Arcata, CA

Arcata has similar biological attributes to Trinidad, yet the biggest draw to Arcata is Humboldt State University. The university lends a fun atmosphere to the town where there are plenty of lively places to eat, drink, shop or hang out.

There is a progressive feel to Arcata and a lot of environmentally aware programs are going on there, such as Arcata's Wastewater Treatment Plant that doubles as The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. This forward-thinking project takes wastewater and treats it in subsequent salt water or fresh water marshes that contain plants and are used as a fishery. This process has the ability to clean the water to levels higher than standard wastewater treatment plants.

Over 150,000 people visit each year to learn about this innovative process or simply for recreation. The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary has hiking, biking, jogging and dog walking trails on their 307-acre preserve, not to mention wildlife and bird watching.