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Travelers' Choice 2012

THE BEST DESTINATIONS

TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards brought to you by TripAdvisor

Top 25 Destinations in the Caribbean

Negril
Negril was one of our Travelers' Choice Top Beach Destinations, so you can probably guess what the main attraction is here. Put your cell phone away and enjoy a... more »
Negril was one of our Travelers' Choice Top Beach Destinations, so you can probably guess what the main attraction is here. Put your cell phone away and enjoy a tropical drink and some great reggae. The big hotels are on Seven Mile Beach, but you'll also find a variety of smaller inns around town, making it a good choice for travelers on any budget.
Don't miss: YS Falls, Seven Mile Beach, Rick's Cafe
You don't have to choose between visiting a cultural capital or a sunny Caribbean beach destination—San Juan is both. This city's architecture ranges from Spanish... more »
You don't have to choose between visiting a cultural capital or a sunny Caribbean beach destination—San Juan is both. This city's architecture ranges from Spanish colonial to 20th-century Art Deco, while the new Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico presents Latin American and Caribbean artwork in state-of-the-art galleries.
Don't miss: The El Yunque Rain Forest, Laguna Grande, El Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan)
Plan your trip to San Juan
Best fare found from Los Angeles to San Juan: $376
A city trapped in time, Havana captures the imagination like no other. Faded glamour meets careful colonial-era reconstruction with a backdrop of irresistible... more »
A city trapped in time, Havana captures the imagination like no other. Faded glamour meets careful colonial-era reconstruction with a backdrop of irresistible color. Walk El Malecón, the walkway bordering the ocean; visit Old Havana and the Catedral de San Cristóbal; and listen for salsa music, open-air bazaars and parties that last all night.
Don't miss: Old Havana, Christopher Columbus Cemetery (Cemetario de Colon), Museo Hemingway Finca Vigia
Plan your trip to Havana
This is what Caribbean postcards are made of: 25 miles of white sand, swaying coconut trees and crystal-clear water. An affordable tropical getaway, Punta Cana is... more »
This is what Caribbean postcards are made of: 25 miles of white sand, swaying coconut trees and crystal-clear water. An affordable tropical getaway, Punta Cana is known for its many all-inclusive resorts. Long a getaway for European tourists, Americans are now catching on to this Dominican Republic hotspot.
Don't miss: Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana Mikes Dominican Adventure, Attraction 1574246
Plan your trip to Punta Cana
Best fare found from Los Angeles to Santo Domingo: $499
Situated on Grand Cayman’s west shore, Seven Mile Beach actually now measures only 5.5 miles. But its gorgeous clear waters and coral sands still lure visitors from... more »
Situated on Grand Cayman’s west shore, Seven Mile Beach actually now measures only 5.5 miles. But its gorgeous clear waters and coral sands still lure visitors from around the world. Beach bars, such as the Royal Palms, provide drinks and a lively atmosphere, and restaurants abound. Swim with friendly stingrays at Stingray City, shop Seven Mile Shops, snorkel and scuba in the enticing waters around Cemetery Reef. Visit nearby Cayman capital George Town and the fascinating Cayman Turtle Farm.
Don't miss: Bliss Living and Yoga, Living The Dream Divers, Indigo Divers
Plan your trip to Seven Mile Beach
Best fare found from Los Angeles to Grand Cayman: $475
Shopping is plentiful in Bridgetown. The capital of Barbados offers duty-free shopping at cruise ship terminals and upscale boutiques on Broad Street. Additional... more »
Shopping is plentiful in Bridgetown. The capital of Barbados offers duty-free shopping at cruise ship terminals and upscale boutiques on Broad Street. Additional activities include yachting, fishing, viewing cricket matches and the nightlife on Baxter's Road. For history, visit the Barbados Museum, National Heroes Square (formerly Trafalgar Square) and the oldest Jewish synagogue in the western hemisphere, as well as the house where George Washington stayed and the church he attended.
Don't miss: South Coast Boardwalk, Jewish Synagogue, Mount Gay Rum Refinery
You're on island time the moment you set foot in Jamaica. Ocho Rios, a port of call for many cruise lines, also boasts some of the most luxe resorts and spas in the... more »
You're on island time the moment you set foot in Jamaica. Ocho Rios, a port of call for many cruise lines, also boasts some of the most luxe resorts and spas in the Caribbean. And once you've had your stresses melted away in the island sun, you can head out for a night of dancing and reggae music.
