Eureka is a charming coastal hub with a walkable Victorian Old Town, working harbor, vibrant local food/coffee/brew scene, easy beach access and immediate gateways to towering redwoods—perfect for multi-week stays that feel like a comfortable home base rather than a temporary stint.
About 10 miles north, Arcata (Cal Poly Humboldt) brings college-town energy with farmers markets, live music, trails and breweries, and world-class escapes like Redwood National & State Parks and the Avenue of the Giants sit within roughly 75 miles for epic weekend adventures.