Seniors Stop In Eureka

Eureka, situated along the spectacular Northern California coastline 280 miles north of San Francisco on Hwy 101, is one of California’s best kept secrets. Senior visitors find themselves in the Redwood Empire region of California.

The city borders Humboldt Bay for nearly six miles. Inland, senior travelers will find mountains lush with giant redwoods which offer a reminder of the area’s rich logging heritage. Eureka is the largest coastal city between San Francisco and Portland, and the westernmost city of more than 25,000 residents in the 48 contiguous states.

Eureka got its name from a Greek word meaning “I have found it!” This statement of successful (or hopeful) gold rush miners is also the official motto of the State of California. Abundant redwood forests provided the reason for settlement of this 19th-century seaport town.

Before the arrival of Euro-American settlers including farmers, miners, fishermen and loggers, the area was already occupied by indigenous peoples.

Redwoods and Sequoias Draw Seniors

Senior travelers will find plenty to see and do in Eureka starting with the famed Redwood Highway and the Sequoia Park Garden. The Carson Mansion was built by an early lumber baron, William Carson, in 1885.

The mansion took more than two years to build and it is the most photographed building in Eureka. The architecture is an elaborate combination of Queen Anne, Italianate and Eastlake styles and the mansion dominates the city.

A variety of cultural opportunities are available in Eureka, including active artisan, arts, and theater groups. Outdoor activities such as boating, sport fishing, kayaking, hunting, birding and backpacking are all available.

Seniors Enjoy The Tallest and Oldest Trees

A cruise out on Humbolt Bay is always a fun way to enjoy the great air along the coast and to get another view of the city. These seniors would head for The Avenue of the Giants, only a short drive from Eureka. The majestic redwoods are not only the tallest trees in the world, they are among the oldest as well.

Both the bark and the interior wood are dark red, thus the name Redwoods. John Steinbeck called the trees “the ambassadors from another time.” If you have never seen the redwoods up close, you are in for a special treat and Park Ranger Susanna shares the wonders of the Redwood National Park on this video.

Take time for a stroll along the Boardwalk and then check out Historic Old Town Eureka, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Old Town Eureka, the social center in town, hosts a wide variety of events all year, including a Farmer’s Market, Arts Alive, free concerts on the Boardwalk, a classic car show called “Cruzin’ Eureka,” a 4th of July Festival and Blues by the Bay on Labor Day weekend.

Home to interesting historic landmarks, fun family attractions, unique shopping, and some of the most spectacular state and national parks in the country, Eureka is a memorable California vacation destination.