Sequoia Park Zoo — Attraction in Eureka

Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka is one of the oldest zoos in California and easily one of the most charming attractions on the North Coast. What I love about this zoo is that it is not massive or overwhelming like some city zoos, but instead it feels personal, approachable, and designed to make every visit meaningful. It has a perfect balance of being family friendly while still fascinating for adults, and the connection it has to the surrounding Sequoia Park and Redwood Sky Walk makes it even more special.

The layout of the zoo is beautiful, with winding paths that guide you through a mix of habitats and exhibits while keeping you surrounded by towering redwoods. It feels like the animals and the forest are woven together in a way that creates a peaceful and natural atmosphere. The animals themselves are well cared for and engaging to watch. The red pandas are always a highlight with their playful personalities, and the otters never fail to draw a crowd as they splash and play. The flamingos, eagles, primates, and farm animals round out a collection that offers variety without ever feeling too crowded or rushed.

One of the things that really sets Sequoia Park Zoo apart is the focus on education and conservation. Exhibits are filled with information that helps you understand not just what you are seeing but why it matters. Kids can learn while exploring, and adults walk away with a deeper appreciation for the natural world. The zoo also does a great job of connecting people to local ecosystems, showing off the unique wildlife of Northern California alongside animals from around the world.

The Redwood Sky Walk, which is part of the zoo, is an unforgettable addition. Walking high above the forest floor among ancient redwoods gives you an entirely new perspective on the park and adds an adventurous twist to the visit. It is an experience that blends perfectly with the zoo’s mission of connecting people to nature in a fun and meaningful way.

Amenities at the zoo make visits easy and enjoyable. There are picnic areas, a gift shop, and a café where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink between exhibits. The whole place is designed to be family friendly, with enough to keep kids entertained for hours but still plenty for adults to enjoy.

For me Sequoia Park Zoo is one of the best places in Eureka to spend a day. It is not just about seeing animals, it is about experiencing them in a setting that feels respectful, educational, and tied to the natural beauty of Humboldt County. Whether you come for the animals, the Sky Walk, or just the atmosphere of being in a redwood forest while visiting a zoo, it is an experience that sticks with you.

Sequoia Park Zoo is a local treasure. It combines history, conservation, and adventure into one destination, and every time I visit I am reminded of how special it is to have something like this right...

In comparison with other zoos of a similar size, this one earns a “B-/C+” for Spring 2025.

Ongoing construction meant reduced habitats, plus too many animals were in dilapidated enclosures or alone 😢 — which is horrid for social creatures stuck in artificial settings.

And while the Bear River Band (local Wiyot Tribe) has contributed to upgrading some of the facilities 👏🏽👏🏽there were no interpretive panels or videos about the Yurok Tribe’s condor reintroduction program, the significant land back achievements in Humboldt County, or Tribal restoration programs along the Klamath river (amongst others).

Although there are some cool kid activities (“eagles nest” photo opp, “spiders web” + sheep/goat petting zoo closure), for a little more investment, the zoo could provide visitors with a much richer educational experience…given the hefty entrance fee.

Gave an extra star for the canopy walk (best way to view the bears in their enclosures) being largely ADA accessible, which is cool, and makes it much easier to navigate for wheelchair users than dirt paths in local parks.

The café has friendly staff and an...

I'm doing one star because... I used to live in Eureka and work at the zoo 20yrs ago. I moved to GA but came to visit my mom who still lives in Eureka. I came to the zoo and they asked for my zip ( I was thinking for visitor information) then was asked to pay $50 for 2 people. They charge more if you don't live here. I told the lady my mom lives here, I used to live here and work at the zoo... she just laughed and waited for the money. Wow! I would have said eureka zip 95501 had I known. So heads up... say 95501!

Update: after walking around only about about 50% of animals we're out. Barn closed, which we wanted to see most. They don't tell.you when you enter that parts of the zoo are closed yet charge full price. We saw them letting people in at 5:00 full price unknowing they woudnt see much. The bathrooms were aweful dirty and no supplies. Disappointment. It was a better zoo when it was free. You saw more animals and keeper...