Time Out’s travel editors have had the opportunity to visit some absolutely stunning places around the world. From Bolivia’s salt flats to pink, white and black sand beaches in Indonesia to a cliffside village in Montenegro to an elephant-shaped rock in Iceland, these places are a feast for the eyes. Of all the places they’ve visited around the globe, these well-traveled editors have narrowed it down to a list of 44 breathtaking destinations, and three are in the U.S. You can travel internationally to find spectacular scenery, but California, Colorado and Georgia are home to places that are right up there as some of the most beautiful places in the world.
Red Rocks Amphitheater, Colorado
Just outside Denver, Red Rocks Amphitheater is a natural masterpiece where music and nature collide. Towering red sandstone formations create a surreal backdrop for legendary concerts, from The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix to contemporary rock stars. Beyond the music, visitors can hike, tour the venue or simply soak in the stunning scenery. The crisp Colorado air and panoramic views make every visit unforgettable. Go for a concert or just a quiet afternoon; either way, Red Rocks is pure magic.
Big Sur, California
Where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific, Big Sur delivers some of California’s most awe-inspiring coastal views. Driving Highway 1, you'll wind past dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and towering redwoods. The scent of salt air and wildflowers fills the breeze as waves crash below. Sunlight filters through the mist, creating an almost dreamlike effect. Big Sur is the definition of wild beauty, and a beautiful sight to behold.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s charm is undeniable—cobblestone streets, moss-draped oaks and historic mansions transport visitors to another time. This Georgia gem invites exploration, from its picturesque squares to the bustling riverfront. Stroll through Forsyth Park, admire pastel-colored homes or indulge in Southern cuisine while taking in its rich history and vibrant culture. Whatever you do, you're surrounded by Southern beauty at its best.
Time Out's most beautiful places in the world
1. Komodo National Park, Indonesia
2. Victoria Falls, Africa
3. Punakha Valley, Bhutan
4. St John’s Co-Cathedral, Malta
5. Disko Island, Greenland
6. Brecon Beacons, Wales
7. Red Rocks Amphitheatre, USA
8. Choquequirao, Peru
9. New Forest, England
10. Hà Giang, Vietnam
11. Lakeland, Finland
12. Lillafüred, Hungary
13. West Cork, Ireland
14. Altiplano, Bolivia
15. Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
16. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
17. Highlands, Scotland
18. Dakhla, Western Sahara
19. Kotor Bay, Montenegro
20. Zhangye National Geopark, China
21. Storms River, South Africa
22. Elephant Rock, Iceland
23. Bacalar Lagoon, Mexico
24. Stelvio National Park, Italy
25. Lord Howe Island, Australia
26. Janjske Otoke, Bosnia and Herzegovina
27. Erg Chebbi, Morocco
28. Big Sur, USA
29. Three Whale Rock, Thailand
30. Paradise Bay, Antarctica
31. Milford Sound, New Zealand
32. Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia
33. Ella, Sri Lanka
34. Maria Island National Park, Tasmania
35. Ocho Rios Blue Hole, Jamaica
36. Puglia, Italy
37. Cavendish Beach, Canada
38. Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
39. Kinkaku-ji, Japan
40. Registan Square, Uzbekistan
41. Savannah, USA
42. Jaipur, India
43. Hormuz Island, Iran
44. Hoi An, Vietnam