San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital, blends old and new. Founded in 1521, it was a key Spanish colonial port; El Morro still guards the harbor. Old San Juan, behind thick stone walls, keeps blue cobblestone streets, plazas, and colorful heritage buildings, and serves as the island's cultural hub. Nearby Santurce is the trendiest district, with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Minutes away, Condado and Isla Verde offer iconic palm-lined Atlantic beaches.

Saint Barthélemy, or Saint Barth, offers refined Caribbean luxury with a relaxed, barefoot-elegant French style. Its harbor capital, Gustavia, is lined with yachts, boutiques, galleries, and fine French-Caribbean restaurants. The island's white-sand beaches range from secluded Colombier to chic Baie de St. Jean, and its laid-back days give way to lively nightlife after dark.

Once a sleepy fishing village, Marigot became St. Martin's capital under Louis XVI, who built Fort Louis to guard the harbor. Its ruins overlook Marigot Bay and are worth the short hike. The town charms with winding streets, colorful buildings, duty-free boutiques, and Marigot Market for local food, spices, art, and crafts. Try mauby and enjoy French, Creole, and international dining. Nearby Grand Case is famous for top eateries, and Marigot is a great base for exploring St. Martin's 37 beaches.

St. John, the smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands, is a pioneer in Caribbean eco-tourism. Over half its 20 square miles are undeveloped, protected as Virgin Islands National Park, created in 1956 from land donated by Laurance Rockefeller. Its beaches, coast, and seas are also protected. Days center on hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and sailing. Cruz Bay is the commercial hub and ferry landing from St. Thomas. A winding road leads to quiet Coral Bay and its sheltered harbor.

San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital, blends old and new. Founded in 1521, it was a key Spanish colonial port; El Morro still guards the harbor. Old San Juan, behind thick stone walls, keeps blue cobblestone streets, plazas, and colorful heritage buildings, and serves as the island's cultural hub. Nearby Santurce is the trendiest district, with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Minutes away, Condado and Isla Verde offer iconic palm-lined Atlantic beaches.