25 Best Nature Destinations Around the World

The world’s landscapes are filled with spectacular sights. From the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia to the towering mountains in North America, nature is a constant source of wonder.

There’s nothing quite as empowering or calming as being in nature. That’s why people travel far and wide to experience nature’s surprises firsthand.

However, there are many places to visit for nature, and deciding where to visit first can be a real challenge.

Although it would take a lifetime to identify all of Mother Nature’s best hits, we believe the following places should be at the top of your travel bucket list.

Whether you’re an adventurous traveler or simply want to take a load off and relax, you’ll find a destination that suits your fancy in the list below.

Best Nature Destinations Around the World

1. Gran Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The Gran Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is a glistening, seemingly endless expanse of salt flats. Located in southwestern Bolivia, it is the largest salt flat taking up a whopping 10,582 square miles. The flat’s salt tiles become pristine white when it’s dry. When it rains, the tiny lake reflects the sky.

Salar de Uyuni was once a prehistoric lake that dried up, leaving behind an exotic desert-like landscape of glittering bright white salt, weird rock formations, and strange cacti-covered islands.

The greatest time to visit here ultimately depends on the type of experience you seek. Consider going between July and October when the weather is at its best.

If you want the best chance of seeing mirrorlike surfaces, plan your trip for March or April.   The best vantage point is in the center of Incahuasi Island.

For a complete adventure, stay at Luna Salada Hotel. This hotel is constructed almost entirely out of salt and sits on the edge of Salar de Uyuni.

When you step out the doors, you will be greeted by a vast expanse of brilliant white that extends as far as the eye can see. Every window in the hotel offers breathtaking views of the Salar de Uyuni.

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2. Banff National Park, Canada

It is impossible to run out of sights or things to do in Banff National Park. Canada’s first national park and the country’s flagship park, Banff National Park, is a stunning combination of alpine peaks, glacial lakes, and quaint mountain villages.

Banff is open all year and offers incredible wildlife viewing and sightseeing, as well as many shopping and dining options. Summer activities include hiking, mountain biking, cycling, paddling, and climbing.

The best time to see seasonal color is in the fall, when larch trees, the only coniferous trees that lose their needles in the winter, turn yellow.

For those looking for a place to stay, Château Lake Louise is an excellent option. It has restaurants, bars, and spa services—the perfect relaxing spot after hiking in the mountains! Its heated indoor pool and health club make it ideal for unwinding after spending time outdoors.

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3. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most remarkable natural gems. Its breathtaking beauty adds to the country’s diverse flora and fauna. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef, stretching over 2,300 kilometers.

The delicate ecosystem of this coral reef system has long been regarded as one of the most biologically diverse in the world. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is home to thousands of marine life, including porpoises and green sea turtles. It has several thousand coral reefs, with 600 islands and 300 coral cays providing a home for millions of marine creatures.

Visitors to the Great Barrier Reef can enjoy many experiences, including snorkeling and scuba diving. They may also tour by plane or helicopter, swim with dolphins, and go on a boat trip with a glass bottom that lets them see underwater life.

The best way to see the Great Barrier Reef is on a day tour, including transport and meals so you can relax and enjoy this amazing experience.

When deciding which Great Barrier Reef tour is best for you, consider whether you prefer a cruise that visits multiple coral reef locations in a day or one with diverse itineraries.

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4. Namaqualand, South Africa

The main attraction of Namaqualand, South Africa, is its gorgeous carpet of wildflowers. This unique and biodiverse region is home to many unique plants and animals, including the Namaqua speckled padloper—considered the smallest tortoise in the world.

You can also see the insectivorous aardwolf and other wild animals like the African wildcat. Beautiful beaches will certainly make your stay more enjoyable as you relax and take in their beauty.

Other places to visit in the surrounding towns include the Goegap Nature Reserve in Springbok and Namaqua National Park.

If you have plans to stay, you can book a room at one of the beautiful and comfortable Springbok accommodations in the heart of Namaqualand, which is well-positioned as a stopover on your journey through the Northern Cape.

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5. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay, located near the Chinese border in northern Vietnam, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 for its natural beauty.

Several stunning islands abound in the Bay, all cloaked in verdant vegetation and making excellent walking destinations.

Caves can also be found on many of the islands. When visiting, the best thing to do is take a cruise to get up close and personal with these incredible formations. And don’t forget to visit floating villages while you’re at it!

Visitors to Ha Long Bay can enjoy various activities, including kayaking or rock climbing. They can also take seaplane rides over the bay and visit the locals living in floating villages. The best time to visit Halong Bay is in spring or fall when the weather is cool and pleasant.

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6. Yosemite National Park, California, USA

Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles of wilderness in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is an icon of America’s majestic natural beauty.

The park has many awe-inspiring features, including towering waterfalls, awe-inspiring cliffs, and giant sequoia groves.

