The United States’ Statue of Liberty, Houston’s Astrodome, New Zealand's Lake Rotomahana — what do these destinations have in common? They’ve all been referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, and they aren’t the only ones. Several landmarks stretching from the Panama Canal to Machu Picchu have also bared the name. Here are a few that are worth adding to and then checking off your bucket list.
Carved from Colorado River streams, the Grand Canyon is a sprawling landmark that stretches miles long, 18 miles wide and over a mile deep. Its beauty seems as endless as its spacious landscapes, and you can get a great view of the steep canyon from the telescopes in the historic 70-foot Desert View Watchtower. If sightseeing isn’t your thing, you can camp out at the Grand Canyon National Park or take a 64-mile railroad ride on the Grand Canyon Railway. If you’re looking for a more exhilarating experience, take a heart-pounding stroll on the skywalk, where you can walk on glass suspended over 500 feet above the canyon. Whatever you choose to do, no time is wasted when it is spent exploring this Arizonian astonishment.
One of the largest waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls has the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America at 85,000 cubic feet. This beautiful breadth of water is spectacular — you can get the clearest view of the 50-meter vertical drop from the fall’s Canadian side. And yet, that’s not the only thing you can experience at this aqua-filled wonder. You can see the Niagara Falls from the bottom on one of its many boat tours, and at night, the falls light up in rainbow colors. When you’re done looking at the flowing falls, take a trek on the Niagara Wine Trail and taste different wine samples along the way. Either way, Niagara Falls is a sight and a wonder not to miss.
At 73 meters tall and about 305 meters wide, the Taj Mahal is one of the most prominent mausoleums in the world, and for good reason. Built in 1643 at the request of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (whose tomb is housed there to this day), the Taj Mahal is a massive 42-acre marble white complex that includes an 80-foot-high dome, four towers positioned at each corner, crenellated walls, an expansive garden and a reflecting pool as clear as a mirror. Be sure to take a few pictures during one of its popular day tours, and when you’re done, grab a bite to eat at one of several pristine local restaurants, including Saniya Palace and Hotel Kamal. It’s no wonder why over 7 million people visit this ancient architecture every year.
While only one out of three islands have been completed, the construction behind the Palm Islands of Dubai is so colossal that it would frankly be an insult if it wasn’t considered an eighth wonder of the world. The completed island, Palm Jumeirah, is shaped like a palm tree that is 650 feet wide and approximately 10 miles long, making this exquisite island approximately 1,380 acres. Once completed with Palm Jebel Ali and Deira Island, the Palm Islands will add over 520 kilometers of beaches to Dubai, making them the largest man-made islands in the world. Packed with high-quality beachside resorts, sharks and sea lions at Dolphin Bay, exciting splash tours out at sea and heart-racing sky drives, the Palm Islands of Dubai are a true eighth world wonder in the making.