The history of Vancouver started with the creation of a sawmill and a community that grew up around it, which then became the townsite of Granville. Then came the railroad, and development of the great natural harbor. With a sudden linkage to the Orient, Eastern Canada, and Europe, immigrants came, business bloomed, and the skyscrapers rose up along Burrard Inlet, always with the mountains visible in the spaces between the buildings. Stroll the galleries, boutiques, public markets, and restaurants of every flavor. Visit vibrant Chinatown and Stanley Park, with its 1,000 acres of forests, gardens, lakes and lawns in the heart of the city.

Once they reached the ocean, Lewis and Clark hoped to return home by ship. When none came they built Fort Clatsop, a few miles south of present-day Astoria to ride out the winter of 1805. Today the fort is a national memorial with exhibits, living history demonstrations, and trails through the surrounding wetlands. The town itself nestles into the southern bank of the Columbia River, one long bridge ride away from Washington state. Visitors can climb the spiral steps of Astoria Column for a view of the town, the river and the surrounding countryside. Climb down and you can walk or ride a trolley along the river.

Beautiful, brilliant San Diego has the sun, the beaches and the climate. In addition San Diego is the sixth largest city in the U.S. and a center for military, industry, trade, and biotechnology. Of course, it's a great destination for cruise travelers. The San Diego Zoo is one of the world's best. Balboa Park is both a natural space and a collection of wonderful museums. Old Town boasts colorful shops and restaurants. Oh, and the beaches — Coronado, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla forecast beautiful weather almost daily.