SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Port of Seattle, Washington

Seattle is a young city, but its short history is part of the landscape and charm. Cruise to Seattle and check out the Hiram Chittenden Locks in the Ballard neighborhood — this impressive feat of engineering passed its first ship through in 1916, and today, it is one of the busiest lock systems in the U.S. Then, stroll through the nearby Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens, an English-style landscape garden with over 1,500 varieties of plants. Or head to Gas Works Park, on the grounds of the former Seattle Gas Light Company: This former business is now a prime vantage point to view the Seattle skyline. And don't miss the famous Space Needle: From the top, you can take in clear views of the bay, the Cascade Mountains and Mount Rainier.

The Seattle Center was home of the 1962 World's Fair, which portrayed a mid-century view of the Land of Tomorrow. Since the fair, this 74-acre park has remained a cultural hub within the city. Get a good look at Seattle with a 360-degree view from the observation deck of the Space Needle, or check out the Museum of Pop Culture, which has exhibits on popular music as well as science fiction and fantasy in film and television.

SITKA, ALASKA

Sitka truly offers the best of Alaska. Its small-town appeal stems from a unique blend of Russian, Tlingit and American history. Its snow-capped peaks and volcanic Mount Edgecumbe pose among the state’s most postcard-worthy scenes. And its rare wildlife astounds, from Saint Lazaria Island’s orange-beaked puffins to Alaska Maritime Refuge’s 40 million seabirds. This is off-the-path Alaska, where you can kayak Sitka Sound alongside swimming sea otters or fly-fish for the world’s biggest halibut. Whether it’s hiking Baranof Island trails or listening to tribal stories passed down for generations, in Sitka the midnight sun never sets on adventure.

Explore Sitka National Historical Park to trace the town’s early beginnings and native heritage. See indigenous artifacts, watch a documentary film, and walk the mile-long Totem Trail. Then view creative pieces by local Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian artists at the Sitka Cultural Center.

Get up close to native eagles, owls, falcons and hawks at the Alaska Raptor Center’s rehab hospital. Meet the vets who nurse injured birds back to health and view the flight-training center— a rainforest environment where recovered animals relearn survival skills before release back into the wild.

The local Pacific Northwest “frontier cuisine” is packed with fresh seafood offerings like sockeye lox and halibut fish and chips. Here you’ll find Dungeness crab harvested by local families and food trucks serving black cod collars. And don’t miss Baranof Island Brewing Company— the Silver Bay IPA and Halibut Point Hefeweizen are two solid sipping options.

SKAGWAY, ALASKA

Once the starting point for gold stampeders heading for the promised land of the Yukon, Skagway symbolizes the spirit of Alaska. And now — it’s your turn to hunt for bold. Embark on the trail of the fortune seekers on a vintage train ride with dramatic, sweeping views at every turn. Trek through the dense rainforest and windswept valleys of Chilkoot Trail and follow in the footsteps of Klondike pioneers. Or stroll the charming downtown streets studded with historical buildings. Whatever you get up to in Skagway, it’ll be a day you’ll never forget.

Prepare to be blown away by breathtaking Alaskan scenery while riding in a vintage rail car along the White Pass and Yukon Route narrow-gauge railway. See Bridal Veil Falls, Dead Horse Gulch and Glacier Gorge unfold before you while climbing the 2,885-foot incline of White Pass.

Known as “the world’s longest outdoor museum”, Chilkoot Trail encompasses 33 miles of hiking trails. Follow in the footsteps of Klondike stampeders as you trek through dense rainforest, enjoy incredible scenery, and discover the Gold Rush ghost town of Dyea. This is the ultimate Alaskan outdoor challenge.

Skagway is one of the best places to feast on king crab legs. Hit Skagway Brewing Company for sockeye salmon sandwiches paired with a Blonde Ale made from hand picked Sitka spruce tree tips. Enjoy Mendenhall Mudd or Klondike Walnut fudge at the Alaska Fudge Company— and then sip a nightcap at Red Onion Saloon, the oldest watering hole in town.