The Don CeSar

One of the oldest and most popular resorts among celebrities and the well-to-do, the luxurious Don CeSar opened its doors in 1928 and continues to offer guests memorable Gulf Coast vacations in St. Petersburg. Affectionately known as the "Pink Palace" for its palatial size and ornate façade, the resort consists of 277 rooms and 36 suites, many with beach views. Popular options include the well-appointed and bright junior suites with king beds, pull-out couches, desks, and comfortable seating. If money is no object, go for the Bayside Penthouse, a luxurious two-story unit boasting three bedrooms, a kitchenette, separate living and dining areas, four bathrooms, and a large balcony. Another great option is renting one of the large villas at the resort's Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar location, which offers family-sized units and is an easy walk away from the Don CeSar.

The on-site amenities are certainly a cut above. Highlights include two large, outdoor, heated swimming pools with poolside attendants to wait on you, as well as poolside movies and entertainment; a huge full-service spa; and elegant dining. There's also plenty of space for functions and business meetings, along with a business center. A highlight of any stay is spending time down at the private beach, just steps away from your room, where fun activities include rentals of watercraft, including kayaks and Jet Skis. There's also a well-equipped fitness center, plenty of kids' activities, and even programs for pets (yes, some pet-friendly units are available).

Address: 3400 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, Florida

Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park

The Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park is, as you'd expect from one of the world's leading hotel brands, a great choice for those looking for a comfortable stay on the Gulf Coast, just minutes away from Tampa Bay. The sense you're somewhere special is certainly evident in the quality amenities, which include a large, heated, outdoor infinity-edge swimming pool; a full-service spa; plenty of meeting and function space; plus a business center, gym, and waterfront restaurant. Concierge services are also available, along with laundry and dry cleaning, and a handy convenience store.

A variety of spacious and well-appointed guestroom options are available, each featuring modern décor and furnishings, large bathrooms (some with separate bathtubs and showers), HDTVs, small fridges, and coffee makers. If additional space is needed, consider one of the luxurious two-room executive suites, each with its own parlor with a dining table and seating, and an adjoining bedroom. A number of accessible units are also available for those with mobility issues.

Address: 950 Lake Carillon Drive St. Petersburg, Florida

The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club

One of the most attractive resorts on the Gulf Coast, The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club certainly wouldn't have looked out of place in the Florida of bygone days. It's one of the top luxury resorts in St. Pete, offering a high-level of pampering and indulgence for those who stay here.

Nowhere is this sense of opulence more evident than in the resort's lovely accommodations. A popular option for couples are the spacious guestrooms that come with a choice of king or two queen beds. Other notable features of these bright and well-appointed rooms include HDTVs, large bathrooms, and private balconies. A good choice for families and groups are the large one- and two-bedroom suites, which come with a sofa bed and an extra bathroom.

The amenities available to guests are certainly world-class, too. Highlights include access to two large and heated outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, restaurants, a spa, and a hair salon. Other notable amenities include a full-service marina, a games room for the kids (along with plenty of fun programs and activities), as well as tennis courts and a golf course.

Address: 501 5th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, Florida

Key West Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters

The Key West Lighthouse was built in 1847 and opened in 1848 with a female keeper, a rarity in that time. Over the years, its keeper's quarters and lenses were upgraded until technology rendered both obsolete, and it was decommissioned in 1969. The Key West Art and Historical Society adopted the property, initially turning it into a military museum and then later restoring the lighthouse and quarters to reflect life here at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, it houses original furniture, household items, and photos of the many keepers who kept the light burning through even the worst of storms.

The lighthouse stands at 86 feet high, and visitors can climb up its 88 steps for great views from the observation deck near the top. A short video presentation also provides an interesting look at the history of the Key West Lighthouse.

Address: 938 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida

Key West Cemetery

Founded in 1847 after the island's original cemetery was destroyed by a hurricane, the headstones in Key West's cemetery mark the graves of more than 35,000 people. This historic cemetery has several religious and memorial sections, including dedicated Jewish and Roman Catholic areas, the Los Martires de Cuba memorial commemorating the Cuban martyrs who were killed during the 1870s independence movement, and a plot dedicated to the sailors who died when the USS Maine sank in 1898. Many visitors enjoy the intricate iron work and carved monuments that adorn family plots and tombs.

Address: 701 Passover Lane, Key West, Florida

Shipwreck Treasure Museum

The Shipwreck Treasure Museum is housed in the replica of a 19th-century wrecker's warehouse with exhibits exploring the fascinating history of the salvage industry in the area. Wrecking, the practice of salvaging cargo from the various ships that perished along the Florida reefs, was once a major part of Key West's economy and an extremely lucrative - but dangerous -industry. From atop observation towers like the 65-foot example here at the museum, wreckers would watch day and night for ships in trouble and race to the site. The first to arrive could claim the rights to the largest share of the salvage profits, a process overseen by special "wrecking courts."

Here, at the museum, actors in period costume recount the story of the Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856, as well as show what life was like for the daring wreckers who risked their lives to not only recover treasure but also save the lives of the reefs' victims. Artifacts from the shipwreck are displayed, and visitors can also watch films and videos on the subject. The observation tower provides excellent views and photo opportunities of the surrounding land and seascape.

Address: 1 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida

Southernmost Point

Key West's claim to fame as the southernmost point in the continental U.S. is made concrete in this red, black, and yellow marker at the corner of South and Whitehead streets. Street vendors and performers congregate around the site to sell souvenirs and showcase their talents. The marker itself, dedicated by the Key West public Works Department in 1983, is less than inspiring but nonetheless, visitors often have their picture taken at the marker.

A similar landmark and equally popular place for Key West photo-ops is the US1 mile-marker "0" sign which marks the beginning of the route which runs up almost the entirety of the east coast. Stretching for nearly 2,400 miles, the interstate ends in Maine, passing through several major cities.

