South Dakota, known for its striking contrasts, from sacred Indigenous landmarks to dramatic prairie landscapes, offers travelers a rare chance to experience stories etched in both stone and living tradition. Mount Rushmore may be the most photographed site, but just 17 miles away, the Crazy Horse Memorial tells a deeper story. In the west, the Black Hills are full of geological surprises and sacred sites. Custer State Park offers scenic drives where herds of bison often stop traffic.

Mount Nebo rises in western Jordan, overlooking the Jordan River Valley, the Dead Sea, and, on clear days, Jerusalem and Jericho.

The Olympic Peninsula occupies the far northwest corner of Washington State, where mountains, rainforest, and coastline meet within a relatively compact area.

Taranto is a city on the coast of the Ionian Sea in Southern Italy. It is situated between the bodies of water named Mar Piccolo and Mar Grande.

Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, rests along the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez in northern Sonora, Mexico. Along its shoreline, Sandy Beach draws visitors with long stretches of walkable sand and calm water, while Playa Hermosa and Playa Mirador offer quieter spots where tide pools appear as the sea pulls back. Boat rides to Bird Island, also known as Isla San Jorge, provide a rare chance to see large colonies of sea lions resting on rocky ledges.