Gateshead Millennium Bridge - the world's first and only tilting bridge! Designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects and engineered by Gifford, the bridge takes its place at the end of a line of distinguished bridges across the River Tyne, including the Tyne Bridge and Robert Stephenson's High Level Bridge. Linking Gateshead with Newcastle via Gateshead Quays (described as one of the best places in Europe by Tony Blair) and Newcastle's Quayside, the bridge not only serves a functional purpose as the River Tyne's only foot and cycle bridge, but its grace and engineering attract people from all over the world. READ MORE ->

A lot of beautiful and unusual bridges can be seen in Amsterdam. Among them, the python bridge or the snake-shaped bridge must be mentioned above all. The distinctive name of the bridge perfectly reflects its primary particularity. The metal bridge is characterized by the unusual serpentine shape. The bridge is equipped with beautiful railings with a lot of scarlet threads, which makes the figure even more attractive. The color of the bridge was chosen by chance and has no particular symbolic character. Within a few years 'Python' Bridge became a must for many excursion programs through Amsterdam and attracts not only the curious tourists, but also the construction workers from different countries. Like the other bridges of Holland, 'Python' is very solid and secure. READ MORE ->

Laminated-wood parabolic-arch pedestrian bridge. Between 1997 and 2001, Norwegian painter and artist Vebjørn Sand formed a partnership with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration to build what became known as the Vebjørn Sand da Vinci Bridge. Based on Leonardo da Vinci's arched bridge design originally intended for the Golden Horn of present day Istanbul, Sand's pedestrian bridge was built over European route E18 in Ås, Norway. The Vebjørn Sand da Vinci Bridge is smaller version of da Vinci's parabolic arch design which used a wider base to more effectively distribute force, a principle which da Vinci discovered centuries before its common use. READ MORE ->

The Langkawi Sky Bridge and Langkawi Cable Car and are some of the most popular attractions in Langkawi. You take the Langkawi cable car up to an observatory area and walk on the sky bridge. Completed in 2004, this suspended bridge is built on top of the Machinchang mountain. Accessible from the Top Station, the bridge is suspended from a 82m high single pylon, hangs at about 100m above ground and it can accommodate up to 250 people at the same time. It swings out over the landscape to give visitors a unique spatial experience, and to bring them into otherwise unattainable locations, above virgin jungle with spectacular views. Notably, in contrast to a straight bridge, where the end is always monotonously in sight, a curved bridge offers spectacularly changing perspectives that reinvent themselves, as one proceeds along with it. READ MORE ->

Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, also called President JK Bridge or JK Bridge, is a steel and concrete bridge crossing Lake Paranoá in Brasília, Brazil. It links the eastern shore of the lake to the center of the city, through the Monumental Axis. Inaugurated on December 15, 2002, the bridge almost immediately became a symbol of Brasília, with its distinctive silhouette. It is named for Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira, former president of Brazil, who is generally considered the main figure supporting the construction of Brasília. It was designed by architect Alexandre Chan and structural engineer Mário Vila Verde. READ MORE ->

e ground, the Henderson Waves bridge is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. Unveiled in 2008, its fantastical shape has lent an unexpected jolt of design savvy to the lush green belt in the south of Singapore. Undulating wave Henderson Waves is anchored by steel arches and filled in with curved slats of Balau wood True to its name, the bridge mimics the undulating shape of a wave, curving and twisting along its entire 274-metre length. Its form is anchored by steel arches and filled in with curved ‘ribs’—slats of Balau wood, a dense hardwood used in heavy construction and which is found only in Southeast Asia. Its shape allows it to have hidden recesses and shell-like niches, where pedestrians can sit and observe their surroundings. Because there’s privacy and room to rest, the bridge is a popular spot on weekends with couples, families with children and joggers. As dusk falls, visitors still linger to admire the bridge, which is illuminated to stunning effect by light-emitting diode (LED) lighting from 7pm to 2am every night. A walk to discover Henderson Waves is part of the Southern Ridges Walk The best way to explore the bridge is as part of the Southern Ridges Walk, a five-kilometre hiking trail that takes you through three major parks: Kent Ridge Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Mount Faber Park. It is the latter two that Henderson Waves connects. Aside from being able to observe a rich variety of tropical flora and fauna, a walk on the Ridges also affords you some stunning views of the island. Read more:

