“It’s Mild Climate Keeps It Green and Beautiful.”
A Sense of Local History…
The Wiyot and Yurok people lived in this area prior to European settlement, and both native groups still have a role locally. Present day McKinleyville is a community made up of a combination of former tiny settlements. Pioneer, Joe Dow, settled in the area in the 1860s and that area was known as Dow’s Prairie. Slightly south was a small community called Minor (also known as Minorville), settled in the late-1800s. Just south of Minor was Calville, which was settled by the employees of the California Barrel Company. After President William McKinley was assassinated in 1901 the community of Minor changed its name in his honor. All three areas are collectively considered to be what is now known as McKinleyville – now a bedroom community with mainly retail and professional businesses to serve its residents.
A Sense of Quiet Beauty…
Situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean with a backdrop of tree covered mountains, this city of 15,000 is surrounded by beauty and has a relaxed atmosphere. McKinleyville is definitely a unique spot. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, looking for a quiet getaway, taking the family on a tour of Northern California or looking to for a new home, there is something here (or nearby) for everyone.
Outdoor Adventure Awaits…
Walk, run or ride your bike on the scenic and beautiful Hammond Trail, which runs parallel to the coast from one end of McKinleyville to the other. Play on the sandy beaches and spend the day kayaking, surfing, fishing or looking for treasures. In the area many birds spend their day hoping to get noticed from avid bird watchers. Hiking and Camping in the surrounding State Parks and forests bring outdoor enthusiasts year around. Horseback riding, and white water rafting trip also available to take in all the sites.
Pony Express Days…
Pony Express Days is a town celebration that was established in the 70’s and is always held the first weekend in June. It is a 4 day community event where you can enjoy a Clam Chowder Cook-off, Fireman’s Muster (Fireman Games), Car Show, Pony Express Dance, Saturday Parade down Central which rolls right into our big Pony Express Family Fun Festival in Pierson Park. There is something for all ages!
Dining and Accommodations…
There are several nice restaurants, cafes, and bistros, and many (just as varied) choices of places to stay in McKinleyville. Take a look at our recommendations.
Coupons
Lodging
- McKinleyville Holiday Inn ExpressHoliday Inn Express
1-888-465-4329
3107 Concorde Drive
Mckinleyville, CA 95519
http://www.hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/mckinleyville/mkvca/hoteldetail?A hotel with modern conveniences, just minutes from the misty ancient redwood groves and the rugged Pacific coastline. A midsize, 100% non-smoking facility featuring mission-style architecture and a country setting reflecting the natural beauty of the Northern California Coast. Hotel guests enjoy numerous free amenities, like a hot breakfast each morning, 2 floors, 84 rooms, elevator, heated indoor swimming pool, fitness center, free Internet access, free parking. NOTE: Not pet-friendly – no pets allowed.
- Klamath Motel TreesMotel Trees
707-482-3152
15495 US Hwy 101 N.
Klamath, CA 95548
https://www.treesofmystery.net/motel-trees.phpDirectly across Highway 101 from the Trees of Mystery. This motel is AAA rated and very cozy in each theme room. Clean and comfortable and when you look out your window you’ll see Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox towering over The Trees of Mystery. A fun place to stay for the young and young at heart of all ages. Close to ocean Beaches (within 1 mile of fishing, beach-combing, picnicking) and The Klamath River (more fishing, boating, rafting, sight-seeing, etc), smack in the middle of the Redwood State and National Parks.
Dining
- McKinleyville The Sweet SpotThe Sweet Spot
707-839-1300
1300 Hiller Road
McKinleyville, CA 95519
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sweet-Spot-Mckinleyville/207268606030122Ice Cream Parlor, including lunch specials, home made soups. Pool Table, Pinball and Arcade Games. Great for kids!
- McKinleyville Sushi SpotSushi Spot
707-839-1222
1552 City Center Rd
Mc Kinleyville, CA 95519
http://www.sushispotarcata.comServing sushi and Japanese food in Arcata and McKinleyville, CA.
