Discovery Princess - April 27, 2024

Famed as a year-round vacation resort, San Diego also carries huge economic clout as California's second largest city. With magnificent beaches and two world-class zoos, the city enjoys a dazzling Mediterranean climate and a rich multicultural heritage. The surrounding county embraces forested mountains, vast desert lands, and miles of sunny beaches. It just doesn't seem fair to the rest of us.

With breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and a spectacular bay, San Francisco is one of the U.S.'s most beautiful cities. Visitors have a wide range of things to see, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Nob Hill, Alcatraz, and Chinatown. And no trip to this city is complete without a ride on the cable cars. The restaurants are excellent, with a rich diversity of cuisine.

As the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, Astoria offers a rich history for exploration. It was first visited by Captain Robert Gray in 1792, and by the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery in 1805. Within a 20 mile radius, one can see dozens of exciting attractions including Fort Clatsop National Memorial, Fort Stevens State Park, Fort Astoria, and the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

Founded as a fur-trading post by the Hudson Bay Company, Victoria is home to an interesting mix of cultures. There are English pubs, East Indian restaurants, and Japanese sushi bars. Chinatown features great buys at Market Square. Spend a pleasant afternoon among the flowers and waterways of world-famous Butchart Gardens.

This metropolis is Canada's fastest growing city. Visit Gastown, a restored turn-of-the-century district where Vancouver's first saloon still stands. See trumpeter swans at Lost Lake, contemplate the ducks at Beaver Lagoon, or watch exotic aquatic creatures at the Stanley Park Aquarium. Climb the Lookout for a 360-degree view of the city.