Bustling plaza featuring outdoor restaurants & bars, buskers, vendors & a sculpture by Botero. - Google One of the most popular squares in the old city, Plaza Santo Domingo is regularly packed with tourists. Aptly named for the church situated on one of its corners, the plaza has hundreds of tables from the myriad restaurants encircling its perimeter and is a great spot to get a bite to eat. Most of the restaurants themselves are located in wonderfully constructed buildings and houses with traditional balconies typical of ancient Colonial design. Central to the plaza, and a primary draw, is the enormously breasted statue of “Gorda” Gertrude by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. According to the legend, new couples who fondle Gertrude’s breasts will enjoy a long love affair. READ MORE ->

Running parallel with Central Avenue and Bathhouse Row from Reserve Street to Fountain Street, the half-mile Grand Promenade offers views of historic downtown Hot Springs, the Arlington Lawn, the hot springs cascade, quartz veins in the sandstone and tufa cliffs. The brick promenade has been a National Recreation Trail since 1982. READ MORE ->

As dynamic and picturesque today as when it launched 185 years ago, this park remains one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Clusters of geothermal pools can be found in western states like Colorado and New Mexico, but none represent as important a milestone in the National Park Service catalog as Hot Springs National Park. The remarkable land was set aside by the government in 1832, making it the oldest federal reserve in the U.S.—it predates even Yellowstone, traditionally recognized as the country’s first national park. Much of the city’s delightful architecture has been preserved in charming Neo-classical and Spanish-style museums along Bathhouse Row. But there’s one bathhouse that has operated continuously since 1912, making it the city’s longest-running facility. Equipped with steam cabinets, needle showers, whirlpool tubs, and Swedish massage therapists, Buckstaff Baths offers separate floors for men and women, and the no-reservation policy works in favor of travelers who wish to take a spontaneous trip to the healing waters. READ MORE ->

The University Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Oxford is the parish church of Oxford University. Originally built in the 13th century, it has seen many historic sermons over the centuries. It is also notable for its unusual architecture and the fine views provided by its tower. History of the University Church of St Mary There has been a church on this site since Anglo-Saxon times, but the history of the current building begins in about the 13th century. The oldest part of the building remaining today is the tower, which was built in 1280 and decorated with spires and pinnacles in 1315-25. The Adam de Brome Chapel was added in 1328, the chancel was rebuilt in 1453 and the nave was reconstructed in 1510. The Virgin Porch on the south side was added in 1637, with a statue of the Virgin and Child over the door. This is an unusual post-Reformation addition and indeed was used against Archbishop Laud by his Puritan opponents in a 1641 trial. A refurbishment in 1827 included the addition of the organ screen, the pulpit and a gallery for extra seating. The red-carpeted altar in the nave dates from the 1970s, when the emphasis of worship services moved from evensong to the Eucharist. READ MORE ->

As the first botanic garden in the UK (founded in 1621), at the UK's oldest University, Oxford Botanic Garden occupies a world-class position in terms of its history and academic location. Britain's oldest botanic garden is near the centre of the city. It is a classic seventeenth century walled garden. When founded in 1621, so much money was spent on the walls that little was left for plants. This deficiency has been remedied, with the planting design more botanical than aesthetic. Loudon described the garden as 'a venerable establishment. . . entered by a noble stone archway, through which is seen a vista to the other extremity of the garden. . . Comparing this botanic garden with with all the others in Britain, it as far surpasses them in an arachitectural point of view, as it is inferior to the best of them in botanical riches'. Nearby is a rose garden, designed by Sylvia Crowe, to comemorate the discovery of the first antibiotic. READ MORE ->

