2015 Nov 22
by Charyn Pfeuffer
Sometimes, Mother Nature likes to show off. From surreal landscapes to places that take our breath away, the world is filled with abundant beauty. The best part is that once you get to the destination, be it a city hilltop or a deep desert canyon, the million-dollar view is all yours, almost always for free. Here are 20 standout sights that are sure to inspire wanderlust.
NIAGARA FALLS, CANADA AND UNITED STATES
These waterfalls are possibly the best known in the world, and what a sight! Pay a parking fee ($10 a vehicle) to enter Niagara Falls State Park and then enjoy views, hikes, and picnic areas at no extra charge. For a bird’s-eye view, take a helicopter tour of the falls (for a hefty fee, of course).
SANTORINI, GREECE
Arrive early to the village of Oia to watch the sun set into the azure Aegean Sea. Crowds gather around the crumbling castle on the town’s highest point and in the streets to watch the fiery orange-red burst meet the blue sea.
MACHU PICCHU, PERU
This breathtaking Incan empire was built atop the Andes Mountains. Called the “Lost of City of Incas,” the combination of intense landscape, archeological sites, and excellent trekking conditions has earned Machu Picchu the reputation as one of most beautiful places in the world.
BURJ KHALIFA, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Visit the Observation Deck at the world’s tallest skyscraper for outstanding views of Dubai. Arrive before 5:00 p.m. or after 7:30 p.m. for the cheapest tickets (roughly $34; children under the age of four are free).
PARIS, FRANCE
Climb 284 steps to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées. Go when the sun is starting to set to see the City of Lights sparkle. Tickets cost eight euros; no charge for children and students up to the age of 18.
HALEAKALĀ NATIONAL PARK, MAUI, HAWAII
It’s worth getting up early to watch the sun rise above the clouds at Haleakalā National Park. Soaring more than 10,000 feet above sea level, the view as stars dissolve into daylight from the summit of this volcano is breathtaking.
VERDON GORGE, PROVENCE, FRANCE
Often called Europe’s most beautiful river canyon, Verdon Gorge is known for its striking blue waters. Drive around the rim or head to the tiny hilltop village of Rougon for panoramic vistas.
FINLAND
Travel as far north in non-summer months as possible to view Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights. Keep an eye on the sky — the likelihood of seeing this phenomenal light show is good in the towns of Rovaniemi, Inari, and Utsjoki.
LION’S HEAD, CAPETOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Located between Table Mountain and Signal Hill, Lion’s Head is best known for its city views. During a full moon, take an hour-long hike to the top for a striking and unique perspective.
GREAT BARRIER REEF, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
Stretching over 1,200 miles along the Queensland coastline, the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s great wonders. See it via a scenic flight or dive in to experience a vivid undersea world.
ANTELOPE CANYON, ARIZONA
Just south of Havasu Falls is Antelope Canyon, the most visited and photographed slot canyon in the American southwest. The surreal landscape was formed by flash floods rushing through sandstone. Check out its world-famous ray of light that shoots through Upper Antelope Canyon.
GLOW WORM CAVE, WAITOMO, NEW ZEALAND
Imagine being on a boat ($49/adults; $21.50 children) 150 feet underground in a pitch-black cave illuminated by glow worms. This cave is home to thousands of these creatures that line the ceilings and light up the caverns with a phosphorescent glow like a sky full of stars.
SPLIT PINNACLES, HUNAN, CHINA
Located in south China and on the bank of the Yangtze River, these seemingly unreal split pinnacle rock formations amaze the eyes. Thousands of quartzite sandstone peaks jutting from the landscape create this dramatic vista.
END THE DAY RIGHT
Sunsets are the greatest free show on Earth, and no two are the same. It’s not just colors, clouds, and lighting that make them distinctive. The location might imbue a sunset with romance, impart mystery, or add atmosphere to a party. Whether your objective is relaxation or connecting at the end of the day, visit these 20 spots around the globe for sunsets like no other.
