There’s a reason why it’s called Earthquake Park. This is where parts of Anchorage slid into the inlet during the 1964 quake—the strongest ever recorded in North America. A short trail loops through the area, with signs explaining what happened. If you look closely, you can still spot some of the ground shifts and tilted trees. On clear days, there’s a wide view over the water—and sometimes even Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, way off in the distance.

In October 2017, Hovs Hallar received the award — the Treasure Of European Film Culture. Hovs Hallar Nature Reserve is one of many treasures in southern Sweden. Ingmar Bergman chose to shoot the opening scene in his film Seventh Seal here. Beyond its cinematic success, the reserve featured impressive cliff faces that are home to a variety of seabirds.

About 20 minutes south of Anchorage, Beluga Point is one of those spots that makes you want to pull over. The views across Turnagain Arm—a long, narrow stretch of ocean surrounded by steep mountains—are wide open and dramatic. If the tide’s right, you might catch beluga whales chasing salmon along the shoreline. They’re most active in late summer, but even if they don’t show up, the view’s not a bad consolation.

The many winding steps of Charlotte Amalie were built in the mid 1700s. The bricks for the steps were brought all the way from Denmark as ballast in the empty hulls of the sailing ships. The picturesque 99 steps attract the most foot traffic and cameras. How could one resist this narrow stairway, adorned with flowers on both sides! The original name if the street can be translated as the Greater Tower Street. The steps lead to the Blackbeard’s Castle — a 17th century watch tower. The tower has been closed to visitors since Hurricanes Irma and Maria, but the view from up above is still stunning.