The Gargano Promontory in Apulia, due to its shape, is considered to be “Italy’s spur.” This promontory, projecting itself out into the Adriatic Sea, is almost entirely covered by a massive and mountainous carsic rock. Leafy vegetation, a crystalline sea, evocative places, faithful people, and the genuine tastes of this zone are its fundamental characteristics. One of nature’s jewels, it rests under the tutelage of the National Park, which also covers the Umbra Forest, the marine reserve of the Tremiti Islands and the coastal lakes of Lesina and Varano. This is the most extensive National Park in Italy, and it encloses a tract of vast biodiversity. Its naturalistic landscapes and pathways allow for the exploration and observation of rich plant life, where many animal and bird species live. Numerous touristic localities line the Gargano coast, offering vacations that focus on nature, culture, and the sea. The “door” to Gargano is Manfredonia, but on the way, stops at the Romanesque Churches of San Leonardo and Santa Maria di Siponto (both approximately a thousand years old) are a must for their historic and architectonic importance. READ MORE -> From a biological point of view, the Gargano promontory is actually an island, divided from the peninsula by Tavoliere delle Puglie plateau. It is rich in karst structures like caves and dolines. While in the past the promontory was entirely covered with forests, now they represent only the 15% of its original surface area: the most important woodland in the Park is Foresta Umbra. READ MORE ->

Blenheim Palace, residence near Woodstock, Oxfordshire, Eng., built (1705–24) by the English Parliament as a national gift to John Churchill, 1st duke of Marlborough. During the War of the Spanish Succession, he had led the English to victory over the French and Bavarians at the Battle of Blenheim in Germany in 1704. The palace was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, with a great deal of involvement by Nicholas Hawksmoor, and is regarded as the finest example of truly Baroque architecture in Great Britain. In the early 18th century Queen Anne’s gardener, Henry Wise, designed the grounds of the palace in the formal style of André Le Nôtre’s famed gardens for Vaux-le-Vicomte and Versailles in France. Little remains of Wise’s landscaping, however, because tastes changed in the mid-18th century, and Lancelot (Capability) Brown was asked to redesign the grounds in his pastoral style of informal or seemingly natural landscapes of woods, lawns, and waterways. Sir Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim Palace. READ MORE ->

he newest addition to Missouri’s robust State Parks system, Echo Bluff is situated along Highway 19 in northern Shannon County, between Salem and Eminence. The natural beauty and modern features will appeal to both hearty outdoors enthusiasts and to those whose idea of “roughing it” means sharing Wi-Fi with others. READ MORE ->

In his small private archaeological museum, Luciano Faggiano displays artifacts from multiple layers of Lecce’s history— Messapian, Roman, medieval, Byzantine—that he discovered digging beneath the floor of what he once hoped would become his restaurant. An accidental archeological museum is one of Lecce's fascinating sites, that gives a glimpse of the many layers of history that make up an Italian city. The building's owner set about to repair some faulty plumbing and instead uncovered 2,000 years of history! Breaking the floor to locate the broken sewer lines, Mr. Faggiano found underground corridors and rooms and started digging deeper. Literally. Along with a team of archeologists, they found Messapi flooring and walls, Roman cisterns, Greek vases and other symbols and artifacts of many epochs of history. They also learned that the building had once been a convent for a cloistered order of nuns, finding a chapel, and uncovered tombs like a mini-catacombs. A cistern reached down 10 meters, to the River Idume below. All in all, the accidental discovery has become an interesting museum. The unusual story was even written up in the New York Times. READ MORE ->

Cave network inhabited since the Paleolithic era. One of the oldest caves in Italy dates back to the Stone Age and is still inhabited by people today. The cave reminds one of the stone homes in the Flintstones cartoon. The cave is known as Sassi di Matera; it sits on the edge of a steep ravine in the country’s south. It is believed to date all the way back 9,000 years as well as being the oldest continuously-inhabited cave city in the world. It is protected by UNESCO and is considered part of Matera city. It has been carved into the rock of a large, towering gorge that had been formed by a large river. Matera is the only place where people can say they continue to live as their ancestors did nearly 9,000 years ago. READ MORE ->

he town Trani in Puglia some 40 km north of Bari has become an increasingly popular holiday destination over the past few years. Quite understandably. And one of the main attractions is Trani Cathedral. Most of these postcards will be dominated by Trani Cathedral. This church is a wonderful three-in-one construction of spirituality. It started out as a Roman catacomb in honour of Saint Leucius. In the 6th century the catacomb became a crypt under a new cathedral dedicated to the Holy Virgin. But then the crusades converged on the east coast of Puglia, and a young man from Greece entered Trani. His name was Nicola, and he must have had an extraordinarily charming personality. Nicola the Pilgrim died in 1094 and was canonized five years later, but the people in Trani immediately decided to dismiss their old patron saint and rebuild the existing cathedral in honour of San Nicola Pellegrino. READ MORE ->

