and great blue herons. Another superb birding location: the water treatment marsh plant/bird preserve in Arcata.
On the Wild Side
Stay a decade and you still won't exhaust possible ways to explore Humboldt Bay. Tour oyster farms, rent bikes, hop in a horse-drawn carriage in Old Town Eureka, or join in free, guided tours of the Arcata's Wildlife Sanctuary. Or get the biggest thrills if you watch or even join the three-day Kinetic Sculpture Race, where participants construct wild and wonderful human-powered vehicles and pedal some 42 miles beside and across Humboldt Bay.
Ready to travel? Find hotels in Humboldt Bay.
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