Panama City, Florida, sits along the Gulf Coast where maritime history and modern beach culture intersect. Originally tied to shipbuilding and fishing, the city developed around St. Andrews Bay, which still anchors local identity through working marinas and long-established neighborhoods.
This is a city one could get lost in for days, exploring the old Ming Dynasty walls and wandering through its superb museum. If time permits, you should also take a walk through Linggu Park, home of the Linggu Pagoda and other items of Buddhist interest. Even just a casual walk through the streets-replete with food vendors and baskets of live geese-will help convey the unique flavor of this city.
Dalian is a major coastal city in Liaoning Province in northeastern China, situated on the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula between the Yellow Sea and Korea Bay. Its long coastline, numerous bays, hills, and waterfront districts give the city a strong maritime character. Dalian is an important port and commercial center, while its urban landscape includes broad streets, public squares, parks, and historic buildings.
Ponta do Ouro is a coastal settlement in southern Mozambique, close to the South African border and the southern end of the Mozambique Channel. The town is known for its broad sandy beach, warm waters, coastal dunes, and strong connection to marine activities. It lies within the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve, which protects reefs, seagrass beds, estuaries, mangroves, and surrounding waters.
If you find yourself in Rotterdam, there's a strong chance you've arrived by water. This popular port city (the second largest in the Netherlands) has gone through an architectural renaissance since World War II, with daring, innovative structures dotting the city (cube houses!) and defining its skyline. Café culture is on the rise here, so grab yourself a table and a cup.
Nestled in the heart of Provence, Aix-en-Provence is a city that enchants with its blend of historical charm and vibrant modernity. Founded by the Romans in 123 BC, Aix-en-Provence, often simply called Aix, is renowned for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. Stroll along the Cours Mirabeau, a tree-lined boulevard that exemplifies the city's elegance with its grand fountains and historic buildings, including the beautiful Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) and the imposing Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, known for its remarkable Romanesque and Gothic features.
Aix-en-Provence is also celebrated for its lively arts scene and as the birthplace of renowned painter Paul Cézanne. Art enthusiasts can explore the Paul Cézanne National Museum, which showcases a rich collection of his works and offers insights into his creative process. The city is dotted with various art galleries and studios, reflecting its deep-rooted artistic spirit. The Granet Museum is another highlight, housing an impressive collection of works from the Renaissance to contemporary art.
The charm of Aix-en-Provence extends to its bustling markets and gastronomic delights. The city's markets, such as the Place Richelme Market, offer an array of local produce, cheeses, and pastries, making it a delightful experience for food lovers. Don’t miss out on trying traditional Provençal specialties like ratatouille and bouillabaisse at one of the local bistros.
Fun Fact: Aix-en-Provence is renowned for its natural hot springs, which have been used for their therapeutic properties since Roman times. You can visit Les Thermes Sextius, a modern spa complex that continues this ancient tradition, offering a luxurious experience amidst the historical backdrop of the city
Other Popular Destinations in France
Paris
France's capital and most populated city, Paris is an alluring destination and an essential stop for any global traveler. A center of fashion, gastronomy, and the arts. Major tourist attractions in the City of Lights include the Eiffel Tower (such great heights!), the Louvre (home of the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo), the Arc de Triomphe, and Grand Palais.
Lyon
The metropolitan center of southeastern France, vibrant Lyon abounds with stunning architectural masterpieces, gastronomic delights, and immersive museums. This spectacular city, founded by the Romans centuries ago, rivals Paris as a cultural and social hub for exploring the best that France has to offer.