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Taking a boat out among the 365 islands near Granada was my favorite thing we did in Nicaragua. We went with Tierra Tours (we arranged it the night before, but we probably could have set it up that morning), and Carlos, our guide, was terrific. We ended up having a boat to ourselves, which was really nice. And Carlos knew his birds, which were the main attraction for me. They were all over the place—three different kinds of herons, other shorebirds, kiskadees—and Carlos could spot them and identify them. We stopped at the old fort that occupies one of the islands, and weaved among the other islands where folks, including a fair number of ex-pats, have built homes, some of which are quite opulent. We spotted a sleeping howler monkey, and then swung by Monkey island, where spider monkeys and capuchins that have picked up names such as J. Lo and Lolo came down to greet the boat. We also stopped off at La Pirata café for delicious fresh fruit smoothies. If I go back, I might try a kayak tour, which was another option. You wouldn’t cover as much ground, I assume, but you might sneak up on some good birds.

Bicycling the Silver Strand on Coronado is a relaxing way to enjoy a beautiful San Diego day. You can bring your own bike, or rent one. This cycling path is known as the Bayshore Bikeway and runs from Coronado via the Silver Strand to Chula Vista. Take the ferry from downtown San Diego to Coronado Island. The ferry docks in a little tourist area with several dozen shops, some restaurants and a couple parks. There’s also a bike rental shop that offers bicycles and surreys for two or more people. The paved path begins by the ferry landing and follows the flat coastline, so it’s an easy ride for anyone. The trails passes by the beautiful Tidelands Park and the famous Hotel del Coronado and continues on by the training grounds for the Navy Seals. The ride affords beautiful views of downtown San Diego and the ocean and bay. Further towards Chula Vista is the Silver Strand State Beach, where you’ll see many types of shorebirds, osprey, and sometimes, huge rabbits. Along the route, you’ll find many places to stop and picnic, so you can bring lunch or eat at any of the restaurants by the ferry landing after returning your bike. Tip: It can be windy, so bring wind protection gear & remember your sunblock!

Florida’s nature is alive and well at this wildlife refuge, located on the north side of Sanibel Island. Rich with mangroves and seagrass, the protected, subtropical habitat is home to more than 230 species of birds as well as alligators, manatees, and many land mammals. Head here from October through April to see most of the shorebirds, or during the summer months if you’re looking for manatees in and around Tarpon Bay. All year long, you can also spot alligators during four-mile wildlife drives. Back at the information center, be sure to check out the great displays, which are free to all visitors.

To see a Florida east coast beach as it’s been since the start of time, plan a visit to Cape Canaveral National Seashore, part of a barrier island east of Orlando on the Atlantic Coast that was originally protected as a buffer for NASA’s nearby space center. The park stretches across the border of Volusia and Brevard counties and is home to the largest natural (read: undeveloped) beach on the entire east coast of Florida. Boardwalks take you across preserved dunes onto pristine sands where sea turtles lay their eggs. Trails inland in the park lead to Native American shell mounds. And there are backcountry camping sites, too. Be aware that the beach at Playalinda, within the park, is a popular spot for nudists.

The Pacific Ocean is a force that calls to some to jump in and join the dolphins that frequent its waters. Temperatures are warmest in August and September, but wet suits are available to rent year-round. Go surfing or take a stand-up paddleboard lesson to more fully appreciate the SoCal spirit and connection to the waves. For a more passive yet still exhilarating way to enjoy the coast, you can parasail above the waves or join a sailing charter from Marina Del Rey.

Everything about the Blue Hawaii cocktail at the Shore Bird Restaurant says “tropical island paradise.” The icy blue color of the blue curaçao is enough to cool any sunburnt skin down and providing for a relaxed mood to enjoy the sun’s decent into the Pacific Ocean. The Shore Bird is a breezy outdoor restaurant where you can grill your own food, or simply sip on a beverage and enjoy pupus (appetizers).

In this episode of Unpacked, learn how a reluctant birder fell in love with the sport—and how you can, too.