Colca Canyon, located in southern Peru’s Arequipa region, is one of the deepest canyons in the world, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in some areas. What makes it stand out even more is how human settlements have coexisted with the landscape for centuries. Along its walls, pre-Inca agricultural terraces still hold crops like corn and quinoa. One of the main draws of the canyon is the opportunity to see Andean condors in flight.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, is one of Croatia’s most captivating natural wonders. Located in the heart of the country, this mesmerizing park is renowned for its cascading lakes, lush greenery, and a network of waterfalls that create an enchanting landscape. The park’s 16 terraced lakes, connected by a series of waterfalls, range in color from emerald green to sapphire blue due to the unique mineral content and the reflection of sunlight. Visitors can ex
Crown Point is a coastal area at the southwestern tip of Tobago, known for sandy beaches, shallow Caribbean waters, and its proximity to the island’s main airport. The area sits between Store Bay and the shoreline around Pigeon Point, with low hills and tropical vegetation extending inland. Crown Point forms part of Tobago’s main visitor district, with hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, shops, and small businesses spread through the surrounding communities.
Homer, Alaska, sits at the end of the Kenai Peninsula and is often called the “end of the road,” where dramatic landscapes meet a vibrant small-town spirit. Overlooking Kachemak Bay, the town is framed by snowcapped mountains, glaciers, and a striking spit of land that juts four miles into the sea.
Jeju, often written as Cheju in older English sources, is South Korea’s largest island and lies in the Korea Strait south of the Korean Peninsula. The island is known for its volcanic landscapes, coastal cliffs, lava tubes, and the prominent peak of Hallasan, which rises at its center.
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.