Key West Aquarium

The Key West Aquarium first opened its doors in 1934, making it one of the first open-air aquariums in the U.S. For practical purposes of algae control, a roof was later added, and the facility was upgraded.

Exhibits include the "Atlantic Shores" and the large outdoor holding pens. A number of tanks house local marine life, including puffer fish, snappers, and angelfish. There are also tanks with barracuda and sharks, and a "touch tank," which allows visitors to get up close and personal with conch, starfish, and other invertebrates. During the tours, visitors can watch the sharks being fed and touch a juvenile nurse shark.

Address: 1 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida

Oldest House

The Oldest House in South Florida, built in 1829, was the former home of Francis B. Watlington. It was originally built by Richard Cussans in a different location and later moved to Duval Street. The house offers a chance to see and learn a little about the history of Key West. It is not as extravagant or as lovely as some of the city's other historical houses that are open to the public, but it has its own unique charm.

Within the house are some original furnishings, family portraits, and displays on the history of Key West. Ship models and information on the history of the industry in the area are on display. At the rear of the house is a garden and a cookhouse, which was typical of the period. There is also an exhibit pavilion containing additional documents of interest.

Address: 322 Duval Street, Key West, Florida

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Built between 1845 and 1866, Fort Zachary Taylor protected this part of Florida's coast during the Civil War. Today, it is a State Park and National Historic Landmark, renowned for its historical attractions, especially the extensive collection of Civil War era armaments, which are still being excavated. The park also hosts a variety of annual events, including concerts, boat races, sculpture contests, and even a pirate festival. In addition to all of these fun things to do, tourists will enjoy the park's beautiful swimming beach; dedicated snorkeling areas; and nature trails, which are open to both foot and bike traffic. This is also one of the best places to see Key West's famous sunsets, and the beach is a perfect spot for a romantic picnic.

Address: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, Florida

Audubon House and Gallery

This 1840s home was built by ship carpenters for Captain John Greiger, a noted harbor pilot and wrecker. Colonel Mitchell Wolfson restored it in the 1960s, initiating the subsequent preservation movement in the rest of Key West. The property is noteworthy both for the house and the beautiful gardens and grounds. The home contains many 18th- and 19th-century period furnishings, much of it from Europe, and a substantial collection of engravings by John James Audubon, who stayed here in 1832. The gardens in the back contain a variety of tropical plants, including birds of paradise, hibiscus, and different palms.

Visitors are given a guided tour of the Audubon House and then offered the opportunity to explore on their own and take time to appreciate the grounds.

Address: 205 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida

Martello Towers

The Martello Towers are two brick fortifications, built in 1858 to protect Fort Zachary Taylor from the east. The fort was never completed and never saw hostile action, although the eight-foot-thick granite walls would certainly have withstood artillery attacks. The central tower provides a spectacular panoramic view of the Atlantic coast of Key West.

The West Martello Tower and Garden Center was constructed in the 1860s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Key West Garden Club took possession of the fort in 1955 and began a cleanup and planting to beautify the dilapidated fort. Today, visitors can stroll the grounds, through lovely courtyards and gardens. Romantic pathways, arches, a waterfall, and water lily pond are some of the highlights.

The East Martello Tower was originally built as a complement to Fort Zachary Taylor to protect the region. It now houses the Martello Gallery -Key West Art and Historical Museum, with a diverse collection of local art and sculpture and other exhibits related to the development of Key West.

Address: 1100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, Florida

Harry S. Truman Little White House

The restored Harry S. Truman Little White House was built in 1890 and served as the headquarters for the naval command through World War II. Truman first visited the house in 1946, and during his presidency used it several times as a vacation retreat. The original furnishings and decor have remained intact from the Truman era, and it has been used by subsequent presidents and officials as it still is today. Visitors can see Truman's piano and the desk he used during his "working vacations," and guides add insight into the building's history and the political significance it held during the Cold War. Tourists will also enjoy a self-guided tour of the home's botanical gardens.

Address: 111 Front Street, Key West, Florida

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum tells the story of diver Mel Fisher, who discovered several shipwrecks, including one that carried exceedingly valuable artifacts and another that holds a wealth of historical value. First discovered in 1972, an English ship was found about 35 miles west of Key West. Later identified as the Henrietta Marie, this was a slave ship that had disappeared in 1700 shortly after selling 190 African Captives in Jamaica. Although the ship did not carry a wealth of gold and jewels, its remains hold invaluable artifacts, which provide a look at the history and conditions of the maritime slave trade, and is the oldest slave ship wreck to be discovered.

In 1980, Fisher's dive teams discovered the wreck of the Santa Margarita, a 17th-century Spanish ship. This wreck held an astounding assortment of valuable objects, from gold and silver bars and coins to elaborate jewelry. The museum displays numerous artifacts from these wrecks and others, including a 77.76 carat emerald and several other rare items such as navigational instruments, tools, and other everyday items. The museum also has exhibits on underwater archaeology and diving, as well as films and hands-on demonstrations.

Address: 200 Greene Street, Key West, Florida

Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is an archipelago of seven reef islands located around 65 miles southwest of Key West. They were so named by explorer Ponce de Leon due to the number of turtles (tortuga meaning turtle in Spanish) found on the islands. The "dry" part was added later, referring to the lack of fresh water on the islands. One of them, Garden Key, is home to the 19th-century Fort Jefferson, which was built by the U.S. government to protect and control the Gulf of Mexico shipping channel. The fort operated as a prison for Union deserters during the Civil War and also housed Dr. Samuel Mudd, who was arrested as a co-conspirator in Abraham Lincoln's assassination. In 1992, George Bush changed the status of the site from the Fort Jefferson National Monument to the current park run by the National Park Service.

