Arcata, California

This is the best place to go if you’re a hippie.. well, besides the Haight-Ashbury. It’s located in Humboldt County, which is pretty well-known for it’s marijuana growing. The community is great, there are always festivals going on about the earth, such as the Mushroom Fair, the Hemp Festival, North Country Fair, everything you can imagine. I love it here! The people are so supportive of you.. they’ve even made a law which states that women can indeed go topless around the plaza in the centre of town. ; )

Arcata is a totally unreal place to check out and LIVE too! The rents are cheap and it seems everyone is way laid back, with Humboldt next door and being amongst the greatest redwoods in the world, how can you go wrong!

0 thoughts on “Arcata, California

  1. Hi, folks, while I was in Humboldt county, I met many bum people, homeless, tweekers from Pelican bay or San quintin with parole status, or peace livin bum people in Arcata. People, look at the endovor(Arcata house) staff, county mental health staff, HSU studnets/staff, or some “I” street manager, HRC, and the “Cross Road” people, and the Detox folks(little bit exteded to Eureka) as well as former Hell house residence in Arcata. We were/are pretty much fucked up bums in Arcata (and Eureka more exact). However, most former tweekers decided work and live in Eureka though, I never ever forget I was in Arcata since 1989 to 2000.
    love

  2. HOWDY!! everybody
    I just moved into my HSU dorm yesterday. I am really bored, any down to earth, laid back stoners hit me up I am dying for some fun…….For anybody wondering…Arcata is a most beautiful place inside and out. Everybody is real chill! ~~Andrea B

  3. yo.. I don’know how else to get a message out the rest of the kidz out in Humbolt …earlier this year Devin Crobear moved out to arcata from Colorado..this kid goes by lots of namez but my girl heard hes cookin at some organic cafe out there. If anyone can let him know theres alot of peeps looking for him and he needs to WIZE UP! and be a man and come take care of his baby girl who needs him.- apologez to the family for this but we dont know how else to find him.

  4. I just moved to Rio dell, and Im going to HSU, this year 2005, Rio dell very boring also, I love the nature down by the river, One Problem is the Longer Bus hours for all of the south bound Fortuna ,rio dell both get bus till 6:35, I wish I could out and smell the lovely some thing to do, man gas here is 3 dollors so the car need to stay at home, can eny body give me some Ideas, I love Rio dell I decided im not leaving for nobody ok, because this town is the best, and Im not letting Humboldt Transit make me leave because it not that bad, just a few longer bus hours extensions well makes us have the longer we need, Burn some Natral Anise it smells so good it smells like Lickorish,peace and be on earth ok

  5. hey all you lovely people. I ramdomly came across this webpage while researching “transients” in the Arcata community, and humboldt in general. I’m doing a research project, and potential problem solving plan creation…in regards to the increasing and consistant transient (and by this I mean people who are moving through the humboldt area, i.e. the people who you see around the plaza and at the transit center, NOT homeless families. i realize there is a difference between the two:). I read a few comments on this page and it seemed like there are many perspectives on this issue. I wanted to put this comment out to all you people and see if any of you would be willing to email me your opinions on the issue. It can remain anonomous and I won’t judge…I just want to see all sides. my email address is lgpooch@hotmail.com.
    if anyone is interested, please email me your perspective on this issue.
    thank so much!

  6. Ohh my god, while ago, the city manager tried to change a name to “Del Rio” in order to wipe out negative image and its nature.

    How’s is the Wildwood Fesitival? Compare with Arcata’s Hemp Fesitival, Oyster, Farmer’s Market. Ohh, well the wildwood fes is like McKinlyvill’s pony express day right? How the streets improvement? When I was there pot holes everywhere. Yes, I used to live in Rio Del(Tolman Place) for 8 month. I think most people still working at PALCO and Eel River Saw Mill right? Say hi to “Mel”(?) used to dopy biker turned to the HART program’s DUI instructor.

    Peace and love from Alexandria Virginia.

  7. I have lived in Arcata for 3 yrs and I really like it here. I am a shy girl though and it’s kinda hard for me to meet people. The thing that I don’t like about Humboldt is there is no punk scene at all. I don’t like jam bands or reggae so sometimes I feel so out of place. Of course it is so beautiful though. I mean the ocean and the redwoods! What more could you ask for! I am a bi girl and I’m glad that people are so cool about that stuff here! There is such a diversity of people here, and I like that. I really like the 50s pin up look and it seems there are a lot of those chicks here. Where is the punk though? If anyone knows of some cool punk shows you can Email me at vishiskitten@yahoo.com. It would be cool if a cute girl Emailed me! I just need a good punk show!

  8. some chick I was talkin to got all bent about me usin her Email address lol I dunno why I did it hahaha. I wish I could delete a comment here I feel bad.

