This Overlooked City In Northern California Offers A Cute And Cozy Farmers' Market

The North Coast of California is lined with so many cute towns it's impossible to visit them all. You shouldn't bypass Arcata, though. The college town has a historic central plaza, restored Victorian houses, and the second-oldest movie theater in the country. One of the Golden State's original farmers' markets is also held here. It seems like a detour is in order.

The spot on Arcata Bay, the northern part of Humboldt Bay, was originally the home of the Wiyot and Yurok peoples. Though first named Union, when it was founded as a supply center for inland gold mines in 1850, it was renamed Arcata from the Yurok word meaning "where there is a lagoon" a decade later. The small city is now home to nearly 19,000 people. It's a progressive city focused on restoration and sustainability which attracts California State Polytechnic University Humboldt students and environmental activists. No wonder its nickname is "Sixties by the Sea."

The airport closest to Arcata is only 9 miles north in McKinleyville. California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV) is a small, regional airport that receives nonstop flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles as well as Denver. The nearest major airports — San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) — are all nearly 300 miles away. Though it is more than five hours from each of these airports, you could drive up Highway 101 for the ultimate West Coast road trip.

When you start planning your trip to Arcata, you absolutely must include a Saturday in your itinerary. That's the day throughout the entire year that the Arcata Plaza Farmers' Market is held. What started as a small "Community Producers Market" in 1978 grew to include more than 70 local artisans, farmers, food producers, and ranchers. The delightful farmers' market is big enough that it shuts down the streets along the plaza where it hosts live music, as well. Expect to find beautiful bouquets, fresh baked goods, locally grown produce, and quirky crafts as you walk around.

Arcata Plaza, where the market is held, is the heart of the city. It is surrounded by historic buildings, art galleries, coffee shops, and wine bars. Jacoby's Storehouse, a Classical Revival building from 1857, is a California Historic Landmark. The restored building now houses a bank, offices, restaurants, and shops. Hotel Arcata stands across the plaza. The hotel, which first opened in 1915, is on the National Register of Historic Places; unsurprising once you notice the lofty ceilings and the old photographs upon your arrival.

You should also visit Arcata Artisans, a cooperative for artists who live in Humboldt County. Culture Shrooms Humboldt and Jitter Bean Coffee Co. keep the college students well caffeinated, while Libation, a wine bar and shop, features natural wines.

Though Arcata Plaza is always buzzing with activity, there's a lot to explore beyond the busy square. Just a block away, the Minor Theater was the second building ever created specifically to show movies when it opened in 1914. It even has a trapdoor on its stage, which was constructed for the illusionist Harry Houdini. It's now home to the Humboldt Int'l Film Fest, one of the first student film festivals in the world. Another building that was carefully restored is a Greek Revival farmhouse from the mid-19th century which also happens to be the oldest house in Arcata. It was turned into the Phillips House Museum, which makes you feel like you've been transported back into the mid-19th century.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Arcata Community Forest, a sprawling forest full of young redwood trees. It's loved for its hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. The Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary is closer to the bay and creatively uses nature (specifically the wetlands) to treat wastewater. It has an interpretive center, trails, and more than 270 species of birds.

If you drive up the coast from Arcata, you will find Trinidad only 15 miles north. The tiny coastal town, which looks like a fishing village on the English coast, offers a stunning seaside escape. The Redwood National and State Parks are less than 20 miles beyond Trinidad. You can head to this enchanting West Coast forest to visit the set of E.T. There is a lot hiding in this overlooked part of Northern California.