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.
Denis Island, a hidden gem in the Seychelles, promises an exclusive tropical escape with its pristine landscapes and luxury offerings. Located 95 kilometers northeast of Mahé, the island is renowned for its unspoiled beaches and vibrant marine life. As one of the few privately-owned islands in the Seychelles, Denis Island offers a unique opportunity for travelers seeking both tranquility and indulgence.
Bolivia is a country where altitude meets attitude high in the Andes with rich traditions that stretch back thousands of years. Its capital, La Paz, sits in a bowl-shaped valley surrounded by jagged peaks, making it one of the highest cities in the world. Cable cars glide over the city’s rooftops, linking markets, museums, and neighborhoods in a way that doubles as both transport and sightseeing. From here, visitors can easily reach the Moon Valley.
Morne Rouge Bay is a sheltered beach on Grenada’s southwestern coast, just south of Grand Anse and near the community of Morne Rouge. The bay curves around a small, protected stretch of pale sand, with calm Caribbean water and green hills surrounding the shoreline. Its sheltered position generally produces gentler conditions than Grenada’s more exposed Atlantic coast, making the bay suitable for swimming and paddling.
See and do it all in Greater Tuscaloosa. Every fall, the nation's eyes focus on Tuscaloosa for the best in college gridiron action at the University of Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium. Tuscaloosa visitors can choose from a variety of other forms of entertainment. Over 20 points of interest including a historic theater, several parks, and a variety of galleries, museums and antebellum homes radiate around the area.
Photo Credit: Photo by Nils Huenerfuerst on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Gina Hamm on Unsplash
Astoria, Oregon is the state's oldest city. Located on the Columbia River near the Pacific Ocean, Astoria is rich in history, including fishing, canning and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. With its scenic views and landscape, it has been called "little San Francisco."
The city's architecture tells its own story, with many well-preserved buildings from its 19th-century past. The Astoria Column, an iconic 125-foot-tall tower, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is adorned with a mural depicting scenes from the region's history. Climbing the 164 steps to the top provides an unforgettable view of the city, the Columbia River, and even the Pacific Ocean on clear days.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Astoria serves as a gateway to diverse natural attractions. The Fort Stevens State Park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, a historic military fort, and access to expansive beaches perfect for a day of exploration or relaxation. The nearby Youngs River Falls provide a scenic and tranquil setting for a short hike to a picturesque waterfall.
A fun fact about Astoria is that it served as the filming location for the beloved 1985 film The Goonies, which has become a cultural touchstone for fans worldwide. The town celebrates its connection to the film with events and tours that appeal to movie buffs and families alike. Visit Astoria in the spring or summer to experience its festivals, mild weather, and vibrant community events, making it an ideal time to explore both its historical and natural attractions.
Other Popular Destinations in Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon, is a city where natural beauty and urban innovation coexist harmoniously. Nestled between the Columbia and Willamette Rivers and framed by volcanic mountains, Portland offers an array of outdoor adventures alongside its renowned cultural scene. Visitors can explore the lush expanses of Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the U.S., or take a leisurely stroll through the Portland Japanese Garden, which showcases exquisite traditional Japanese landscape design.
Newport
About halfway down the Oregon coast, the picturesque Yaquina Head Lighthouse welcomes you to Newport, a town known for its Dungeness crab and glorious harbor under the graceful Yaquina Bay Bridge. The historic Bayfront offers a mixture of shops, galleries, canneries and restaurants that serve fresh clam chowder, shrimp, oysters, crab and salmon.