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.

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.

For nearly 400 years, the Netherlands and France have shared St. Maarten/St. Martin, a dual-culture island with 37 beaches and tropical experiences. Philipsburg, the Dutch capital, offers a lively port, waterfront, shopping, casinos, restaurants, and easy access to sailing and rainforest trips. Nearby Marigot has cafés and patisseries, while Grand Case is known for French-Caribbean cuisine. Orient Beach is a French-side favorite for its long stretch of sand.

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.

Anguilla combines celebrated Caribbean beaches with a laid-back, off-the-beaten-path feel. Relax on Sandy Ground's soft sands and calm, clear waters, swim or lounge in the sun, and sip the island's famous rum punch. In about 20 minutes, you can reach other sights, from luxury resorts and golf courses to Wallblake House, the island's only remaining plantation home. Kayak or take a glass-bottom boat to secluded bays, limestone cliffs, sea caves, and coral reefs.

Virgin Gorda is known for dramatic geology, unspoiled scenery, quiet coves, and beautiful beaches. Gorda Peak National Park offers panoramic views, while the Baths-its best-known landmark-features huge granite boulders, tidal pools, grottoes, and arches around Devil's Bay and Spring Bay. Spanish Town and Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour are the main hubs. Visit the copper mine ruins or Little Fort National Park, and explore the boat-access-only North Sound, home to upscale resorts and watersports.

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.