the most beautiful views in the world

Sometimes Mother Nature likes to show off. From surreal landscapes to places that take our breath away the world is filled with abundant beauty. The best part is that once you get to the destination be it a city hilltop or a deep desert canyon the million dollar view is all yours almost always for free. Here are 20 standout sights that are sure to inspire wanderlust.

These waterfalls are possibly the best known in the world and what a sight! Pay a parking fee ($10 a vehicle) to enter Niagara Falls State Park and then enjoy views hikes and picnic areas at no extra charge. For a bird s eye view take a helicopter tour of the falls (for a hefty fee of course).

Arrive early to the village of Oia to watch the sun set into the azure Aegean Sea. Crowds gather around the crumbling castle on the town s highest point and in the streets to watch the fiery orange red burst meet the blue sea.

Most Pacific Coast Highway travelers pull over at the iconic Bixby Bridge one of the most photographed spots in central California. The price of admission is only the cost of gas. Or for a nominal fee (placed in an honesty box) head to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and walk 500 yards to McWay Falls for a spectacular view of a massive waterfall meeting the beach.

This breathtaking Incan empire was built atop the Andes Mountains. Called the Lost of City of Incas the combination of intense landscape archeological sites and excellent trekking conditions has earned Machu Picchu the reputation as one of most beautiful places in the world.

Visit the Observation Deck at the world s tallest skyscraper for outstanding views of Dubai. Arrive before 5:00 p.m. or after 7:30 p.m. for the cheapest tickets (roughly $34; children under the age of four are free).

Climb 284 steps to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower and the Champs ?lys?es. Go when the sun is starting to set to see the City of Lights sparkle. Tickets cost eight euros; no charge for children and students up to the age of 18.

It s worth getting up early to watch the sun rise above the clouds at Haleakal? National Park. Soaring more than 10 000 feet above sea level the view as stars dissolve into daylight from the summit of this volcano is breathtaking.

Often called Europe s most beautiful river canyon Verdon Gorge is known for its striking blue waters. Drive around the rim or head to the tiny hilltop village of Rougon for panoramic vistas.

One of the most magical sights in the Caribbean is watching agitated water light up with bioluminescent plankton. There are a handful of bioluminescent bays scattered around Puerto Rico but Mosquito Bay was declared by Guinness Book of World Records in 2008 to be the brightest recorded in the world.