Forget Florida, 'California's Redwood Coast' Is One Of The Best Counties To Retire With Year-Round Mild Weather And Endless Outdoor Fun

You may have been dreaming of a Florida retirement for decades, but if you're the outdoorsy type, you might want to think again, as increasingly sweltering summers can leave you feeling trapped indoors in the air conditioning. Instead, consider California's Humboldt County, which just made The Motley Fool's list of the best places to retire in the West in 2026. You may think of Humboldt as exclusively a tourist destination, nestled as it is among Northern California's towering trees. But for active retirees, Humboldt has some superb outdoor recreation opportunities.

There are extensive opportunities for recreation here, whether that is driving the family Oldsmobile on the 32-mile Avenue of the Giants scenic drive, or camping at Redwood National and State Parks (they are co-managed). Beneath the redwoods, the hiking season spans the whole year, and the same goes for fishing, paddling and beachcombing.

Life for full-time Humboldt County residents is not without its challenges, notably an economy that flourished in the early 20th century when the lumber industry peaked, but has struggled since. Unemployment is rising (according to the Times Standard), and the county has more than twice the statewide rate of residents receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. But for self-funded retirees, Humboldt County is a great option for chasing that laid-back California lifestyle. "For me, it was a super easy transition from the Bay Area because the culture is so similar — I think of this area as the last outpost of the NorCal coast culture that stretches from Santa Cruz," writes one Redditor who retired to Humboldt County from Oakland a decade ago, noting that the climate is sunnier than many parts of San Francisco.

Humboldt County is best known for redwoods. These stately trees can be up to 2,000 years old, so standing next to them, you'll feel like a whippersnapper, no matter your age. Many of the very best redwood strolls here are suitable for visitors looking for less strenuous hikes, with wide, well-graded trails and little elevation gain. High temperatures hover around the mid-50s degrees Fahrenheit in winter, and rarely climb into the 65 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, so there is never a season where you can't be comfortably outdoors, and you'll never have to worry about slipping and falling on snow or ice.

One great way to take advantage of this outdoor setting in retirement is to work or volunteer for the Park Service. According to Seniors Helping Seniors, over 50% of National Park workers are over 50, and volunteer roles cover everything from helping at visitor centers to supporting campground operations and more. If you own an RV, some volunteer campground host opportunities come with a free place to stay, and Humboldt County has over 30 public campgrounds (including national, state, and county parks). Imagine spending a summer season living on the Lost Coast, which rivals Big Sur for views, or waking up to the sight of elk grazing outside your camper at the ethereal Prairie Creek Redwood State Park.

The Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center is beginner-friendly, and you can learn to kayak, canoe, sail, or paddleboard, then rent gear for $20 to $26 per session (as of summer 2026). The center also leads organized on-the-water trips if you are looking for company and connection. According to the National Council on Aging, finding ways like this to stay connected can help keep you healthy as you age, reducing your risk of conditions like stroke and heart disease.

Eureka is Humboldt County's largest town and has been called one of California's most affordable retirement towns. With a dramatic setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean, many of Eureka's best attractions are outdoors. The Old Town streets are lined with Victorian homes and businesses and come alive for night markets and art walks, while the oceanfront boardwalk hosts concerts.

If access to the arts is as important to your retirement as access to the great outdoors, the vibrant college town of Arcata might be your jam, with WorldAtlas naming it as one of the best towns in California for retirees. Cal Poly Humboldt offers enrollees aged 60 and over highly discounted tuition for credit courses ($62 for up to six credits as of this writing), whether you're pursuing a degree or just keeping your cognition sharp and having fun. Arcata is brimming with eclectic, affordable eateries and is also highly walkable and bikeable, both of which are useful, as the League of American Bicyclists says that people aged 65 and up have some of the highest rates of biking and walking for both exercise and running errands.

The funky little arts town of Garberville is another place to hang your hat in retirement. The Eel River flows through town, providing smooth river rock beaches for summer splashing. Downtown Garberville is highly walkable, with everything from groceries to the post office within easy walking distance. A regional transit system provides access to Eureka, too. Not all places with this charming, small-town vibe have adequate medical facilities for retirees to feel comfortable meeting their needs, but Garberville does, with a community hospital that includes a skilled nursing facility.