Housed within the historic Episcopal Palace that dates back to the 10th century, the Museu d'Art de Girona boasts the most important art collection in the province. Its chronologically arranged galleries guide visitors through Catalan artistic evolution, from striking Romanesque altarpieces and Gothic gold-leaf panels to Renaissance sculptures and Modernista works by artists like Santiago Rusiñol. Notable highlights include the 9th-century liturgical treasures from Sant Pere de Rodes, a 15th-century illuminated martyrology, and hauntingly beautiful Romanesque woodcarvings. The palace itself is a masterpiece. Don’t miss the medieval gaol and the serene gardens. Room 8, draped in Gothic religious art, feels like stepping into a cathedral shrine. With over 8,500 works and a programme of temporary exhibitions, this museum offers a profound dive into the region’s soul, all within a stone’s throw of Girona Cathedral.

About an hour south of Anchorage, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a haven for animals that wouldn’t make it in the wild—moose, bison, bears, musk oxen, and more. Most of the animals are rescues, or were orphaned or injured, and the center provides them with the care they need to thrive. Walk or drive the loop to observe these majestic creatures in their expansive, natural habitat, with the Chugach Mountains as your backdrop.

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail runs about 18 km from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park, tracing the edge of the shoreline the whole way. You can bike it, walk it, run it—whatever pace you’re feeling. Enjoy scenic views of the water and the towering presence of Denali on cloudless days.