Unsatisfied with this unusual name, the citizens petitioned the California state legislature to finally change the name of the town to "Fortuna," Spanish for "fortune." The name expressed the richness of the landscape, from the rivers to the forests and the valley. When the Eel River and Eureka Railroad was built in 1884, the city became the regional rail hub, allowing the townspeople to easily transport their lumber harvests and crops of berries and fruits to market. The town formally incorporated in 1906.
You can get to Fortuna via U.S. Route 101 with direct access to San Francisco 253 miles south. California State Route 36 connects with Route 101 south of Fortuna. The drive to Fortuna is certainly beautiful, offering views of redwood forests and giant Sequoia trees. The 33-mile Avenue of the Giants takes you through Founders Grove and the Visitor Center near Weott to enjoy the best view of these majestic giants, which can live to be 2,500 years old.
Being so close to the coast, you can also explore the coast nearby. Here, you can bike, hike, canoe, watch the bluffs for local birds, and wander the beaches and tide pools.
Fortuna, California, might not be a big-name attraction, but the city's abundant natural beauty, small-town charm, and fun local attractions will certainly surprise and delight you throughout your visit.
When would be the best time to visit the town of Fortuna, CA?
Coastal weather patterns do affect Fortuna. The Pacific Ocean significantly moderates the climate. Summer highs never typically exceed the low-70s, and winter lows remain in the mid-50s throughout the season.
The most significant weather pattern here is the rainy season. From November to March, Fortuna gets between 11 to 13 days of rain per month. This significant rainfall can make it difficult to get outdoors to do some trail riding or visit the local park, but you can always find local indoor activities like roller skating. The unique mild and wet climate is perfectly conducive to growing giant redwood trees. From April to September, the rainfall tapers off significantly so you can head outdoors to enjoy the mild weather.
Fortuna is home to numerous annual events and festivals, such as the Daffodil Festival, Art and Wine in the Park, the Redwood AutoXpo, the annual Fortuna rodeo, Civil War Days, the Logging Competition, and Apple Harvest Festival, as well as the Hops in Humboldt Festival, the Fortuna concert series, and holiday events. Check the city calendar before your trip to ensure you don't miss any fun and that you can book accommodations well in advance with no availability issues.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Fortuna, CA:
Fortuna, CA: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. price patterns by star rating class in Fortuna, CA. Browse these line graphs to evaluate the cheapest time period to book in Fortuna for your upcoming travels.
What are the Fortuna, CA luxury hotel options?
Visit the four-star Gingerbread Mansion Inn in nearby Ferndale, just 6 miles from Fortuna and 8 miles from the Fortuna Depot Museum. The intimate bed and breakfast boasts just 11 guestrooms, so you are guaranteed to enjoy extremely high-touch service at this luxurious property.
Each room has been designed with opulent attention to detail, with lush bedding, four-poster beds, deep free-standing soaking tubs, and flat-screen televisions with satellite programming. Housekeeping service is provided daily with turndown service, and you can also request room service during select hours or mingle with other guests during the complimentary reception and full breakfast service held daily.
Where are the most affordable hotels near Fortuna, CA?
3 Star Average Prices: £93.43
Super 8 by Wyndham Fortuna garners consistently positive reviews for its cleanliness, recently remodeled property, and affordable hotel rates. You will also find that the hotel offers a range of suites to accommodate even the largest families and groups. The value you'll find here also goes well beyond the hotel's budget rates. You can fill up a plate at the complimentary continental breakfast served each morning free of charge. Each guest room features a fridge and microwave so that you can dine on light meals and snacks in your room at your convenience.
Throughout your stay, you can log onto the internet thanks to the complimentary wireless internet access and enjoy cable programming. This smoke-free motel also makes an excellent choice for travelers who require wheelchair access and accessible features like roll-in showers.
