Things To Do
in McKinleyville
McKinleyville is a small community located in northern California, known for its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and beautiful natural surroundings. The town offers a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, with a strong sense of community among its residents. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails, beaches, and nearby state parks for recreational activities.
McKinleyville also has a quaint downtown area with local shops and restaurants for visitors to explore.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk in the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Enjoy the towering trees and the peaceful ambiance as you take in the fresh air.
Head to the nearby Avenue of the Giants for a scenic drive or bike ride. Stop at various trails to explore more of the stunning redwood landscape.
Wrap up your day with a picnic in a local park as the sun sets. Enjoy the tranquility and perhaps catch a glimpse of the local wildlife.
Begin your day at the Redwood National and State Parks for some excellent birdwatching. Bring your binoculars and enjoy observing various bird species in their natural habitat.
Visit the nearby Trinidad State Beach for further birdwatching from the dunes. The ocean views add a beautiful backdrop to your adventure.
Relax at a local cafe with a view of the ocean. Reflect on your day's discoveries while enjoying some delicious local cuisine.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural surroundings with access to beaches and redwood forests.
- Community-oriented atmosphere with local events and activities.
- Close proximity to Arcata and Eureka, providing access to larger city amenities.
- Mild climate with a coastal influence, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.
- Relatively low crime rates compared to other areas in California.
- Limited job opportunities, leading to potential challenges for employment.
- Higher cost of living compared to the national average.
- Public transportation options are limited, requiring a car for most travel.
- Increased risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes and wildfires.
- Seasonal tourism can lead to congestion and crowded public spaces.
Best Activities in McKinleyville
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning hiking trails in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing some of the tallest trees on Earth and diverse wildlife.
Enjoy leisurely walks along the sandy shores, searching for unique shells and observing tide pools filled with marine life.
Take a guided kayaking tour or rent a kayak to paddle through the serene waters of Humboldt Bay, where you can see wildlife and beautiful scenery.
Ride along this scenic multi-use trail that offers views of the coastline and access to the beach, perfect for cycling enthusiasts.
Try your luck fishing in the Mad River, known for its salmon and steelhead populations, with beautiful surroundings for a relaxing day.
Visit this unique wetland area for excellent birdwatching opportunities, with various species inhabiting the marshes and estuaries.
Enjoy a family picnic at this local park, which features playgrounds, sports fields, and scenic spots for relaxation.
Tours
Uncover the best of McKinleyville with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in McKinleyville
Visit one of these nice places.
Scenic coastal views and various photo opportunities including sea stacks, forests, and marine life
Offers stunning views of coastal lagoons, beach scenery, and diverse bird species for photo opportunities
Panoramic views of the coastline, ocean, and Trinidad harbor offering excellent photo opportunities
Food in McKinleyville
McKinleyville Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly caught salmon prepared with local herbs and spices, reflecting the region's coastal culinary heritage. This delicacy can be savored at the Larrupin Cafe.
Must-Try!
A juicy burger made from grass-fed beef, a specialty of the area due to the lush pastures. One of the best places to try this is Six Rivers Brewery, known for its artisanal approach to brewing and cooking.
Succulent oysters sourced directly from the nearby coast, often served fresh or cooked to perfection. Look for them at the Sea Grill, a popular spot known for its seafood offerings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
An ideal place to savor the region's bounty, offering fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses, homemade baked goods, and more. Open on weekends, this market provides an authentic taste of the area's agricultural richness.
Explore a variety of food trucks offering diverse cuisines including Mexican, Asian fusion, and classic American fare. This is a great option for sampling a range of flavors in a casual setting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Understanding and respecting the local customs and traditions is crucial. McKinleyville is a small community with a mix of cultural influences, so taking the time to learn about local practices can help foster goodwill.
Engaging in polite and considerate communication is important. In McKinleyville, residents appreciate friendly greetings and maintaining a respectful tone, especially in community gatherings or public spaces.
Showing support for local businesses and initiatives reflects respect for the community. Engaging with local artisans, farmers, and shops helps demonstrate appreciation for McKinleyville's unique culture and economy.
Safety
Tipping in McKinleyville
Ensure a smooth experience
In McKinleyville, like many places in the United States, tipping is a customary practice in the service industry. It is generally expected to tip between 15% to 20% in restaurants, bars, and for services such as haircuts or taxi rides. Some establishments may include a mandatory service charge for larger groups.
Payment methods in McKinleyville include cash, credit, and debit cards, with many local businesses also accepting mobile payment options. Most restaurants and shops provide options for contactless payments, and ATMs are available for cash withdrawals. It is common for establishments to have a mix of payment methods to accommodate various customer preferences.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and whale watching opportunities along the coast.
Warm and sunny weather, ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, beachcombing, and exploring the Redwood National and State Parks.
Beautiful autumn colors as the leaves change, cooler temperatures, and a quieter atmosphere for experiencing the natural beauty of the region.
Cool and rainy weather, an opportunity to witness the migratory birds, and a peaceful time to visit the nearby coastal towns and engage in indoor activities.
McKinleyville at Night
Hiking in McKinleyville
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful park that features towering redwoods and numerous hiking trails, offering a chance to explore some of the tallest trees in the world.
This coastal park offers scenic trails with views of the Pacific Ocean, along with opportunities to see wildlife and explore beaches.
A short but rewarding hike that provides stunning views of the ocean and the town of Trinidad, perfect for a quick outdoor excursion.
A less traveled trail that winds through lush forest to a beautiful creek, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.
A serene trail that takes you through diverse ecosystems and offers a peaceful hiking experience among the lush greenery.
Aiports
How to reach McKinleyville by plane.
Located approximately 10 miles south of McKinleyville, this airport serves domestic flights primarily to and from San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Approximately 200 miles east of McKinleyville, this is the main airport serving the Reno area, offering international and domestic flights.
Located around 270 miles south of McKinleyville, SMF provides a wide range of domestic and international flights.
About 280 miles south of McKinleyville, SFO is a major international airport offering flights to numerous global destinations.
Approximately 290 miles south of McKinleyville, OAK serves many domestic and international flights, mainly serving the San Francisco Bay Area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Caucasian population in McKinleyville.
Significant Hispanic or Latino presence in McKinleyville.
Smaller percentage of African American residents.
Includes various Asian ethnicities, though at a lower percentage.
Includes local Native American communities.
Represents a small percentage of residents from various other ethnic backgrounds.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is a popular sport in McKinleyville, especially among youth, with various leagues and teams operating in the area.
Baseball has a strong following in McKinleyville, with local teams and community support for youth leagues and high school teams.
Basketball is widely played in McKinleyville, with schools and local community centers offering programs and leagues.
Softball is enjoyed in McKinleyville, with recreational leagues available for adults and youth players alike.
Track and field events are popular at the high school level, with students participating in various competitions throughout the season.
American football has a strong community presence in McKinleyville, with local teams competing at different levels.
Volleyball is played recreationally and competitively in McKinleyville, with community programs and school teams.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting McKinleyville.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in McKinleyville offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, often highlighting the region's fresh produce. Larrupin Cafe, for example, has a variety of plant-based options.
Several establishments in McKinleyville cater to gluten-free diets, providing a range of choices from gluten-free pizzas at Six Rivers Brewery to seafood options at Sea Grill.