# What cities have a natural wonder or landmark right in the city or at least adjacent to it? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 22, 2022, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476 "2022-03-22T07:34:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![jebert](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ec9cab/32.png) [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2022, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/81 "2022-03-25T02:00:26Z")
Nairobi National Park: “A short drive out of Nairobi’s central business district is the Nairobi National Park. Wide open grass plains and backdrop of the city scrapers, scattered acacia bush play host to a wide variety of wildlife including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes and diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded. Visitors can enjoy the park’s picnic sites, three campsites and the walking trails for hikers.” ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2022, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/82 "2022-03-25T02:11:51Z")
As with other cities mentioned, Spokane WA has rapids and falls running through the middle of it. Of course, from St. Louis down to NOLA the Mississippi River rolls along right past downtown in a bunch of major cities. ---
**Author:** ![Mesquite-oh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a183cd/32.png) [@Mesquite-oh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mesquite-oh)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2022, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/83 "2022-03-25T05:22:12Z")
That parking lot in Twin Falls Idaho is surreal. You walk out of the front door of Best Buy, Old Navy, or TJ Maxx, walk to your car, and there you are on the edge of the Snake River Canyon. [Google Street View](https://goo.gl/maps/vmbmt4ad4MiDQwLn6) ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2022, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/84 "2022-03-25T06:18:47Z")
That’s one big-ass pothole y’got there, son. DPW should be fillin’ that in any day now. 🤣 ---
**Author:** ![Lantern2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lantern2/32/3010_2.png) [@Lantern2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern2)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2022, 7:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/85 "2022-03-25T07:29:22Z")
I am surprised no has mentioned beaches which are the natural wonder most commonly found in a city. Among big cities, Rio and LA possibly have the best beaches. If you add in Sugar Loaf Mountain, mentioned above, I think Rio may be the winner for the major city with the most spectacular natural attractions. ---
**Author:** ![Lantern2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lantern2/32/3010_2.png) [@Lantern2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern2)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2022, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/86 "2022-03-25T07:34:26Z")
OK. I see the OP said no shoreline which I suppose would exclude beaches though I would imagine the Rio beaches in particular would qualify for the “spectacular exception”. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2022, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/87 "2022-03-25T07:36:00Z")
Well, North and South Tahoe, for sure. [lake tahoe - Bing images](https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=rxJEc%2bpt&id=B47272D6A26DADB1CDF10E22986FAFE8A4ACC91B&thid=OIP.rxJEc-ptSpGPTayacFsMRgHaDm&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fth.bing.com%2fth%2fid%2fR.af124473ea6d4a918f4dac9a705b0c46%3frik%3dG8mspOivb5giDg%26riu%3dhttp%253a%252f%252fsnowbrains.com%252fwp-content%252fuploads%252f2016%252f07%252flake-tahoe1.jpg%26ehk%3d%252bDznlvSODZ08g%252fewMyBkYIoBn3TuySJ28l3FrI9Wa0c%253d%26risl%3d1%26pid%3dImgRaw%26r%3d0&exph=1995&expw=4110&q=lake+tahoe&simid=608046818241444474&FORM=IRPRST&ck=CE75D7316DF65927ADE0604CFEB55EE1&selectedIndex=5&ajaxhist=0&ajaxserp=0) > [@Apodder](#): > > Las Vegas has Red Rock Canyon right on the west side. Glorious. Man, that used to be a _long_ drive from town. And the loop was not patrolled at all. Good times on a fast motorcycle or quick little sportscar. Those days are long gone… Vegas sprawl sucks. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2022, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/88 "2022-03-25T15:10:28Z")
No kidding! I was there a few weeks ago and Vegas appears to be the offspring of Los Angeles and Phoenix; I was starting to call it “Los Phoenix”. Happily, the weather was nice and snow-capped peaks could be seen west of the metro so it’s possible to see some nature among the miles of strip malls, cinder block walls, and massive freeways. I did not get out to Red Rock but it appears to be right on the edge of town now. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2022, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/89 "2022-03-25T16:08:20Z")
It was on the outskirts… in 1836. [![](https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/11/11/34/19175204/9/1200x0.jpg) ](https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/11/11/34/19175204/9/1200x0.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2022, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/90 "2022-03-25T16:54:31Z")
> [@snowthx](#): > > No kidding! I was there a few weeks ago and Vegas appears to be the offspring of Los Angeles and Phoenix Speaking of Phoenix, has anyone mentioned Camelback Mountain yet? ---
**Author:** ![SmellMyWort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2022, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/91 "2022-03-25T17:13:53Z")
> [@chela](#): > > Colorado National Monument, Book Cliffs and the Grand Mesa near Grand Junction. And just up the road, natural hot springs in Glenwood Springs, CO. Cave of the Mounds is just a short drive from Madison, WI. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2022, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/92 "2022-03-25T18:09:53Z")
