Nassau, the bustling capital city of the Bahamas, is a tropical paradise boasting stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. With miles of powdery white sand, sunshine 300 days a year, and turquoise waters averaging 80 degrees, the capital of The Bahamas is home to 17 spectacular beaches. Rich in pirate lore and vestiges of its British heritage, Nassau today is a hub of culture and a thriving nightlife. Discover a perfect mix of nature, history and modern-day indulgences, from colorful reefs to dazzling casinos, straw markets to lavish resorts, and ancient forts to the world's third-largest wine cellar at Graycliff.

Few destinations are quite as seductive as the Bahamas – it's hard to resist those powder-soft beaches, turquoise waters of astonishing clarity and convivial vibe. Freeport on Grand Bahama is particularly beguiling, offering all the buzz of a city (it's the second largest in the country) with the laidback charms of island life. Feeling active? There's plenty to do in this marine playground. Kayak through mangroves, explore the vast network of limestone caves or snorkel through a vivid underwater world, where stingrays, turtles, and sharks glide through shipwrecks. If you're less keen on getting your feet wet, you can spend a pleasant few hours shopping for crafts and souvenirs at the many lively street markets, exploring the vibrant botanical gardens, or enjoying a tour of the Bahamian Brewery Company, makers of the famous Sands beer (a tasting is a must, of course). Before you leave Freeport, be sure to sink your toes into the sands of at least one of its many incredible beaches.