These Weekend Getaways in the Caribbean Offer Stunning Beaches, Clear Waters — and a Dose of Island Charm
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The Caribbean is one of the best places to visit for a getaway in the sunshine, even if you only have a few days. From the United States, you can easily travel to many of the Caribbean’s tropical islands, where you’ll enjoy white sand beaches, hot temperatures, delicious food, and luxury resorts.
However, with over 700 islands to visit, deciding where to spend a weekend relaxing in the Caribbean isn’t easy. Luckily, we’re here to help. In this article, you’ll find a list of 12 weekend getaways in the Caribbean. The destinations we’ve selected are perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the daily grind and visiting somewhere close to the US.
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Bahamas
Let’s start with the Bahamas, one of the Caribbean’s most luxurious vacation destinations. For many reasons, the Bahamas is an excellent place to spend a weekend cruise. For starters, this breathtaking island offers beautiful beaches, relaxed vibes, lush scenery, private cabanas, and gorgeous 5-star resorts. This exciting combination is perfect for a weekend of relaxing and rejuvenating.
Secondly, the Bahamas, which is actually situated in the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the closest islands to the United States. This tropical destination is only approximately 313 miles (504 kilometers) from Florida, and it only takes three hours to reach by boat. Significant points of interest in the Bahamas include Pink Sands Beach, Pig Beach, Clifton Heritage National Park, and Blue Lagoon Island.
Read also: Luxury Caribbean Getaways
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba’s vibrant capital city, is a fantastic place to visit if you’re searching for a Caribbean weekend getaway with sun, sea, sand, and many fascinating things to see and do. Less than a two-hour flight from Florida, Havana is a beautiful city famed for its rich history, vibrant architecture, and long sandy beaches.
Better yet, Havana is the best place to experience the authentic side of Cuba. Instead of all-inclusive beach resorts, you’ll stay in charming traditional Cuban guesthouses and hotels. In Havana, you’ll spend most of your time exploring the Old Town, relaxing on the beach, and driving in a 1940s American vintage car. Must-see attractions include Avenida Malecón, Havana Castle of the Royal Force, and Central Park.
Read also: Cheap Caribbean Countries To Visit
Turks and Caicos
Loved-up couples searching for somewhere to spend a romantic weekend in the sun should consider visiting Turks and Caicos. Here, you’ll find many glorious white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and coral reefs teeming with marine life. You can also indulge in spa treatments and infinity pools while staying in luxurious 5-star resorts. We don’t know about you, but that sounds like the perfect mix for a memorable Caribbean weekend getaway.
Along Grace Bay Beach, you can choose from many beautiful hotels and resorts specializing in romance and luxury experiences. When you’re not lounging by the pool sipping a cocktail or enjoying a romantic 5-star sunset dinner, get lost in the local shops and boutiques, go snorkeling, and try something new, like scuba diving.
Read also: Caribbean Escapades for Couples
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory comprising three breathtaking islands in the Western Caribbean Sea, is considered one of the most exclusive places to stay in the Caribbean. As such, you’ll need a big budget to visit. However, the promise of picturesque white sand beaches, turquoise ocean waters, and 5-star resorts offering untold luxury is worth it.
During your weekend getaway in the Cayman Islands, kick back by the pool with a glass of Champagne, snorkel in the coral reefs, tuck into world-class Caribbean cuisine, and explore the island’s most exciting locations. Noteworthy points of interest on the island include Seven Mile Beach, George Town, and Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery.
Read also: Best Caribbean Spots for First-Timers
Cancun, Mexico
The following Caribbean weekend getaway destination on our list is Cancun, one of Mexico’s most iconic seaside vacation destinations. Offering year-round sunshine, sun-kissed beaches, and many exciting things to see and do, this lively resort town is less than a three-hour flight from East Coast cities like Atlanta. You’ll be on the beach in no time!
Perfect for honeymooning couples, families, and groups of friends, you’ll never struggle to find something to do in Cancun. Sun-seeking tourists can sunbathe along the coastlines of Playa Delfines. History buffs can explore ancient Mayan ruins. Shopaholics can peruse the shops in El Centro (Downtown), and partygoers can dance the night away in the vibrant Zona Hotelera district. Meanwhile, families can have plenty of fun at Ventura Park.
Read also: Cheap Beach Destinations in the Caribbean
Dominican Republic
Like Jamaica, the Dominican Republic is easily accessible from the United States. According to Booking.com, 25 airlines fly from the United States to the island, with an average flight taking less than three hours. That means you can quickly swap the doom and gloom of city life with exotic beaches and sunny skies.
