West of Hiawatha National Forest, Marquette sits on the shore of Lake Superior and is the biggest city on Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Visit historic Marquette Harbor Lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views of Superior, or take advantage of snowy Marquette Mountain and a variety of winter sports at the height of Marquette's winter season.
Hot Springs, Arkansas has been drawing visitors for centuries, and it all starts with the water. The city sits atop a natural thermal spring system that produces nearly a million gallons of 143-degree water each day. These springs gave rise to Bathhouse Row, a stretch of eight historic bathhouses within Hot Springs National Park. Some, like the Fordyce Bathhouse, now serve as museums, while others still offer traditional thermal soaks.
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Whitefish, Montana, is a gateway to breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor adventures. The charming town serves as a perfect base for exploring the nearby Glacier National Park, renowned for its stunning glaciers, pristine lakes, and extensive hiking trails. Whitefish itself is a vibrant community, where the scenic backdrop is matched by a bustling downtown filled with boutique shops, local restaurants, and cozy lodges.
Belize, tucked between Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea, is a country where ancient history and untamed nature meet. Once the heartland of the Maya civilization, Belize is dotted with impressive archaeological sites such as Caracol and Xunantunich, where towering pyramids rise above jungle canopies.
Portsmouth is a coastal city in southeastern New Hampshire, positioned along the Piscataqua River near the state’s short Atlantic shoreline. Its compact downtown is known for brick buildings, narrow streets, independent shops, restaurants, galleries, and a busy waterfront. The city’s maritime setting remains central to its identity, with working docks and views across the river toward Maine. Prescott Park provides gardens and open space beside the water, while nearby islands, beaches, and coasta
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South Beach
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Some of the most spectacular scenery is found on a trip to the San Juan Islands. No wonder. This 100-million-year-old mountain range turned archipelago, located a few miles northwest of Seattle, changes dramatically with the tide. There are 743 islands at low tide--and 428 at high tide.
The four largest islands are Orcas, San Juan, Shaw and Lopez. They are loaded with bald eagles, herons, cormorants, puffins and osprey, which hide out in the madrona trees. Along the way, your vessel might be followed by Dall's porpoise, harbor seals or even orca whales year-round residents of the San Juan Islands. Even if you're there for a single day, you have time to take a Whale and Sealife Search led by a naturalist, or shop in the local galleries.
Other Popular Destinations in Washington
Seattle
Seattle is a city shaped by water, mountains, and innovation. Its skyline, dominated by the Space Needle, tells only part of the story. Beneath it lies a vibrant mix of neighborhoods, each with its own character. Seattle was the birthplace of grunge music and remains a stronghold for independent arts. The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), located at the Seattle Center, celebrates the city’s creative spirit with exhibits on everything from Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix to science fiction and gaming.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a city in southwestern Washington located along the north bank of the Columbia River, directly across from Portland, Oregon. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in the Pacific Northwest and serves as the county seat of Clark County.