Thanks to these boards, we've developed an itinerary from Gold Beach, OR to the Wine Country & have changed our minds regarding where to stay on the way. Lots of negative remarks about Eureka--we were planning to spend 2 nights there. Now thinking about Gold Beach to Ferndale, Arcata or Scotia. Any recommendations for lodging in those towns would be greatly appreciated. Then we are considering a night in Mendocino before going on to Calistoga. Have booked in Calistoga at Carlin Country Cottages. Looks very plain, but at least had decent prices. Calistoga is very expensive!

Of the 3 towns (Ferndale, Arcata or Scotia) Ferndale is definitely the most attractive (Victorian "village") - Arcata is O.K. - Scotia is or was a lumber settlement & hardly a place you'd want to stay.
Sorry can't recommend places to stay as we haven't been up that way in several years.
Calistoga is a nice town. Not surprised it's expensive (big on mud baths, etc.).

Ooo0ps! You asked about "Scotia" so I thought you meant the TOWN (or lumber settlement) of Scotia. Just read a later posting & the mention is of "Scotia Inn." Sorry I don't know anything about it.

Ferndale is definately the best of those 3 towns for a tourist. We've stayed there at the famous Gingerbread Mansion B&B......one of the most photographed buildings in California.
Interesting place to stay. Town cute.

Hi Denise,

This is funny - I replied to your Eureka and Calistoga question and this one caught my eye because Arcata is the town I lived in for 4 years!

Arcata is only about a 5-10 minute drive north of Eureka and has just the standard chain motels off of highway 101. Ferndale is about 20 minutes south of Eureka and is a quaint little town - most of the "action" is on the main street. There are some B&Bs there, but sorry to say I don't know anything about them. Living in that area, I never had the need to stay at one. If you were wanting to do things at night, you'd have to drive into Eureka. No action happening in Ferndale. Same with Scotia or Arcata, really. ;-) All small-ish towns.

If you're looking for something more for cozy and romantic, then do give Ferndale a try. It completely left my head when responding to your other question.

A site that might be of help to you is:

http://www.humboldtcounty.com

Lots of links to the different towns in the county. Good luck with your search.

Wondering, what State are these cities in?

Hi Denise
I live near Eureka. If you are a B&B type look into Trinidad just 20 miles north of Eureka, some great places and that strech of coast is as nice as any place in CA. or OR. Ferndale also has some nice B&B but not on the coast, it is however a nice town to stroll in. There are shops and galleries. I understand negative post about Eureka but in the last year things are much improved. The Carter House hotel is not bad the Red Lion Inn is ok too. Suprisingly there are a lot of real good places to eat but not the cookhouse!

PS This area is on the coast of Northern California about 270 north of San Francisco. San Francisco is Central California. Check a map.

Thanks so much everyone. We've just about settled on Ferndale. The Gingerbread Mansion looks so neat, but is a little high ($) for us. Anybody stayed at Victorian Inn? GP, I will look into Trinidad, also. Any thoughts on the itinerary of Gold Beach to Ferndale (1 night), Ferndale to Mendocino (1 night), then 2 nights in Calistoga? We hate moving around like that, but seems to be the only way to see lots of interesting spots.

Hi Denise .

When are you planning on doing this trip? Memorial Weekend is crazy in Ferndale due to a race. Gold Beach to Ferndale is about a 4 hour drive with no stops but you will want to stop more than a few times. Ferndale to Mendo. (It will be cheaper to stay in Ft. Bragg) is maybe a little longer and the road from 101 to the coast is slow. However I think it is a great itinerary for you to hit the highlights of this area. Just make sure you get out of your car and walk in the redwoods.

GP, we will already have been up the coast from Trinity Center, CA to Gold Beach, OR. Then we'll leave Gold Beach and head back down to Ferndale. Then we thought one night in Mendocino. Have made reservations for 3 nights in Calistoga but are probably going to cancel - the place seems a bit shabby. We're resigned to probably having to pay $160+ a night somewhere there.