Soft sand beaches and wonderful opportunities for snorkeling also add to the allure of the park. Catamaran Boat Excursions to the Dry Tortugas, which include snorkeling and snorkeling equipment, as well as lunch, leave from Key West.

Address: 40001 SR-9336, Homestead, Florida

Mallory Square

Mallory Square, a former warehouse area, is now the location of a nightly sunset-watching ritual with live entertainment. This is one the most popular free things to do in Key West. Tourists gather on the dock to marvel at the stunning pinks and reds as the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico. Jugglers, vendors, musicians, and other street performers create a carnival-like atmosphere, including some truly unique performances like dog unicycling, cats on a tightrope, and straightjacket escapes. The area has become one of the tourist highlights of Key West, particularly in the late afternoon. There are shops and other attractions located on and around Mallory Square as well, including the historical Key West Sponge Market, a treasure-hunting store, and multiple surf shops.

Address: 400 Wall Street, Key West, Florida

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Visitors to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory have the unique opportunity to walk among more than fifty species of butterflies in the natural garden habitat of a glass conservatory. In addition to the colorful butterflies, there are more than 20 species of exotic birds that reside here, making a visit to the conservatory a truly special experience. The Learning Center provides visitors with an educational film about the life cycle of butterflies, and there are also exhibits that explain the stages in detail, as well as a live caterpillar viewing area, where you can see real butterflies going through their transformations. This is a popular tourist attraction for nature-lovers as well as families.

Address: 1316 Duval Street, Key West, Florida

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

The legendary author Ernest Hemingway bought this 1851 Spanish Colonial house in 1931 and lived in it until 1940. It features a lush tropical garden and the salt-water pool that he claimed nearly wiped him out financially, and contains his "last penny" pressed into the concrete. Tourists can see the restored interior as well, which displays the writer's own collection of 17th- and 18th-century Spanish furniture. More than forty descendants of Hemingway's original brood of house cats still roam the property. He wrote a number of novels here including A Farewell to Arms, Death in the Afternoon, and For Whom the Bell Tolls.

Address: 907 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida

Duval Street

Duval Street is Key West's main tourist strip, with restaurants and shops designed to entertain tourists and cruise ship passengers. This is the place to begin, or perhaps end, a day of sightseeing. Historic homes and some of the city's most popular tourist attractions can be found along Duval Street, which stretches from Mallory Square to the Southernmost Point marker. This area is also host to several events and festivals throughout the year, the most famous of which is the Hemingway Days Festival, held each summer. Other highlights in the area include Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium and the mecca of everything key lime, Kermit's Key Lime Pie Shop.

Tourists can get a good overview of the area and its history on the Conch Tour Train, which visits Duval Street, as well as Old Town, Hemingway's House, and the waterfront area. This 90-minute narrated tour offers perspective on the railroad days, the depression, and WWII, as they relate to Key West.

Rated Tourist Attractions in Key West, FL

The southernmost city in the continental United States, Key West features a unique mixture of cultural influences. The colorful history of the four- by two-mile island is filled with tales of poverty and prosperity, death and rebirth. Key West's early economy relied heavily on sponge-fishing and the risky but lucrative "wrecking," where locals salvaged the goods of ships run aground in the shallow waters. The architecture is mainly Caribbean with many houses built out of coral-rock or salvaged ship-boards. Others came directly from the Bahamas, dismantled and shipped then re-assembled here in the Keys. The cuisine is Afro-Caribbean and Spanish and there is a certain tropical, laid-back feel to the town.

Key West is known for its sunsets, which draw tourists from all over the U.S. and beyond. Several famous writers have called the island home, including Ernest Hemingway, Robert Frost, and Tennessee Williams. Key West continues to attract artists today with its Bohemian and tolerant atmosphere. Plan your time here with our list of the top attractions in Key West.

Hell

On the north coast of Grand Cayman, sinister black rock formations inspired the naming of the town Hell. In 1962 Hell opened its own district post office for those who wanted to mark their visit to Hell officially. The post office is now painted bright red and a resident "devil" dispenses witticisms along with souvenirs. A sturdy boardwalk provides easier access to view the rock formation.

Address: West Bay, Grand Cayman

Camana Bay

A few minutes north of George Town by car, Camana Bay is a new pedestrian-friendly waterfront development with restaurants, shops, a cinema, interactive fountains, and an Observation Tower. You can enjoy 360-degree views across Seven Mile Beach, George Town, and the North Sound from the top of the tower, and the development's Town Square hosts community events as well as a popular farmers' market.

Address: Market Street, Grand Cayman

The Bluffs and Caves of Cayman Brac

A thirty-minute flight from Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac is the second biggest of the three Cayman Islands and is known for its dramatic coastal scenery, deep caves, and breathtaking bluff-top hikes. The island is named for the 45-meter-high limestone bluff or "Brac" on its eastern tip, the highest point in the Caymans. Along the Brac, you can climb the steep walkway to a lighthouse with beautiful ocean views and look for nesting seabirds along the way.

Cayman Brac is also famous for its caves. Peter's Cave, Bat's Cave, Great Cave, Skull Cave, and Rebecca's Cave are among the easiest to access and the most popular. You can explore the caves on your own to see bat colonies as well as stalactites and stalagmites.

Other things to do on Cayman Brac include hiking the scenic trail through the National Trust Parrot Preserve and diving the island's wrecks and coral reefs; the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts, a sunken Russian frigate, is one of the top dive sites.

