The Pacific Ocean in Humboldt County provides a wide array of recreational activities including fishing, surfing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. Some of the best beaches and access points are just to the west of Fortuna…

Centerville Beach • Website

From Fortuna: approx. 15 miles west via Ferndale is a popular swimming spot if you can handle the 50 degree water. Take a short hike to the south where Centerville Beach is flanked by spectacular cliffs of gray sandstone, molded by the ocean into strange formations that are soft and pliable as clay in spots.

Cannibal Beach & Hookton Beach • Website

From Fortuna: approx. 20 miles northwest via Loleta • Two popular beaches in Loleta, a short drive northwest of Fortuna, are Cannibal and Hookton Beaches. Cannibal Beach is a good launching spot for kayakers where the Eel River forms an estuary and the water is mellow and flat. A popular fishing spot is the public pier on the South Jetty at the end of Hookton Beach. The jetty is a good spot to catch kelp bass, snapper, ling cod and perch.

Humboldt Bay • Website

From Fortuna: approx. 20 miles north via Eureka • Sailing and windsurfing are popular sports in Humboldt Bay. 20 miles north of Fortuna, take Highway 255 at R Street in downtown Eureka to the Woodley Island Marina. Sailboats and other small craft also use the various boat ramps and launches available around the Bay. Further out Highway 255, the North Jetty and other ocean-side beaches are excellent surfing spots.

Little River State Beach • Website

Clam Beach (and County Park)
From Fortuna: approx. 34 miles north off U.S. 101 • These two beaches run into each other and parallel U.S. 101 for many miles — together they make one great open beach ideal for off-road vehicle fun, horse riding, long walks, clam digging and to let your dog run wild.

Moonstone Beach • Website

From Fortuna: approx. 40 miles north off U.S. 101 • Northern Humboldt features many small, secluded beaches and this small cove just south of Trinidad is a favorite with the locals. Large rocks and cliffs create an atmosphere of intimacy and seclusion — a great spot for picnicking and swimming.

Agate Beach, at Patrick's Point State Park • Website

From Fortuna: approx. 45 miles north off U.S. 101 • Another popular surfing spot is Patrick's Point, just north of Trinidad. This 640 acre state park has a dramatic shoreline ranging from broad, sandy beaches to sheer, rocky cliffs. In addition to its excellent surfing, there are great opportunities to explore tide pools, search for agates and watch the whales, sea lions and brilliant sunsets.