Bring your appetite and a sense of history to the century-old Samoa Cookhouse near Eureka, the spot for mill workers and lumberjacks. Dine family-style on long oilcloth-covered tables. After a hearty meal (the breakfast is a great way to start a day of North Coast exploring), visit the Historic Logging Museum and learn about California’s rich history.

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.