Adventure | |
![]() Ride a Stage of the Tour de FranceYou may not be wearing the yellow jersey, but taking a bicycle on the world's most famous race is still thrilling |
![]() Ski the Vasaloppet in SwedenFor the thrill-seeking sports enthusiasts, few races can compete with this exhilarating Swedish ski race |
![]() Hike the Appalachian TrailFor decades, the backbone of the Eastern United States has given much needed respite for thousands of nature enthusiasts |
![]() Drive the Road to HanaThe zigzagging road may take long to traverse for only being 52 miles long, but the eye candy alone makes it worthwhile |
Great Natural Vistas | |
![]() Diving Into the Great Barrier ReefBeautiful beaches and unrivaled underwater views lure lovers of marine life to the world's largest coral reef |
![]() Gaze at the Northern LightsThe best reason to head north for vacation is to catch the beautiful aurora borealis |
![]() An Illuminated View of Iguazu FallsA series of 200 separate waterfalls, Iguazu is best viewed when the river is high and the moon is full |
![]() The Beautiful and Bizarre Galápagos IslandsEvolution disciples and the merely curious can experience conspicuously adapted wildlife off the coast of Ecuador |
![]() Machu Picchu's Ancient BeautyThe "lost city of the Incas" has captivated visitors with its magnificent setting and detailed stonework |
![]() Exploring the Amazon Rain ForestWith an ecosystem under siege, every moment in this wild wonderland is one to savor |
![]() Take in South Africa From Table Mountain National ParkHigh above Cape Town, this craggy wildlife preserve provides sprawling views and thrilling hikes |
![]() Archaeology and Relaxation in SantoriniThe Greek isle, a remnant of a long ago volcanic eruption, has most everything a traveler would want: great food and awe-inspiring scenery |
![]() Iceland's VolcanoesSet atop a tectonic hotspot, the small island is home to breathtaking eruptions and other geologic sites |
![]() The Serenity of the Outer HebridesBreathtaking views and millennia of history charm guests of these islands off the coast of Scotland |
![]() Lose Yourself in the White SandsThe New Mexico national monument is a barren and desolate place with an otherworldly appeal |
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In the Presence of Gods | |
![]() The Grandeur of Angkor WatThe 12th century temple is the worlds largest religious structure and a jewel of Khmer architectural style |
![]() The Architectural Wonders of BaganNearly a thousand years after the Burmese kingdom was formed, visitors enjoy panoramic views of the sprawling city |
![]() Exploring Ancient EphesusRuled over the centuries by Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, there is much to see of the city's former splendor |
![]() The Parthenon's Old World OrderAfter a recent restoration, the center of the Athenian Acropolis and symbol of Western democracy still inspires |
Portals into the Past | |
![]() Ponder the Pyramids of GizaThe ongoing debate about how the pyramids were built is a testament to the brilliance of its makers |
![]() Sizing Up the Great WallAlmost too big to comprehend, the 4,500-mile wall has a lore of its own |
![]() Restoring the Taj MahalThis year, millions of tourists will visit the marble monument—and the Indian government is restoring it for millions more |
![]() Guarding PetraBalancing tourist access and the preservation of the sandstone city may be a tough call |
![]() A Glimpse of Old PompeiiPreserved under the volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius are the everyday goings-on of ancient Roman life |
![]() In the Cliffs of Mesa VerdeClimb into the Colorado cliff dwellings and imagine what life was like for the Ancestral Pueblo Indians who lived there |
![]() The Statues of Easter IslandA riddle of engineering hasn't stopped archaeologists from debating how the giant carved stones were transported around the island |
![]() The Mystery of TikalAn ancient Mayan city, once hidden by overgrown jungle, evokes a childlike sense of wonder |
Scale New Heights | |
![]() Hiking Mount KilimanjaroA trek up the world's tallest freestanding mountain takes you through five different ecosystems and offers a stunning 19,340-foot view |
![]() The Wild Extremes of AntarcticaThe coldest and windiest place on Earth is still largely undiscovered |
![]() Navigating the Yangtze RiverDubbed "the wildest, wickedest river," this 4,000-mile-long waterway has played a major role in Chinese civilization |
![]() The Grand Canyon in All Its GloryNo matter how many times you've seen it, visiting the canyon never fails to take your breath away |
Sites and Cities | |
![]() The Tranquil Zen Garden of KyotoWith Zen rocks strategically placed in carefully raked white sand, the Ryoan-ji garden evokes peace and beauty |
![]() The Louvre's Priceless MasterpiecesMona Lisa and Venus de Milo are just two of the works housed within the walls of this fortress-turned-royal palace-turned-museum |
![]() Venice's Timeless SplendorThe enchanting city celebrates its Middle Age and Renaissance glory through its art, architecture and enduring spirit |
![]() The Resilient Uffizi GalleryHaving survived bombings and floods, the Florence, Italy museum is home to a priceless collection of art |
![]() Frank Lloyd Wright's Most Beautiful WorkFallingwater, a southwest Pennsylvania house designed by the famous architect, allows residents to live within a waterfall |
![]() The Ancient Architecture of Fatehpur SikriAbandoned for centuries, the Indian site attracts tourists from around the world for its majestic buildings |
![]() Berlin, Alive AgainAfter withstanding world and cold wars, the German city is a thriving metropolis, filled with nightclubs and cultural treats |
![]() Antoni Gaudi's BarcelonaThe capital's cityscape bears the unmistakable Modernist mark of the Spanish architect in its churches, buildings and parks |
Wildlife Watching | |
![]() Join the Migration in the SerengetiHordes of wildlife travel 300 miles across the "land of endless space" in the largest migration on Earth |
![]() Costa Rica: Turtles and BirdsClose government watch on wildlife has made the Central American country a must-see for animal lovers |
![]() Whale Watching in NewfoundlandOnce a home base for commercial whalers, the Canadian province is now a popular locale for spotting the massive creatures |
![]() Alligators in the EvergladesThe swampy nature preserve is home to many of southern Florida's infamous reptile natives |
The Smithsonian Life List: 43 Places to See Before You Die
From wonders of the world to thrills for adventure seekers, we've compiled a list of sites that any true world traveler cannot miss
![]() Adventure ![]() Great Natural Vistas |
![]() In the Presence of Gods ![]() Portals into the Past |
![]() Scale New Heights ![]() Sites and Cities |
![]() Wildlife Watching |
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