8 beautiful places in the Caribbean you don’t want to miss

Picture yourself with a rum punch in hand, a palm tree-ringed beach stretching out before you, and vibrant rhythms echoing through the air. With so many beautiful places to visit in the Caribbean, the only challenge is picking where to go.

Beyond iconic shorelines like Sugar Beach in Saint Lucia, the Caribbean shines through its lively music, flavorful cuisine, and vibrant local culture. From the breathtaking coastline of Saint John to hidden cave art in Arikok National Park, these are the most beautiful places in the Caribbean.

1. Sugar Beach, Saint Lucia

Take one look at the majestic Saint Lucia coastline from Sugar Beach, and you’ll know why so many have crowned it one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean. Framing the soft white sand at Sugar Beach, the two volcanic peaks of the Pitons — Gros Piton and Petit Piton — rise dramatically from the sea. Enjoy the view from the beach, or jump into the crystal-clear waters for some fantastic snorkeling.

2. The Baths at Virgin Gorda

Among the British Virgin Islands, tiny Virgin Gorda contains one of the most scenic places in the Caribbean. The Baths are a mass of towering beachside boulders that form a maze of caves, reaching up to 40 feet (12 meters) in diameter. Wander through grottoes, wade through secret rock pools, and peer through gaps in the boulders at the glittering sea beyond. From the beach at The Baths, you can follow a trail with steps and railings through the cavernous interior all the way to the pristine Devil’s Bay.

3. Willemstad, Curaçao

Curaçao’s charming capital city of Willemstad was established by the Dutch, which is evident in its quaint architecture and historical landmarks, such as Fort Amsterdam and Queen Emma Bridge. The city boasts colorful streets lined with seaside eateries and floating markets selling an array of regional produce. The diverse cultural landscape — a blend of Dutch, African, and Caribbean influences — has also given rise to a lively creative scene, evident in the city’s many art galleries and vibrant street art.

4. Bonaire

With crystal-clear waters and an extensive coral reef system, the tiny Bonaire is one of the best islands in the Caribbean. The Bonaire National Marine Park has 6,700 acres (2,700 hectares) of mangroves, seabed grass, and reefs, which are among the healthiest in the region.

Bonaire is also a fantastic beach destination, with more than 20 tropical beaches lining the coast. For silky white sand and vibrant reefs, head to Te Amo Beach, Bachelor’s Beach, or Pink Beach — some of the most enchanting spots on the island.

5. Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Immerse yourself in a vibrant mix of music, art, and architecture in Puerto Rico’s capital city. Stroll down the winding cobblestone streets and take in the vibrant building facades in historic Old San Juan. More than 400 restored buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries, many meticulously preserved, line the streets of this neighborhood.

Highlights

• Pretend you’re scanning the expansive seas for pirates at the imposing Spanish forts of Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal.
• Calle Fortaleza is the most famous street in Old San Juan, full of pastel colors and old-world charm.

6. Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands

The lack of large-scale urban development on Saint John, the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, means that peace, tranquility, and biodiversity are effortlessly accessible. Untouched beaches ring the perimeter of the island, while the Virgin Islands National Park covers more than half of its interior.

Hike through the national park to see the extent of the island’s breathtaking nature. Popular routes include the scenic Cinnamon Bay Trail and Ram Head Trail, both approximately two miles in length, which lead you through lush tropical forest to dramatic cliff-side ocean viewpoints.

7. Arikok National Park, Aruba

In a region chock-full of gorgeous tropical islands, Aruba stands out from the other Caribbean nations thanks to its dry climate and rugged desert landscapes. Experience the island’s unique terrain with a hike through Arikok National Park, a landscape shaped by volcanic eruptions. The park’s sweeping coastal views and distinctive dried lava formations help make it a true highlight of the Caribbean.

Highlights

• Discover fascinating ancient rock paintings from the indigenous Caquetió group in the park’s Fontein Cave.
• Don’t miss the 100-foot (30-meter) Quadirikiri Cave, notable for its two chambers that are flooded with light from holes in the ceiling and its many dramatic limestone stalagmites and stalactites.

8. Cabrits National Park, Dominica

Not to be mistaken for the Dominican Republic, Dominica is a natural paradise with minimal urban development. It’s known as “Nature Island” for its verdant forests, volcanic mountains, and mesmerizing waterfalls. The island’s jungle environment is most stunning in Cabrits National Park, consisting of 1,313 acres (531 hectares) of preserved rainforest and coral reefs. Hiking to the top of East Cabrit or West Cabrit — the two extinct volcanoes that frame the park — offers a marvelous view of the pristine coastline below.

Highlights

• Head to the protected Douglas Bay for snorkeling, where you’ll encounter lively reefs and one of the island’s most picturesque beaches ringed by lush, undisturbed rainforest.
• Hikers may want to take on the 115-mile Waitukubuli National Trail (WNT), a trek that passes near some of the island’s most impressive natural wonders, such as Trafalgar Falls.