The Basilica of St. Nicholas was built in the late 11th century to shelter and venerate the relics of St. Nicholas that reached Bari on May 9th, 1087 from the homonymous church in Myra, Lycia (modern-day Turkey). The classical Romanesque-style basilica is located within the ancient fortified citadel, once occupied by the Catapan Court. READ MORE -> In the heart of Bari's historic centre, the Basilica of San Nicola is the focal point of the Cittadella nicolaiana and a destination for pilgrims from all over the world, and especially from Eastern Europe. Considered a prototype of Puglia's Romanesque architecture, the Cathedral was founded in the 11th century. It has been remodelled several times over the centuries, but retains a simple exterior, with two slender towers reaching up to the sky. Inside, a gilded wooden ceiling overlooks beautiful furnishings and 17th century paintings by Carlo Rosa of Bitonto. A staircase leads down to the crypt where you'll find the tomb of San Nicola (Saint Nicholas), and the entrance to a Russian Orthodox Chapel. Don’t miss the Cattedra di Elia (Elias’ Cathedra, or bishop's throne), the medieval capitals, the ciborium, the silver altar and the golden inlays from the 17th century. READ MORE ->

Eighty years of magic that still does not cease to enchant millions of visitors from all over the world. Castellana caves celebrates a very important anniversary. It was 1938 when the speleologist Franco Anelli with Vito Matarrese illuminated for the first time the underground world of stalactites and stalagmites, launching the tourist turnaround for the city in the province of Bari.

When visiting Chengdu in Sichuan, a day trip out of the city to Dujiangyan, is a must for every traveler. You need at least a day for this trip. Construction of the Dujiangyan irrigation system began in the 3rd century B.C. This system still controls the waters of the Minjiang River and distributes it to the fertile farmland of the Chengdu plains. Mount Qingcheng was the birthplace of Taoism, which is celebrated in a series of ancient temples. READ MORE ->

Lugu Lake, at the border between Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces and about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Lijiang city, is an alpine lake renowned for its stunning scenery and unique Mosuo culture. Lugu is called the 'mother lake' by the local Mosuo people, who comprise what is sometimes described as the last matriarchal society in the world. The Mosuo people have been living relatively isolated lives around the lake for generations, and have retained their ancient traditions and customs. READ MORE ->

The Creamery Meadow Loop is 2 miles of very easy, very flat 4x4 trail. Great for beginners with fantastic scenery all the way out to the beach and back. During dry seasons, it can be a little sandy but nothing too challenging. There are three trails that intersects with the Creamery Loop, the Bluffs trail, the Ridge Trail, and the River Trail. ... The Ridge Trail is a 2.8 miles long singletrack (out-and-back 5.6 miles) for more experienced riders. READ MORE ->

DISTANCE (ROUND-TRIP): 9.3 mi ELEVATION GAIN: 1465 ft A breathtaking 9.3 mile loop through most of the big sights in Pinnacles National Monument. This trail crosses streams, dives into talus caves, and climbs around and through the monument’s namesake rock spires – in several places, even climbing up stairs cut into the sides of the pinnacles themselves. In the spring, this trail explodes with wildflowers. This is the must-do route in the park. READ MORE ->

The California Coastal Trail is a 1,200-mile, multi-use route stretching along the Pacific coastline from Mexico to Oregon. The 2.7-mile segment that runs through the Presidio starts at the 25th Avenue Gate near Baker Beach, traces the rocky coastal bluffs, and ends at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. In between these two points, you will find expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. Native blooms and shrubs, windswept Monterey cypress, and the craggy shoreline below add to the stunning beauty of this trail. You might need a moment to take in all the grandeur. The Golden Gate Overlook and Pacific Overlook, both situated along the trail, are ideal spots to take a break and soak in the views. The California Coastal Trail also boasts the most access points to the Presidio’s historic gun batteries, including Battery Chamberlin, where visitors can see a “disappearing gun” demonstration on the first full weekend of each month. The route also includes a new bicycle/pedestrian bridge that connects to the Golden Gate Bridge for easy access to the Marin Headlands. READ MORE ->