Cayman Crystal Caves

Tourists to Grand Cayman can now see a different side of the island by descending deep beneath the earth. In 2016, Christian Sorensen began offering guided tours of caves on his lushly forested property on the north side of Grand Cayman, and they have quickly become a popular attraction. Formed over millennia, the caves are covered in contorted stalactites and stalagmites. Colonies of bats huddle in crevices, and a crystal-clear lake holds rainwater filtered through the rocks. The 90-minute guided tours share interesting information about the plants and animals of the area as well as the geology of the caves.

Pedro St. James National Historic Site

About a 20-minute drive east of George Town, the Pedro St. James National Historic Site is home to a restored 18th-century plantation house known as Pedro's Castle. One of the oldest buildings on the island, this elaborate three-story stone structure is known as the "Birthplace of Democracy in the Cayman Islands." It was here in 1831 that the decision was made to form the nation's first elected parliament. Today, you can tour the restored house and learn about its history during a 3D multi-media presentation in the theater.

Also on the grounds, the Hurricane Ivan Memorial tells the tragic story of the 2004 natural disaster. After touring the house, you can explore the surrounding woodland and admire the bluff top views.

Address: Pedro Castle Road, Savannah, Grand Cayman

Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

The Grand Cayman Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park preserves the island's flora and fauna, and if you're lucky, you might even spot the endangered blue iguana. You can stroll the garden's peaceful paths past lily-topped ponds, palm gardens, woodland habitats, orchids, and colorful flowers. Plants and trees are labeled, and benches beckon from shady nooks. Other animals living in the park include snakes, birds, lizards, turtles, and agoutis. History buffs and green thumbs alike will enjoy the Heritage Garden with medicinal plants and a restored Caymanian cottage. The best way to see the blue iguanas is to book a ticket at the entrance to the park for the 11am guided tour. Nature lovers will also enjoy hiking the Mastic Trail, about a five-minute drive from here.

Address: Frank Sound Road, North Side, Grand Cayman

Mastic Reserve and Trail

The Mastic Reserve on Grand Cayman is designed to protect an area of dry subtropical forest, which is typical to the Caribbean but disappearing through deforestation. Within the reserve, the three-kilometer-long Mastic Trail takes you across jagged iron shore and through dry forest, silver thatch palms, and black mangrove wetland. Originally built more than 100 years ago, the trail was no longer used and became overgrown when the island's roads were developed. With much help and repair the trail was reopened in the mid 1990s.

Today, nature lovers can stroll along the well-marked trail and spot wild orchids, birds, and small animals such as lizards, frogs, and hermit crabs. Guided tours are a great way to learn about the reserve's flora and fauna and are highly recommended. (Wear sturdy shoes and bring mosquito repellent.) You can arrange tours through the National Trust for the Cayman Islands Visitor Centre.

Address: Frank Sound Road, Grand Cayman

East End

Far from the cruise ship crowds of George Town, the East End offers a slower-paced alternative to the popular attractions on the island's west coast. This side of the island also offers superb snorkeling, authentic island food, blowholes, secluded beaches, and excellent dive sites. Only fifteen minutes from the East End on the island's northern tip lies Rum Point, a peaceful pine-fringed cove slung with hammocks and volleyball nets.

Bloody Bay Marine Reserve, Little Cayman

The smallest and sleepiest of the three Cayman Islands, Little Cayman is known for its superb fishing and diving. Bloody Bay Marine Reserve lies just offshore here with wreck sites and the famous Bloody Bay Wall. Divers and anglers flock to the Southern Cross Club, a venerable resort with a top-notch dive operation and expert fishing guides, who take you to prowl the flats for bonefish or cast a line in the island's Tarpon Lake.

Little Cayman is also home to the Booby Pond Nature Reserve, a large breeding colony of red-footed boobies and frigate birds, and if you really want to feel like a castaway, you can paddle over to Owen Island, a deserted sliver of sand 180 meters from shore.

Cayman Turtle Centre: Island Wildlife Encounter

Cayman Turtle Centre is a research and breeding farm housing two species of sea turtles: green sea turtles and a small number of endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtles. It raises turtles for local consumption to counteract poaching in local waters and is also a conservation facility, releasing turtles into the wild. Touch tanks and wading pools provide plenty of opportunities for animal lovers to see these gentle creatures up close and even hold baby turtles, and Smiley's Saltwater Lagoon is home to a nine-foot saltwater crocodile, the first found in the islands since the mid-1950s. For an upgrade in the admission price, you can enjoy the attractions at the adjoining marine park, including an aviary full of tropical birds, a fish-filled snorkeling lagoon, swimming pools, and a replica of a typical Cayman street lined with gingerbread houses.

Address: 825 NW Point Road, West Bay, Grand Cayman

Atlantis Submarines

AtlanAtlantis Submarines offers a chance for you to experience the underwater world without getting wet. This 48-passenger submarine plunges to depths of 30 meters, where you can peer through the submarine's large viewing windows at kaleidoscopic vistas. Tropical fish, shallow reefs, underwater canyons, and even shipwrecks are just some of the sights to enjoy. The company also offers night submarine tours and shallow-water excursions in their Seaworld Observatory.

tis Submarines offer visitors a chance to experience the underwater world without getting wet. This 48-passenger submarine takes tourists down to depths of 30 meters where they can peer through the submarine's large viewing windows at the kaleidoscopic vistas. Tropical fish, shallow reefs, underwater canyons, and even shipwrecks are just some of the sights to enjoy. The company also offers night submarine tours and shallow-water excursions in their Seaworld Observatory.

