Juneau, Alaska

In 1880, Joe Juneau and Richard Harris were prospecting for gold with the help of Native American guides when they discovered nuggets “as large as beans” at the mouth of the aptly named Gold Creek. Out of their discoveries came three of the largest gold digs in the world where more than $150 million in gold was mined.

Juneau’s surrounding beauty and natural wonders have attracted cruise ship travelers for over a century, with steamship companies bringing tourists here since the early 1880’s. Here you can spend your days exploring glaciers, whale watching, hiking or at one of the city’s vivacious shops and restaurants.