There are a lot of awe-inspiring places that fill our world, with many of them flying under the radar. These include secluded tropical islands and rare natural wonders. Some are from the USA, some across the globe. Read on to discover 18 incredible hidden destinations you likely never knew existed.
Spotted Lake, British Columbia
In Canada’s British Columbia, Spotted Lake seems miraculous. Most of the year, it looks like a typical small lake, but in summer, the water evaporates. It reveals magnificent, colorful mineral deposits. According to CBC, it is the most magical place in Canada.
Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia
The Las Lajas sanctuary is in southern Colombia. The church is made up of rock walls, which makes for a breathtaking sight. It has also built a stone archway that bridges the canyon. The interior is stunning, with a shrine and gold-laden vaulted ceilings.
Fingal’s Cave, Scotland
The Fingal’s Cave is an uninhabited island that hides among the cliffs and rock structures on Scotland’s West Coast. The hexagonal pillars inside the cave flank its walls. When the wind blows, it creates haunting music inside. It is the most popular hidden gem in the world.
Popeye Village, Malta
A quaint village built as the set for the 1980 musical film Popeye still stands in Anchor Bay, Malta. They repurposed it as an open-air museum and boasts colorful wooden buildings. They are in the style of a 1900s fishing village. Wander and feel transported to the world of Popeye the Sailor Man.
Las Pozas Sculpture Garden, Mexico
Tumble down the jungle mountainside in Xilitla, Mexico. Las Pozas has an incredible array of concrete sculptures and structures. Winding staircases, arched bridges, and flowering columns make up this fairytale-like garden. The eccentric English poet Edward James built it.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Antelope Canyon is on Navajo land in Arizona. It is a stunning slot canyon known for its spiral rock formations, created by years of water erosion. Beams of light illuminate the rust-orange walls inside the canyon. They make a paradise for photographers.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
The world’s largest salt flat resides in Bolivia. Salar de Uyuni stretches over 4,000 square miles. When flooded by rain, it creates surreal reflective surfaces. By day, the ground appears textured by polygonal salt tiles. By night, it becomes an unparalleled stargazing spot.
Kuang Si Falls, Laos
Near Luang Prabang, Laos, you can find Kuang Si Falls. It’s one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful waterfalls. The falls feature tiered pools and cascades. The turquoise pools are perfect for swimming. The lush jungle backdrop creates a fairytale atmosphere. It’s worth the trek for a refreshing dip.
Las Coloradas, Mexico
Las Coloradas, in the Yucatan Peninsula, is an incredible site. Bright pink lakes contrast against the surrounding landscape. This area gets its signature color from high salt concentration. Red plankton and shrimp thrive in the waters. The vibrant pink hues make for an unbelievable scene.
Naica Mine, Mexico
Crystal cave enthusiasts should seek out Mexico’s Cueva de los Cristales. It’s within the Naica Mine and reaches a sweltering 136°F. It contains monumental selenite crystals. The crystals exceed 35 feet in length and weigh 55 tons each! Seeing these translucent beams is an underground experience.
Dalí Theatre-Museum, Spain
The city of Figueres, in Catalonia, is home to the Dalí Theatre Museum. The museum is a whimsical and surreal place that gives a multi-sensory art experience. It boasts Salvador Dalí’s important works, including Taxi Pluja, Gala Nude Looking at the Sea, and the winding Mae West Room. Dalí’s creative spirit is alive in this unique museum.
Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
Visit the luminescent Glowworm Caves of Waitomo on New Zealand’s North Island. Local guides lead tours through these dark caves. Tiny glowworms light up the ceilings of the caves, resembling blue constellations. It’s a magical subterranean sight.
Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia
Las Lajas Sanctuary is one of South America’s most striking churches. It is located in Southern Colombia. They built this church inside a canyon with a bridge connecting it. It blends with the natural rock. The interior is breathtaking, with ornate vaulted ceilings.
Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland have an enchanting, fairytale-like ambiance. Beech trees flank them, forming a stunning tree tunnel. It became popular with the TV show Game of Thrones.
Library of Celsus, Turkey
The Library of Celsus stands in the ancient Roman city of Ephesus, Turkey. It is one of the most well-preserved old libraries. Its grandeur, with columns and statues, has made it famous worldwide. They constructed the building around 125 AD and is the third-largest library in the ancient world.
Kelso Dunes, California
The Kelso Dunes rise to 700 feet and is surprising in California’s Mojave National Preserve. Not only do you get to witness a fragile ecosystem, but you can also hear the dunes singing.
Marble Caves, Chile
The dazzling Marble Caves lie on a remote glacier lake in Patagonia, Chile. Thousands of years of waves have formed these striking blue caverns. They have marble-like patterns and change appearance often. The caves are only accessible by boat during certain seasons and weather.
Valley of Fire, Nevada
Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park is an hour from Las Vegas. It harbors vibrant red Aztec sandstone formations. Blue skies, Elephant Rock and Beehives, amaze visitors at this geologic wonder.