Redwood Coast

10/07/2026

This month, Humboldt County has many ways you can get into the spirit of the season. The charming town of Ferndale is a highlight, with enchanting scenery and many fun-filled Halloween festivities, including guided sunset walking tours of Ferndale's historic cemetery. 🎃 👻

One of the most photographed historic cemeteries in California, the Ferndale Cemetery rests over a steep, rhododendron-studded hillside just two blocks from Ferndale's historic Main Street. Visitors are invited to stroll through aisles of historic headstones, hear stories of those who came before us, and catch the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean.

Tours run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout October. Sunday tours include complimentary appetizers at the Village Pub afterward, where optional tarot card readings are also available. All tours proceed rain or shine.

These one-hour tours require advance reservations and depart at 5:30 p.m. from The Old Steeple, located at 246 Berding St. Admission includes a keepsake flashlight and costs $30 for adults and $15 for children aged 5-12. Children under 5 are free.

Learn more and reserve your spot at: FerndaleCemetery.com/events

Ferndale’s central location also makes it easy to explore the region's top destinations. It's under an hour's drive to Humboldt Redwoods State Park and the Avenue of the Giants, and just under 5 miles from the rugged beaches and hiking trails of the Lost Coast, making it the perfect place to celebrate spooky season and explore Humboldt County's natural beauty.

Want to learn more about what's going on in Humboldt for Hallloween and beyond? Check out our October newsletter for more travel information and tips at: tinyurl.com/October2026TourismNewsletter

📸 Pictured: The historic Ferndale Cemetery photographed by Matt Filar.

Visit Ferndale
Ferndale Cemetery

09/14/2026

Humboldt County locals! If you have knowledge and expertise in tourism marketing efforts and initiatives in Humboldt County, consider applying to serve on the county's new Tourism Advisory Board. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2. Learn more about this new advisory board, membership qualifications, and the application process in the post below.

Check out the full press release at: tinyurl.com/TourismAdvisoryBoardInfo and please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Hey Humboldt! If you have knowledge and expertise in tourism marketing efforts and initiatives in Humboldt County, consider applying to serve on the county's new Tourism Advisory Board. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2.

𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱
In June 2024, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors made the decision to part ways with the county’s former tourism marketing organization, and reallocated funds being spent on travel and tourism activities toward an in-depth marketing assessment and strategy to be conducted in collaboration with local cities, tourism districts and community partners. Following the completion of this work, in April 2026, the Board adopted a Countywide Travel and Tourism Strategy to be executed over the next five years.

The strategy includes issuing a Request for Proposals for a new Destination Stewardship Organization to manage Humboldt County’s travel and tourism marketing efforts to reflect local values, nurture residents and visitors, and champion stewardship of the county’s stunning natural environment.

The strategy also includes the creation of a Tourism Advisory Board to advise the Board of Supervisors, Humboldt County’s Economic Development Division and the new Destination Stewardship Organization on implementing the strategy and guide a coordinated, transparent approach to tourism promotion and tourism-related economic development initiatives.

Up to 17 members will be appointed by the Board of Supervisors to serve on this board.

𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Membership will consist of representatives from Humboldt’s six tourism regions in addition to two representatives from local Tribal Nations and nine hospitality industry sectors including lodging, events, outdoor recreation, the arts, the airport, agritourism, food and beverage, cannabis tourism and retail.

To serve on this board, applicants must live in Humboldt County and be in a decision-making or leadership position. Representatives from the six unincorporated tourism regions must work for an organization that supports the region they are appointed to represent. Hospitality industry applicants must have at least five years of current or former experience in their applicable industry sector.

𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀
Applications and nomination forms must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2 and can be found online at: HumboldtGov.org/TourismAdvisoryBoard

Regional and industry seats require a formal nomination by an open membership organization, such as a local chamber of commerce, or a tourism-relevant trade association like the Humboldt Lodging Alliance or Visit California. Tribal Nation seats require a formal nomination from a local Tribal government. A resume and completed nomination form are required with all applications.

It is anticipated that applications will be presented to the Board of Supervisors for consideration on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Successful applicants will be appointed by a majority vote of the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors.

For more information, please visit HumboldtGov.org/TourismAdvisoryBoard or email [email protected].

📸 Pictured: A hiker on the Berry Glen trail surrounded by a beautiful redwood forest. Photograph courtesy of Mitch Crispe. Additional text reads, "Serve your community on the Humboldt County Tourism Advisory Board. Apply by Friday, Oct. 2. For more information or to apply visit HumboldtGov.org/TourismAdvisoryBoard or email [email protected]."

GoHumCo
Redwood Coast

08/06/2026

Who’s going to be in Humboldt County for the Rumble Over the Redwoods air show this weekend?! This event features thrilling aerobatic displays, historic warbirds and family-friendly aviation activities. ✈️🌲🌊

Attendees can look forward to a thrilling lineup of performers, including the Patriots Jet Team, Smoke ‘n Thunder Jet Truck, a special appearance by the Red Bull Air Force, several World War II-era fighters, aerobatic aircraft, skydivers and more.

Plus, lifelong aviation fans or visitors who are just looking for a day of fun will get to see historic planes up close, making Rumble Over the Redwoods an unforgettable experience. There will also be food trucks, novelty vendors and other family-friendly activities for all ages to enjoy.

Rumble Over the Redwoods will take place at California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV) in McKinleyville on Saturday, Aug. 8 and Sunday, Aug. 9. Gates open at 9 a.m., flying starts at noon and will go until around 4 p.m. Bring some chairs and/or blankets to enjoy the show and get your tickets in advance at RumbleOverTheRedwoods.com.

