Arcata City Guide

Seafood and craft beer are local favorites. There are some Mexican, Asian, and Italian restaurants. Vegan and vegetarian options are widely available. Most places close by 9-10 PM.

Nightlife is low-key with local pubs, breweries, and bars near the plaza offering live music and drinks. It’s casual, not a club scene.

Strong coffee scene with local roasters and third-wave shops focused on fair trade and organic beans.

Tipping is expected in restaurants, taxis, and personal services, usually 15-20%. Coffee shops often get $1-2 per drink.

SIM cards are sold by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, mainly in nearby Eureka or big retailers. Verizon and AT&T provide the best coverage.

Clean streets and reliable waste services, especially downtown and residential areas.

Limited 24/7 services. Some 7-Elevens open. Emergency rooms serve after-hours medical needs; pharmacies close early.

Supermarkets like Safeway, Grocery Outlet, and North Coast Co-op serve the city. The farmers' market on Saturdays offers fresh local produce. International products are limited but growing.

Most places accept cards, including restaurants and shops. Cash is mostly needed at small vendors or farmers' markets.

ATMs are common at banks like Chase and Bank of America, and in supermarkets and convenience stores. Expect $2.50-$3.50 fees for out-of-network use, plus your bank's fees.

Public schools in Arcata are served by local districts. Cal Poly Humboldt is the main university. No international schools exist here.

Small, informal community with some networking via local events and university activities. Few dedicated nomad meetups.

Excellent access to parks and forests with many trails and open green areas for recreation.

Good running trails in Arcata Marsh, Community Forest, and Hammond Trail with safe and scenic routes.

Options include a public pool, university gym, 24/7 gym, and CrossFit center.

Tennis courts exist at Redwood Park and Cal Poly Humboldt, mostly first-come, first-served, with limited coaching or equipment rentals.

Padel courts are not available in Arcata.

Several yoga studios offer classes in common styles, with drop-in options and English-speaking instructors.

Karate, Taekwondo, and self-defense classes are common; Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai available nearby.

No nearby ski resorts; closest are several hours away in the Sierra Nevada.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular on Humboldt Bay and Mad River, with rentals and guided tours available.

Moonstone and Clam Beach offer surf spots suitable for all levels. Water is cold year-round, so wetsuits are needed.

Limited cold-water diving with challenging conditions, suited for experienced divers. Equipment rental is scarce locally.

Mad River Community Hospital in Arcata and St. Joseph Hospital nearby provide good care with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are available.

Tap water is safe and meets all standards, sourced mainly from the Mad River.

Several parks and playgrounds are available with kid-friendly dining nearby. Attractions like the Arcata Marsh and Redwood Park offer family outings.

Progressive and welcoming with safe spaces and local community groups. Larger pride events happen in bigger cities.

Pet-friendly with dog parks, trails allowing leashed dogs, and veterinary services. Accommodations often allow pets.