Day 1 – Glass Beach is a wonderful spot for a treasure hunt. You and the kids will have great fun searching for beautiful pieces of smooth glass in all colors and shapes. Once the city dump, the area is now a pristine part of MacKerricher State Park.

Afterward, drive three miles north to MacKerricher’s Visitor Center where you’ll find a real Gray Whale Skeleton, a small natural history museum with local wild animals (preserved and on display) and a store that sells hats, toys, t-shirts and other park related goodies.

Lunch and dinner possibilities: pack a picnic from local sandwich shops and markets or dine on hot dogs, pizza or fish and chips at local restaurants. For dessert you might consider fresh-baked cookies or handmade ice cream at a shop on Main Street.

Alternatives: Take a trip on the Skunk Train; spend the day at the C.V. Starr Center with pool and skateboard park. Younger children will love the Wiggly Giggly Playground.