Fort Bragg is the county's sport-fishing hub. South of town, Noyo Fishing Center, 32440 N. Harbor, Noyo (tel. 707/964-3000; www.fortbraggfishing.com), is a good place to buy tackle and is the best source of information on local fishing boats. Lots of party boats leave from the town's harbor, as do whale-watching tours.

Lost Coast Kayaking, in Van Damme State Park (tel. 707/964-7480; www.lostcoastkayaking.com), offers guided kayak tours of the numerous sea caves on the coast. All the necessary equipment is provided; all you need to bring is a bathing suit and $50 for the 2-hour tour (closed in winter).

Three miles north of Fort Bragg, off Hwy. 1, MacKerricher State Park (tel. 707/964-9112) is a popular place for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. This 1,700-acre park has 142 campsites and 8 miles of shoreline. For a true biking or hiking venture, travel the 8-mile-long "Haul Road" -- an old logging road (partly washed out, but safe) with fine ocean vistas all the way to Ten Mile River. Harbor seals make their home at the park's Laguna Point Seal Watching Station.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.