Mexico is well-known for its glorious beaches. So if there's one that's commonly cited as the most beautiful beach in the country, you know it ought to be good. Playa Balandra in Baja California Sur is well deserving of the title, with its calm turquoise waters and sugary sands against a backdrop of red, cactus-covered mountains. Each of the seven beaches is shaped in a crescent moon. The water is so serene and shallow that you can wade from one end to the other, perfect for spotting jellyfish, stingrays, trigger fish, groupers, blue crabs, and brightly colored fish in the mangroves. Never too far from a meal, you'll be sharing the sand bar with herons, ospreys, and pelicans. With so much marine activity, it's no wonder the Gulf of Mexico (also called the Sea of Cortés), is known as the "world's largest aquarium."

Deep in the heart of Northern California, five hours north of San Francisco, there's an enchanting drive that feels worlds away from the city. Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt County is a 31-mile stretch that earned its name from the old-growth redwood trees that frame each side, many of which tower over 300 feet tall. The average redwood trunk is so thick, in fact, that you'd need eight people to create a circle around it. Put simply, these are not your everyday trees. While the scenic drive is beautiful all year round, it's especially charming in the fall with the changing foliage and wind-swept leaves lining the road. Oh, and do keep your eyes peeled for Bigfoot, as this is said to be his territory. With otherwordly terrain like this, it’s not hard to see why.

Few manmade landmarks are more recognizable than San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. The art deco architecture with the iconic vermillion hue—known as International Orange—attracts more than 10 million visitors a year, making it one of the most visited destinations in America. While the bridge is visible from many parts of the city, the mile-long stretch of Baker Beach offers a particularly striking view of the steel and sea, particularly around sunset. Not only is it the birthplace of the Burning Man festival, but parking is available right next to the shore, giving visitors access to sweeping views with relative ease. If you can snag a parking spot before the crowds arrive (the earlier, the better), the trek from your car to an Instagrammable frame will take about five minutes. 

You've probably heard of San Diego, Santa Monica, and Santa Cruz, all well-known spots for sun-chasers in search of pristine surf. But if you haven't heard of Morro Bay in San Luis Obispo, this charming destination is one to add to your (sandy) bucket list. Nestled halfway between LA and San Francisco, Morro Bay is best experienced through movement, be it kayaking, golfing, hiking, biking, or surfing—this is California, after all. The scenic town off Highway 1 is named for the epic Morro Rock that sits just offshore, a 600-foot tall "plug" that formed 23 million years ago when magma cooled inside the vent of a volcano. This landmark is impossible to miss, no matter where you stand in town. As such, the rock has long-served as a natural lighthouse, guiding seafarers safely into the harbor for centuries.

If you've ever wanted to feel like the proud owner of a private island, but don't quite have the budget, Cayo Costa State Park might just be the answer. Sitting 90 minutes southwest of Tampa, Florida, this barrier island is celebrated for its white sandy beaches, warm teal waters, and wide-open spaces away from the crowds. It boasts nine miles of untapped coastline and 2,420 acres of protected wilderness, making it the perfect place to step back in time and experience a taste of "Old Florida." If you can tear yourself away from your hammock, the region is buzzing with wildlife, from the “Manatee Hole” on the east side, to the pods of curious dolphins just offshore, to the sneaky alligators hiding in the mangroves.

If you've ever yearned for a golden ticket in the timeless classic "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," this might just be the next best thing. In honor of the film "Wonka" starring Timothée Chalamet, guests can stay at two candy-inspired hotel suites for the rock-bottom price of $12.15, a nod to the film's release date of December 15. The Wonka Suites, as they've been nicknamed, are located at the Park Lane New York and the Viceroy Santa Monica. The lavish, candy-filled suites come with a pair of movie tickets, access to Wonka-themed activities, and, of course, a mountain of sweets to tuck into.

There's something inescapably romantic about a getaway to a small town on the East Coast—or a small town anywhere, for that matter. Whether it's the charmed downtown area dotted with shops, the blink-and-you'll-miss-it wine bars tucked off the street, or the cozy inns decorated with small touches from the host, a romantic getaway in one of these gems is never quite long enough. The village of Kennebunkport in Maine is no exception. No matter when you decide to visit, this spot has all the fix-ins required for a memorable vacation for two: idyllic scenery, refreshing day spas, craft beers, and food and wine tastings. Plus, there’s more delicious New England seafood than you know what to do with.

To the untrained eye, the Arctic tundra of northern Manitoba may appear quiet and desolate. But look a little closer and you'll find a region teeming with wildlife. Wapusk National Park is home to the largest polar bear denning area in the world. Each year, roughly 1,000 polar bears gather at the shore waiting for the sea ice to return and the seals to emerge. The best time to see these aptly named “Lords of the Arctic” is from October to November, though you can spot them ambling along the shore anytime between July and the winter freeze. And yes, there are cubs—lots and lots of cubs.

With so many similarities, you would be forgiven for using the terms alligators and crocodiles interchangeably. Though they branched apart 80 million years ago and hail from different families, they are both fierce-looking reptiles that elicit a mix of excitement and fear. If you’re up for it, Everglades National Park in South Florida is the only place in the world where you can view them both in the wild. With 1.5 million acres of scenery, it’s the largest subtropical wilderness in America, forever safeguarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance. As you trek through this swampy paradise just outside Miami, you’ll be amazed by all the wildlife a few yards—if not a few feet—right in front of you.

You've likely come across the snapshot from 1932 called "Lunch Atop A Skyscraper." For these 11 workers, it's just an ordinary day on a makeshift bench of steel, as they enjoy their lunch high above the streets of New York City. Though their faces look serene, construction was no easy feat for the 40,000 workers who built NYC's skyline, many of whom faced discrimination and poverty during the Great Depression. Perhaps that's why this famed group of Irish lads has captivated viewers for decades; times were tough and these men were brave—in more ways than one. Now, if you dare, you can recreate this photo for yourself at "Top of the Rock: The Beam," a new attraction at Rockefeller Center. This time, though, there are seat belts.