Liepaja has two faces, attracting different types. The city is mostly known as a beach resort, with its gardens, park, musical festivals, showy concert hall, and sandy stretch. Among Latvians, Liepaja is also known as the "city where the wind is born," thanks to its Chicago-like gusts (which power the country's largest wind farm nearby). Liepaja's other side is especially clear in the district of Karosta (Latvian for "War Port"), home to many of the city's Russian-speakers. One of imperial Russia's main ports, Liepaja (then known as Libau) is the port from which most Russians Jews sailed to the New World. One of the Czar's main naval bases, then made into one of the Soviet Union's secret cities, Karosta is ringed by fortifications, many of which are slowly falling into the sea. Follow the fortifications far enough, and you'll find a massive menorah, a memorial to the city's Jews, who were murdered there by the SS. While today known for its shore, this humble town played a major role in American history, as the port from which many Poles, Lithuanians, Jews, and Russians embarked for new lives in the New World.

Liepaja is an ideal stop between Riga and Klaipeda. Halfway to Riga, you can visit Kulgida, a charming well-preserved small town known for its wooden architecture, and home to Europe's widest waterfall. To the north, you can visit Ventspils, a town with a similar history, but a busier port and smaller beach. Ventspils was built around a 13th century Crusader castle, which now has a 19th century exterior.