Chesapeake Bay has a rich geological, environmental and cultural history, spanning impact events, glaciation, early colonial settlements and modern struggles with pollution and rising sea level.

Arkansas, “the Natural State,” offers enough geology for a great geo-centric trip to the south-central United States: the world’s only public diamond mine, uniquely heated mineral springs and the Ozark Mountains of Wilson Rawls’ “Where the Red Fern Grows” lore.

Beyond Buenos Aires: From cactus-covered deserts to cloud forests to the sky-scraping Andes Mountains, northwestern Argentina promises contrasting landscapes, astounding geological formations and natural beauty — and a chance to eat llama.

Utah's Canyonlands National Park, where the Colorado and Green rivers meet on the Colorado Plateau, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a wonderland for geologists, with majestic red rock spires, ancient Native American cave paintings and breathtaking vistas.

Tanzania is brimming with natural wonders, from its famous volcanoes to its beautiful islands to its diverse animal life.

Siberia’s Lake Baikal — the deepest lake in the world — is one of the planet’s great geological treasures.

As Central America’s most popular tourist destination, Costa Rica draws millions of visitors each year. And beneath the rich veneer of life inhabiting one of Costa Rica’s more remote and undeveloped areas, the Osa Peninsula, the local geology is also quite stunning.

Many of the 193 summits marking the highest elevations of each of the world's countries are best left to professional climbers. But the highest point in Germany, the Zugspitze in the German Alps, is accessible to anybody with a train ticket.

The Aborigines regard Australia’s unique, beautiful geological formations as sacred and mystical. But geologists can also take pleasure in the geological mysteries of the Land Down Under, each of which has its own story to tell.

The spectacular New River Gorge offers some of the East Coast’s best rock climbing and world-class whitewater rafting. It might be the most thrilling geology field trip on earth.

Touristy mai tais and luaus aside, Hawaii's geologic hallmarks are a low-cost, splendor-filled safari.