For aviation enthusiasts and history buffs, the Palm Springs Air Museum is a real find. Home to one of the largest collections of World War II aircraft in the country, this museum is more than just planes—it’s a walk through history. Here, you can get close to vintage warbirds, from bombers to fighter jets, and even step inside a few. There's also a theater showing documentaries that bring the stories of these planes and their pilots to life, along with a flight simulator for those who want a feel of the cockpit.

St Paul's Cathedral is located in Federation Square. This beautiful and historic building is set right next to modern buildings and is a good example of the old meeting the new. The cathedral is built in neo-Gothic style and was consecrated in 1891.

Experience firsthand why Portland is known as the "City of Roses" by visiting its Rose Test Garden, the oldest official rose garden in the U.S. Established during World War I, the garden was originally created as a refuge for roses threatened by bombings and potential extinction. Not only did the roses survive, but they have continued to thrive and bloom in Portland. The garden is open to visitors from April through October, with the peak bloom occurring in June.

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.