Hike a loop on Mt. Tamalpais covering two of the most famous bay area trails: Dipsea and Steep Ravine. Experiencing amazing views of Pt. Reyes, the Pacific Ocean, waterfalls, and wildflowers. This loop is made up of three of the most popular Marin trails and for good reason. These trails offer not only expansive ocean views, but a variety of topography and environments. This 7.5-mile loop offers up waterfalls, dense forests, redwoods, and open grasslands overlooking the Pacific. READ MORE ->

Scenic 1.4-mi. trail close to Kuchel Visitor Center.. This is one of the most popular trails in Redwood National Park. Unusually for a major redwood attraction, the trail is in a redwood upland environment at 1200 feet above sea level. Such ridgetop or hillside groves are usually less spectacular than valley floor groves, with smaller trees and more shrubs that block views of the trees. READ MORE ->

Oldest catholic place of worship in Bavaria.

South of the Dom, the humble exterior of the graceful Alte Kapelle belies the stunning interior with its rich rococo decorations. The core of the church, however, is about 1000 years old, although the vaulted ceilings were added in the Gothic period. The church is open only during services but you can always peek through the wrought-iron grill.

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The royal residence for the Thurn and Taxis dynasty for 200 years. As compensation for losing the Bavarian mail monopoly, the princes were given the former Abbey of St. Emmeram in 1812. From 1816, this was converted into a magnificent residence that is now considered one of Germany's finest example of historicist architecture – a revival of styles from the past. The Romanesque-Gothic cloister, an impressive reminder of the building's history as a Benedictine abbey, dates back to the 11th century. Other highlights include the neo-Renaissance marble staircase and a number of state rooms such as the 'yellow' and 'silver' salons. The throne room is suitably splendid with a gold and white décor, while the double-height ballroom – a medley of rococo and neo-rococo styles – recalls the pomp of ceremonies past. In the baroque library, whose ceiling fresco from 1737 is by the famous artist Cosmas Damian Asam, there are almost 120,000 volumes.

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Built in the 1300s on the site of earlier cathedrals, Regensburg Cathedral (Dom St. Peter) is the finest Gothic building in Bavaria. Its harmonious exterior, alive with interesting medieval sculptures, has recently been fully cleaned. Inside are even more sculptures along with an extensive collection of medieval stained glass.

The first record of a cathedral in Regensburg dates from about 700 AD; the Diocese of Regensburg was officially established by St. Boniface in 739. In the late 700s or early 800s, a Carolingian cathedral replaced the original building. In the early 11th century, the cathedral was extended westward in the Romanesque style, including an atrium and twin west towers.

After more than one damaging fire in the 12th century, a new cathedral was planned in the High Gothic style. Begun shortly after 1260, it was built over the site of its Romanesque predecessor and incorporated some of the earlier structure. The first altar was consecrated in 1276, probably in the south choir. By about 1320, the altars at the east end were sufficiently completed for consecration and liturgical use. The south tower was built between 1341 and 1380.

After some houses and a church were destroyed to make room, the north tower and west facade were built (1385-1487). The main portal was done by 1410 and the nave was finally roofed in 1442. Contruction came to a stop, although the cathedral was not completed, sometime around 1520. The cloisters, however, were built in 1514-38. The cathedral received the usual Baroque makeover in 1613-49 ...

