Isa’s guidebook
Breakfast
A local favorite. I like it because they use mostly organic ingredients. If you're looking for a good vegan breakfast option the rasta rancheros are great.
9 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Woodrose Cafe
911 Redwood DrA local favorite. I like it because they use mostly organic ingredients. If you're looking for a good vegan breakfast option the rasta rancheros are great.
The bakery opens early, it has great to-go salads and snacks but the real gems are the donuts. They are made in house by Walter; he is a donut genius and community favorite.
IL Forno Bakery
764 Redwood DriveThe bakery opens early, it has great to-go salads and snacks but the real gems are the donuts. They are made in house by Walter; he is a donut genius and community favorite.
Amillia's Gourmet togo is right around the corner, they have great lunch options as well but the breakfast burrito, add crispy provolone & avocado is super delicious.
Amillia's
443 Melville RoadAmillia's Gourmet togo is right around the corner, they have great lunch options as well but the breakfast burrito, add crispy provolone & avocado is super delicious.
The oldest cafe in town, with the newest technology. Quintessential breakfast diner, great hash browns.
Eel River Cafe
801 Redwood DrThe oldest cafe in town, with the newest technology. Quintessential breakfast diner, great hash browns.
Not a full breakfast spot, but great locally roasted coffee. Great place for a cup of joe and a quick scone. There’s always a question of the day, if you get right you get a free cup of coffee.
Signature Organic Coffee
3455 Redwood DrNot a full breakfast spot, but great locally roasted coffee. Great place for a cup of joe and a quick scone. There’s always a question of the day, if you get right you get a free cup of coffee.
Dinner
Owner Jesse is a legend in these parts! He hosts Karaoke at the Brass Rail bar when he isn't slanging pizzas. Their take and bakes are the best! Try the veggie supreme add pepperoni with white and red sauce you will thank me. They also recently opened up Sequoia Sweets with organic ice cream, they even have a few vegan options.
Home Cooking Take & Bake
47 Briceland RoadOwner Jesse is a legend in these parts! He hosts Karaoke at the Brass Rail bar when he isn't slanging pizzas. Their take and bakes are the best! Try the veggie supreme add pepperoni with white and red sauce you will thank me. They also recently opened up Sequoia Sweets with organic ice cream, they even have a few vegan options.
The dinner specials are always good here but I usually go for a salad and pizza. Try something new and go with the Tara pizza, named after the owner.
A tip for eating lunch here-->
There is a back patio here that is quite pleasant and not everyone knows it's there so sometimes it is like a private venue. When the weather's nice it's the perfect place to enjoy your pizza and beer.
10 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Lost Frenchman
3344 Redwood Dr
The dinner specials are always good here but I usually go for a salad and pizza. Try something new and go with the Tara pizza, named after the owner.
A tip for eating lunch here-->
There is a back patio here that is quite pleasant and not everyone knows it's there so sometimes it is like a private venue. When the weather's nice it's the perfect place to enjoy your pizza and beer.
This is a great date night spot. The most formal restaurant setting in Southern Humboldt. If you plan to eat in the dining room note that men are not allowed to wear hats. The bar is a great place to chat up locals and tourists alike, staff is very friendly.
9 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Benbow Historic Inn
445 Lake Benbow DrThis is a great date night spot. The most formal restaurant setting in Southern Humboldt. If you plan to eat in the dining room note that men are not allowed to wear hats. The bar is a great place to chat up locals and tourists alike, staff is very friendly.
This place has been around forever, tbh it has gone downhill but is perfect for a hungover burger & fries. There are a few arcade games, ice cream and chicken strips if you have kids. The healthiest option here is the cobb salad, add chicken and avocado and ask for the italian dressing and BBQ sauce - mix for dressing. Also, I order the kids burger instead of the regular burgers, it's smaller but plenty of food if you're not starving.
Great American Hamburger Co
3340 Redwood DrThis place has been around forever, tbh it has gone downhill but is perfect for a hungover burger & fries. There are a few arcade games, ice cream and chicken strips if you have kids. The healthiest option here is the cobb salad, add chicken and avocado and ask for the italian dressing and BBQ sauce - mix for dressing. Also, I order the kids burger instead of the regular burgers, it's smaller but plenty of food if you're not starving.
I love the little town of Miranda. This place has a great vibe and good food. They serve Humboldt Cider on tap ( the cherry is my favorite) and they have local Briceland Vineyard wine. Also they have tater tots, need I say more..?
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Redwood Palace
6735 Avenue of the GiantsI love the little town of Miranda. This place has a great vibe and good food. They serve Humboldt Cider on tap ( the cherry is my favorite) and they have local Briceland Vineyard wine. Also they have tater tots, need I say more..?