Bend Oregon has [Pilot Butte](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilot_Butte_(Oregon)), which has a viewpoint on top with a pretty great 360-degree view of the area. Just south of town is [Lava Butte](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lava_Butte), which has even a better view. ---
**Author:** ![Mona\_Lott](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ee7513/32.png) [@Mona\_Lott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mona_Lott)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2022, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/93 "2022-03-26T00:58:37Z")
Butte, Montana has Big Butte on the northwest horizon. ---
**Author:** ![kitap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b9e5f3/32.png) [@kitap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kitap)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2022, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/94 "2022-03-26T23:11:52Z")
Tucson has both Saguaro National Parks right next to it. Well, okay, it’s a bit of a drive to the Western Part. ---
**Author:** ![ctnguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@ctnguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ctnguy)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2022, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/95 "2022-03-28T21:08:13Z")
> [@Lantern2](#): > > I am surprised no has mentioned beaches which are the natural wonder most commonly found in a city. Among big cities, Rio and LA possibly have the best beaches. If you add in Sugar Loaf Mountain, mentioned above, I think Rio may be the winner for the major city with the most spectacular natural attractions. As a resident of Cape Town I may be a little partisan 😁 but I think our beaches and mountains are at least the equal of Rio’s. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b5/Camps_Bay_Beach_at_sunset_04.jpg) ](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b5/Camps_Bay_Beach_at_sunset_04.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2022, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/96 "2022-03-31T03:09:34Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > > [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > > > Deadwood SD > > So not a city. Might as well list every village along the Grand Canyon. The requirement for a city is smaller than many people think, being only 1000 citizens or more (unless you are in a metropolitan area). Wikipedia lists the place as a city, though it notes it used to have over 25,000 citizens: > **[Deadwood, South Dakota](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadwood,_South_Dakota)** > > Deadwood (Lakota: Owáyasuta;\[failed verification\] "To approve or confirm things") is a city that serves as county seat of Lawrence County, South Dakota, United States. It was named by early settlers after the dead trees found in its gulch. The city had its heyday from 1876 to 1879, after gold deposits had been discovered there, leading to the Black Hills Gold Rush. At its height, the city had a population of 25,000, attracting Old West figures such as Wyatt Earp, Calamity Jane, and Wild The po... ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2022, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/97 "2022-03-31T08:07:32Z")
> [@Lantern2](#): > > Among big cities, Rio and LA possibly have the best beaches. Oh, Cape Town has beaches…_virtually_ perfect beaches. [https://format-com-cld-res.cloudinary.com/image/private/s--tK\_klABd--/c\_limit,g\_center,h\_65535,w\_2500/fl\_keep\_iptc.progressive,q\_95/v1/b7724ab809142bb70582ad7b46948f06/BMDAY2\_056\_JPG.jpg?1000](https://format-com-cld-res.cloudinary.com/image/private/s--tK_klABd--/c_limit,g_center,h_65535,w_2500/fl_keep_iptc.progressive,q_95/v1/b7724ab809142bb70582ad7b46948f06/BMDAY2_056_JPG.jpg?1000) (That’s the real beach that is used to represent San Junipero’s in the _Black Mirror_ episode of the same name) ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2022, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/98 "2022-03-31T08:09:54Z")
Or we could give them the old two-fer: [![](https://cdn.24.co.za/files/Cms/General/d/8409/5a2090d915b84f3b81aaf239a410d667.jpg) ](https://cdn.24.co.za/files/Cms/General/d/8409/5a2090d915b84f3b81aaf239a410d667.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2022, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/99 "2022-03-31T17:49:47Z")
Here in the UK we don’t do geothermal, so by local standards a proper hot spring positively stands out as a natural wonder. Impressive enough that the Romans built a big old bath in order to utilize it. Enough of an attraction that a city grew up around it. And what else would you call the city, eh? j Just in case anyone doesn’t know: [spoiler][https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bath,\_Somerset[/spoiler]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bath,_Somerset%5B/spoiler%5D) ---
**Author:** ![lost4life](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c4cdca/32.png) [@lost4life](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lost4life)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2022, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476/100 "2022-03-31T22:11:36Z")
> [@Mesquite-oh](#): > > That parking lot in Twin Falls Idaho is surreal. You walk out of the front door of Best Buy, Old Navy, or TJ Maxx, walk to your car, and there you are on the edge of the Snake River Canyon. > > [Google Street View](https://goo.gl/maps/vmbmt4ad4MiDQwLn6) If you zoom in on the street view, that little pile of dirt in the distance in the aforementioned Evel Knievel jump site. That’s a real happening parking lot. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cities-have-a-natural-wonder-or-landmark-right-in-the-city-or-at-least-adjacent-to-it/961476.md?page=6)