Walking around Yosemite Valley with your guide is the best way to get acquainted with the park. Beginning on your first or second day there, you’ll learn about Yosemite’s history and see its key features, including Half Dome and El Capitan rock formations and Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Falls.

The park’s waterfalls, lakes, and streams are at their fullest during May or early June, when the snowmelt makes all areas accessible. The Merced River winds through the valley, which is also in full flow at this time of year.

For an unforgettable meal, have dinner at the Majestic Yosemite Hotel. It offers a wide selection of delicious dishes and is conveniently located between Yosemite Village and Half Dome Village.

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7. The Grand Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park is unparalleled in natural beauty. It stretches for 277 miles (446 kilometers) along the Colorado River and is home to one of the world’s most famous attractions, the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon’s layers of colorful rock tell the story of millions of years of geological activity on Earth. Its vastness and depth are almost beyond imagination, but this geological wonder still fascinates visitors even after hearing about it many times.

If you visit Grand Canyon National Park, you’ll want to experience its grandeur on foot. The park has more than 800 miles of trails, including the popular Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails, which lead to the river and down into the canyon.

Try riding a mule if you’re looking for a more leisurely trip through the canyon. This is a great option for those who don’t have time to hike or are unable to do so physically.

You can also rent bikes from any Grand Canyon Lodge or campground and follow the Greenway Trail to Yaki Point for stunning views of the canyon and the Colorado River.

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8. Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Fiordland National Park is a scenic wonderland featuring waterfalls, alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, and stunning fiords. It’s one of the ultimate natural places, perfect for nature lovers.

The Fiordland National Park lies along New Zealand’s southwest coast. It is made up of several large fjords that were carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago.

Two of Fiordland National Park’s most scenic areas are Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. They are home to the largest concentration of wildlife in New Zealand.

The best way to explore these areas is by taking a day cruise. Or, if you’d like to experience this tropical paradise in all its glory, opt for an overnight trip!

Fiordland National Park can be visited year-round, but during certain seasons, the road from Te Anau into Fiordland is closed due to heavy rain or snowfall. Check the weather before you go.

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9. Komodo National Park, Indonesia

The Komodo National Park, a haven for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers alike, lies between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores in the East Nusatenggara province in Indonesia.

The Komodo island is well known for being home to the ferocious dragons that can be found nowhere else on Earth. Getting a glimpse of these beasts in their natural habitat—the only place you have this opportunity—makes it an obvious must-visit for nature lovers.

Aside from the Komodo dragon, the Komodo National Park is known for its remarkable marine biodiversity. Divers, scientists, and photographers flock here from around the world to experience it.

Depending on what you’re looking for, there’s no bad time to visit Komodo Indonesia. You can see dragons all year round. But diving is best from March through October.

No hotels exist on Komodo Island. All accommodations are in Labuan Bajo, a nearby town. Check out Bayview Gardens Hotel. It features an outdoor swimming pool and gardens that are great for relaxing after walking through Komodo’s dry savannahs all day.

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10. Socotra, Yemen

Socotra Island, located in the Arabian Sea between Yemen and Somalia, has been called one of Earth’s most alien-looking places. It has a unique biodiversity, including dragon trees, that make up an important part of its identity. Its remoteness has helped preserve those resources but also made it difficult for outsiders to reach them.

Due to its abundance of natural resources, UNESCO designated Socotra a World Natural Heritage site in 2008, and the region quickly earned the nickname “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean.”

Over 800 plant species have been identified on the island of Socotra, including the fantastic dragon’s blood trees. Almost forty percent of these plant species can only be found on Socotra.

Diving is a popular activity on Socotra. The Dihamri Marine Protected Area has five diving spots, including one that reaches depths of 50 meters—perfect for admiring coral and marine life.

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11. Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls, in upstate New York, probably doesn’t need much introduction. The majestic waterfall is a world-renowned tourist destination.

The oldest American State Park, Niagara Falls State Park, provides visitors with lush greenery and wildlife, as well as many famous attractions, including Niagara Falls. The Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, and is free to visit at any time of the year.

In addition to the waterfalls, Niagara Falls State Park features a variety of green areas of varying sizes. The Three Sisters Islands allow visitors to view the falls’ rapids—among the sisters islands connecting bridges.

You can have a fun, exclusive time in Niagara Falls at the Seneca Niagara Resort, which offers Las Vegas-style entertainment and gourmet restaurants. There are also many boutiques, such as Western Door Steakhouse and KOI Asian Cuisine.

12. Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Durmitor National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro. It is located northwest of the country, in the Dinaric Alps. The park is home to several peaks, including Bobotov Kuk, the highest peak in Montenegro.

There are also several glacial lakes in the park, including Black Lake, the largest lake in Montenegro. The park is popular for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

13. Maroon Bells, Colorado

The Maroon Bells are two peaks in the Elk Mountains of Colorado, located near Aspen. The peaks are named for their maroon-colored rock, made up of sedimentary deposits from an ancient lake.

