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The tombs and temples that comprise ancient Petra aren't so much additions as subtractions from this Jordanian desert basin. The Nabataeans, who founded the city around two millennia ago, did more tunneling and carving than constructing when they created the 'Rose City' from its pinkish sandstone surroundings. These carved caverns may look like dwellings, but they weren't designed for living in. The cut-outs are part of what's called the Theater Necropolis—one of Petra's several tomb complexes.

We're strolling north on San Francisco's Baker Beach for a quintessential California view. Here in the northwest of town, Pacific waves wash the sands with vigor, in contrast to the calmer waters of San Francisco Bay. If the bay side's more your speed, it's about a mile's walk straight ahead to the Golden Gate Bridge, which separates open ocean from sheltered haven. Fair warning, though: North Baker Beach is clothing-optional, so you might see more of the locals than expected as you pass by.

Founded in 1914 during the construction of the Alaska Railroad, today Anchorage is the state's most populous city. and home to more than 40 percent of its population.Wedged between 5,000-foot peaks, It's a home base for skiers, hikers, and wildlife lovers, and a gateway to some of the most breathtaking wilderness in the world. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Chugach National Forest or visit one of 60 glaciers in just a short drive. The 15,000-foot Kincaid Park is a hotspot for outdoor sports and offers panoramic views of Denali and the vast Cook Inlet. Visitors can learn more about the local culture and indigenous peoples at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Or if they haven't caught a glimpse of a bear or moose while traversing through the city, a trip to the Alaska Zoo is a good way to learn about the local wildlife.

Peering past floating glacial icebergs and rugged Andean slopes, Cerro Torre cuts an unmistakable profile against a Patagonia sky. Nearly vertical, Torre was once considered impossible to climb. The first confirmed team to ascend the peak did so in 1970 by creating a ladder-like sequence of anchor bolts. No one would reach the summit without help from these bolts until 2012, and that team dismantled the anchor route on their descent. Though this re-raised the bar for difficulty, several successful summits have occurred since, including some achieved partly by free soloing.

At the eastern edge of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, Aït Benhaddou stands suspended in time. The ancient mud-brick city is no longer teeming with the crowds of people who once lived here. But there are small markets within the fortified city and a few families cater to visitors who come to walk its historic streets. Many movies and television shows have used Aït Benhaddou as a filming location, not surprising given its spectacular appearance. Most often it's used as a stand-in for Biblical cities, but 'Game of Thrones' fans may recognize the city as Yunkai, a slave-trade hub in the show’s fictional world.