Batumi is the capital of Georgia's Adjara region, located on the Black Sea coast in the country's southwest. The city combines a seaside setting with subtropical vegetation and the mountains of Adjara rising inland. Its urban landscape includes historic streets, European-style squares, modern towers, and a long coastal boulevard.
Douglas Island is a forested island in the Alexander Archipelago of southeastern Alaska, separated from Juneau by Gastineau Channel. Although geographically an island, it is closely connected to Juneau by the Juneau-Douglas Bridge and functions as part of the capital city’s wider urban area. The community of Douglas occupies the island’s southern end, while much of the remaining landscape consists of dense coastal forest, steep hills, streams, and rocky shoreline.
Tucked away in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, Nauru is one of the world’s smallest and least visited countries being an island nation just 21 square kilometers in size, with a population under 10,000. But its compact size makes exploring simple and rewarding. Visitors can circle the entire island by car in under an hour, taking in stunning ocean views, remnants of World War II bunkers, and clusters of colorful homes that speak to Nauru's resilient spirit and layered past.
Chiba, located just east of Tokyo, is a dynamic prefecture that blends modern attractions with serene coastal and rural landscapes. Known for its role as the gateway to Japan’s capital, home to Narita International Airport, Chiba also stands on its own as a destination rich in culture, history, and nature.
Larnaca is a coastal city in southeastern Cyprus, built around a broad bay on the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the island's main urban centers and combines a long waterfront, sandy beaches, historic neighborhoods, and archaeological sites. The palm-lined Finikoudes promenade runs beside the central beach and continues toward the old harbor and medieval castle.
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.