Where is Eureka, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 11, 2026

Where is Eureka, California Located in the United States? - Eureka is a city located in the Humboldt County in California, United States. Eureka lies between 40.8021 Degrees North latitudes and -124.1637 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Eureka, Humboldt, California

Where is Eureka Located in Humboldt, California

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

Eureka Map, California, USA

About Eureka Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.

About Eureka, Humboldt County, California

Eureka is located in Humboldt County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the northern part of the state in the state of the United States along the Pacific coast within the Humboldt Bay region. The city was incorporated in 1856 and its name comes from the Greek word meaning “I have found it,” reflecting the optimism of early settlers during the California Gold Rush, and it developed as a port city and regional center for the timber industry.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Eureka is 26,512 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 2,700 people per square mile.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Eureka covers a total area of approximately 14.5 square miles (about 37.6 square kilometers), including about 9.4 square miles (24.3 square kilometers) of land and 5.1 square miles (13.3 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

Eureka is situated south of Arcata and north of Fortuna, positioned along the shores of Humboldt Bay on California’s rugged North Coast. The city features coastal landscapes, historic Victorian neighborhoods, and nearby forests of towering redwood trees. U.S. Route 101 runs through the area, providing a major transportation route connecting Eureka to surrounding communities along the Northern California coast.

Top Attractions

Eureka offers historic districts, waterfront parks, and cultural landmarks that support tourism and community activities. Popular destinations include Old Town Eureka, the Carson Mansion historic landmark, and the Sequoia Park Zoo with nearby redwood forests. The city hosts art festivals, waterfront events, and cultural celebrations throughout the year.

Transportation

Eureka is served by U.S. Route 101, offering highway access throughout Humboldt County and California’s North Coast region. Public transportation includes regional bus services connecting the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is California Redwood Coast–Humboldt County Airport, located approximately 15 miles to the north.

Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.

Sources:

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

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Eureka City Facts

CityEureka
StateCalifornia
CountyHumboldt County
CountryUnited States
RegionNorth Coast
IncorporatedMay 14, 1856
Founded1850
Total AreaApproximately 14.5 sq mi (37.6 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 9.4 sq mi (24.3 km2)
Water AreaApproximately 5.1 sq mi (13.3 km2)
ElevationApproximately 43 ft (13 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 27,000+
Population (2020 Census)26,512
Population DensityApproximately 2,800 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
ZIP Codes95501, 95502, 95503
Area Code707
Major HighwaysU.S. Route 101, State Route 255
Public TransitRedwood Transit System
Major AttractionsOld Town Eureka, Sequoia Park Zoo, Humboldt Bay
Official Websitehttps://www.ci.eureka.ca.gov/

Distance from Eureka City, CA to Nearby Cities

  • Arcata, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
  • McKinleyville, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
  • Fortuna, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Ferndale, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Rio Dell, CA – 24 miles (39 km)
  • Trinidad, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Blue Lake, CA – 16 miles (26 km)
  • Scotia, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Garberville, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
  • Willits, CA – 120 miles (193 km)
  • Ukiah, CA – 140 miles (225 km)
  • Crescent City, CA – 85 miles (137 km)
  • Redding, CA – 150 miles (241 km)
  • Chico, CA – 210 miles (338 km)
  • Santa Rosa, CA – 230 miles (370 km)
  • Napa, CA – 260 miles (418 km)
  • Sacramento, CA – 270 miles (435 km)
  • Oakland, CA – 280 miles (451 km)
  • San Francisco, CA – 290 miles (467 km)
  • Medford, OR – 150 miles (241 km)

Eureka, California Climate and Weather Overview

MonthAvg High (°F)Avg Low (°F)Avg Rainfall (in)
January55417.5
April58433.5
July64520.3
October62483.8
Annual6046~40.0
Climate AttributeDetails
Climate Classification (Köppen)Mediterranean / oceanic transition (Csb/Cfb)
Annual RainfallAbout 40 inches
Fog InfluenceFrequent coastal fog, especially summer mornings
Summer ConditionsCool, dry summers
Winter ConditionsMild, wet winters

Driving Distances from Eureka, California

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
ArcataCalifornia815 min
McKinleyvilleCalifornia1220 min
FortunaCalifornia1425 min
FerndaleCalifornia2035 min
Rio DellCalifornia2540 min
Blue LakeCalifornia1018 min
WillitsCalifornia952 hr
Crescent CityCalifornia952 hr
UkiahCalifornia1202 hr 30 min
Santa RosaCalifornia2004 hr

Transportation and Connectivity in Eureka, California

TransportationDetails
Airport NameCalifornia Redwood Coast–Humboldt County Airport
IATA CodeACV
PortPort of Humboldt Bay
Major HighwaysU.S. Route 101, State Route 255
Rail ServiceNo direct Amtrak service (nearest: Martinez or Sacramento connections)
Local TransitHumboldt Transit Authority (HTA)
  • Eureka is the largest coastal city between San Francisco and Portland.
  • It serves as the cultural and commercial hub of California’s North Coast.
  • The city is strongly connected to the timber industry and historic port activity.
  • U.S. Route 101 is the primary transportation corridor through the region.

Places to Visit in Eureka, California

Landmark NameType
Old Town EurekaHistoric District
Carson MansionHistoric Home
Sequoia Park ZooZoo
Sequoia Park Forest & GardenCity Park & Forest
Fort Humboldt State Historic ParkState Historic Park
Clarke Historical MuseumMuseum
Humboldt BayNatural Bay
Samoa PeninsulaCoastal Area
Trinidad State BeachBeach
Redwood National and State ParksNational & State Park System

Colleges and Universities in Eureka, California

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
College of the RedwoodsPublicCommunity CollegeTransfer programs, workforce training
Humboldt State University (Cal Poly Humboldt)PublicUniversityEnvironmental science, forestry, marine biology
Redwood Coast Region Education ProgramsPublicEducation NetworkRegional vocational and adult education
Arcata-Eureka Adult SchoolPublicAdult EducationGED and career training
North Coast School DistrictsPublicK–12 DistrictPrimary and secondary education
Humboldt County Office of EducationPublicEducation AuthorityRegional education services
Ferndale Unified School DistrictPublicK–12 DistrictLocal schooling system
Scotia Union Elementary School DistrictPublicK–12 DistrictSmall rural education district

Waterbodies in Eureka, California

Humboldt Bay, Elk River, Eel River, Mad River, Freshwater Creek, Jacoby Creek, Salmon Creek, Pacific Ocean

Golf Courses in Eureka, California

Baywood Golf & Country Club, Eureka Municipal Golf Course, Beau Pre Golf Club, Redwood Empire Golf & Country Club, Table Bluff Golf Course, College of the Redwoods Golf Practice Facility, King Salmon Golf Course, Manila Golf Course

Eureka, California — Key Historical Facts

  • Eureka was founded in the mid-19th century during California’s Gold Rush era.
  • The city became a major logging and timber export center due to its access to Humboldt Bay.
  • Old Town Eureka preserves many Victorian-era buildings from its boom period.
  • The port played a major role in shipping lumber and supporting regional trade.
  • Fisheries and timber industries shaped the city’s economy for over a century.
  • Today, Eureka is known for tourism, redwood forests, and coastal heritage preservation.

References

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