Groceries
My favorite health food store!!! I shop here for everything. It's pricey but the quality of produce is far superior to the other stores in the area.
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Chautauqua Natural Foods
783 Locust StMy favorite health food store!!! I shop here for everything. It's pricey but the quality of produce is far superior to the other stores in the area.
Garberville Town Square
Farmers Markets Fridays 11am-3pm May-November
Sightseeing
I love this park for walking the dog, going for a run or bike ride. There are a few brand new downhill mountain biking trails but there is also a flat 2 mile figure 8 loop. There is also a half pipe for skating, a picnic area, outdoor gym equipment and a nine-hole disc golf course. Great amenity for the community and visitors.
Southern Humboldt Community Park
1144 Sprowl Creek RdI love this park for walking the dog, going for a run or bike ride. There are a few brand new downhill mountain biking trails but there is also a flat 2 mile figure 8 loop. There is also a half pipe for skating, a picnic area, outdoor gym equipment and a nine-hole disc golf course. Great amenity for the community and visitors.
This famed road, easily the most scenic drive among the redwoods, has been called the finest forest drive in the world. Lined by titan trees, the 31-mile Avenue parallels Highway 101 and offers an excellent alternate (and slower) route through southern Humboldt County.
60 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Avenue Of The Giants
Avenue of the GiantsThis famed road, easily the most scenic drive among the redwoods, has been called the finest forest drive in the world. Lined by titan trees, the 31-mile Avenue parallels Highway 101 and offers an excellent alternate (and slower) route through southern Humboldt County.
World famous Redwood tree stands 265 ft tall and 24ft wide. Over 1800 years old! Visit this one of a kind natural wonder. The gift shop is one of the best places to shop for locally handmade products, redwood souvenirs, clothing and more.
Grandfather Tree Gift Shop
World famous Redwood tree stands 265 ft tall and 24ft wide. Over 1800 years old! Visit this one of a kind natural wonder. The gift shop is one of the best places to shop for locally handmade products, redwood souvenirs, clothing and more.
This is a beautiful hidden gem. Available to tour by appointment and also a venue space to rent for a special event.
Julia Morgan was an American architect, the first woman to be admitted to the architecture program at l’École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, a graduate of University of California, Berkeley and the first woman architect licensed in California!
The renowned architect, who went on to design Hearst Castle, was commissioned by San Francisco Hotel heiress, Margaret Stewart, in 1926 to build the Redwoods Grove Estate home. The estate was part of a planned 1,290 acre resort community by the Benbow family.
Julia Morgan Redwood Grove
This is a beautiful hidden gem. Available to tour by appointment and also a venue space to rent for a special event.
Julia Morgan was an American architect, the first woman to be admitted to the architecture program at l’École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, a graduate of University of California, Berkeley and the first woman architect licensed in California!
The renowned architect, who went on to design Hearst Castle, was commissioned by San Francisco Hotel heiress, Margaret Stewart, in 1926 to build the Redwoods Grove Estate home. The estate was part of a planned 1,290 acre resort community by the Benbow family.
One of my favorite groves.
Established in 1922, Richardson Grove State Park was one of California’s first redwood parks. It began with 120 acres—only 1/4 the size of Muir Woods National Monument today. With the help of Save the Redwoods League and other generous donors, the park has grown to 1,800 acres.
You can camp, picnic, and hike on nine miles of trails. Don’t miss the gentle “racetrack” path, which passes many unusual redwoods, including a chandelier tree with multiple trunks branching several feet above the ground.
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Richardson Grove State Park
1600 US-101One of my favorite groves.
Established in 1922, Richardson Grove State Park was one of California’s first redwood parks. It began with 120 acres—only 1/4 the size of Muir Woods National Monument today. With the help of Save the Redwoods League and other generous donors, the park has grown to 1,800 acres.
You can camp, picnic, and hike on nine miles of trails. Don’t miss the gentle “racetrack” path, which passes many unusual redwoods, including a chandelier tree with multiple trunks branching several feet above the ground.
Perfect friends/family picnic place! Flat grassy area with barbecues and picnic tables. River access and paved roads for kids to ride bikes on.
Benbow State Recreation Area
Perfect friends/family picnic place! Flat grassy area with barbecues and picnic tables. River access and paved roads for kids to ride bikes on.
This place is chalked full of souvenirs and just an overall fun stop.
The Carlson family has owned the gift shop for 41 years.
Legend of Big Foot
This place is chalked full of souvenirs and just an overall fun stop.
The Carlson family has owned the gift shop for 41 years.
You just can't go wrong in this park. Bull Creek is one of my go to places, I take most visitors to the Giant Tree and it never ceases to amaze and inspire.
