
- A new study reveals America’s most-Googled Wonders of the World, with Mount Everest coming out on top
- The findings are based on Google searches for all the ancient and natural Wonders of the World made over a three-year period
- The Statue of Zeus at Olympia and The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus are the least popular with interest plummeting after the start of the year
A new study has revealed the most popular ancient and natural Wonders of the World.
New data, conducted by student travel company Rustic Pathways, analyzed nationwide and state-specific Google searches related to both the ancient and the natural Wonders of the World over a three-year period and then scaled the searches by population.
Mount Everest was the most popular Wonder of the World across all states, excluding Alaska and Montana, with 12,512 average monthly searches. Interestingly, Mount Everest received a staggering 1.4 million searches made in January 2024 alone – which is approximately 254.9% higher than the second most popular, Aurora Borealis.
Aurora Borealis had an average monthly search volume of 6,110, peaking in October and March. With only four to five hours of daylight in Iceland’s midwinter, this is when the nights are dark enough to experience the phenomenon. Unlike all other states, Alaska and Montana chose Aurora Borealis as their number one destination, with Alaska having the highest average monthly Google searches per 100,000 residents at 236.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylonranked as the third most popular overall, but the first across all states for ancient Wonders, with average monthly searches amounting to 2,261. Washington had the highest number of average monthly searches for the Gardens per 100,000 residents with 52.As no archaeological evidence has been found at Babylon for the Hanging Gardens this creates intrigue and heightened speculation as to whether it ever really existed and could account for the most interest across the US.
Victoria Falls takes fourth place in the combined rankings with the highest number of average monthly Google searches at 1,740.
The Grand Canyon ranks fifth overall, as the fourth natural Wonder to place in the ranking, reporting an average of 1,044 searches. The month where people are most likely to visit the Wonder is in March.
Rounding out the top 10 is Paricutin Volcano in sixth place, The Great Barrier Reef in seventh, followed by The Great Pyramid of Giza, The Colossus of Rhodes and Harbor of Rio de Janeiro in eighth, ninth and tenth, respectively.
Most Googled Wonders, and Most Popular Month

Kayla Anzalone, Director of Marketing at Rustic Pathways said of the findings, “This study highlights America’s keen interest in the Wonders of the World, with standout favorites like Mount Everest and the Aurora Borealis drawing thousands of searches.
“Notably, the Aurora Borealis captivates folks in Alaska and Montana, showing our fascination isn’t just global but also local. Among ancient Wonders, the mystery of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon sparks the most curiosity, suggesting we’re as intrigued by historical mysteries as by natural beauty.
“The analysis also points to a wide range of interests, from Victoria Falls to the Grand Canyon, and from the ancient Colossus of Rhodes to the Temple of Artemis. This variety in curiosity underscores an appreciation for both our planet’s natural Wonders and its rich history.
“The study’s findings remind us of the importance of preserving these sites. As we explore these Wonders through searches, let’s also remember the role we play in ensuring they remain for future generations to marvel at and learn from.”
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Source: Rustic Pathways
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Photo credit: iStock





The amount of times I’ve googled Aurora Borealis near me the past few months is crazy!
While Mount Everest does fascinate me, I want to explore the other wonders first!