You don't need me to tell you about the joys that California presents to travelers. We all know the amazing cities here; San Francisco, San Diego and of course, Los Angeles. These three cities alone possess a range of excellent things to do. As such, most travelers flock to either one.

However, did you know that you could be missing out on a Hidden Gem if you only go to these three places? It's true, and that hidden gem is aptly called Eureka!

Where is Eureka?

Eureka is a coastal city that can be found in Northern California. It's a relatively small city by Californian standards, but there's still a lot to enjoy here. Eureka is right next to the gorgeous Humboldt Bay, so expect a lot of sea-related treats while you're there. Interestingly, the city shares the same name as the motto for California. Right, that's the brief history lesson over with, let's figure out what makes Eureka so great!

What can you do?

First of all, you have to spend some time exploring the iconic Old Town here. This alone is one of the main tourist attractions. It's like you've been transported back in time as you see the cobbled streets and old Victorian houses. The area is very well preserved, but there are also some new coffee shops and restaurants to whet your appetite as well.

Photo by Viviana Rishe on Unsplash

Next, you have Sequoia Park Zoo- one of the most impressive zoos in the whole country. You can see hundreds of different animals here, and the best part is that it's educational. You learn about the species and how they're looked after, so it's a fantastic place to spend the day at.

Of course, there are loads more things you can do, but my last suggestion is to explore Humboldt Bay. There's actually a tourist center here that gives you loads of info on the area, so that's handy. Or, get your walking shoes on and explore the bay by foot as you look out onto the gorgeous coast.

Where can you stay?

There's no shortage of accommodation options for people visiting Eureka. However, if you are on the lookout for a hotel in Eureka, then it makes sense to get one in a brilliant location with lots of amenities. You can find one with an indoor pool and fitness center, so you have a few extra things to do during your stay. Naturally, you want a coastal view as well, so search for hotels that are either in or close to Humboldt Bay.

When should you go?

Californian weather can vary a lot throughout the year, particularly in the North. If you want to avoid the rain, then don't go between November and March. The back end of March/beginning of April-May is probably the ideal time to go. Here, the weather gets a bit better, but you don't have the uncomfortable summer heat to contend with.

Photo by Martin Jernberg on Unsplash

I know, it's hard to think about visiting California without going to Los Angeles, San Francisco or San Diego. But, if you want to experience something a little bit different - and free from floods of tourists - then Eureka is a shining gem in the Golden State.