Iparke yaseRedwood
You just can't go wrong in this park. Bull Creek is one of my go to places, I take most visitors to the Giant Tree and it never ceases to amaze and inspire.
You can bring your dogs here on leash. It's a beautiful garden. If you hike to the top there is a meditative walking sculpture it's pretty cool.
9 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Humboldt Botanical Garden
7707 Tompkins Hill RdYou can bring your dogs here on leash. It's a beautiful garden. If you hike to the top there is a meditative walking sculpture it's pretty cool.
I love this area, it has huge trees, picnic tables and wonderful trails. It’s a bit of a drive but so worth it!
Bull Creek Trail South Trailhead
I love this area, it has huge trees, picnic tables and wonderful trails. It’s a bit of a drive but so worth it!
This is such a picturesque trail, the only downside is a bit of freeway noise. I always feel like an Ewok is about to pop out when I’m on this trail.
Drury Chaney Trail
30780-30784 Avenue of the GiantsThis is such a picturesque trail, the only downside is a bit of freeway noise. I always feel like an Ewok is about to pop out when I’m on this trail.
A beautiful redwood grove just 9 minutes from the house? Yes, please! This stand is often referred to as Whitmore Grove. It is a relatively small grove of very impressive redwood trees. My best advice is to go slow when approaching the entrance—it's easy to miss. I often visit this grove to cool off, walk the dog, or enjoy a picnic while plein air drawing or painting with family. There are no official trails in this grove, but many paths you can follow for a short exploration. There is a dirt road behind a locked gate; it’s a driveway to the YMCA campground. It isn't the most scenic, but it’s a nice hill.
John B. Dewitt Redwoods State Natural Reserve
A beautiful redwood grove just 9 minutes from the house? Yes, please! This stand is often referred to as Whitmore Grove. It is a relatively small grove of very impressive redwood trees. My best advice is to go slow when approaching the entrance—it's easy to miss. I often visit this grove to cool off, walk the dog, or enjoy a picnic while plein air drawing or painting with family. There are no official trails in this grove, but many paths you can follow for a short exploration. There is a dirt road behind a locked gate; it’s a driveway to the YMCA campground. It isn't the most scenic, but it’s a nice hill.
City/town information
Voted by Condé Nast one of the best beach towns in California, Shelter Cove is a must see. Located on the lost coast, natural beauty should be its middle name. Make sure to check out black sands beach, Gyppo Ale brewery and the tide pools below the lighthouse if the timing is right.
30 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Shelter Cove
Voted by Condé Nast one of the best beach towns in California, Shelter Cove is a must see. Located on the lost coast, natural beauty should be its middle name. Make sure to check out black sands beach, Gyppo Ale brewery and the tide pools below the lighthouse if the timing is right.
For Families
Tooby Memorial Park
Swings, play equipment and river access.
Little known secret for the summer months is that you can "rent a camping space" and get pool access. They also have a 9 hole golf course adjacent!
Benbow KOA
7000 Benbow DrLittle known secret for the summer months is that you can "rent a camping space" and get pool access. They also have a 9 hole golf course adjacent!
The public library is the gateway to explore the world, spark the imagination, launch young minds or simply answer a question. They have story time for kids 12 & under and their families the first 3 Saturdays of the month at 11am. They read books, and might make craft projects, move, or dance. They aim to always have a jolly ok time :)
Humboldt County Library Garberville
The public library is the gateway to explore the world, spark the imagination, launch young minds or simply answer a question. They have story time for kids 12 & under and their families the first 3 Saturdays of the month at 11am. They read books, and might make craft projects, move, or dance. They aim to always have a jolly ok time :)
Wine & Weed
This is a gem of a winery. They offer local wine and do tastings in a gorgeous setting!
Briceland Vineyards Winery
5959 Briceland RdThis is a gem of a winery. They offer local wine and do tastings in a gorgeous setting!
Licensed, Informative, & Cush Humboldt County Cannabis Experiences.
Humboldt Cannabis Tours provides educational, professional, and personal Emerald Triangle cannabis vacation tours. You’ll walk the farms, smell the bud, and understand the industry all in one afternoon. From seasoned smokers to bud beginners, everyone will learn and enjoy. Let them take you behind the redwood curtain.
Book a tour today!
Humboldt Cannabis Tours
Licensed, Informative, & Cush Humboldt County Cannabis Experiences.
Humboldt Cannabis Tours provides educational, professional, and personal Emerald Triangle cannabis vacation tours. You’ll walk the farms, smell the bud, and understand the industry all in one afternoon. From seasoned smokers to bud beginners, everyone will learn and enjoy. Let them take you behind the redwood curtain.
Book a tour today!