McKinleyville, California travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

McKinleyville is in Humboldt County in California.

2 sights · 1 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about McKinleyville

Azalea State Natural Reserve

Clam Beach County Park

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 100°F; winter lows dip to about 37°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Dec and Jan. (climate data from nearby Redding)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
ACV California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, Arcata/Eureka — 2 mi away. Directions
CEC Jack Mc Namara Field Airport, Crescent City — 58 mi away. Directions
SMF Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento — 205 mi away (major hub). Directions

* Skywest Airlines as United Express (San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver). * Breeze Airways (Begins March 2026) (Burbank, Las Vegas and Provo Municipal Airport) * Alaska Airlines (Begins April 2026) (Seattle-Tacoma) * Click this link for a list of on-airport rental car companies * Redwood Transit System operates local public transportation along US 101 between Scotia, Rio Dell, Fortuna, Fields Landing, King Salmon, Eureka, Arcata, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad in Humboldt County.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Azalea State Natural Reserve
Afternoon Clam Beach County Park
Evening Six Rivers Brewery

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Photos

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Get in

By plane

Go Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV)

This is a regional general aviation and commercial airport located 2 mi north of the city center via Central Ave (BUS 101) or US 101 (main highway). This airport serves McKinleyville, Arcata (8 mi south); Eureka (8 mi south), Crescent City (70.5 mi north in Del Norte County), and other surrounding cities and towns in Humboldt County. The airport is served by:

located on the north side of town

Maps Website