Freeport, Bahamas
Beat the winter blues with a beach vacation to Grand Bahama Island’s largest city, where soft sand, crystal-clear waters, and warm sun are bountiful. In fact, you could choose a different beach around Freeport for each day of your weeklong itinerary and still miss a handful. Try Taino or Lucaya strands for various water activities. Insider’s tip: Smith’s Point by Taino Beach has a fish fry on Wednesday nights, and Lucaya is near an open-air marketplace with handicraft souvenirs and live entertainment at Count Basie Square.
Old Bahama Bay is a popular choice of celebrities, while Pelican Point Beach is a relaxing “off the grid” spot. Crabbing Bay, with stunning blue holes, is stellar for snorkeling. Local excursions are available. And Gold Rock Beach, part of Lucayan National Park, features a cave (Ben’s Cave) with stalactites, stalagmites, and fossilized conch shells that extends almost 9 miles underwater.