Incredible natural attractions worth traveling to see.
From dense, remote jungles to wide open skies and mountains, you’ll find natural wonders of the world everywhere just waiting to be seen. But with so many destinations to choose from, how do you know where to start?
We’ve rounded up a few natural sights that belong at the top of your bucket list. Travel to any and you’ll see exactly why they’re called “wonders”.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Where do you go to see just how vibrant colors can be? Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Cairns, in Queensland, is the gateway to this place of rich biodiversity, where over 25% of all known marine species thrive! Snorkel or scuba dive among the colorful coral gardens to see sea turtles, parrotfish, and clownfish for yourself!
Cairns is also home to yet another World Heritage Site—the lush Daintree Rainforest. So, when you’re not sailing along clear waters to find dolphins and whales, you can venture into the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and explore over 135 million years worth of natural magic.
With over 1,400 miles of coast to soak in, you just can’t miss visiting Australia’s crown jewel of natural attractions.
Northern Lights, Iceland & Alaska
The aurora borealis certainly feels mythical–until you see it it’s hard to believe!
But make no mistake, there’s a science to them. They’re made when particles change as they enter earth’s atmosphere, giving off striking hues, ranging from their famous green to dynamic purples, reds, pinks, and blues.
To catch these elusive dancing lights, you’ll want to get close to the Arctic Circle. Alaska and Iceland make for ideal locations, offering good chances of a sighting, not to mention picturesque views. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime natural wonder!
Fjords, Norway
Before people paved streets, nature “paved” fjords. Fjords are, specifically, long, deep inlets of sea that sit between towering cliffs. They’re created by glaciers carving valleys into land over many years and then retreating. This causes the sea to fill in the space they left and makes for the breathtaking natural landscapes you see today.
Norway is home to more than 1000 fjords, and sailing through them is an incredible way to experience their beauty. Visit any time of the year to see the epic, enthralling backdrops to some of the world’s most ancient folklore in person!
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
Want to follow in the footsteps of giants? Look to County Antrim on the coasts of Northern Ireland! According to legend, the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland was built by an Irish giant challenged to fight his foe in Scotland. It’s a spectacular array of over 40,000 stone pillars, with some so high you’ll be left wondering if the legends are true.
Visiting this pantheon of North Irish mythology takes just a simple day trip from Belfast. And, it’s free to visit! So stop by and experience the legend yourself.
‘Akaka Falls, Hawaii
Few places in the world live up to the word “paradise” like ‘Akaka Falls State Park. Home to its namesake ‘Akaka Falls, the park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, just about 11 miles away from Hilo on the Hamakua Coast. Access it by public transport, taxi, or car to make it an easy part of your day trip!
‘Akaka in Hawaiian means “a split, crack, or separation”. The Falls are nestled inside lush tropical rainforest and plunge an incredible 442 feet into a steam-eroded gorge. Along the scenic hike towards the Falls, you’ll find spiraling canopies of ferns, vibrant hibiscus, and towering bamboo groves.