New Jersey often surprises first-time visitors. It’s not just the gateway to New York or Philadelphia but a destination in its own right with deep Revolutionary War history, beach towns full of character, and some of the most diverse food offerings on the East Coast. Cities like Trenton and Morristown still carry the echoes of pivotal battles, while monuments and preserved buildings tell stories of George Washington’s winter encampments and early American resilience.
The Atacama Desert in Chile, the driest non-polar desert on Earth, is a place of extraordinary beauty and otherworldly landscapes. Stretching over 600 miles along the Pacific coast, the Atacama's stark, lunar-like terrain is punctuated by salt flats, active geysers, and rugged canyons. One of the most striking sights is the Valle de la Luna, or Valley of the Moon, where wind-sculpted sand dunes and jagged rock formations create a surreal environment that appears as if it's straight from another
Zululand, located in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, is a region steeped in history and natural beauty. Known as the heartland of the Zulu nation, Zululand offers visitors a chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Zulu people.
Ghandruk is a mountain village in Nepal’s Annapurna region, located on terraced hillsides overlooking the Modi Khola Valley. The village is widely recognized for its stone houses, slate roofs, and panoramic views of peaks.
Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, located on the northwestern edge of Kauai, is one of Hawaii’s most visually dramatic landscapes. The coastline stretches for 17 miles and is defined by towering cliffs, known locally as "pali," that rise over 4,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. These rugged ridges are carved by centuries of rainfall and volcanic activity, creating a landscape only accessible by foot, boat, or air.
Photo Credit: Photo by Patrick Bigelow on Unsplash
Coos Bay is the Coast's largest urban community and a major wood products shipping center, thanks to the deepest harbor between San Francisco and Puget Sound. In addition to museums, shops and theaters, Coos Bay is well known for its myrtlewood and diverse activities in beautiful surroundings. Visit the Coos Art Museum; fish for chinook and coho salmon in the Coos River or the ocean; take a drive out to Golden and Silver Falls State Park.
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.
Astoria
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.