Redwood National and State Parks protect a remarkable coastal landscape in northern California, where ancient redwood forests grow alongside rivers, prairies, wetlands, and the Pacific Ocean. The protected area extends across a series of parks in Del Norte and Humboldt counties, preserving some of the tallest trees on Earth. Dense stands of coast redwoods create shaded forest environments beneath a canopy of towering trunks, while nearby coastal bluffs and beaches provide a striking contrast.
Stanley, the charming capital of the Falkland Islands, offers an enchanting glimpse into life at the edge of the world. Located on East Falkland, this quaint town is known for its picturesque harbor and colorful Victorian architecture. The town's rich maritime history is evident at the Falkland Islands Museum, which displays fascinating exhibits about the islands' past.
Wakayama is a coastal city in western Japan and the capital of Wakayama Prefecture, located on the Kii Peninsula beside Wakayama Bay. Its setting combines the sea with wooded hills and nearby mountain country, while the city itself has developed around a historic castle town. Wakayama Castle stands on Mount Torafusu near the city center, overlooking the surrounding streets, mountains, and Kii Channel.
Whether exploring ancient ruins, spotting wildlife along the dramatic coastline, or simply soaking in the calmness of this unique destination, the Shetlands provide a truly extraordinary travel experience.
Bamberg, located in northern Bavaria, stands out for its remarkably preserved medieval layout, which earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Built on seven hills and often compared to Rome for that reason, the city’s architecture reflects over a thousand years of uninterrupted development. Bamberg is well known for its beer, and not just in the usual Bavarian sense. The city has more breweries per capita than any other town in Germany, and it’s the birthplace of rauchbier.
Photo Credit: Photo by Nathaniel Villaire on Unsplash
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Photo Credit: Photo by Ravi Palwe on Unsplash
Conservatory at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Photo Credit: Photo by James Kobus on Unsplash
Crane on James River
Photo Credit: Photo by Robin Jonathan Deutsch on Unsplash
Located along the James River, Richmond offers historic areas dealing with the early years of America.
Other Popular Destinations in Virginia
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is a coastal city in southeastern Virginia where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Chesapeake Bay and a network of rivers, marshes, and inland waterways. Its long oceanfront includes sandy beaches, dunes, and a busy boardwalk, while the southern part of the city contains broad wetlands, forests, and agricultural land. The city is geographically large and includes several distinct communities beyond the resort district.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Virginia offers visitors the unusual opportunity to walk through a fully reconstructed 18th-century city. As the capital of the Virginia Colony from 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg played a key role in early American politics and daily life. Today, Colonial Williamsburg spans over 300 acres and includes historic buildings, working tradespeople, and costumed interpreters who bring the Revolutionary era to life.