Address: 30 South Church Street, George Town

Editor's Pick Diving

Surrounded by reefs, the Cayman Islands are one of the best diving destinations in the Caribbean, with many of the top sites lying only minutes from shore. Divers rave about the diverse coral formations, caverns, grottos, tunnels, wrecks, steep walls, and excellent visibility. Off Grand Cayman, Stingray City is one of the most famous shallow dives in the world, and the Kittiwake Shipwreck & Artificial Reef, off the northern tip of Seven Mile Beach, is an Ex-US Navy Submarine Rescue Vessel sunk in 2011, where stingrays and eagle rays sometimes swim. Devil's Grotto offers crevices and swim-throughs, as well as tarpon at certain times of year, while divers at the North Wall might glimpse stingrays, eagle rays, and turtles (Babylon is a favorite site here). Snorkelers can see some of the island's spectacular underwater life right from the beach at Smith Cove and see turtles at Spotts Beach.

Off Little Cayman, Bloody Bay Marine Park is an underwater wonderland with Jackson's Bight and the famous Bloody Bay Wall, which plunges to depths of more than 1,800 meters. Cayman Brac also boasts numerous excellent dive sites. The sunken Russian frigate, MV Captain Keith Tibbetts, off the island is one of the most famous wrecks in the world.

George Town

George Town, an offshore banking hub and Cayman's attractive capital, comes alive when cruise ships arrive. Shopping is one of the most popular things to do here, and many of the duty-free shops and art galleries are housed in colorful gingerbread buildings along the harbor front.

But this cute tourist town also offers a clutch of other worthwhile tourist attractions. Cayman Islands National Museum displays historical and ecological exhibits, and art lovers will appreciate the fine collection of local art and themed temporary exhibitions at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, with its beautiful sculpture gardens and Art Cafe. A few minutes' drive from here, the National Trust for the Cayman Islands Visitor Centre is a great place to learn about the island's natural history.

Stingray City

Anyone with a fear of stingrays will be cured after this trip. Stingray City is one of the most famous shallow water snorkel and dive sites in the Caribbean and one of Grand Cayman's top tourist attractions. Custom-built boats zip out to a shallow sand bar surrounded by crystal-clear water where you can feed, kiss, and cuddle these satiny creatures. If you're a little frightened to touch them, you can kneel on the sandy bottom and just watch in awe as these gentle creatures glide all around you. Snorkeling, diving, and swimming are all popular ways to enjoy this attraction.

Location: Raleigh Quay, Grand Cayman

Seven Mile Beach

Sublime Seven Mile Beach frequently graces lists of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Fringed with casuarinas and coconut palms, this ravishing sweep of flour-soft sand and turquoise sea flanks the island's main road north from George Town. Even with cruise ship passengers visiting its shores, this broad stretch of beach provides a peaceful patch of sand for everyone and is usually free of roaming vendors. The entire beach is public and impeccably maintained.
Address: West Bay Road, Grand Cayman

Rated Tourist Attractions in the Cayman Islands

A British Overseas Territory in the Western Caribbean, the Cayman Islands offer some of the best diving in the world. Crystal clear waters in striking shades of blue slosh upon the shores of this trio of tropical isles, which includes Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Coral reefs ring all three islands, shipwrecks are scattered off their shores, and steep underwater walls teem with marine life.
The popular cruise port of Grand Cayman is the largest and most Americanized of the three islands. Stunning Seven Mile Beach is its crown jewel, with a range of watersports and beachfront resorts. Besides basking on the island's powdery shores, other popular things to do include swimming with stingrays, diving, snorkeling, hiking, duty-free shopping in the colorful capital of George Town, and escaping to the island's tranquil East End. Cayman Brac lures nature lovers with its craggy coastline, deep caves, and slower pace. Little Cayman is positively sleepy, but it offers some of the best dive sites in the world, as well as excellent fishing along its bonefish flats and in Tarpon Lake.

North Island, Seychelles

Wanna-be Robinson Crusoes love this exclusive back-to-nature eco-resort, nestled between soaring granitic peaks on a remote island in the Seychelles, but with the bevy of attentive staff here, you'll never feel stranded. "Barefoot luxury" is the island's slogan, and conservation is key. The owner's mission is to restore the island back to its natural state, and guests are welcome to participate in the conservation programs and learn about the unique ecology of this far-flung isle. You can choose from two different picture-perfect beaches, where turtles nest on the shores.

Constructed of local materials harvested during the island's ongoing restoration, the eleven private open-plan villas rim a beautiful stretch of beach that bristles with coconut palms. Sophisticated beachy chic best describes the decor, which incorporates plenty of textural elements and natural materials. Plunge pools in large decks, netted beds, and deep soaking tubs are typical features, and doors fold back to let the outdoors in. The sumptuous Villa North Island at the far end of the beach is the ultimate honeymoon hideaway.

Cuisine captures fresh creole flavors using the island's latest harvest, and butler service allows you to eat anywhere you like. A full range of watersports, guided walks, and excursions to other islands top the activity list, as well as yoga and holistic treatments like the "barefoot ritual" at the spa. Bicycles and electric golf carts provide transport. Kids can keep busy with customised children's programs offering activities like treasure hunts and pizza-making lessons.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives

Surrounded by a world of water in mesmerising shades of blue, Lily Beach Resort & Spa offers over-the-water luxury and family-friendly fun. The resort lies on Huvahendhoo island in the Maldives, a coral island ringed by thriving coral reefs and some of the best dive sites in the world. Perched over the water or strung along the beach, the air-conditioned villas come with sleek contemporary furnishings and modern conveniences like home theater systems, flat-screen satellite TVs, and outdoor bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs. Beach villas snuggle amid palm trees along a beautiful stretch of powder-white sand, while the water villas offer more privacy and direct access to the hypnotic sea. If you're traveling with children, the family villas, with interconnecting rooms, are perfect. Deluxe over-the-water villas boast glass floor areas, so you can peer into the crystal-clear sea below, and the sunset suites also come with private plunge pools and 24-hour butler service.