📸 Pictured: Planes fly over the redwoods at the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV) during the Rumble Over the Redwoods air show. Image courtesy of Rumble Over the Redwoods.

06/24/2026

Humboldt's most legendary resident returns to Willow Creek this weekend for the 64th annual Bigfoot Daze Festival, and you are invited to join the celebration! 👣🌲👣

Taking place Saturday, June 27 at Veterans Park in Willow Creek, Bigfoot Daze brings together live music, food, local vendors and a fun parade down Highway 299 starting at 10 a.m. Whether you are a true believer or simply Bigfoot-curious, this festival has something for everyone.

If you’re a longtime local, a curious traveler or a true believer, the Bigfoot Daze is your invitation to connect, celebrate and make memories in the gorgeous mountains of eastern Humboldt County. Come find your people, come find your fun, search for Bigfoot and discover the beautiful community of Willow Creek.

📸 Pictured: Bigfoot waves to the crowd at the Bigfoot Daze Festival in Willow Creek. Photo courtesy of Willow Creek Chamber of Commerce, CA

05/04/2026

May the 4th be with you! If you’re a Star Wars fan, you may already know that our region is also the Forest Moon of Endor, home of the Ewoks! Over 40 years ago, the redwood coast served as the film site for the iconic battleground between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Today, fans from around the world continue to visit this stunning cinematic landscape to honor the legendary film franchise and explore the North Coast. 🌲🌊

Hosted by the Humboldt-Del Notre Film Commission, the Forest Moon Festival is an annual celebration held in many towns across Humboldt and Del-Norte counties honoring the region's role as this incredible filming location. The festival features Star Wars-themed events for fans of all ages featuring costumed characters, movie screenings, film site tours and immersive activities amongst the coastal redwoods.

This year, the Forest Moon Festival will take place Thursday, May 28 through Sunday, May 31. For more information about the festival and to check out the schedule of events, visit ForestMoonFestival.org.

Learn more about things to do around Humboldt County in May in our May newsletter at: tinyurl.com/May2026Newsletter

📸 Pictured: Costumed Star Wars superfans search for cell service at Cheatham Grove in Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, which is one if the iconic film sites in Humboldt County where Return of the Jedi was filmed. Photo by Mark McKenna, courtesy of the Humboldt Del-Norte Film Commission.

Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission
Forest Moon Festival

04/22/2026

Humboldt County is one of the most beautiful places on earth! On this Earth Day, consider making a plan to visit and experience Humboldt County.

Spring and summer here means wildflowers on the coastal bluffs, birds and whales migrating, plus longer days that pull you outside. Wander beneath ancient redwoods, browse the farmers' markets, or find an overlook and watch the sun set. There is so much to see and do.

Plan your visit to experience it yourself today at: VisitRedwoods.com 🌎💚

📸 Pictured: The sun sets over yellow lupine and a stunning Humboldt County coastline. Photo by Lisa Wilhelmi-Perkins.

03/06/2026

Thank you for capturing and sharing the beauty of the North Coast, Visit California! 🌲🌊 The Avenue of the Giants is just the beginning. Humboldt County is filled with amazing opportunities for adventure and relaxation. There are so many hidden gems waiting for visitors to explore! Check some out in our March newsletter at: tinyurl.com/March2026Newsleter

03/04/2026

The calming sound of waves crashing on the shore is the perfect soundtrack for a peaceful escape.🌲🌊

Humboldt County's beautiful beaches offer miles of pristine coastline where you can unwind, explore tide pools, go fishing or kayaking, watch for wildlife or simply breathe in the fresh ocean air.

If you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Humboldt is the perfect place to connect with nature.

📸 Waves crash on the beach near Trinidad, CA. Photo by Martin Swett.

02/03/2026

February reminds us that love grows through discovery and shared moments. 🌲🌊 Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cozy getaways or new experiences to share with your loved ones, Humboldt County offers countless ways to connect and recharge. Discover romantic and family friendly destinations, hidden gems, activities and more in our February newsletter at: tinyurl.com/Feb2026RedwoodCoastNewsletter

📸 Pictured: A couple takes a long sunset walk on Moonstone Beach near Trinidad, CA. Photo by Ken Malcomson.

01/20/2026

Looking for a winter or spring getaway? The Inn of the Lost Coast in Shelter Cove is the perfect home base for exploring Humboldt County’s rugged coastline. Guests enjoy ocean views from every room and suite, along with amenities that make it easy to relax and unwind, including an outdoor hot tub, sun deck, fire pit and an oceanfront restaurant and bar. The inn also offers access to deep-sea charter fishing, a nine-hole golf course and other opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The inn is just a short walk to Black Sands Beach, which is the southern trailhead of the world renowned Lost Coast Trail, making it an ideal place to rest and recharge before or after a day of exploring this unforgettable stretch of untouched coastline.

Shelter Cove is a remote, coastal gem that offers front-row views of some of nature’s most impressive sights, from spectacular coastal scenery to abundant wildlife. It’s an especially wonderful destination for whale watching, with gray whales migrating each spring, typically peaking in April and May. Humpback whales and orcas are also occasionally spotted. Plus, the scenic drive to Shelter Cove is approximately 45 minutes from Humboldt Redwoods State Park and the Avenue of the Giants.

Whether you’re visiting the redwoods, exploring the Lost Coast or simply want to enjoy the ocean air, The Inn of the Lost Coast is a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in Humboldt County.

For more information or to book your reservation online, please visit InnOfTheLostCoast.com.

For more information on things to do and where to stay in Shelter Cove, check out: VisitLostCoast.com

📸 Pictured: The sun sets over the rugged Lost Coast in Shelter Cove, CA. Photo courtesy of the Inn of the Lost Coast.

Inn of the Lost Coast
Visit Lost Coast