Beautiful Victorians house an intriguing mix of shops and eateries.

Find a one-of-a-kind Himalayan rug. Sip an artisan beer at Lost Coast Brewery. Take a self-guided walking tour to see handsome wall murals. Browse for a good read at Eureka Books, or find a perfect souvenir or gift at a gallery or jewelry store. Make a reservation to dine at Restaurant 301, a temple to locally grown foods (it even has its own garden out back). With so many intriguing shops and places to relax in Old Town Eureka , you'll have no trouble filling up a day in this charming district of restored Victorian buildings and homes.

If you want to check out even more of the area, consider strolling along the boardwalk fronting Humboldt Bay. You can rent kayaks, or board the Madaket , a restored 1910 ferry, for a water tour.

On the second Sunday of every month, you can take a guided bird hike with Audubon Society walk leaders. You can check out binoculars and also share the walk leaders spotting scope. Bird walks usually last an hour and a half to two hours and cover a distance of about two miles. It's free, and beginners are welcome.