Portland is home to the nation's largest wooded urban park—Forest Park. A short hike in, and you'll find it hard to believe that civilization is just steps away. With 70 miles of trails winding through the forest and offering views of the Willamette River, you'll often have nature all to yourself. However, you're also likely to run into locals jogging or walking their dogs—expect to be greeted with a friendly "hello." If you have the time, hike up to Pittock Mansion, a stunning French Renaissance-style château that once belonged to Henry Pittock, a prominent publisher and businessman. Today, the mansion serves as a historic house museum open to visitors, offering panoramic views of the city. Another popular destination within Forest Park is the so-called "Witch's Castle"—the moss-covered ruins of an abandoned stone house. Despite its eerie name, there’s no record of witchcraft here. However, legend has it that its original inhabitant was the first person in Oregon to be sentenced to execution for murder in 1859.

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a gigantic playground for both adults and children. Focusing on natural sciences and technology, the museum features several labs in five exhibition halls – chemistry, paleontology, space, and more. You can also explore the USS Blueback Submarine and a planetarium. The Empirical Café and Theory Restaurant will provide you with refreshments if needed.

Loveland Castle, also known as Château Laroche, is a full-scale medieval-style castle built single-handedly by Harry D. Andrews, a World War I veteran, starting in the 1920s. Constructed using stones from the Little Miami River and bricks molded from quart milk cartons, Andrews dedicated over 50 years to this labor of love. When you visit, you can wander through the castle’s towers and narrow halls, check out some old-school medieval weapons, and just soak in the quirky, one-of-a-kind vibe. It's a fun and odd little stop with beautiful gardens and a peaceful riverside spot to hang out afterward.

Chania, or "Venice of the East", is the second biggest city in Crete, built on the site of old Kydonia. One the most picturesque cities in Greece, Chania oozes with artistic influences of the various cultures which have passed through it. Historical buildings have been renovated and now house museums and cultural centres, for example, the former Venetian Monastery of Saint Francis now hosts the Archaeological Museum of Chania.