Tenerife is the largest isle of the Canary Islands archipelago. Famous for its black and yellow sand beaches as well as Mt. Teide, the dormant volcano that looms over the island.
Kakheti is Georgia's easternmost major wine region, stretching across the Alazani and Iori valleys beneath the Greater Caucasus. The region is known for vineyards, fertile plains, dry hills, and mountain landscapes that change considerably between its eastern and western areas. Telavi serves as the main regional center, while towns and villages such as Sighnaghi, Kvareli, Gurjaani, and Tsinandali provide access to vineyards, monasteries, historic estates, and local markets.
Sun Moon Lake is a mountain lake in Nantou County, central Taiwan, surrounded by forested hills and settlements. It is Taiwan's largest alpine lake and is known for the distinctive shape of its shoreline, which includes a smaller section resembling a crescent moon and a larger section associated with the sun. The lake sits within a scenic basin at an elevation of about 748 meters, creating a cooler setting than many lowland parts of Taiwan.
The River Ganges, flowing through India and Bangladesh, supports millions of people living in the river basin. In Hinduism, the river is considered the most sacred, and as a result it is in important element of many Hindu rituals and festivals.
Chugach National Forest covers a vast area of south-central Alaska, stretching from the Kenai Peninsula across Prince William Sound and into the Copper River region. It is one of the largest national forests in the United States and contains a varied landscape of mountains, glaciers, coastal fjords, rivers, wetlands, and dense spruce and hemlock forests.
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.