  9. arcata is the shit I love it here so much I would never want to live anywhere else I have lived in cities like NY and SF and I swear this place is the best

  10. Humboldt is pretty cool if you can past all the college kid yuppies. There r so many its insane. But, I do love being near the ocean. It’s definately better then most places I have lived before. It’s chic yet hippy I like that. Do I sound like a poser I dont care. Before I moved here I thought it was gonna be totally different then what it is. Like the people would be so nice but I find out that people are cliqish as hell and sometimes downright snobby. The festivals like the 420 fest every year is pretty fun. I really like going to things like that. The economy here in Humboldt is pretty bad though. Itds hard to find s legitamit job and housing is expensive as hell. But I guess everything is expensive in California and it’s only going to get worse. The thing I like the most about here is how people arent afraid to stand up for what they want. Like voting to keep corperate places out and fighting for pot laws and stuff like that. I have yet to go to any colleges here yet but I think I will start that in the spring. HSU seems cool but I might just go to CR. I don’t know yet. All I know is that I want to study history that seems so interesting to me. Humboldt County is like the well kept secret of California. Hopefully in a few yrs this place will not be starting to look like San Francisco. It sucks that its right on The San Andreas Fault. A big Tsunami would really total the place. Hopefully a big earthqukae will not happen for a long time. If I were to comment on somone moving here, I would have to say research it first to find out what you really want in a place. I mean do you like hippies cuz there are tons here. Do you want to go to college because there is that here 2. The redwoods are amazing and the ocean too!

  11. I dont know just writing random stuff that supposed to make sense I need a beer I like family guy. Um Humboldt rocks I live in Georgia. sweet home alabama is my favorite song. I am in need of serious help wish I could move to Humboldt. I havent had a girlfriend in like 10 yrs. I need a girl right after my beer. I need to go to college and stop living with my mom. I mean I’m 28 for gods sake! what a loser! anyway life is tto short to be cooped up in this godawful town. I need to get away for a long time. I just got a dog and he rocks named him Bubba lol.

  12. september 19th. 2005, Fortuna Rio dell scotia Bus Problems,

    Hippie Redwood transit
    Bus Problems for late route, If you ride the Redwood Transit, and you live In Fortuna ,or Rio dell Scotia ,then theres been problems with late bus, I have been asking for a late bus for the south route and they wont do it, Redwood transit leave Eureka mall around 6:32pm and thats the last route going south to Fortuna and Rio dell , sucks beacuse I want to do more over in Eureka and I wont be able to have all the options, because the last bus is 6:32 pm so I have to go home, Its Unfair,So to all of you guys out there Please keep asking and soon it will happen

  13. Hi guys

    I agree Reguarding Redwood Transit.
    They do need late bus Fortuna and Rio dell.
    yes I have had trouble with the whole thing.
    I have asked and they say no and there isent enuff riders.
    Fortuna is the 4th biggest city in Humboldt county and bus is 6:32 for the last one.
    Rio dell is the 5th biggest city.
    Yes good topic you guys this is hippie land and traveling is fun
    Freedon of speech and is there a voice to be heard, I love you guys and dont for get to love me for who I am because gas is too much ,Ill use there gas for with a 50 dollor bus pass unlimited rides not bad
    guys Im going to the beach today seeya later

  14. My name is rosie and Im hippeeeee
    Is it ok for me to Travel on Redwood Transit,its dose seem strange enuff,I live in Fortuna, as soon as late bus is available then im ganna stay out very late and have some fun for you Ladybird johnson,dose eny body here know who Ladybird Johnson well I was driving up 2 hours north of trinadad and there was this park called Ladybird johnson state park and o that name was strange I finally found out what ladybird johnson was, President Johnson’s wife Ladybird johnson and she loves birds , I love birds so if its ok for you guys for me to Travel on Redwood Transit then thanks, I go on rides to see the nature ,Redwood transit is like a bus ride into nature.
    Who know when well get Late bus Hours for all the south bound, Rio dell ready ,I agree they are a pritty big pleace,
    dont forget Julia Butterfly she is a real women
    Rosie

  15. Hey guys I’m from Pennsylvania and trying to check out the California scene during my Spring break (march 4-11). Arcata sounds like a cool hippy town with with some nice beachs. Can a couple 21 year olds who know how to party spend a week here and have fun. Any other ideas would be cool so if you got some email me @ swifto23@hotmail.com

  16. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THE AREA OF ARCATA AND EUREKA FOR SEVERAL WEEKS AND I AM REALLY CONSIDERING MOVING OUT THERE. I LIVE IN A TOWN ABOUT THE SIZE OF EUREKA THAT IS ON THE WATER AND VERY FESTIVE AND FULL OF ART AND CULTURE. I LIVE IN ALABAMA AND AM IN A BIRACIAL RELATIONSHIP WHICH IS RATHER DIFFICULT IN THIS PART OF THE USA!!! I AM WHITE AND MY BOYFRIEND IS BLACK. WE ARE A VERY LAID BACK DOWN TO EARTH COUPLE. HOW WOULD IT BE FOR US OUT THERE. WOULD IT BE BETTER TO BE IN A BIGGER CITY? I WAS LOOKING FOR AN AREA SUCH AS THIS CLOSE TO SIZE AND CULTURE BUT LESS DISCRIMINATION AND MORE OPENMINDNESS. I WOULD APPRECIATE OPEN, HONEST, KIND REPONSES..WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER VERY MUCH AND ARE LOOKING TO MAKE SOME CHANGES IN OUR LIFE…APPRECIATE THE FEED BACK…ALABAMA