Guests can choose from several different dining venues serving everything from fusion cuisine inspired by Chinese, Indian, and Thai flavors to teppenyaki and themed buffets. Water sports reign here, and with a flourishing reef not far from shore, the snorkeling is fabulous. You can also swim at the two pools, play volleyball and tennis, tone at the gym, or indulge at the over-the-water Tamara spa. The all-inclusive plan is optional. It offers excellent value and includes food (buffet-style and limited a la carte); beverages; and two excursions per person per stay, such as snorkeling, sunset cruises, village visits, and fishing.

Likuliku, Fiji

Home to the only over-the-water bungalows in Fiji, adults-only Likuliku, on Malolo Island in the sublime Mamanuca Islands, is known for its warm and friendly Fijian hospitality. Local materials such as thatch, wood, and stone feature prominently in the bungalows (or bures), giving the resort an authentic island feel that feels totally at one with its lush, tropical surroundings. Forget TVs and telephones. Instead, guests here tune into the relaxing pace of island life, snorkeling over kaleidoscopic reefs and chatting with the friendly staff.

Honeymooners love the ten light-filled over-the-water bures, with large outdoor decks, separate bathing pavilions, air-conditioning, and lagoon views from egg-shaped soaking tubs. Many guests also like the beachfront bures, with their cheaper price point, plunge pools, large daybeds, and private outdoor showers. These bures also offer direct access to the ocean, which is sometimes not available from the over-the-water bures when the tide is low.

The food is fabulous here and spotlights fresh seafood as well as luscious tropical fruits and produce from the island's organic hydroponic farm. Daily canapes delivered to your room give you a hint of the delectable dinner dishes that await. In your spare time, you can enjoy a Couples Indulgence package at the spa, trim and tone at the gym, learn how to weave palm fronds, or sign up for village visits and island-hopping cruises. Rates include accommodation, non-motorized water sports, meals, filter coffee, tea, and water, but other beverages incur an extra fee.

Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia

Blending beautifully with the sloping sea cliffs on Kangaroo Island at the edge of South Australia, Southern Ocean Lodge lets nature do the talking. Wild ocean vistas welcome you through walls of glass in this curvaceous contemporary building, and light streams into all the spaces.

The 21 guestrooms drink in sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows, and the decor is decidedly "eco-chic," featuring recycled wood accents, local art, sandblasted limestone floors, and crisp white fabrics. Other typical features include sunken sitting areas; heated floors; and outdoor terraces with daybeds, so you can relax and soak up those hypnotic views. Some rooms also add EcoSmart fireplaces as well as TVs and DVD players.

Sophisticated and fresh, the food includes many island specialities, including Ligurian honey, local cheeses, and fresh-caught seafood. Another big bonus at this resort is the daily schedule of guided island excursions included in the rates. Coastal treks and trips to nearby national parks, seal colonies, and wildlife sanctuaries are typical excursions. You can also relax at the wellness spa, where kids can join a special workshop making bath bombs and body scrubs.

Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp, Kenya

On a 6,000-acre private game reserve in Kenya near the border of Tanzania, Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp oozes Out of Africa elegance. The camp borders the wildlife-rich Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve, two of the best game reserves in Africa, and is one of only ten accredited Global Ecosphere Retreats in the world thanks to its commitment to sustainability and projects that help the local community. Don't be put off by the word "camp." The luxury tents are a world away from those on your typical family camping trip, and the attentive staff make you feel like royalty. The expert Maasai guides and trackers are some of the best in the business, delivering you to classic African "big-five" wildlife action starring lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and elephants. This is also a wonderful place to experience the wildebeest migration from July through November.

Strategically flung far apart to maximise privacy, the ten palatial tents allow you to feel at one with nature, without sacrificing any luxuries. While propped in your billowy four-poster bed, you can gaze out at zebras and giraffes, and fall asleep to the whoop of hyenas and the distant roar of lions echoing through the night. Antique furnishings, oriental rugs, candelabras, and steamer trunks add to the nostalgic Hemingway feel, and the ensuite bathrooms come with flushing toilets and hot showers. But if you really want to get back to nature, you can opt for the unique experience of a safari bath or shower in the middle of the savannah. Family tented suites come with two bathrooms and living rooms with fireplaces. You can also reserve a honeymoon suite or the Cottar's Bush Villa, which sleeps 10 and has its own 25-meter pool.

The chef crafts culinary creations from fresh food grown right in the camp. Meals are usually served communal style in the huge dining tent or at breathtaking wilderness locations. In addition to the excellent game drives and walks, you can visit a Maasai village, swan around in the pool, or enjoy pampering spa treatments. Children of all ages are welcome.

Twin Farms, USA

Snuggled amid 300 acres of bucolic Vermont countryside, about a three-hour drive from Boston, Twin Farms is the home-away-from-home of your wildest country-estate fantasies. Whimsical art from the owner's private collection adorns the 1795-era main house, where crackling fires, and picture-book views greet guests. Personal service is taken to a whole new level here, and the pampering spa services and exquisite culinary creations maintain the resort's high standards.

Created by esteemed architects and designers, the 20 uniquely decorated accommodations range from cozy guest rooms to log cabins, multi-level Scandinavian-style cottages, and mid-century hideaways. Fireplaces, antiques, custom art, and stone hot tubs add to the homey feel in many, and all have beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. All meals are included in the rates, and the culinary creations emphasize healthy, fresh flavors with customized personal menus and a farm-to-table focus. The lemon souffle pancakes with Vermont strawberries are breakfast favorites.

Activities change with the season here. In the warmer months, you can hike and bike among the forests and flower-flecked meadows, play tennis, fly fish, swim, or paddle upon tranquil ponds. The incredible display of fall colors in Vermont make it one of the best seasons to visit. In winter, you can skate, snowshoe, and ski on the resort's private groomed trails and slopes. If you can bear to leave the resort, you can tour a working farm, shop for antiques, visit nearby artisans and historical sites, or take one of the resort's BMW sedans for a spin. A fully equipped gym is also on-site. Guests must be 16 years or older, except during the resort's two annual family weeks, and dogs are welcome in some of the cabins for a fee.

Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia

St. Lucia is known for its dramatically beautiful scenery, and adults-only Jade Mountain Resort capitalizes on it with spectacular views of the ocean and St. Lucia's twin volcanic peaks, the Pitons. Clinging to a cliffside, the resort encompassess a series of open-sided rooms and common areas that embrace these breathtaking vistas, so you always feel like a part of your surroundings. Despite their sweeping views, the suites offer total privacy making this a favorite hideaway for honeymooners.

Called "sanctuaries," the 24 open-sided guest rooms here feel spacious and airy, with 15-foot-high ceilings, large living rooms, and plenty of local stone and tropical hardwoods. Typical features include private infinity pools, four-poster beds, Frette bathrobes and towels, 24-hour butlers ("Major Domos"), and jalousie louvers so the tropical breezes can flow freely. Five SKY jacuzzi suites come with hot tubs instead of the private pools. Wi-Fi is available at the resort, but you won't find TVs and telephones here, just the sounds and sights of the sea.

Cuisine at the Jade Mountain Club captures fresh island flavors with plenty of produce from the resort's organic farm, and you can also dine at Anse Mamin or Anse Chastanet, the 600-acre sister resort on a silver-sand beach below. Free time can be as active or relaxed as you like. Swimming, sailing, kayaking, and diving, are all popular pastimes along the shores of Anse Chastanet beach, a steep walk from the resort or a shuttle ride away. You can also hike and bike on the resort's 600-acre plantation; go birdwatching; do yoga; swim in the resort's infinity pool; or take tours of the botanical gardens, volcano, and sulphur springs. A fitness center and spa are also on site. The all-inclusive rates are an optional but great-value choice here - especially as the hotel lies in a remote location.

Royal Malewane, South Africa

One of the top safari lodges in South Africa, Royal Malewane in Thornybush Game Reserve bordering Kruger National Park, is for travelers who want to follow in the footsteps of the world's most discerning and wealthy wildlife lovers. Old-world colonial elegance sets the tone here, and animals take center stage - especially the relatively large number of resident lions.

Eight impeccably decorated, air-conditioned suites recall the grand old days of Hemingway, with oriental rugs, antiques, thatched roofs, and four-poster beds draped in mosquito netting. Outdoor showers and plunge pools on expansive decks merge with the wilderness, where elephants and other wildlife are part of the views. Two-bedroom Royal Suites are perfect for families, and for even more exclusivity, groups can reserve Africa House, a six-bedroom villa with a private chef.

Daily activities revolve around the morning and evening game drives, when expert trackers and guides deliver you to National Geographic-worthy wildlife action. You can also relax at the award-winning bush spa and tone at the gym in your spare time. Children of all ages are welcome in the Royal Suites and Africa House, but they must be older than ten to stay in the luxury suites.

Jumby Bay, Antigua

On a palm-studded private island in Antigua rimmed by dazzling beaches, Jumby Bay is tropical elegance at its best. The entire island is car-free, but you can explore it on a bike and soak up the relaxed pace of life. In particular, Jumby Bay is known for its doting staff, who provide five-star service with a warm smile. World-class cuisine infused with tropical flavors stars at the fine-dining Estate House, but you can also dine by the pool and beach.

Despite the relaxing atmosphere, you can still stay connected to the Outside World. The 40 air-conditioned luxury guest rooms and villas come with all the modern conveniences, including large flat screen TVs, Bose sound systems, Nespresso coffee makers, and Wi-Fi, but they also have timeless romantic features such as four-poster beds dressed in Italian linens, wrap-around terraces, and private outdoor gardens with rain showers.

Red-roofed villas and houses add extra luxuries, like private chefs, personal butlers, and swimming pools. When you're not basking under rustling palms on the beach, you can work out at the gym; swim in the infinity pool; play tennis or golf; or succumb to a pampering session at the spa. Eco-conscious guests will also appreciate the recycling program and conservation projects, such as the Hawksbill Turtle Preservation Program. Children are welcome here, and "Rosebuds" offers customized adventures to keep them entertained.

The Brando, Tahiti

If you're dreaming of a Tahitian tropical paradise with an eco-sensitive, low-impact approach, look no further than The Brando. Set on a pristine private island embracing a three-mile lagoon, this carbon-neutral resort is the ultimate in laid-back luxury. The resort was established by screen legend Marlon Brando to preserve the island's beauty and biodiversity and serve as a model of sustainability - solar power, seawater air-conditioning systems, and other renewable energy technologies power the entire island. Not surprisingly, nature lovers will be in heaven here. Flourishing coral reefs shimmer in the lagoon, birds flock to the shores, whales swim by on their annual migrations, and sea turtles nest on the bone-white beaches.

Set back from the beach, the thatched villas peek out unobtrusively from clusters of pandanus and palms. Modern furnishings and fixtures mix effortlessly with recycled and local building materials like thatch, stone, and wood. Features include private plunge pools, outdoor bathtubs, and media rooms with TV and Wi-Fi. Two-bedroom villas add kitchens and dining areas, and the spacious three-bedroom villa is perfect for large family gatherings. All the villas come with bicycles, so you can explore the island with pedal power.

Fusing French, Polynesian, and East-meets-West styles, the food is divine and incorporates fresh produce from the island's organic gardens. Local seafood features prominently, and the fluffy, flaky breakfast croissants are a guest favorite. Vegan options are also offered.