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Hikers flock to this unique, thin rock at the peak of the Mount Woodson for dramatic photographs. Potato Chip Rock is located at the peak of Mount Woodson in Poway, California. Recently, the hike has become popular due hikers posting creative images on Facebook and Instagram. The hike is approximately 8 miles roundtrip, and during the summer months, it is recommended to start early in the morning due to Poway’s hot desert climate. The first half of the trail is pretty much an uphill climb, where you’ll find the Potato Chip Rock at the very top. Don’t be surprised if you find a line of people waiting to take their picture on this popular rock! Then, you’ll descend the same trail on your way down. Obviously, you’ll find that going down is a lot faster than going up the trail. Once you get to the top of the mountain, Potato Chip Rock offers an unforgettable background to take pictures. It looks like you’re on the ledge of a cliff (which you basically are). The views and scenery from the top of the mountain are epic! Definitely bring your camera. Also, the uphill climb is challenging for even experienced hikers, so bring plenty of water. READ MORE ->

Mt. Hollywood at 1,625 ft is the second tallest peak in Griffith Park, with amazing views of the Griffith Observatory, downtown LA, the Hollywood Sign and much more. There are many trails that lead to Mt. Hollywood, but my favorite trail begins near the Ferndell Nature Area. This trailhead has plenty of parking, and some shade, particularly in the morning. As you climb, you have options to visit the Berlin Forest and Dante’s View en route to the summit. Griffith Park has 53 miles of hiking trails, but this trail up Mt. Hollywood is one of the best. The trail begins up Western Canyon, accessible via Fern Dell Drive. This entrance to Griffith Park is located right off Los Feliz Boulevard, and it’s famous for the bear statue. READ MORE ->' target='_blank'>READ MORE ->

With over 4,210 acres of both natural chapparal-covered terrain and landscaped parkland and picnic areas, Griffith Park is one of the largest municipal parks with urban wilderness areas in the United States. Situated in the eastern Santa Monica Mountain range, the Park’s elevations range from 384 to 1,625 feet above see level. With an arid climate, the Park’s plant communities vary from coastal sage scrub, oak and walnut woodlands to riparian vegetation with trees in the Park’s deep canyons. The California native plants represented in Griffith Park include the California species of oak, walnut, lilac, mountain mahagony, sages, toyon, and sumac. Present, in small quantities, are the threatened species of manzanita and berberis. READ MORE ->

This park is a large grass park set across from Youngs Bay. The park holds four baseball/softball fields, two sets of public restrooms, a skate park, picnic area and large playground. READ MORE ->

Black Sands Beach is the south end of a long walkable coastline that is over 20 miles long between Shelter Cove to Mattole River Campground. Day-use of the wide dark sand and pebbly beach near the parking lot is nearly ideal. You can walk either direction on the beach. To the north is a great vast beachcombing shoreline and to the south is Little Black Sands Beach READ MORE ->

From its thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges, Point Reyes offers visitors over 1500 species of plants and animals to discover. Home to several cultures over thousands of years, the Seashore preserves a tapestry of stories and interactions of people. READ MORE ->

Alamere Falls is at a dramatic spot where Alamere Creek cascades onto a sandy beach in Point Reyes National Seashore. This hidden waterfall is at the far south end of Wildcat Beach next to a rocky promontory called Double Point. The creek winds down a green trough in the aired landscape then tumbles down a black and green cliff face before digging a channel through the sand to the ocean. READ MORE ->

Baia do Sancho, a beach on the small island of Fernando de Noronha off of Brazil, is ranked one of the world's best beaches. Great place for watching dolphin, and snorkeling READ MORE ->

The Beehive is the majestic peak that overlooks Sand Beach from the northwest. The hike up the Beehive Trail (aka. the Beehive Cliffs Trail) is a thrilling Acadia classic, but it is not recommended for anybody with a fear of heights. This ingenious route heads right up the steep south face of the peak and includes granite steps, iron rungs to climb up, and several handrails for exposed rock scrambling sections. Those who control their fear of heights are rewarded with incredible views of Sand Beach, Great Head, and the surrounding area. READ MORE ->

ou'll discover beautiful Yokohama Bay when you head towards the most west northern tip of Oahu, known to as Ka’ena Pt. Also referred to as Keawaula Beach, this Oahu beach resides in one of the most secluded areas of the island. Yokohama Bay is pristine beautiful, untouched by development for miles around, and framed by the Waianae Mountain Range in the background. You’ll usually find this Oahu beach empty, with an extensive sandy beach to explore all to yourself. READ MORE ->

