After the Jesuits built a series of missions along the coast of Alta California, the Spaniards established a port in 1781 as a supply stop for their coastal shipping routes. With the arrival of the transcontinental railroad and the discovery of oil, people began to arrive in droves. In 1923 the much-photographed giant letters were erected on the hill, and the golden age of Hollywood was born. The scale of Los Angeles, 90 miles long by 50 miles wide, defies belief.

Cabo San Lucas on Baja's southern tip offers two sides: lively, bar-and-restaurant-filled Cabo and quieter, historic San José del Cabo. Once a sleepy fishing village, Cabo now draws beach vacationers; Playa El Médano is the main draw, and Land's End has Playa del Amor and El Arco. In San José, see a 17th-century Jesuit mission, a bird-filled estuary, and the Art District's cafes and galleries.

Discover Puerto Vallarta's old-world charm in Banderas Bay, framed by the Sierra Madre. In Old Town, follow the bells to The Lady of Guadalupe Church, ringing every 15 minutes, and admire its carved interior and architecture. Walk cobblestone streets to the Rio Cuale, where vendors sell silver jewelry, designer clothing, leather goods, and handmade pottery. Enjoy fresh seafood, grilled meats, café de olla, and sweets.

Drive into the mountains to beautiful old Antigua, once the country's colonial capital, and discover its lovely bougainvillea-draped buildings and breathtaking views of emerald volcanoes. Travel to famed Lake Atitlan and step back in time as you encounter the indigenous people in all their finery still living along the lakeshore. Whether you opt to explore the ancient Mayan history of the region or it's more-recent colonial past, its architecture, culture and locals are sure to inspire.

This small port city on Costa Rica's west coast is a gateway to mountains and wildlife. Cruise the Tárcoles River, home to birds and many crocodiles. In the Puntarenas highlands, see purebred Andalusian horses perform at a hacienda. Travel the Pacific coast to Carara National Park to spot scarlet macaws in rainforests and mangroves. Stroll Paseo de los Turistas by Puntarenas Beach and try a "Churchill," the local snow cone.

Drive through Manga's residential area to admire late-19th-century Republican-style mansions. Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, once Latin America's most important military fort. Take a boat to the Islas del Rosario-26 coral islands off Isla Barú-and continue to San Martín de Pajarales for the aquarium, dolphin and shark show, and other marine attractions. Then board the Spanish Galleon, a replica 17th-century ship, for a cruise of Cartagena's inner bay.

From duty-free shopping and Seven Mile Beach to the Cayman Islands National Museum, Pedro St. James National Historic Site, Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, and a rum distillery tour, this quaint capital offers something for everyone.

Sunny Florida skies, year-round warmth, nightlife, and a diverse culture define this cosmopolitan city. South Beach draws crowds, while the Art Deco District is the world's largest collection of Art Deco architecture. Shop from Bal Harbour to Lincoln Road and Coconut Grove, enjoy Cuban culture on Calle Ocho, or visit the historic Venetian Pool. There's something for everyone in this "Gateway to the Americas."