Don't miss: Cool Runnings, Dunn's River Falls & Park, KnowJamaica Tours, Chukka Canopy Zip Line
Boutiques, upscale chain stores and street vendors, as wells as casinos and a wide range of restaurants, dance clubs and bars, make Oranjestad a popular destination... more »
Boutiques, upscale chain stores and street vendors, as wells as casinos and a wide range of restaurants, dance clubs and bars, make Oranjestad a popular destination in Aruba. In addition to shopping, dining and entertainment, the island's capital city offers museums, a butterfly farm, art galleries, golf, historical sites and a marina. The island's colonization by the Netherlands shows in Oranjestad's Dutch colonial architecture, while the buildings' bright colors are distinctly Caribbean.
Don't miss: Butterfly Farm, Indulgence by the Sea, Aruba Ostrich Farm
Plan your trip to Oranjestad
Best fare found from Los Angeles to Aruba: $397
Inhabited since the year 1000, Aruba is an island rich in history and culture. Eagle Beach is an idyllic Caribbean beach, with white sands and turquoise waters, and... more »
Inhabited since the year 1000, Aruba is an island rich in history and culture. Eagle Beach is an idyllic Caribbean beach, with white sands and turquoise waters, and is frequented by water sports enthusiasts. Palm Beach, on the island's west side, offers perfect swimming conditions and powdery sand. Those more concerned with conditions under the waves won't want to miss the wreck of the torpedoed tanker Pedernales, a popular diving site. Aruba is only 20 miles long, thus easily explored by bike or moped.
Don't miss: Eagle Beach, The Antilla, California Lighthouse
Plan your trip to Palm/Eagle Beach
Best fare found from Los Angeles to Aruba: $397
There are many reasons to visit Nassau and neighboring Paradise Island. The miles of spectacular beach and coral reefs are a huge draw. Nassau's three championship... more »
There are many reasons to visit Nassau and neighboring Paradise Island. The miles of spectacular beach and coral reefs are a huge draw. Nassau's three championship courses draw avid golfers. Visitors can also enjoy British and Bahamian architecture, history and culture, as well as international art. Families appreciate the camps and other activities geared toward kids. Entertainment includes traditional music, dance and theater, gambling on Paradise Island, moonlit dinner cruises and more.
Don't miss: Sea Lion Encounter at Blue Lagoon, Blue Lagoon Island, Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Center
Plan your trip to Nassau
Best fare found from Los Angeles to Nassau: $421
Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch St. Maarten, a Caribbean island divided into Dutch and French (Saint Martin) sides. Bargain seekers flock to the duty-free and... more »
Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch St. Maarten, a Caribbean island divided into Dutch and French (Saint Martin) sides. Bargain seekers flock to the duty-free and sales-tax-free stores of Philipsburg's mile-long commercial district. Visitors also enjoy the city's art galleries, historic forts, casinos and zoo, as well as Great Bay Beach and its boardwalk. Offshore, on the 12 Metre Challenge, guests can work as part of the crew on one of five boats used in the 1987 America's Cup competition.
Don't miss: Frontstreet, Little Bay Beach
Plan your trip to Philipsburg
When visiting this Dominican Republic town, most will actually stay in one of the all-inclusive resorts in nearby Playa Dorada. The usual water sports are available... more »
When visiting this Dominican Republic town, most will actually stay in one of the all-inclusive resorts in nearby Playa Dorada. The usual water sports are available in Puerto Plata, although the beaches are better at Dorada. Travelers will enjoy the Amber Museum, the 16th-century San Felipe Fortress, the cable car to the peak of Mount Isabel de Torres and the fresh produce and handicrafts at a market geared more for locals than tourists. Be aware that winter brings rain, so plan accordingly.