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The Dominican Republic is a big hit with budget travelers with less money to spend on flights and accommodation. It’s also loved by outdoor enthusiasts who travel to the island to explore its rich natural landscapes and spot wildlife species like sloth and iguana. However, if you want to be lazy like me, you can chill along Juanillo Beach and Bavaro Beach.
Read also: Things To Do in the Caribbean Before You Die
Puerto Rico
Famous worldwide for its mesmerizing landscapes, palm tree-lined white sand beaches, and hot climate, Puerto Rico makes for an excellent weekend getaway destination in the Caribbean. When you’re not sunning it up on Flamenco Beach or sunbathing by the pool, there is plenty to see and do on the island.
For example, you don’t want to miss Mosquito Bay and its bioluminescent plankton, the scenic viewpoints in Guánica State Forest, or the architectural wonders like Cuartel de Ballajá in San Juan, the island’s bustling capital city. Other must-visit locations in Puerto Rico include Old San Juan, Condado Beach, El Yunque National Forest, and Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico.
Read also: Things To Do in the Caribbean Before You Die
British Virgin Islands
Like the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands is a British Overseas Territory famed for its postcard-perfect beaches, turquoise waters, and outstanding natural landscapes. It’s also one of the most luxurious, exclusive, and expensive places to stay in the Caribbean, making it a firm favorite with honeymooning couples and the rich and famous.
You can reach the British Virgin Islands in less than four hours from the United States, so spending a weekend there is possible. During your trip, visit the archipelago’s most famous attractions, including Sage Mountain National Park, Smuggler’s Cove, Long Bay Beach, and Road Town. Oh, and allow plenty of time to relax and unwind at one of the many gorgeous beaches or 5-star resorts.
Read also: Most Romantic Honeymoon Destinations in the Caribbean
St. Lucia
Suppose you’re looking for the ultimate relaxing weekend getaway. In that case, we strongly recommend visiting St. Lucia, a stunning Eastern Caribbean island best known for its tropical beaches, hot springs, rugged mountains, and breathtaking mountain-view villas. It does take longer to reach St. Lucia from the United States, with some flights taking up to seven hours, but the journey is worth it.
When you land, you’ll be rewarded with wall-to-wall sunshine, lazy days spent by the pool along with beachside butler service, beautiful hiking trails, world-class cuisine, and magnificent scenery that will blow you away. Some of the island’s most significant points of interest include the Pitons Mountains, Castries, Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths, and Reduit Beach.
Read also: Surreal Places in the Caribbean
Belize
If you want to experience the Caribbean’s epic landscapes, beautiful resorts, sun-kissed beaches, and clear waters but don’t want to travel for several hours to get to St. Lucia, consider visiting Belize instead. It takes less than five hours to reach Belize, which is also a more budget-friendly Caribbean destination.
In Belize, you’ll spend most of your time swimming in the sea, walking through lush rainforests, and discovering ancient Mayan ruins. Alternatively, you can simply book a luxury resort on one of the nation’s cays and spend your weekend sunbathing. Popular places in Belize include Belize City, Corozal, Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, and Ambergris Caye. Meanwhile, beachgoers should visit Secret Beach, Placencia Beach, and Hopkins Village Beach.
Read also: Famous Landmarks in the Caribbean
Jamaica
Jamaica is a paradise for anyone looking to relax, unwind, explore, and have fun. Better yet, it’s one of the most accessible Caribbean destinations from the United States, offering transport connections to most major cities. What we love most about Jamaica is how it has something for every kind of traveler.
Beachgoers can soak up the sun at Seven Mile Beach. History buffs can explore Fort Charles and the Rose Hall Great House. Reggae music lovers can follow in the footsteps of the iconic Bob Marley at the Bob Marley Museum, and families can have lots of fun at Kool Runnings Water Park. Furthermore, outdoor enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that Jamaica has many scenic hiking spots, such as Negril Cliffs.
Tulum, Mexico
The final Caribbean weekend getaway destination on our list is Tulum, a beachfront town on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This picturesque resort town is quickly becoming one of Mexico’s most highly sought-after Caribbean vacation destinations, with travelers seeking relaxation. A significant draw to the town is its accessibility.
You can reach Tulum from parts of the United States in less than four hours. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by soft white sand beaches, shimmering turquoise waters, 5-star resorts, and ancient Mayan Ruins. Must-visit attractions include the Tulum Ruins, Playa Las Palmas, and Playa Paraiso. Meanwhile, fascinating cenotes like the Two Eyes Cenote are only a short drive from the town.
Read also: Best Caribbean Spots or First-Timers
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