Where is Arcata, California

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Arcata is a city in the North Coast region of California and is part of the Eureka–Arcata metropolitan area in Humboldt County. It is located about 6 miles north of Eureka and is known for Cal Poly Humboldt, the Arcata Plaza, and nearby redwood forests. The city combines a vibrant college-town atmosphere with easy access to the Pacific coast.

Location Map of Arcata, Humboldt County, California

Where is Arcata Located in Humboldt County, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Arcata in Humboldt County, in the U.S. state of California.

Arcata Map, California

About Arcata Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Arcata in Humboldt County, California. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Arcata Located?

Arcata is a city located in Humboldt County, California, the United States. The city is situated on Humboldt Bay along U.S. Route 101 in Northern California. It is approximately 6 miles (10 km) north of Eureka, 90 miles (145 km) south of Crescent City, and about 280 miles (451 km) north of San Francisco. Arcata is located at 40.8665° North latitude and 124.0828° West longitude. According to the 2020 United States Census, the city had a population of 18,857. Arcata covers approximately 11.56 square miles (29.94 sq km). The city is widely recognized as the home of Cal Poly Humboldt and for its commitment to environmental conservation, with easy access to ancient redwood forests and coastal wetlands.

Most Viewed US Maps

USA Sttae MapUSA Region MapUSA Road Map
USA County MapWhere is USA in World Map?US ZIP Code Map
USA Time Zones MapUS State and Capitals MapUSA Physical Map
Looking for a U.S. City?
Find 4,400+ U.S. Cities by State - Explore Their Locations and Get Detailed Information

Arcata City Facts

CityArcata
StateCalifornia
CountyHumboldt County
CountryUnited States
RegionNorth Coast
IncorporatedApril 27, 1858
Founded1850
Total Area11.56 sq mi (29.94 sq km)
Land Area9.10 sq mi (23.57 sq km)
Water Area2.46 sq mi (6.37 sq km)
Elevation23 ft (7 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 18,900
Population (2020 Census)18,857
Population DensityAbout 2,070 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) (UTC−8/UTC−7)
ZIP Codes95518, 95521
Area Code707
Major HighwaysU.S. Route 101, State Route 255
Public TransitRedwood Transit System (RTS), Arcata & Mad River Transit System (AMRTS)
Major AttractionsCal Poly Humboldt, Arcata Plaza, Arcata Community Forest, Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Official Websitehttps://www.cityofarcata.org/

Distance from Arcata, CA to Nearby Cities

  • Eureka, CA – 6 miles (10 km)
  • McKinleyville, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Blue Lake, CA – 7 miles (11 km)
  • Trinidad, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Fortuna, CA – 19 miles (31 km)
  • Rio Dell, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Ferndale, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Loleta, CA – 17 miles (27 km)
  • Garberville, CA – 66 miles (106 km)
  • Willits, CA – 140 miles (225 km)
  • Crescent City, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
  • Ukiah, CA – 160 miles (257 km)
  • Redding, CA – 150 miles (241 km)
  • Grants Pass, OR – 170 miles (274 km)
  • Medford, OR – 185 miles (298 km)
  • Santa Rosa, CA – 230 miles (370 km)
  • Chico, CA – 220 miles (354 km)
  • Sacramento, CA – 280 miles (451 km)
  • San Francisco, CA – 280 miles (451 km)
  • Portland, OR – 430 miles (692 km)

Top Attractions in Arcata

  • Arcata Plaza
  • Cal Poly Humboldt
  • Arcata Community Forest
  • Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge
  • Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Redwood Park
  • Mad River Beach County Park
  • Los Bagels Plaza District
  • Humboldt State Natural History Museum
  • Trinidad State Beach (nearby)

Airports Near Arcata

  • California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV) – 9 miles (14 km)
  • Murray Field Airport (EKA) – 7 miles (11 km)
  • Rohnerville Airport (FOT) – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Del Norte County Regional Airport (CEC) – 86 miles (138 km)
  • Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) – 185 miles (298 km)

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official City of Arcata Website.

California Related Links

California MapCalifornia County MapMap of California With Cities
California ZipcodesAirports in CaliforniaWhere is California
California Area CodesCalifornia Blank MapCalifornia River Map
US County MapCalifornia Road MapCalifornia PhysicalMap