- McKinleyville Six Rivers BrewerySix Rivers Brewery
707-839-7580
1300 Central Ave
Mckinleyville, CA 95519
http://www.sixriversbrewery.com/Come enjoy our Award-Winning Brews and delicious food prepared with fresh, local ingredients. With free live music nightly and a full bar, it’s always a party! Six Rivers Brewery is “The Brew with a View.” Not only does Six Rivers Brewery offer great beer & food, it boasts one of the best views on the North Coast. Stop in and see for yourself. Get your fill with our Smoked Out BBQ special featuring smoked brisket, chicken, ribs and pork served up with a loaded baked potato, fresh coleslaw and cornbread. Six Rivers Brewery serves up the hottest wings in town and gourmet pizzas. 1300 Central Ave. McKinleyville, Ca.95519. 707-839-7580.
- McKinleyville Carmela’s Mexican RestaurantCarmela’s Mexican Restaurant, McKinleyville
707-839-2435
1701 Central Ave.
Mckinleyville, CA 95519
http://www.carmelasrestaurants.com/At Carmela’s Mexican Restaurant, they offer real, homemade Mexican cuisine that can’t be found in most Mexican restaurants. Their authentic Mexican food is unique because they offer traditional favorites from different regions in Mexico, which gives them a chance to mix up their menu. Visit their locations in McKinleyville or in Arcata to see their complete menu today. Their restaurant have a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere and a friendly staff that is always happy to help you navigate the menu. They also offer live music on Fridays and great food and drink specials every day of the week.1 701 Central Ave. McKinleyville, Ca.95519. 707-839-2435.
Shopping
- McKinleyville Shopping CenterThe McKinleyville Shopping Center
707-268-1800
City Center Road Central Avenue
McKinleyville, CA 95519
http://www.mckinleyvilleshoppingcenter.com/A variety of retail shops and restaurants. The world’s largest totem pole is still a hallmark of the shopping center and the town. The Food Mart Grocery was the first store to open its doors at the shopping center in 1956, followed soon after by Ron’s Villa Pharmacy and sever others.
Exploring
- Klamath Trees of Mystery
Trees of Mystery, Klamath
707-482-2251
15500 U.S. 101 N
Klamath , CA 95548
http://www.treesofmystery.netLocated 18 miles south of Crescent City on 101 in the heart of the Redwood Empire. Explore Trees of Mystery where you’ll be overwhelmed by the unusual redwoods. Journey into the lives of the first Americans through one of the largest private collections of Native American artifacts. Fly through the forest canopy on Sky Trail!
- McKinleyville Totem PoleSee the Worlds Largest Totem Pole
http://www.beachcalifornia.com/mckinnleyville-totem-pole.htmlWhat’s 160 feet high, and carved from a 500 year old tree weighing 57,000 pounds? It’s the worlds largest totem pole – built out of the largest tree ever hauled across a California highway. The totem pole was carved to commemorate the grand opening of the Mckinleyville Shopping Center. Designed in 1962 by Ernest Pierson of Pierson’s Building Center in Eureka, he and a friend carved the monster tree in the parking lot of the center.It is located in the parking lot to the left and slightly behind Safeway on Central Avenue not far from the Arcata-Eureka Airport (in McKinleyville).
Playing
- McKinleyville Beau Pre Golf ClubBeau Pre Golf Club
707-839-2342
1777 Norton Raod
Mckinleyville, CA 95519
http://www.beaupregolf.com/The Pacific coastline provides a spectacular landscape for this challenging 18 hold championship golf course. Beau Pre Golf Club is located in Northern California’s beautiful Humboldt County. Redwood National Park and Six Rivers National Forest neighbor the towns of McKinleyville, Blue Lake, Ferndale, Fortuna, Eureka, Arcata and Trinidad, which are all a short drive from McKinleyville. The Pacific coastline provides a spectacular landscape for this challenging 18 hole championship golf course.