Ferndale is just a bit off the beaten path in Northern California’s Humboldt County. But this small town serves up big-time hospitality. Here are the top things to do in Ferndale California.
Ferndale, CA, is called ‘Cream City.’ The nickname makes sense when surrounded by pastureland and dairies to the horizon and foothills. Ferndale is slightly off the beaten path in Northern California’s Humboldt County. The small town of 1372—no stoplights—is a model for ‘hang in and hang on.’ Since its founding in 1852, the tenacious community has survived earthquakes (from three converging fault lines), floods, fire, and de-population. It offers a great, slow-paced escape. Here are my favorite things to do in Ferndale, California.
Ferndale park. Photo by Mary Charlebois
Understanding Ferndale
Dairies began to dot the landscape around Ferndale in the 1860s. Dairy owners amassed great fortunes. Many spent their riches on grand Victorian houses known locally as ‘Butterfat Palaces.’ Today, Ferndale has one of California’s best-maintained collections of Victorian architecture.
Ferndale Mural. Photo Courtesy of Kevin Scanlon
Welcoming and friendly, locals go out of their way to say hello and tell you about the town, its history, and the outstanding Victorians that line Main Street and populate neighborhoods. Stop in front of one of these magnificent beauties. The owner will likely chat over the fence, detailing its history, style, and past owners.
The setting is spectacular and surrounded by redwood forest to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Nature lovers call it Nirvana. Part of California’s ‘Lost Coast,’ the scenic coastline is the most extensive stretch of undeveloped California shoreline.
The small town thrives. Local businesses work together to showcase their history, culture, and nature. Guy Fieri, Food Network Star, grew up in Ferndale. Guy has undertaken many endeavors to support the community, which gave him his start in the food world.
A trip to Ferndale is slow-paced. So, take time to smell the roses and return the friendly greetings you’ll receive from the townsfolk everywhere you go.
Bivouac with the Grandest Dame in Town
The most distinctive building in Ferndale is the Victorian Inn, built in 1890 by Banker Ira C. Russ. The Inn is entirely made of Redwood. Remarkably, the ground-floor walls are 16″ thick, and the second-floor walls are 12″ wide.
Victorian Inn – The Queen of Ferndale. Photo Courtesy of Flicker
As you approach the end of Main Street, the pink and teal hotel dominates the landscape. Bay windows and intricate woodwork in white set off the rust-colored shingles that frame the roof.
The ground floor includes the lobby, a jewelry shop, the VI Restaurant, and the VI bar. Plan a dinner at VI, where you can enjoy fresh fish, ribs, steaks, and chops served with local vegetables and fruit.
The wine list includes local and international vintages. The beautiful and comfy bar is ideal for a nightcap and meeting friendly locals.
The rooms are spacious and beautifully furnished upstairs in a sophisticated mix of Victorian and modern. Bay windows overlooking Main Street are perfect for an afternoon with a glass of wine and a good book. I can’t say enough about the luxurious linens. The bed was so inviting that I didn’t want to leave my slumber cloud.
The staff at Victorian Inn can help you plan your day and provide directions. They are eager to see that you have all you need. Don’t miss this unique lodging; it’s an unforgettable experience.
Take a Victorian Walk
Ferndale is a bit like a living Victorian Architecture Museum. Most folks think of the gingerbread-painted ladies like the Chapman’s Bookery pictured below. See the Bookery and many others while walking around the Victorian Village of Ferndale. You can’t miss them—they are everywhere.
Try the Main Street Walking Tour. The five-block walk is best enjoyed walking down one side of Main, making the return stroll up the other side of the street.
Find the Main Street walking and Ferndale driving tours in The Ferndale Enterprise, Souvenir Edition. You don’t need a guide. Just wander up and down the streets of Ferndale. Don’t worry, you won’t get lost, it’s a tiny town.
Chapman’s Bookery – Victorian store and lodging in Ferndale. Photo by Mary Charlebois
Explore the Ferndale Museum
I love the Ferndale Museum. It proudly curates the history of the agricultural community. Dairy and timber were the region’s first industries. Displays of early milking equipment intermingle with a massive slice of redwood. The tree’s rings are studded with flags indicating significant events through the ages and where they happened in the tree’s life.
