From San Francisco’s waterfront to the bird’s-eye views of Twin Peaks, this urban landscape is coupled with an amazing array of gardens and public parks. Residents and travelers to the worldwide destination can find respite from city life among the many natural wonders and historical sites. See below for our top picks.

Seattle’s family-friendly museums cater to kids of all ages, including the young at heart, whether your focus is on the arts and sciences or your interests range from aviation to popular culture. Book admission tickets, combine attractions with a Seattle City Pass, or go sightseeing with a guide. Here are our top recommendations.

Admire some of the world’s most dramatic coastal scenery on a tour of the Great Ocean Road, located in the state of Victoria. Australia’s famous stretch of coastline includes the sea stacks known as the Twelve Apostles, situated in Port Campbell National Park. Here are a few things to consider when selecting the right tour.

Auckland is near many award-winning wineries and boutique winemakers in the North Island. One of the most popular stops is Waiheke Island on the Hauraki Gulf, but there are plenty of other destinations including the Kumeu wine region. Here's what you need to know about how best to experience New Zealand wine harvest season.

Exmouth is home to Ningaloo Marine Park, a UNESCO-listed area teeming with sea life. In addition to hundreds of species of coral and tropical fish, there are sea turtles, dugongs, dolphins, and manta rays. But it’s the whale sharks and migrating humpbacks that draw most visitors. Here are some ways to enjoy it all in just one day.

Considered the gateway to Fiordland National Park, Te Anau and the surrounding UNESCO-listed landscape beg to be explored. From the South Island’s largest lake and the Waiau River to Milford and Doubtful Sounds, there’s no shortage of options for the active traveler. Here’s how to get the best from Te Anau in two days.

While visiting the Bay of Islands, you have two main home-base options. Choose the thriving tourist center of Paihia as a jumping-off point for most cruises and outdoor activities—or the quaint, quieter seaside village of Russell. Here’s how to make the most of a 3-day stay.

The Alice Springs Desert Park showcases the three main desert environments in Australia. Wander through sand, woodland, and river deserts and learn about their different plant and animal inhabitants. Take the short walking route through the park or explore further afield to find kangaroos and birdlife.

One day in Phoenix allows you to enjoy the area’s entertainment among downtown skyscrapers, and get out into nature. With its close proximity to Scottsdale and a desert oasis less than one hour from the city, there’s no reason to simply look at nature from afar. Here’s how to make the most of Phoenix in one day.

Two days in Auckland allow for more in-depth experiences around the City of Sails. Sightseeing tours pave the way with an introduction, while various outdoor activities—on water, on land, or in the air—showcase other perspectives. From wildlife to arts and culture, Auckland has it covered. Here’s how to make the most of a 48-hour stay.

Rio de Janeiro isn’t known as the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) for nothing. With three days in Rio, there’s enough time to cover plenty of territory. While visiting this spectacular harborside city, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, this suggested 3-day itinerary will ensure that you don’t miss out on the very best Rio has to offer.

Brazil is a nation with deep roots in the Atlantic slave trade, having imported nearly four million slaves from Africa. To learn more about the connection between gold, slavery, and Portuguese colonization, a visit to Paraty’s infamous Gold Trail, or Caminho do Ouro, is an essential stop. Here are some options.