Other than the ocean depths, there is truly no other place on the planet that hides so much natural beauty than caves. These cavities and crevices deep within the mountains or beneath the earth are both majestic and mysterious. Without further adieu, here are the top ten greatest natural caves on the planet.

10. Painted Cave, USA

This sea cave is located within the popular Channel Islands National Park on Santa Cruz Island, California. The colorful walls therein are due to a combination of certain algae, lichens, and rocks. It’s one of the longest and deepest of its kind and is bedecked with multi-colored flowers.

Here, with the aid of flashlights, visitors can go kayaking. The best time to visit is during the spring. For it is then that you will see the striking waterfall over the entrance.

9. Fingal’s Cave, Scotland

Found in Scotland’s Staffa Island within the Inner Hebrides, Fingal’s Cave consists of hexagonal-shaped jointed basalt columns. These unique columns serve as a natural walkway for visiting explorers. The gradual cooling and solidification of lava on the surfaces caused fracturing and contractions which led to the unusual shape of the walls. The cave’s size, its arched roof, and the ever-present echo of the waves create a truly cathedral-like atmosphere within this cave that overlooks the sea.

8. Caverns of Sonora, USA

These caverns in Sonora, Texas have been called one of America’s most beautiful places. The caves include a natural walking trail, memorable crystal formations, and many densely packed helictites that are rare in both their complexity and purity. Unfortunately, in 2006 a tourist vandalized the cave’s most famous formation, The Butterfly. Still, the left side remains and other formations are growing as you read this.

7. Cave of Swallows, Mexico

This conical-shaped vertical caving is a popular destination in Mexico. It is the result of water erosion that occurred in a specific fault in a large plain of limestone. The cave walls are riddled with holes that provide homes for white-collared swifts.

These birds are related to green parakeets, hummingbirds, and swallows. The giant elliptical opening that leads to the cave shaft is large enough to contain one of New York City’s skyscrapers. Fans of extreme sports visit this famous foliaged cave to engage in BASE and free fall jumping.

6. The Waitomo Caves, New Zealand

Also known as The Waitomo Glow-worm Caves, these caves provide homes to countless bioluminescent glow worms that reportedly never, ever leave. They use their glow to attract prey. They also trap their prey by hanging gooey, sticky strands of mucous.

Enjoy a silent ride through the caves. Take in the sight of the glowing worms on the walls and ceilings. They look almost like stars. The effect is out of this world. It is a world-famous tourist spot.

5.  Antelope Canyon, USA

This slot canyon is situated on Navajo property close to Page, Arizona. The smooth edges and deep corridors are the results of the gradual erosion of the sandstone. The rock has a distinct flowing shape to it and the rock contains several different shades of orange, pink, and red.

In the Upper Antelope Canyon, the colors are even more vibrant in the summer. It’s then that the direct sun shines down from the canyon top’s openings. They are muted in the Lower Antelope Canyon. The former attracts most of the tourists but photographers also enjoy the latter because of the spiral rock arches there.

4.  Marble Caves, Chile and Argentina

Located in Patagonia, the Marble Caves is a group of unusual islands with openings that lead to intriguing tunnels, columns, and caverns of marble formed by the wave action from the waters of Lake General Carrera. Take a boat through the cavernous chambers and see the swirling grey and blue patterns of the labyrinthine walls and the turquoise water. Witness as the bright sunlight peeks in to make the crystals on the walls brightly shimmer and the azure water sparkle.

3. The Caves of Algarve, Portugal

The coastline of Algarve, located in the southernmost section of Portugal, is rich with scenic grottoes, hollows, and caves carved into the limestone. Most of the beautiful caves can be found close to Lagos on the isolated beaches. You can visit them via boat or dinghy.

Perhaps the most popular one is Benagil’s Algar. The various sand shades, textures, and dimensions of the complex rock formations, and the crystalline water provide a truly picturesque experience, especially during the day when the constantly changing light filters in through the holes to make one’s view even more impressive.

2. The Ice Cave, Russia

Many seasoned travelers already know all about the remarkable crystalline ice caves in Iceland, Austria, and other parts of the planet. Ah, but the stunning ice cave found on near the Mutnovsky Volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula, is unique. It juxtaposes fire and ice.

The cave is carved out of a giant glacier by a local underground river originating from a hot spring that rises from the famous volcano. The ceiling and walls are composed of compacted snow. It includes icy windows and an almost see-through roof so the beams of light bring out several undulating, vivid colors.

1. The Son Doong Cave, Vietnam

This is the largest cave in the world. It’s millions of years old and the result of the gradual erosion of limestone beneath the mountains by river water. Huge natural skylights were also created when sections of the ceiling collapsed.

This cave contains its own jungle, river, and climate. It is a world within itself. The cave also has some of the tallest stalagmites in the world.