The Maroon Bells are some of the most photographed mountains in North America, and they are a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and skiers.

The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area is one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, and mountain lions.

14. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

Gros Morne National Park is a world-renowned tourist destination on Newfoundland’s west coast. The park is best known for its dramatic landscapes, which include towering mountains, pristine lakes, and rugged coastline.

Visitors to the park can enjoy various activities, including hiking, canoeing, and wildlife watching. The park is also home to multiple historical and cultural sites offering insight into the region’s rich history and heritage. Gros Morne National Park is an ideal destination for adventure or a relaxing getaway.

15. Matterhorn, Switzerland

The Matterhorn is one of the most iconic mountains in the world, and it’s no wonder why. This towering peak in the Swiss Alps is a sight to behold, and it’s a popular destination for climbers and hikers. If you plan a trip to Zermatt, Switzerland, here’s what you need to know about the Matterhorn.

The Matterhorn is 4,478 meters high, making it one of the tallest mountains in Europe. It’s located in the Pennine Alps and straddles the border between Switzerland and Italy. The Matterhorn is one of the most popular mountains to climb globally and a popular spot for hiking and skiing.

If you’re visiting Zermatt, you can take a cable car up to the Klein Matterhorn, which is a small peak near the Matterhorn. From there, you’ll have stunning views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains.

16. Arches National Park, Utah

Arches National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. Located in Utah, the park is known for its unique geological features, including more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. The arches are formed by the erosion of sandstone, and they range in size from a few feet to several hundred feet.

In addition to the arches, the park features a variety of other geological formations, including canyons, cliffs, and petrified dunes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and rock climbing, as well as simply admiring the natural beauty of the landscape.

17. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and for good reason. The park is home to some of the country’s most stunning scenery, with its towering mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife.

Yellowstone is also a great place to enjoy various outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to fishing and kayaking. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that people come from all over the world to experience its beauty.

18. White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

White Sands National Monument is a beautiful and unique place to visit. The park is home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field, and it’s a great spot for hiking, picnicking, and stargazing.

The best time to visit White Sands is in the spring or fall when the weather is cool, and the crowds are thinner. The park is open year-round, and there’s always something to see and do.

19. Jeju Island Lava Tubes, South Korea

Jeju Island is a small volcanic island with the most amazing volcanic activities in Jeju Island. Most of the island is covered by the Jeju volcano. About 10% is in the open. Most tourist sites are on the south and east sides.

There are four main tour sites: the Jeju hot springs, the Jeju caves, the Nampo River, and the Hallasan Mountain, and there is no denying that they are the coolest and most entertaining places to visit in Jeju.

20. The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland

The Dark Hedges are a stunning natural phenomenon in Northern Ireland. They are actually a row of beech trees planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century.

The trees were intended to create a grand entrance to the family’s estate, but they have since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. The Dark Hedges gained even more notoriety after appearing in the popular TV series Game of Thrones.

Today, the hedges are popular spots for photography and picnics and are a must-see for anyone visiting Northern Ireland.

21. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most popular tourist attractions in North Carolina. Spanning 469 miles, it runs through some of the state’s most beautiful scenery, including the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, picnicking, and sightseeing along the parkway. There are also a number of historic sites and museums to explore. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a great place to spend a day, a week, or even longer.

22. Pulpit Rock, Norway

Pulpit Rock, also known as Preikestolen, is a famous tourist destination in Norway. The rock is a massive cliff that overlooks the Lysefjorden, and it is one of the most popular hikes in the country.

The hike to the top of Pulpit Rock is relatively short and easy, but the views make it so special. From the top of the cliff, you can see for miles in every direction, and it is an incredible experience.

23. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world’s most unique and beautiful places. Located in Tanzania, it is a large volcanic crater that is home to a variety of wildlife. The crater is also a World Heritage Site and is well worth a visit if you are ever in the area.

Ngorongoro Crater is home to various animals, including lions, elephants, and zebras. The crater also has a large lake in the center, a popular spot for watching the smoke bellow out.

24. Angel Falls, Venezuela

Angel Falls in Venezuela is one of the most beautiful places in the world. At over 3,000 feet high, the falls plunge into a gorge below. The surrounding area is lush and green, and the Falls are an amazing sight.

25. Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Fiordland National Park is located on New Zealand’s South Island and covers over 1.2 million acres. Established in 1952, it is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

The Fiordland mountains dominate the park, rising to more than 9,000 feet. These mountains are covered with rainforests and snowfields and are surrounded by a rugged coastline with hundreds of miles of fiords.

The park is a popular tourist destination and offers many activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The scenery is simply stunning, and it’s no wonder that Fiordland National Park is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world.

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