Ferndale Museum Cream City exhibit. Photo by Mary Charlebois
Ferndale Historic Cemetery
The Ferndale Historic Cemetery is beautiful. It’s also a garden with native plants and trees that have adorned the final resting places of Ferndale families for more than 100 years. Strolling through the park-like setting, you’ll see the names of founding elders and pioneers throughout the ages.
PRO TIP: This is one of the best ‘Ferndale vista’ photo-ops in town.
Ferndale Historic Cemetery. Photo by Mary Charlebois
Explore Golden Gait Mercantile
The Golden Gait Mercantile is the general store of yesteryear. If they don’t have it, you may not need it. Plan a couple of hours here. You’ll be transported to your childhood in the toy and candy departments. There are exhibits of merchandise from long ago. The home-canned goods are lovely, but please wait until you’re outside to open those pickles.
Golden Gait Mercantile toy department. Photo by Mary Charlebois
Ring’s Rexall, the Oldest Drugstore in California
Ring’s Rexall is California’s oldest continuously operating pharmacy. It is a feast for the eye when you enter. You can fill a prescription, buy a postcard, or take home one of the colorful cookie jars. Stop in if only to gaze at the varied assortment of merchandise.
Ring’s Rexall – Ferndale CA. Photo by Mary Charlebois
Russ Park
Called ‘Ferndale’s Nature Preserve,’ Russ Park is a 105-acre park home to flora and fauna native to this part of Northern California. Numerous hiking and biking trails offer an outing for folks of all abilities. You’ll find a map detailing trail length and altitude gain at the trailhead.
Russ Park is serene, except for the bird song echoing through the forest. Be prepared for insects in the summer; these woodlands are their home. This might be an ideal space for some forest bathing.
Russ Park hiker in summer – Ferndale CA. Photo by Mary Charlebois
Firemen’s Park
Firemen’s Park has team sport playing fields, Bocce Ball, playgrounds, and a community center. Come to watch a game on the soccer field, attend a community event, or try bocce for yourself. If you don’t have the gear, walk back to J&W Liquors and rent a Bocce set—it costs $5 for the entire day.
Firemen’s Park – Ferndale CA. Photo by Mary Charlebois
Explore the Ferndale Barn Quilt Trail
Follow the Barn Quilt Trail by auto or cycle. Your expedition will take you into the countryside, where you can see farmers in action. Along the way, you may see cows, calves, sheep, and a llama or two. The barn owner chose each quilt block. Some honor community founders, and others pay homage to the land. Each is hand-painted and curated by the Redwood Empire’s Quilters Guild.
In The Ferndale Enterprise, Souvenir Edition, you can find the trail map and story behind the colorful patterns that adorn the peaks of many barns in the area.
Quilt Barn Trail – Ferndale CA. Photo by Mary Charlebois
Mattole Road to the Lost Coast
Mattole Road doesn’t require a 4WD, but it isn’t for the easily excited. It isn’t that far to the Lost Coast, about 28 miles, but the road is one on which you take your time, stop, and smell the lupines.
Mattole Road to Lost Coast. Photo by Mary Charlebois
Heading out of Ferndale in a generally southwest direction, you’ll climb the rugged coastal mountains, traversing switchbacks, blind corners, and places where the road has crumbled and collapsed. Next, you’ll drop into a deep green valley. If you’re lucky and it’s June, sweet-scented purple lupines cover the hillsides. Their fragrance is intoxicating.
In the valleys, dairy cows graze. After a morning’s work, saddle horses gather in the shade of oak trees. Creeks and rivers wind their way to the Pacific over gravel and pebbles.
Although the road is dicey in places—potholes, no pavement, one lane—it is worth every unnerving twist and turn when, from a high peak, you see to the sea along California’s longest stretch of undeveloped beach.
Go to Fernbridge Bridge
I love bridges, but Fernbridge Bridge spooks me a little. Built in 1911, it’s a bit narrow for today’s autos. Nonetheless, Fernbridge is a beauty. The Queen of Bridges, as she’s called, is the gateway to Ferndale.
On the southeast side of the bridge, take a dirt road turnoff to a parking area. From there, you can walk in the shadow of the longest-poured concrete bridge operating in the world. This is not a swimming or fishing area, so stay on dry land. However, it’s a photographer’s dream.
