Romantic Destinations Photos_Parte I

Big Sur, California

Rugged coastline, dramatic vistas, and uncrowded spaces—such as Pfeiffer Beach, pictured here—draw romantics to Big Sur on the central California coast.

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Bangkok, Thailand

The famous prangs of Wat Arun, a Buddhist temple on the Chao Phraya River, reach into the Bangkok sky. Construction of the temple, a popular tourist attraction, was begun in 1809.

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Zanzibar, Tanzania

Daybreak comes slowly to a secluded beach on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar, off Africa's Swahili Coast. White, sandy beaches and fringing coral reefs lure sunseekers away from the beaten path.

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San Francisco, California

Angel's trumpets bloom at the base of the "Victory" statue in San Francisco's Union Square, which anchors a central shopping district. Mild weather and off-peak pricing make winter a good time to visit the city.

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Kaua'i, Hawaii

Rugged Nā Pali Coast on Kaua'i provides a rampart against the Pacific—and a pot of tourist gold. Secluded Kalalau Valley is accessible only by boat, when the seas are calm in summer, or by way of a dizzying 11-mile (18-kilometer) trail that hugs the cliffs.

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Sicily, Italy

Timeworn cobblestones and narrow streets give Erice, Sicily, a cozy feel. A cable car connects the historic town, perched about a quarter of a mile (750 meters) above sea level, to the city of Trapani.