Are you the sort of traveler who can’t sit still? Do you always want to see what is around the next bend and what the next town over offers? If you think that a Caribbean vacation is for the more sedentary type of traveler, then the Cayman Islands, and this itinerary, will come as a pleasant surprise. Here’s a trip designed for those of us who want to always be on the move. You’ll spend some time not only on Grand Cayman, home of the islands’ capital and the world-famous Seven Mile Beach, but also the archipelago’s two smaller islands: Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. It even includes a visit to tiny, uninhabited Owen Island, where you can feel like Robinson Crusoe for a day—with the luxury of knowing cold beers and conch fritters are awaiting when you return to civilization.
Seven Mile Beach might be the most familiar destination in the Cayman Islands for many—the postcard-perfect crescent of white sand frequently tops lists of the world’s best beaches and it is lined with many of Grand Cayman’s top resorts. You’ll stay at the Marriott Grand Cayman Beach Resort which recreates the casual atmosphere of a cool friend’s seaside home—fondly referred to as The Beach House. Choose from yoga on the beach, borrowing a Linus bike (included with your resort fee) to explore the island, checking out a GoPro to create your own adventure show, or just hang out at the pool.
The Beach House encourages visitors to explore the local culture, a sentiment we agree with. After you have settled in your room, hop on a Linus and pedal to the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (or you can walk, it’s only about a half-mile away), where you can explore the sculpture gardens and the works by local artists in the permanent collection plus amazing international exhibits you may not expect to see in the Caribbean.
This evening you’ll dine at the one of the restaurants at Camana Bay, a waterfront “town” that is one of the Cayman Islands’ premier shopping and dining destinations. The Brooklyn Pizza + Pasta satisfies locals and visitors alike with its popular and tasty Italian-American dishes.
Spend this morning exploring the sites of the Cayman Island’s capital, George Town. On a self-guided walking tour you can start at the Cayman Islands National Museum for an introduction to the history of the island. Continue on to the Craft Market to shop for locally made gifts to take home, and then explore some of the town’s historic and contemporary sites: the new Legislative Assembly, the Library completed in 1939, and the Town Hall from the 1920s.
Stop for lunch at the nearby Paradise Grill, where you can snorkel among the fish before sitting down to a meal of their signature fish sandwich, seasoned island-style.
Spend this afternoon enjoying some time by the pool or beach at your hotel, either lounging with a book or taking advantage of some of the water sports offered there. In the evening you can explore more of the bars and restaurants along Seven Mile Beach.