  17. ARCATA..SO MUCH FOR DIVERSITY? WERE EXACTLY ARE U COMING FROM WITH THAT STATEMENT? IS ARCATA OPEN TO DIFFERENT TYPES? IS EUREKA OPEN TO DIFFERENT TYPES OF PEOPLE…I HAVE READ THE POST ON THIS SITE AND SEE MANY NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE COMMENTS BUT, PREFER TO MAKE MY OWN OPINION ABOUT A PLACE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF PEOPLE IN NORTHERN CA. ARE OPENMINDED? I AM VERY OPEN TO PEOPLE GENDER, RACE, ETHNIC, RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND…THIS IS WHAT MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND. WOULD APPRECIATE COMMENTS IN REGARD TO MY FIRST POST…THANKS

  18. frequent fatal accidents (don’t drive fast here!), bad place to raise a family, not a lively place most people don’t stay here long and shouldn’t.

    Are the people here open minded? Sure. Just don’t do anything out of the ordinary. If you have money try Mckinnelyville, Arcata or the outskirts there but avoid living in Eureka.

  19. frequent fatal accidents (don’t drive fast here!), bad place to raise a family, not a lively place most people don’t stay here long and shouldn’t.

    Are the people here open minded? Sure. Just don’t do anything out of the ordinary. If you have money try Mckinnelyville, Arcata or the outskirts there but avoid living in Eureka.

  20. To all those who want to live here — for how long? A real job? A “seasonal” job? You must ask yourself these questions. Winter weather sucks here — rain and fog. Late summer is the best. For the lady who is asking if black/white couples blend here better than city – no way. Recently took a good friend (black) to Costco in Eureka with his new wife (white ) from England — They almost didn’t let them check out on my card — I can’t believe the racism here —
    Want to hang out on the Arcata plaza — It is true, you can smoke a big fatty on the plaza and the cops seem to turn a blind eye — The three local bars on the plaza on squirming with drunks at night – could be fun — The store owners are fed up with the amount of “homeless” on the plaza. Are you really homeless or just passing by? If you want a real job, could be tough. Some of the highest unemployment around here. Pot industry is going strong — DA is soft on drugs — seems every person I cross is just finishing up their harvest and looking to pay high bucks for clippers — Anything is possible —

    For those of you wh

  21. Ive been thinking lately about returning to the north coast area for a while, im pretty much your basic burned-out-on-regular-life person, living in san diego. i was up there for a few months in 97 stayin in eureka (!). and arcata on the weekends and stuff. but a lot of the posts here have turned me off to the idea, cause i guess things sure have changed. the tweakers were already rampant even then though, and i can imagine what its like now. But this place is magical, even if some of the kids up there are ruining (or have already) the vibe. the shitty thing is that ive decided to change my lifestyle to being more of a “traveler” a lot later in life than most ppl (28) and apparently the town has gotten aggro on the street kids, and rightfully so if what they say is true.

    OK now the bright side– (hopefully) As far as new ppl contributing to the community..what do you suggest? ive seen a lot of posts on here saying contribute or dont come, well throw some ideas out there. It’s a shame that street leeches have ruined your area, and i feel for ya, but it would be an even bigger shame to drive you to the point of total bitterness. My main contribution to society is music, hah yeah laugh it up, me and everyone else, right? well yes and no, I’m no genius in music but i do know how to lay down a groove that wont ever die, happy sounds, and not just BS jammin on the sidewalk (no offense to that though cause some of the best jams come in the most unlikely places). anyone ever play the bar scene or whatever else you got goin up there? i’d like to hear from someone about this. drop me an email and tell me whats dealio. would it be better to bring a band with me or try to get one together there? ( psychadelic jam band –of course, what else?) what do the honest travelin kids do to support themselves? im kinda lazy but always manage to work hard enough to stay afloat. can someone survive bein a street musician in humboldt? when i was there it became obvious like my 1st day there that work was scarce and seasonal, ( i came in january LOL!)managed to score a decent part timer in eureka but it didnt last long cause like lots of other ppl, they didnt need me, it was just a lil mom and pop business.

    Im lookin to go to humboldt this spring, hang out for a while, chill, make my own way, not lookin for a free ride, never will spange unless im absolutely down and out, and just need some words of encouragement, advice and ideas. if things are really going as sour in arcata as some of you say it is, them maybe another head to help turn the tide back to the way it should be would be a good thing

    If anyone has any useful advice for me you can email me at brother_esau77@yahoo.com

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