As you would expect, activities revolve around the water, and the resort provides all the equipment you need to paddleboard, snorkel, dive, and kayak in the crystal-clear waters. If you'd like to learn more about the island's ecology and conservation, you can visit the eco-station and chat with the researchers. The resort also offers talks on Polynesian culture and history. Lagoon School keeps the little ones busy, and tennis, deep-sea fishing, dancing, and fitness classes are more active options. All-inclusive rates are optional, but a bonus is that all island activities and holistic treatments at the soulful spa are covered by this full-board plan.

Nihi Sumba Island, Indonesia

Eco-conscious and extraordinarily beautiful, the former surfing retreat of Nihi Sumba Island scores top billing on lists of the world's best beach resorts. It presides over a wild and pristine palm-fringed slice of coast on the remote island of Sumba in Indonesia, about a one-hour flight from Bali. It's a fitting location considering the resort's philosophy is "The Edge of Wildness." The resort nestles within a nature reserve, and more than 2.5 kilometers of white-sand beach beckons beneath the cliffs below, with fantastic surfing, fishing, and snorkeling. You won't find TVs here, just cool ocean breezes, island adventures, warm and friendly staff, and glorious sea views.

The 33 air-conditioned villas perfectly capture the essence of this tropical hideaway; with soaring thatched ceilings that peek out among the palms and sweeping ocean views. Configurations range from one to five bedrooms, and they come with features like large living rooms, private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and impeccable butler service. Families can reserve a delightfully quirky three-story treehouse.

If you can tear yourself away from the villa and beach, with its fantastic surfing, diving, and fishing, you can go horseback riding on the beach (the resort has an equestrian center), sign up for visits to nearby villages, explore hidden waterfalls, mountain bike, take a Land Rover safari, tour a chocolate factory, or relax at the beach club and pool. For the ultimate in pampering, you can embark on a day-long Spa Safari with multiple treatments and healthy meals. Free daily yoga in a sea-view pavilion is also offered.

Rates include all meals, snacks, and some beverages and activities. Children are welcome, and some of the profits from your stay support the Sumba Foundation's community projects, providing fresh water, medical care, and communal farms for local villages, so you can live in the lap of luxury and feel good at the same time.

Pestana Alvor Praia

The attractive Praia do Três Irmãos - one of the Algarve's most popular beaches - fronts this well-established hotel resort and is accessed via a dedicated elevator. Popular with package tourists and Portuguese holidaymakers, this mid-range choice is operated by the country's biggest hotel chain, which is highly regarded within the tourism industry. Accommodation is a choice of airy, comfortable Deluxe rooms, some with private balconies, with either sea or garden views. All feature comfortable and modern conveniences, and selected rooms can accommodate an extra bed if needed.

A stay here is really all about rest and relaxation, and a bubbly, carefree ambiance pervades the public areas. Guests can take advantage of a lovely outdoor swimming pool that is surrounded by lush, expansive gardens. Another pool indoors is bathed in warming natural light. For a special treat, arrange an hour or so of well deserved me time at the Magic Spa and submit to the masseuses' expert hands. Mini-golf and a kids' club provide light-hearted distraction. Guests yearning for a more serious challenge on the fairways can take advantage of preferential green fees at two nearby Pestana-owned golf courses. Tennis courts are also available. The a la carte Almofariz restaurant looks out over the beach, and the sparkling ocean vista enhances any occasion.

Vila Galé Lagos

This stylish hotel is sited so near Meia Praia that guests are practically on the beach the moment they step out of their rooms. Mind you, there is a fabulous swimming pool measuring 1,200 square meters standing in the way, sunk into spruce grounds peppered with olive trees. Lending additional leisure luster is the Satsanga Spa, a suitably refined oasis of wellness with its own indoor panoramic pool. A fully equipped health club replete with gym, sauna, and Turkish bath is another reason you may want to stay within the resort's boundaries.

The ocean is visible from many of the 112 standard and family rooms and 18 junior suites housed within this attractive property. Responsible for the interior décor theme are some of Portugal's biggest names in fashion, designers such as Miguel Vieira, Ana Salazar, and José António Tenente. Their decorative art and the runway show photographs framed on the walls can be admired throughout the public areas but are especially striking in the Versátil and Inevitável restaurants, which lend each a fresh and contemporary ambiance.

The resort's proximity to the beach affords guests a host of exciting water sports options - Meia Praia is one of the region's longest beaches. Alternatively, golfers staying here can take advantage of the nearby Palmares Golf Course, a beautiful and undulating layout designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and for everyone, the lively town of Lagos, with its busy marina, great shopping, and historical attractions, is within easy walking distance.

The Lake Spa Resort

This upscale Vilamoura-based resort boasts a unique feature - its own beach! One of the three outdoor swimming pools has a natural sand bottom, which extends out of the water to form a beautifully soft and golden "shoreline." The seaside atmosphere is tangible and perfect for tourists staying with kids, who can scamper down to the water's edge and play in the sand under the watchful eye of their parents. Extending youngsters' recreation options is a Kids Club - a veritable playground for children between the ages of three and 12.

Comprising 192 deluxe guest rooms, of which nine are spacious suites and 95 superbly appointed apartments, the resort is named after the freshwater lake that meanders through the gardens, a magnet for wildfowl. Rooms, all of which have private balconies, afford this view, a garden aspect, or one towards the coast.

Leisure amenities include three wonderfully appealing restaurants. At Fusion, the union of Mediterranean and Oriental gastronomy provides a deliciously appealing contrast of flavors. Gustatio and Mare Nostrom restaurants showcase Portuguese and southern European cuisine. Meanwhile, the Blue & Green Spa invites you to embark on a wellness journey around the world, the concept inspired by five of the continents and five senses. And if you're still stuck for things to do, there's always the fabulous marina or nearby Falésia Beach to explore.