The Son Doong Cave is also the home of an up-and-coming tourist attraction known as The Great Wall of Vietnam. This significantly large calcite wall once hid a number of unusually large cave pearls the size of major league baseballs.

These are but ten of the many noteworthy natural caves on the planet. Many more still remain undiscovered and thus also unexplored. Only time will tell what other caves may one day be found.

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The United States of America is one of the most diverse and largest nations on the planet. No surprise then that The USA has so many tourist attractions. There are certainly way too many to see in one visit. So to help those who will soon be vacationing in the States, here are the top 25 tourist attractions in the USA.

25. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

A truly American landmark, Mount Rushmore, is located in the Black Hills in Keystone. This national memorial was completed in 1941 and features the faces of four famous former American presidents, carved and blasted out of the granite rock face. Here visitors can see the larger-than-life visages of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Hike the Presidential Trail at the base of the memorial to get better views of this famous landmark.

24. Pike Place Market, Washington

This popular place was opened in 1907. It overlooks the waterfront. Pike Place Market is one of Seattle Washington’s historic spots. If you enjoy shopping then this is the place to be.
Many of the area’s oldest businesses are represented here. You can buy fresh fish straight out of Puget Sound. Local cheesemongers here will offer you a taste of Camembert or Brie. You can even see the site of the first official Starbucks coffee shop.

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23. Venice Beach, California

Venice Beach is a must see if you’re headed for Los Angeles. The beaches and canals are well-known. But it is perhaps most known for the popular Venice Beach Boardwalk. Here you can stroll along and be amused by any number of street performers who will dance, juggle, play, sing and even sculpt for you. This is L.A. where everyone is a star-in-the-making. Grab a cold beverage and shop for souvenirs here too.

22. Mesa Verde, Colorado

Here you can see the preserved residences of Ancestral Pueblo people in the well-known Mesa Verde National Park. They harken back to the 1200s. A number of them are actually carved out of the rock faces here.
Explore the caves and ancient abodes that still remain there under the dramatic overhanging cliffs. Visit the Balcony House and the 40 rooms you can reach via a ladder. Check out the neighboring Cliff Palace which is said to have once been home to over 100 locals within a total of 150 rooms.

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21. Faneuil Hall, Massachusetts

Boston is chock full o’ history. Perhaps one of the most historic places in the city is Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Also referred to as “the Cradle of Liberty”, this structure from the 1700s was where people once joined together to battle oppression both prior and during the historic American Revolutionary War. Now tourists visit the indoor and outdoor marketplace to buy desserts and local produce.

20. Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Situated on the Florida coast, Cape Canaveral is the home of several space-related attractions. One of the most significant is the popular Kennedy Space Center. It is here that every American space flight since 1968 has been launched. Learn about all the early pioneers of space and what it felt like as they taxed to the moon. You will even have an opportunity to take part in the well-known Shuttle Launch Experience, which duplicates the experience of traveling in space.

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19. Navy Pier, Illinois

Navy Pier stretches out over Lake Michigan. Located in Chicago, this huge pier is in the center of the city’s coastal Streeterville neighborhood. Here you will find numerous attractions suitable for the entire family. Stroll around the scenic gardens. Shop for souvenirs here too. Visit the popular Chicago Children’s Museum, the local theaters and dine at one of the many exceptional restaurants there as well.

18. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

The stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. It is the most visited park in the US due in part to its memorable scenery and remarkable size. Stop by the visitor centers, go hiking through the verdant forest and check out the hundreds of different species of birds there. Hike to the Laurel Falls waterfalls and see famous Clingman’s Dome too.

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17. River Walk, Texas

Also known as the Paseo del Rio, River Walk is one of the top attractions in the city of San Antonio. The River Walk is a convenient network of walkways by the San Antonio River. No motor vehicles are permitted here.
This section of the city features interesting architecture and great views of the water. Here you’ll discover numerous places to dine. Enjoy a variety of dishes from French cuisine to typical Tex-Mex too.

16. Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

Found in southern New Mexico, there are more than 115 caves in Carlsbad Caverns. Here you can go as deep as 275 meters (900+ feet) below the earth’s surface. Take a guided tour of these limestone-carved caverns.
You can also see the biggest single cave on the entire continent. It’s called the Big Room. In fact, within this very cavern, you can embark on a 90-minute exploration of the remarkable underground environment here.

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15. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Once the home of Mormon settlers, this national park in the southern part of the state is highlighted by a distinct display of rock formations. Mind you, Bryce Canyon is not really a canyon. It’s actually several natural amphitheaters and a place known for its incredible views and great hiking trails.
Hike to Sunset Point. Here you will learn why this is known as “one of the most popular vantage points” as you take in the stunning orange, yellow, and red rock formations. If you would like to enjoy seeing a lovely contrast of red rocks and verdant green trees be sure to check out the Queen’s Garden Trail.

