In the midst of scorching summer weather across the West, an escape to historic Ferndale on California’s cool redwood coast is a welcome breath of fresh air.
Pleasant temperatures, uncrowded trails, secluded beaches, and a refreshingly relaxed pace are just a few reasons the Victorian Village of Ferndale - recently named one of the San Francisco Chronicle’s top small towns in California to visit this summer — is the best place to beat the heat.
The temperature is always just right
Triple digits? What are those? Ferndale enjoys what’s known as a cool-summer Mediterranean climate, meaning our winters are mild and rainy and summers are cool and mostly dry, save for the occasional layers of light mist.
Summer treats just taste better in Ferndale, from Red Front Store’s famous hot dogs to cones from the Cat Shack.
Here on the Redwood Coast, it’s never too hot to leave the windows open for a refreshing ocean breeze. You’ll stay comfortably cool on a hike through Russ Park or a bike ride around town. The kids and dogs won’t get overheated. And we promise your ice cream will never melt before you can finish the cone.
You’ll escape the crowds
Discover Northern California’s best-kept secret when you visit Ferndale. Unlike popular coastal destinations farther south, there are no crowds or traffic jams in the Victorian Village. With its off-the-beaten-path location five miles from Highway 101 and its surrounding farmland — home to a centuries-old dairy industry — Ferndale isn’t a tourist destination; it’s a real town.
Skip the crowds in the quaint town of Ferndale, a hidden oasis of cool on California’s Redwood Coast.
Settle into small-town life in one of the most beautiful historic hamlets in California, where you can walk from your home or hotel to the local coffee shop, grocery store, general store, pharmacy, blacksmith shop, bookstore and post office. Enjoy a peaceful hike on our quiet trails, drive out to the secluded Lost Coast, and come back to Main Street for a relaxing evening.
The beach is right down the road
Summertime and the beach go together like bonfires and s’mores, both of which you can enjoy at Centerville Beach County Park, a long stretch sandy coastline at the northernmost tip of the legendary Lost Coast and just five miles from Ferndale.
Find peace and quiet at secluded Centerville Beach, the northernmost tip of the Lost Coast just 5 miles from Ferndale.
Flanked by farmland, sandy bluffs and the Lost Coast Headlands to the south (check out the hiking trails at Fleener Creek and Guthrie Creek trailheads) and dunes and the mouth of the Eel River to the north, Centerville Beach is a paradise for picnics, beachcombing and wildlife watching
Like most beaches here on the Redwood Coast, Centerville is rarely crowded, making it an ideal setting for family fun – from kite flying and sand castle building to off-leash dog romping and epic sunset viewing.
It’s the perfect launching point for your redwoods vacation
Ferndale is conveniently located in the center of Humboldt County and the Redwoods’ biggest attractions, from Redwoods State and National Parks to the North Coast cities of Eureka and Arcata. Rather than hopping from place to place, settle into life in our charming coastal village for an old-fashioned summer vacation.
The Gingerbread Mansion Inn, one of Ferndale’s landmark historic lodging places near the redwoods.
From Ferndale, drive out the rugged Wildcat, the only road that runs right alongside the Lost Coast before turning inland at the tiny town of Petrolia. Just an hour south on Highway 101, stand next to the world’s tallest trees. You can even drive through a tree at the Shrine Drive-Thru Tree in Myers Flat.
To the north, watch for migratory whales at Patrick’s Point State Park, go kayaking in Trinidad Cove, or discover the breathtaking other-worldliness of Fern Canyon, a fern-shrouded gorge featured in “Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World.” Just a short drive away in Eureka, explore Humboldt Bay by boat cruise and immerse yourself in a redwood forest canopy at the Redwood Sky Walk.
Fern Canyon, one of Humboldt County’s most popular hikes, is located north of Ferndale in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Then, after a day full of activity, return home to the welcoming atmosphere of Ferndale. Get to know the shops, restaurants and people as you discover one of California’s most scenic but least traveled regions at your leisure.
Plan Your Getaway
Ready for your best Northern California road trip? Ferndale is about three hours from Redding, five hours north of San Francisco and Sacramento, and eight hours from Portland, with scenery along the way including vineyards, farmland, mountains and old-growth redwood forests. Prefer to fly? Flights are available from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver and Phoenix to the California Redwood Coast - Humboldt County Airport.
Next time you’re looking to cool off, head to the coast to discover what locals already know: Ferndale is not just an escape from the heat, but from the ordinary.