Fernbridge Bridge over the Eel River in Ferndale CA. Photo by Mary Charlebois
Avenue of the Giants
Drive through Redwood giants for 31 miles. The scenic drive, Avenue of the Giants, is Old Highway 101, which runs parallel to the new Highway 101 Freeway.
Plan a few hours for your self-drive tour. You’ll want to stop and smell the redwoods. Along the drive, you’ll encounter trailheads leading into the forest, where you can forest bathe among the tallest trees on earth.
Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt County, CA. Photo by Mary Charlebois
Stop in one of the tiny towns to pick up picnic supplies for the next picnic spot you encounter on the drive. Investigate a woodcarver’s gallery or a gift shop for a souvenir to take home.
Redwood Sky Walk
As the Redwood Sky Walk website states, “See the forest from the trees.” Walk among giant redwoods 100 feet above the forest floor. Opened in June 2021, this thrilling trail among the trees is not to be missed. Stable wood bridges with tall railings lead from one tree to another. All paths lead to a center redwood. The Sky Walk is wheelchair accessible, although strollers are not allowed.
For the brave at heart, there is a rope bridge. It swings and sways a bit, but I did it and saw some toddlers make the crossing with an adult.
Access to the Sky Walk is via a gently sloping ramp that starts at the forest floor. It’s an easy walk. Redwood Sky Walk is included in your Sequoia Park Zoo admission.
100 feet above the forest floor. Redwood Skywalk at Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka, CA. Photo by Mary Charlebois
Where to Eat in Ferndale
With so many great things to do in Ferndale, you will want food. But no worries, the number of eateries in Ferndale often surprises visitors. Restaurants range from $$$ to $. Have an upscale dinner in a Victorian dining room, or grab a sandwich or hot dog for a quick repast. Here are some of my favorites:
- VI Restaurant is the splendid dining room for the Victorian Inn. Local fish and beef are served with local veg and fruit. The wine list includes domestic and international.
- Fat Annie’s Bakery & Bistro serves up amazing fried chicken. Make a reservation for an early table; they run out of the chicken. Wine and beer round out the menu of local favorites.
Fried chicken, potatoes & gravy, greens, and slaw. Fat Annie’s Photo by Mary Charlebois
- Tuya’s Authentic Mexican serves traditional Mexican favorites with a ‘California Cuisine’ touch. Wine and beer complete your lunch or dinner.
- Red Front Store specializes in hot dogs. You can’t leave Ferndale without one. They also serve burgers, fries, and shakes. In addition, you’ll find groceries, beer, wine, and picnic supplies.
PRO TIP: The art in Tuya’s makes a good backdrop for an afternoon ‘chill break’ and a cold beer.
Hot Dog from Red Front Store. Photo by Mary Charlebois
- The Ferndale Meat Company is a butcher and sandwich shop. Here, you can find a steak for dinner, sausage for breakfast, a slab of smoked ribs, or a knockout sandwich for your picnic basket.
- Ferndale Pizza Co. serves outstanding pizza, Italian sandwiches, and pasta entrees. Caution: the portions are HUGE. The place is very friendly and very busy for lunch and dinner.
- No Brand Burger offers a variety of burgers. The day I had my burger, there were almost 30 burgers on the menu. Fries and shakes top off the all-American meal.
- Sweetness & Light Chocolates is where to go when you’re ready for dessert. The name says it all. In addition to delectable hand-made on-site chocolates, you’ll find a selection of divinity, licorice, and some old-fashioned candies from yesteryear.
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When You Go To Ferndale, California
A car is helpful when visiting Ferndale. You can walk to almost everything I’ve suggested if you stay in town. But Ferndale itself is a bit off the beaten path. From Hwy 101, take State Hwy 211 directly to Ferndale.
When you get to Ferndale, pick up a copy of The Ferndale Enterprise, Souvenir Edition. It’s free and available from merchants, lodging, and restaurants all over town. If you like to plan, get your digital copy HERE. This tabloid is your guide to things to do in Ferndale, California. I’ve personally voted Ferndale ‘The Friendliest Town in Redwood Country.’ The easy-going locals make a habit of welcoming people to their enchanting Victorian Village.
To learn even more about Ferndale, check out Visit Ferndale. You can discover more about Humboldt County HERE. We have plenty more great ideas on Wander about what to see and do when you visit California.
Love your photos of the Ferndale area. I must get out there and try that Skywalk! Lunch at Fat Annie’s looks like a good choice while in the area.