Don't miss: Rancho Lorilar, Damajaqua Cascades (27 Waterfalls), Jasmine Spa and Wellness Holistic Health Centre
Plan your trip to Puerto Plata
Best fare found from Los Angeles to Santo Domingo: $499
The bustling port city of Castries is St. Lucia's capital. Shoppers flock to the city's dozens of stores and to Castries Market for fruits, vegetables and... more »
The bustling port city of Castries is St. Lucia's capital. Shoppers flock to the city's dozens of stores and to Castries Market for fruits, vegetables and handicrafts. Sightseers admire murals painted by a local artist inside Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and relax in Derek Walcott Square, named for the St. Lucian Nobel-prize-winning poet. Atop Morne Fortune (Hill of Good Luck) - where the French and English battled over control of the island - visitors take in panoramic vistas.
Don't miss: Rodney Bay, Immaculate Conception Church, Morne Fortune
In St. John's, the capital city of Antigua, farmers markets, candy- colored architecture and the ruins of sugar plantations vie for attention with a kaleidoscope of... more »
In St. John's, the capital city of Antigua, farmers markets, candy- colored architecture and the ruins of sugar plantations vie for attention with a kaleidoscope of coral reefs and sailing adventures. Salute the white baroque towers of St. John's Cathedral that dominate the skyline before joining the flocks of cruise passengers on a Heritage Quay shopping excursion. To experience the island's early cultures, visit the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, housed in a 1750s colonial courthouse.
Don't miss: Fort Barrington, Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, Betty's Hope
The largest city in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a popular shopping center, home to 20,000 people, upscale shops, ecotours and underwater safaris. This former haunt... more »
The largest city in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a popular shopping center, home to 20,000 people, upscale shops, ecotours and underwater safaris. This former haunt of pirate ships now hosts millions of cruise passengers every year. Look beyond the boutiques and discover historic sights such as the bright red, 17th-century Fort Christian, the graceful green Legislature Building, the 1793 brick Lutheran Church and the taxing 99 steps stairway. Charlotte Amalie is easy to explore on foot.
Don't miss: Haagensen House, Blackbeard's Castle, The Butterfly Garden
Plan your trip to Charlotte Amalie
Best fare found from Los Angeles to St. Thomas: $421
Georgetown is the capital of the Cayman Islands and one of the most popular cruise ship destinations in the Caribbean, thanks to its year-round tropical weather... more »
Georgetown is the capital of the Cayman Islands and one of the most popular cruise ship destinations in the Caribbean, thanks to its year-round tropical weather, white sand beaches and clear blue waters. Don't miss Stingray City and diving and snorkeling near the coral reef. Georgetown offers plenty of duty-free shopping, restaurants and cafes. If you can pull yourself away from the beach, try an excursion to one of the West Indies' few remaining tropical rain forests.
Don't miss: Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands National Museum, Porto di Georgetown (Port of Georgetown)
Plan your trip to George Town
Best fare found from Los Angeles to Grand Cayman: $475
Cuba's top beach destination sits on a 13-mile-long peninsula with powder soft sands lapped by waters of the Kawama Channel. Resort hotels teem along the shore that... more »
Cuba's top beach destination sits on a 13-mile-long peninsula with powder soft sands lapped by waters of the Kawama Channel. Resort hotels teem along the shore that U.S. celebrities and gangsters, including Capone, discovered in the 1920s. Clubs and bars provide mojitos and merriment, after long days baking on the beach, golfing, diving or deep sea fishing. Rent a scooter or hop aboard an open-air tourist train or bus to see more of this stunning spot. Caves, keys and virgin forest add to the area's allure.
Don't miss: Varadero Beach, Josone Park
Plan your trip to Varadero
The capital of Grand Bahama Island, founded in 1955 as a center of tourism, has undergone recent redevelopment and again offers nearly every amenity an island... more »
The capital of Grand Bahama Island, founded in 1955 as a center of tourism, has undergone recent redevelopment and again offers nearly every amenity an island visitor could hope for: pristine beaches, golf, water sports, diving, gambling, duty-free shopping, boating, nightclubs and fishing. Want more? Try the Pirates of the Bahamas theme park, Freeport's International Bazaar, Port Lucaya marketplace, Garden of the Groves botanical garden, the Rand Nature Center or Lucayan National Park.
Don't miss: Perfume Factory of Fragrances, Garden of the Groves, Taino Beach
Love the beach? Head to Fajardo on the east coast of Puerto Rico, whose beaches share a beautiful sunrise view of the Caribbean. Nearby, the Reserva Natural de las... more »
Love the beach? Head to Fajardo on the east coast of Puerto Rico, whose beaches share a beautiful sunrise view of the Caribbean. Nearby, the Reserva Natural de las Cabezas de San Juan encompasses seven different ecosystems, including a bioluminescent bay you've got to visit by night. Take a ferry to the islands of Vieques and Culebra, or drive an hour west to the history and shops of Old San Juan.