14. French Quarter, Louisiana

New Orleans is divided into different, individualistic districts. The most famous of those areas is the French Quarter. Known to some as “the Vieux Carre”, this place is steeped in flourishing French colonial influences and incredible architecture.
Explore the stunning St. Louis Cathedral. There’s also the popular Moon Walk. The Moon Walk is a paved pathway by the famous Mississippi River. Don’t forget Bourbon Street, the center of drinking, entertainment and other assorted forms of nightlife.

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13. Sedona Red Rock Country, Arizona

Sedona is not a big city. It’s located roughly two hours north of Phoenix. What makes it a big tourist attraction is its beauteous red rock landscape.
It’s called Red Rock Country. If you like the outdoors and Arizona weather then you’ll like this place. It includes a number of creeks, paths, and canyons.
The locals favor the Cathedral Rock Trail for hiking. Check out the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It was actually constructed into the side of the red rock formations there.

12. Walt Disney World, Florida

The city of Orlando is the center of Florida amusement parks. The most popular and famous park is Walt Disney World. Walt Disney World consists of five individual theme parks: the Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach Water Park, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and the Magic Kingdom. In one place you can take in a reportedly “Broadway-quality” show, ride thrill rides ‘til you’re sick and sample the cuisine, shopping, nightlife and other entertainment at famous Disney Springs.

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11. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park is ensconced in the well-known Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is world famous for its scenery. There is so much to see here including the sparkling clear waterfalls, the incredible granite cliffs, and sequoia trees that are literally hundreds of years old. Veteran visitors agree that a good place to start your exploring is Yosemite Valley where you will find the granite behemoth named the Half Dome and the impressive Yosemite Falls.

10. White House, Washington D.C.

Located in the nation’s capital, the famous White House is the official office and abode of the current President of the United States. The building was constructed from 1792 to 1800. It was first inhabited by President John Adams.
Following the infamous 9/11 attacks, the White House has become a bit harder to visit. Tours are given only to groups of 10 or more must be officially requested up to half a year in advance. Each request must go through the group’s Congressman or through a group’s US Ambassador.

9. Denali National Park And Preserve, Alaska

This park is situated in Interior Alaska. It includes the highest mountain on the continent, Mount McKinley. Hence the native name “Denali” or (in English) “the high one.” Not into mountain climbing? Check out the near virgin wilderness. Also keep an eye out for the protected wildlife which includes caribou, grizzly bears, moose, wolves, and many other animals.

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8. The Vegas Strip, Nevada

The mecca of the world’s gamblers, Las Vegas is ensconced in the heart of the desert of southern Nevada. You can find casinos all over the city but the famous portion of Las Vegas Boulevard South, also known as “the Strip” is home to the majority of them. It includes all the lavish mega-casino hotels known across the globe.

7. Florida Keys, Florida

The Keys is a chain of tropical islands 120 miles long. They curve around the Florida peninsula’s base. A group of bridges connects them to the mainland.
The Seven Mile Bridge found in the Lower Keys is the most impressive. It has been featured in many motion pictures such as Fast 2 Furious and True Lies.

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6. Kilauea, Hawaii

This is the newest of a number of volcanoes that have birthed the beautiful Hawaiian Archipelago. Kilauea is a flat, low shield volcano. It’s quite different in appearance from the high, sloping stratovolcanoes. It’s one of the planet’s most active volcanoes. It has erupted 33 times since 1952 not counting the present, ongoing eruption which began on January 3, 1983.

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5. Niagara Falls, New York

Located between New York state and Ontario, Canada, the iconic Niagara Falls is arguably one of North America’s incredible natural wonders. Niagara actually includes a trio of falls: the Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. The latter is actually situated in Canada but the others are in the state of New York.

4. The Golden Gate Bridge, California

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is a massive suspension bridge that spans the strait between Marin County and San Francisco known as the Golden Gate. Completed in 1937, it’s the world’s longest suspension bridge. The well-known red-orange color of the bridge was selected to make the structure easy to see through the frequent thick fog which regularly enshrouds it.

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3. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho

Roped off in 1872, this was the first national park in the world. It’s situated atop a huge hotspot where molten-hot mantle rock rushes to the earth’s surface. Officials wanted to preserve all the thousands of hot springs, geysers, and other geothermal areas and features. They also sought to protect the natural beauty and wildlife there too.

2. Manhattan, New York

The most famous of the city’s five boroughs, Manhattan’s iconic skyline has been featured on TV and the silver screen. Also known as “the Big Apple”, the city’s highlights include the Empire State Building, Broadway, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, 5th Avenue and Times Square.

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1. Grand Canyon, Arizona

Situated in northern Arizona, the incredible Grand Canyon is the biggest tourist attraction in the US. It was carved from the earth by the Colorado River over a period of millions of years. It is 277 (446 kilometers) miles in length and in some places more than a mile (1.6 kilometers) in depth. While the canyon is not the longest or deepest on record it is believed that it is favored for both its colorful beauty and incredible views.

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