Oviedo, the capital of Asturias in northern Spain, offers a rare mix of medieval heritage and everyday life that feels rooted rather than staged. The city’s historic center is home to some of the oldest pre-Romanesque buildings in Europe, including the UNESCO-listed Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. Cider, not wine, defines the local table. Oviedo is surrounded by apple orchards, and the traditional drink, sidra natural, is poured from a height by skilled escanciadores.
Glacier Bay’s untouched beauty will astound you. A National Park and Preserve, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is covered with stunning tidewater glaciers and a variety of native flora and fauna. Be on the lookout for the variety of eye-catching wildlife, including eagles, moose, and humpback whales, who have made Glacier Bay home.
Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.
Monopoli is a coastal town in Puglia, on the Adriatic Sea, with a historic center built around a small natural harbor. Its old town is enclosed by defensive walls and bastions, while narrow lanes lead between whitewashed houses, churches, courtyards, and small squares. The waterfront remains closely connected to local life, with fishing boats gathered around the harbor and beaches extending along the coast outside the historic center.
Ancona, perched on the Adriatic coast of Italy, is a vibrant port city with a rich historical tapestry and stunning seaside vistas. As the capital of the Marche region, Ancona boasts a captivating blend of ancient and modern charm. The city’s historical heart is evident in landmarks like the Roman Arch of Trajan, which stands as a testament to Ancona’s significance during Roman times.
Biloxi is the oldest French settlement in the Mississippi Valley. The word "Biloxi" is Indian, and means "First People." Since the discovery, Biloxi has served under eight flags -- French, English, Spanish, West Florida Republic, Mississippi Magnolia, Confederate States, Mississippi State, and the United States.
Myriad attractions tell the story of the city's historically rich past. Monuments to the memory include Beauvoir, the last home of Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy; the 138-year-old Biloxi Lighthouse; Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island; the oldest hotel on the Gulf Coast, the Magnolia Hotel, now home to the Mardi Gras Museum; the George E. Ohr Museum, which houses the unique pottery of a turn of the century artisan; and the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, which traces the story of how Biloxi once reigned as the Seafood Capital of the World.
Biloxi's social calendar is filled with plenty of festivals, parades, and fishing rodeos galore. Join the natives in celebrating Mardi Gras, the Blessing of the Fleet, which is part of our many enjoyable festivals, or stop in at any of Biloxi's dozens of attractions. The multi-million dollar Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center is host to non-stop entertainment.
Other Popular Destinations in Mississippi
Natchez
Natchez is a river city in southwestern Mississippi overlooking the Mississippi River bluffs near the Louisiana border. It is recognized for its large collection of preserved antebellum homes, brick streets, and long connection to river trade.
Vicksburg
Vicksburg rises above the Mississippi River with stories etched into every street. This historic river town played a pivotal role in the Civil War, and today visitors can trace those events at the Vicksburg National Military Park. Beyond its military legacy, Vicksburg has a rich cultural rhythm shaped by its music, architecture, and river trade.