Just a short 20-minute drive from Lynden lies the vibrant city of Bellingham, home to the magnificent Whatcom Falls Park. Centered around the cascading waters of Whatcom Creek, the park features a stunning series of waterfalls that give it its name. You can wander through towering ancient forests alive with activity, from joggers and dog walkers to families enjoying picnics. The park also offers recreational amenities including a playground and tennis courts.

Made famous by the 1972 James Bond movie "Live and Let Die," Ross Kananga’s Swamp Safari is a 50-acre village which is home to a number of crocodiles and other wild animals such as the Jamaican coney or green anaconda. Ross’ tours give visitors an insight into everyday life at the farm, which is also a sanctuary pledged to safeguard endangered species such as the American crocodile.

If you're into contemporary art, Northern Rivers Community Gallery might be an interesting detour from beach days and outdoor activities. They have four exhibition spaces showing diverse artwork mostly by local artists, but not exclusively. Check their website to see what exhibitions, cultural programs and events are currently going on.

Siena still runs on medieval time—in the best way. Its centre hasn’t changed much in centuries, and that’s part of the charm. The Piazza del Campo is the heart of it all—it’s where the Palio horse race happens twice a year. Climb the Torre del Mangia for wide views across the rooftops. The cathedral’s worth the time, especially its black-and-white striped interior, detailed floor mosaics (open seasonally), and the Piccolomini Library tucked inside. Don’t skip the crypt or the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo—they’re quieter and give you a different angle on the city.