For an affordable hotel with style to spare, consider The Redwood Riverwalk Hotel. Each guest room has been well-appointed with a partially open bathroom, microwave, a coffee and tea maker, fridge, flat-screen television, hair dryer, and more. Complimentary toiletries, free internet access, free cable programming, and free daily breakfast also sweeten the already low hotel deals found here. Be sure to take advantage of the indoor pool, concierge services, and complimentary use of a nearby fitness facility.
2 Star Average Prices: £71.76
Where are the best discount hotels in Fortuna, CA?
Comfort Inn & Suites Redwood Country in Fortuna puts you just steps away from River Lodge Conference Center and only 15 miles from Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and all this, for a significant discount if you're a AAA member, senior citizen, military member, or government worker.
Check in to this clean and modern property and you can expect numerous amenities, like free cable programming and a flat-screen television in your room, plus complimentary daily newspapers and a buffet breakfast. Take a dip in the spa tub or indoor pool, or head downstairs to settle in front of the lobby fireplace with a cup of coffee and a good book. If you need to print anything, the business center is available to you at any time.
What value hotels are in the Fortuna, CA area?
Best Western Country Inn in Fortuna is welcoming and convenient to Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Everything about this cozy property feels like a country cottage, equipped with everything you'd need or desire for a stay in California redwood country.
Complimentary wireless internet service, cable programming, and DVD players will keep you entertained in the room, while the indoor pool, spa tub, and outdoor pool will keep you feeling fit and relaxed. You can grill out on the barbecue grills, visit a nearby fitness facility, and feast on complimentary breakfast served each morning — all included in your nightly hotel rate. When it's time to head out, express check-out and a printed boarding pass from the business center will get you on your way in no time.
What are the best things to do in Fortuna, CA?
Fortuna's two parks, Rohner and Newburg, offer other opportunities for outdoor recreation close to the city center. The park facilities also make popular venues for casual events, like family reunions, parties, and group functions. Don't miss open skating at Fortuna's Fireman's Pavilion on Saturday evenings, which makes a fun and very affordable night out for a date or family outing. Rohner Park also offers bocce ball courts and basketball courts. If you're traveling with a furry friend, then you will both want to visit Fortuna Dog Park.
Head to Clendenen's Cider Works for some of the best cider you'll ever taste, plus locally made treats and fresh produce, including apples plucked fresh from the tree. Humboldt Distillery also harnesses the local apple crop to brew a special local apple brandy. Other house specialties include organic vodka, rum, whiskey, and Humboldt's Finest, a special, award-winning vodka blend that has been infused with locally grown hemp. All facility tours and tastings must be scheduled in advance, though you can also find Humboldt Distillery products in local stores throughout Fortuna and Northern California.
Visit the Fortuna Depot Museum in Rohner Park to discover the fascinating history of the city and of the Eel River Valley. Displays include Native American baskets, railroad memorabilia, logging artifacts, a general store display, and the Arden Taylor/Vernon Dahl fishing collection.
Other curiosities include antique tools and rotating seasonal displays coordinated by Fortuna's own Relic Accumulators Club. If you plan to visit from September through May, be aware the museum is closed Thursday through Sunday. The museum is open seven days a week from June through August.
You could easily spend several hours at Chapman's Gem and Mineral Shop and Museum perusing the rocks, gems, and minerals for sale. You can also marvel at "Buzz" Chapman's impressive collection in the museum and when you're done, pick up some souvenirs.
Locals and visitors love the trail rides and lessons offered at Korobi Stables. You can take a short ride or set out on a Western-style, multiday adventure. It's a great activity for experienced riders as well as beginners and children.
If you're visiting Fortuna, make time to visit historic Ferndale in the bottom of the Eel River Valley. The community is known for its scene-stealing gingerbread-style Victorian buildings, which have made memorable backdrops in several films, including "Outbreak" and "The Majestic." Stroll the streets and check out the charming specialty shops while you're there.
Come for the trail rides, the tall trees, the local brews, or the coastal sea air. After a stay in Fortuna, you're bound to feel refreshed and revitalized.
FAQs about hotels in Fortuna