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Arcata, California | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros
- noordinarypath
- Jun 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 24
Welcome to Arcata, CA
Tucked into California’s remote Redwood Coast, Arcata is a quirky, progressive town filled with natural beauty and local charm. With Humboldt State University, a thriving farmers market, and proximity to the beach and redwood forests, it’s a dream for nature-loving travel nurses looking for peace, culture, and cooler coastal weather.
💰 Cost of Living
Cost of Living Index: Arcata scores 110, a bit above the national average, but below most of California.🔗 BestPlaces
Average Rent: About $1,200–$1,600/month for a one-bedroom apartment.🔗 Zillow
Utilities: Around $140/month, depending on the season and unit size.
🌤️ Weather by Month
Arcata has a cool coastal climate with frequent fog, mild temperatures year-round, and plenty of greenery.
Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Description |
January | 55°F | 41°F | 🌧 Cool, damp, and misty |
February | 56°F | 42°F | 🌦 Occasional sunshine between storms |
March | 57°F | 43°F | 🌷 Light rain, early spring growth |
April | 58°F | 44°F | 🌼 More sunshine, coastal breezes |
May | 60°F | 47°F | ☀️ Cool and crisp |
June | 63°F | 50°F | 🌫 Foggy mornings, mild afternoons |
July | 65°F | 52°F | 🌤 Sunny spells with cool evenings |
August | 66°F | 52°F | 🌤 Best beach weather of the year |
September | 66°F | 51°F | 🍂 Mild and less foggy |
October | 63°F | 48°F | 🎃 Dry and beautiful |
November | 58°F | 45°F | 🌧 Rain returns, colorful leaves |
December | 55°F | 42°F | ❄️ Coastal chill, wet and green |
🛏️ Furnished Housing Options
🛋 1-Bedroom Options
Downtown Arcata Apartment – Walkable to the plaza, shops, and cafes🔗 Furnished Finder
Private Cottage in the Redwoods – Secluded and serene, short drive to town🔗 Furnished Finder
Airbnb Monthly Rentals – Cozy bungalows, garden studios, and treehouse vibes🔗 Airbnb Search
🛏 2-Bedroom Options
2BR Bungalow with Garden Access – Fully furnished and minutes from the hospital🔗 Furnished Finder
Zillow Rentals – Use filters for 2BR furnished rentals🔗 Zillow Search
🏨 Extended Stay Hotels
Best Western Arcata Inn Clean and convenient with weekly stay options🔗 View Hotel
Comfort Inn Arcata – Humboldt Area Pet-friendly and breakfast included🔗 View Hotel
Hotel Arcata (Historic Downtown Hotel) Classic charm right on the plaza🔗 View Hotel
🚐 RV Parks
🎉 Fun Things to Do in Arcata
Arcata Plaza – Farmers market, live music, local eateries and shops
Humboldt Bay – Kayaking, paddleboarding, and wildlife spotting
Humboldt Redwoods State Park – Home to towering ancient trees
Hammond Trail – Coastal biking and walking path
Wildberries Marketplace – Local grocery store with personality
North Coast Co-op – Natural foods, deli, and Arcata community hub
🧳 Nearby Weekend Trips
Trinidad, CA (~30 min): Coastal hikes, beach access, and tide pools
Redwood National & State Parks (~45 min): Iconic trails and scenic drives
Eureka, CA (~15 min): Historic waterfront, art galleries, and Victorian homes
Ferndale, CA (~40 min): Quaint, artsy town with a charming main street
🧳 Nearby Weekend Trips
Trinidad, CA (~30 min): Coastal hikes, beach access, and tide pools
Redwood National & State Parks (~45 min): Iconic trails and scenic drives
Eureka, CA (~15 min): Historic waterfront, art galleries, and Victorian homes
Ferndale, CA (~40 min): Quaint, artsy town with a charming main street
🕒 Summary
Arcata is the definition of calm coastal living. Lush, liberal, and a bit funky. It’s an ideal match for travel nurses looking for peace, cooler temps, and close-to-nature vibes. You’ll find amazing scenery, welcoming locals, and that off-the-beaten-path magic.
✅ Near Mad River Community Hospital & St. Joseph in Eureka
✅ Outdoor paradise with ocean, redwoods, and trails
✅ Unique, artsy downtown and local food scene
✅ Great housing for solo travelers or travel pairs
Want to trade palm trees for redwoods? Arcata is your kind of California. 🌲🌊🩺
Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.
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