Arcata is home to Humboldt State College (HSU). A walk down the street from Cats' Cradle will find you at Redwood Park and the 600-acre Arcata Community Forest. On Saturdays from May to November you can enjoy the Farmer's Market on the Arcata Plaza. The Plaza is surrounded by intriguing shops and eateries and is the site of many activities including the famous Memorial Day Kinetic Sculpture Race.

Arcata is known for its wildlife preserve, wastewater recycling birders paradise, the Arcata Marsh.

Coffee shops and HSU's Center Arts program provide varied live entertainment.

For more information on Arcata visit the Arcata Chamber of Commerce or Humboldt County Convention and Visitor's Bureau.