Virtual Guidebook to the Northern California Coast and Coast Ranges
Old Town Eureka
Eureka California

Eureka is second only to San Francisco in its heritage of Victorian buildings, ranging from substantial brick commercial properties to fanciful gingerbread mansions and picturesque cottages. Many of these are clustered between the modern downtown (along Highway 101) and the bayshore, an area known as Old Town.

It is hard to believe today, but in the 1960's this cultural treasure was almost razed to make way for a freeway. I can remember when it was dilapidated and peopled by winos, hookers, and muggers, dangerous at night, like a bit of San Francisco's Tenderloin dropped down here on the north coast. Redevelopment began in the 1970's and by the 90's it had become the best known and most attractive part of the city.