Architecture of the Bay

The neighborhoods surrounding Humboldt Bay boast some of the most varied and storied architecture in Northern California. Our photogenic Victorian mansions tend to get the most attention, but there are also gorgeous California Craftsman and Midcentury homes that have been restored to their historic glory.

Eureka is known as a Victorian Seaport and the shops of Old Town and the former mansions of lumber barons reflect the architecture of the late 1800s. The Carter Mansion and the Pink Lady have been beautifully restored as a Bed and Breakfast and vacation rental, respectively. As you walk the streets of Old Town you’ll see more modest, but still intricate Victorian architecture. If you have the time, Hillsdale St (just beyond Old Town between 12th and 13th St) has some of Eureka's best preserved Victorian homes.

Craftsman bungalows are a quintessential early 20th century house style that is beautiful in its simplicity and seems to fit naturally into our tree-lined, foggy streets. Craftsman homes have exposed rafters, beams and braces. They often use river rock or brick in their exteriors and have intricately designed windowpanes and built-ins. The 2600-2700 blocks of L Street and the 2100- 2200 section of B Street in Eureka are clustered with beautiful Craftsmans.

Following WWII, Arcata and Eureka enjoyed a housing boom that emphasized affordable, modern architecture. Of particular local historical significance are Pierson Homes. They can be found scattered around the Bay and in tract communities like Sunnybrae in Arcata. These ranch-style homes are typically light-filled with redwood paneling and low-pitched roofs. They are a great find when they come up for sale, as they are often as affordable as they are iconic.

Top left: Classic Craftsman in Arcata. Top Right: The Pink Lady victorian in Old Town Eureka Bottom: Midcentury-inspired, Waterfront 2 rental at Oyster Beach

PHOTOS BY DREW HYLAND