Fit and Fun: Your Guide to Staying Active in Ferndale

Published Jan. 31, 2024 | Updated March 4, 2024

If you’re planning a trip to Ferndale and want to stay active during your visit, you’re in luck! There are plenty of options for exercise and physical activity in the Victorian Village.

For a more traditional workout, InLight Fitness (212 Francis Street) is a friendly local gym that offers drop-in access for just $10 per session. Simply ask your Airbnb host for a key or inquire at Ferndale Liquors (337 Main Street). With a variety of equipment, this gym is a great option for visitors looking to stay on top of their fitness routine.

InLight also hosts drop-in yoga classes multiple times a week! Check the schedule posted at the front door to join a class led by one of Ferndale’s friendly and experienced instructors.

If you prefer outdoor activities, Firemen’s Park is a great option. The park features basketball and bocce courts, perfect for getting some fresh air and exercise with friends or family. The playground at the park (located behind the baseball field) is a great destination for kids—as are the magical Hadley Gardens located at 655 Main Street.

For those who love hiking, Russ Park is an excellent option. Within walking distance of downtown Ferndale, it offers a variety of trails of moderate difficulty, winding through an ethereal and peaceful Sitka spruce forest. Tip: add a few minutes to your excursion with a short hike to the top of Ferndale Cemetery—entrance located next to The Old Steeple, 246 Berding Street—to take in stunning views of Ferndale and the Pacific Ocean beyond.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed way to stay active, consider exploring Centerville Beach. This beautiful beach is perfect for walking, beachcombing, and even letting your dog run around off-leash. With miles of coastline to explore, you can easily spend an afternoon soaking up the sun and getting some exercise.

[We want everyone to stay safe at the beach. Swimming is not advised. Be vigilant about dangerous sneaker waves. Please see this beach safety brochure from the National Weather Service.]

Don’t forget about the simple pleasures of walking, running, and biking around town. Ferndale’s mostly flat terrain makes it a great place to get outside and stretch your legs. Take a stroll down Main Street and soak up the town’s charming architecture and friendly atmosphere. Or, hop on a bike (ask about rentals at Humboldt’s Hometown Store) and pedal your way around town, taking in the sights and sounds of this lovely community.

Finally, consider visiting during one of our exciting local running or cycling events! The next Foggy Bottom Milk Run, with 2- and 4-mile races through Ferndale’s beautiful farmland, is March 10, 2024. The Tour of the Unknown Coast follows on September 21, 2024, with 100-mile and 100-km bike races through stunning Humboldt County, along with a fun six-mile family bike ride through Ferndale.

Ferndale is also a great place to stay if you’re participating or cheering on runners in the Avenue of the Giants marathon, half marathon, or 10k on May 5, 2024—or the Humboldt Redwoods Marathon, half, or 5k on October 13, 2024.

No matter what your fitness level or interests, Ferndale has plenty to offer when it comes to exercise and physical activity. So pack your sneakers, grab a water bottle, and get ready to explore in a whole new way.


Correction: An earlier version of this post misstated InLight Fitness’s address. It is located at 212 Francis Street.