Don't miss: Bioluminescent Bay, Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, Las Croabas Lagoon
Plan your trip to Fajardo
Best fare found from Los Angeles to San Juan: $376
The biggest draws to St. Thomas are beautiful beaches and duty-free shopping. Once your luggage is full of china, crystal, liquor and jewelry, you can explore life... more »
The biggest draws to St. Thomas are beautiful beaches and duty-free shopping. Once your luggage is full of china, crystal, liquor and jewelry, you can explore life outside the markets, and there's no shortage of options.  You can visit Fort Christian, the 17th century Dutch stronghold; swim or snorkel in the calm blue waters of Magens Bay; hop a ferry to St. John; or just lie beside the pool with a daiquiri.
Don't miss: Magens Bay, Morningstar Charters, Main Street
Plan your trip to St. Thomas
Best fare found from Los Angeles to St. Thomas: $421
Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic and a UNESCO world heritage site, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas and... more »
Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic and a UNESCO world heritage site, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas and one of the most populous cities in the Caribbean. The city is a mix of old world charm and modern Latin flair. Its medieval palaces and fortresses mix with nightlife and shopping to rival any modern city in the world. You'll find pristine beaches and hidden gems like a salsa/merengue club set inside a huge underground cave.
Don't miss: Parque Colon, Alcazar de Colon, Cathedral of Santo Domingo
Plan your trip to Santo Domingo
Best fare found from Los Angeles to Santo Domingo: $499
Negril was one of our Travelers' Choice Top Beach Destinations, so you can probably guess what the main attraction is here. Put your cell phone away and enjoy a... more »
Negril was one of our Travelers' Choice Top Beach Destinations, so you can probably guess what the main attraction is here. Put your cell phone away and enjoy a tropical drink and some great reggae. The big hotels are on Seven Mile Beach, but you'll also find a variety of smaller inns around town, making it a good choice for travelers on any budget.
Don't miss: ScubaTech Grenada, Grenada Chocolate Company, Market Square
Soufriere's backdrop of the Pitons, sea and rainforest provides a picture perfect setting for a visit to this laid-back and relatively undeveloped town in the south... more »
Soufriere's backdrop of the Pitons, sea and rainforest provides a picture perfect setting for a visit to this laid-back and relatively undeveloped town in the south of St. Lucia. Considering that its name is French for "sulphur," it should be no surprise to discover the wealth of hot springs and mineral baths. Other great spots to visit include Diamond Botanical Gardens, a slew of pretty beaches and the bike trails that wind through sugar plantation Anse Mamin. Rent a car to see the town.
Don't miss: Anse Mamin, Morne Coubaril Estate, Sulphur Springs
Located on the northeastern coast of the Samana Peninsula, Las Terrenas offers miles of protected inshore waters and beautiful, undeveloped white-sand-beaches... more »
Located on the northeastern coast of the Samana Peninsula, Las Terrenas offers miles of protected inshore waters and beautiful, undeveloped white-sand-beaches, lined with tall palm trees and pastel-colored fishing boats. Trade winds and the warm temperature of the sub-tropical Atlantic Ocean bring this part of the island year-round balmy weather. With a year-round average of 77 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperatures vary only 18 degrees between summer and winter.
Don't miss: Epona Ranch, Playa Moron, Turtle Dive Center
Plan your trip to Las Terrenas
Best fare found from Los Angeles to Santo Domingo: $499
Let's get one thing straight-- this is not a sleepy little Caribbean island untouched by time. The massive Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and Casino brings a... more »
Let's get one thing straight-- this is not a sleepy little Caribbean island untouched by time. The massive Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and Casino brings a healthy dose of Vegas-style glitz to Paradise Island. There's nightlife and fine dining to appeal to grownups, but kids will enjoy the pools, beaches and all manner of water sports.
Don't miss: Marine Habitat at Atlantis, Predator Lagoon, Versailles Gardens and French Cloister
Plan your trip to Paradise Island
Best fare found from Los Angeles to Nassau: $421

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