Makua Beach is one of the most secluded and far away beaches on Oahu. This undeveloped and never crowded white-sand beach is backed by the Waianae Mountain Range and Makua Valley (after which the beach is named). Most Oahu visitors never get to see this beach. Makua Beach is the second last beach where the road ends (the last one is Yokohama Bay). Both beaches are part of the Ka'ena Point State Park. If you're up for a hike, there is a trail that leads to the northwestern tip of the island. Ka'ena Point is supposedly a 'leina a ka uhane,' or a jumpoff point for departing souls. READ MORE ->

Imagine a concert at dusk, outdoors under the stars, and you will likely think of a place that looks much like this iconic band shell framed by tall trees at the west side of Hollywood. With its stacked layer of arches framing an ample stage, big enough to house the Los Angeles Philharmonic and charismatic conductor Gustavo Dudamel during its annual summer concert series—this is the largest natural amphitheatre in the U.S., and an unbeatable place to enjoy entertainment Southern California style. While classical music does get a big play here (the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra trades off with the L.A. Philharmonic), it is not meant to be highbrow: the Tuesday and Thursday night classical concerts are designed for everyone, classical music fan or not, so it is hard to go wrong. Wednesdays in summer find jazz legends like Herbie Hancock and the Count Basie Orchestra swinging on the stage. Big names get plenty of stage time at “the Bowl” too, with top draws including Bruno Mars, OneRepublic, and Kings of Leon. Cultural events, some designed for families, include the annual Mariachi Festival and Native American musical events. Picnic tables on the surrounding slopes make for perfect al fresco dining (table seating is first come, first serve). READ MORE ->

Cathedral Gorge State Park is located in a long, narrow valley in southeastern Nevada, where erosion has carved dramatic and unique patterns in the soft bentonite clay. The park’s beauty began with explosive volcanic activity that, with each eruption, deposited layers of ash hundreds of feet thick. Great walking trails abound for exploring the cave-like formations and cathedral-like spires that are the result of geologic processes from tens of millions of years ago. A photographer’s dream, the park offers stunning views of the scenic canyon and visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, camping and nature study. READ MORE ->

World-renowned for its 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops nestled in gray and tan limestone, Valley of Fire State Park contains ancient, petrified trees and petroglyphs dating back more than 2,000 years. A Visitor Center provides exhibits on the geology, ecology, prehistory and history of the park and nearby region. The park also hosts an Annual Atlatl Competition in which participants test their skills with replicas of ancient spears. Open year round, the park has numerous campsites equipped with shaded tables, grills and water, as well as many intriguing trails to tempt hikers. READ MORE ->

One of the most popular and well known waterfalls on the island, Emerald Pool has a distinctive green color thanks to the rain forest vegetation around it. The unique appearance has made this waterfall the backdrop of several movies as well as weddings. An easy 30-minute hike takes you through magnificent overhanging trees and lush vegetation will take you there. READ MORE ->

In 1932 Waterton Lakes National Park (Alberta, Canada) was combined with the Glacier National Park (Montana, United States) to form the world's first International Peace Park. Situated on the border between the two countries and offering outstanding scenery, the park is exceptionally rich in plant and mammal species as well as prairie, forest, and alpine and glacial features. READ MORE ->

In addition to its particularly beautiful scenery, Dinosaur Provincial Park – located at the heart of the province of Alberta's badlands – contains some of the most important fossil discoveries ever made from the 'Age of Reptiles', in particular about 35 species of dinosaur, dating back some 75 million years. READ MORE ->

Distance: 3 mi. (There-and-back). By far one of the best places in San Francisco for a hike is the beautiful Lands End Trail in the Sutro District of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. There are miles of trails here, and they provide fantastic examples of coastal terrain while also letting you see the Golden Gate Bridge from many different angles. READ MORE ->

Community gathering spot on 152 acres with a lake, plus kids' attractions including a small train. he 'jewel' of Santa Rosa. This 138-acre community park provides endless recreational opportunities with a beautiful lake for fishing and boating, a softball field, tennis courts, picnic areas, unique playground structures, miles of hiking and jogging trails, and an amusement area featuring a miniature train ride, carousel, animal farm and pony rides. READ MORE ->

A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals, and providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region of the country so special. READ MORE ->

One of Finger Lakes. The Finger Lakes in New York State has got to be one of the prettiest places with vineyards nestled on rolling hills high above sparkling lakes.