Situated about 50 miles off the coast of Florida in the Caribbean Sea, the islands of the Bahamas stretch for hundreds of miles across 700 islands and 2,000 cays. The largest island, New Providence, is home to the country’s capital of Nassau. Along with white-sand beaches that meet turquoise waters, Nassau also has historic buildings, such as a cathedral that was built in 1841. Additionally, you can discover artwork at the National Gallery of The Bahamas, or visit Arawak Cay to try local delicacies like fried fish or a Goombay Smash cocktail. Paradise Island is linked to New Providence by two bridges, and regularly draws travelers to its oceanfront golf course.

For those who enjoy a quieter island, Eleuthera is popular for its New England-style clapboard houses, clear-water beaches, and extensive cave and cavern system. It’s 110 miles long and only a mile wide, and easy to access by plane or boat. Nearby Harbour Island is home to a sprawling pink-sand beach, whose rose-colored hue is thanks to the red shells of microscopic sea creatures.

Visitors from the U.S. can fly into several airports in the Bahamas, including Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, Exuma International Airport (GGT) in Grand Exuma, and Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) in Grand Bahama. Once you arrive in the Bahamas, the best way to get around depends on where you are. Some islands are easily explored on foot or bike, while other big islands like New Providence and Paradise Island have local jitneys that are convenient for getting around. The islands also have convenient taxis, so you won’t need to rent a car. To explore between islands, you can take a ferry.

While the weather in the Bahamas is perfect year round, it does tend to rain in late summer and fall, which aligns with hurricane season from June through October. Summers are warm and humid but offer great conditions for enjoying the beach and water-based activities. The months of December through April are the most popular time to book houses for rent in the Bahamas, as there is generally little rain, and the weather is warm. The most popular event of the year is Junkanoo, which takes place every Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year’s Day. This spectacular event features a colorful parade that includes people in elaborate costumes dancing to the music of drums and horns.

The Exumas

Beach lovers looking for white sand, calm currents, and crystal-clear water should visit the Exumas. This chain of 365 islands is divided into Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and the Exuma Cays. The pristine beaches here aren’t the only thing that draws travelers to the shores: the area is home to a group of friendly native pigs that you may spot swimming on an uninhabited cay dubbed Pig Beach.

Inagua National Park

This nearly 200,000-acre park on Great Inagua is known as a birder’s paradise and has been designated a wetland of international importance. It is home to the world’s largest breeding colony of West Indian flamingos. There are many other animals to witness, including the native Bahama parrot, tricolored herons, egrets, and burrowing owls. Wild donkeys also live in the mangroves.

Lucayan National Park

Rent a kayak and explore the 40-acre Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama. This park is known for its caves, which are part of one of the world’s longest underwater limestone cave systems. The park is also home to mangrove, pine, and palm trees. You can visit Gold Rock Beach here, which was used as a setting in a popular series of pirate movies.