Visitors often tell us Ferndale is their favorite place to slow down and settle in, and we feel the same—especially on a rainy day. 🥰 🌧️

Here are our favorite ways to enjoy Ferndale in the cooler months.

Cozy Accommodations

Ferndale’s lodgings range from historic inns to friendly hotels to vacation rentals run by locals who love to share the Victorian Village with visitors. You’ll find homemade bread, afternoon tea, and full dinners at a variety of stays here.

Fancy doing your own cooking or baking? You’ll find a wealth of local ingredients in Ferndale’s shops, grocery store, and seasonal Saturday farmstands, from dairy to veggies to flowers for the table.

Find our full Ferndale, CA lodging directory here.

Great Coffee

We have it—plus great spots to linger. Bring a book or board game (or borrow one)…catch up on work…browse local artists’ displays…or simply savor the pleasure of a “for here” mug.

Leisurely Shopping

How much time do you have? Ferndale’s visitors come from far and wide for our historic Main Street’s charming and eclectic mix of locally owned shops. Fun fact: One of them, Abraxas Shoes & Leather, was just voted Humboldt County’s best shoe store! Shopping for Christmas, birthdays, and other special occasions in Ferndale is as fun for the giver as for the recipient.

P.S. As the saying goes, “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.” If you find yourself caught by surprise in the rain, shop like a local! Head off the beaten path to Nilsen Co. for a pair of rubber boots.

See our full Ferndale, CA shopping directory here.

Warm Atmospheres

Ferndale’s eateries, bars, and live music are here to welcome you, especially when you’re stepping in to escape the rain!

Our restaurants range from casual and family-friendly to romantic and upscale. Check out our full Ferndale, CA restaurant directory here.

Live music schedule, fall 2023: Wednesdays & Thursdays at Tuyas; Thursdays at The Boardroom; Darrell Scott, Sept. 30 at The Old Steeple

Forest Air

After the rain has passed, we love to lace up our hiking boots and head to Russ Park, the 110-acre nature preserve just steps from downtown Ferndale. The smell of the Sitka spruce forest after fresh rainfall? Heaven.

The Ferndale Cemetery (adjacent to Russ Park) is another beautiful place to walk. The top of the cemetery offers views of the Pacific Ocean.

Local Landmarks

The Ferndale Museum and Ferndale Library should be on the radar of any Ferndale visitor who wants to dive a little deeper. Learn about the Eel River Valley’s history at the nonprofit museum, or get lost in a book at the Carnegie library building that’s been serving Ferndale since 1910!

Day Trips

Ferndale offers easy access to the North Coast’s ancient redwoods forests. We’re just a 20-minute drive from the Avenue of the Giants to the south, and about an hour’s drive from Redwood National & State Parks to the north.

Some of our other favorite excursions include Old Town Eureka, the Sequoia Park Zoo’s Redwood Skywalk, and Clendenen’s Ciderworks in Fortuna (great in the fall!).

Money.com named Humboldt County one of the best 50 places in the world to travel in 2023, and Ferndale is the perfect home base to explore all that Humboldt County offers.

Looking FORWARD

On a rainy day, we can’t help but get excited for Christmas in Ferndale. Check out our upcoming events and plan a trip during one of our most magical times of year.

Ferndale’s Fall & Winter 2023 Events

Sept. 30: Fundraiser - Fall Back With the Ferndale Museum
Sept. 30: Darrell Scott Live at The Old Steeple
Select Saturdays in September-October: Fall movie series (horror theme!) at Ferndale Repertory Theatre
October: Scream-a-Torium Scaregrounds & Spectacular (see dates here), plus spooky surprises all month on Ferndale’s Main Street
Oct. 25-29: “The Rocky Horror Show” at Ferndale Repertory Theatre
Nov. 24-Dec. 17: “Peter and the Starcatcher” at Ferndale Repertory Theatre
Dec. 1: Hospitality Night Open House
Dec. 3: Christmas Tree Lighting (America’s Tallest Living Lighted Christmas Tree!)
Dec. 17: Lighted Tractor Parade
And more!