George Town, capital city of Cayman Islands

George Town is the capital city of Cayman Islands

When most people picture the Cayman Islands, they envision white sand beaches, glitzy shopping centers and wealthy people from around the world discreetly playing with their riches while sipping cocktails. That describes life well in George Town, the capital city. There, cockerels welcome the day by crowing at dawn, a Caribbean charm enchants and impromptu parties erupt at all hours on the beaches. Located on the island of Grand Cayman, George Town is the perfect mix of Caribbean paradise with a wealth of activities, restaurants and shopping.

The cultural and natural histories of the Cayman Islands come alive at the National Museum. Located in the Old Courts Building, the museum is opened to visitors each day with the ceremonial blowing of a conch shell. Inside, everything from Catboats and coins to stamps, fantastic stuffed birds and traditional clothing provide visitors with a great introduction to the rich history of the Caymanian people.

Life was very different in the islands during the 18th century, and visitors can share the experience of the early settlers at the Mission House. The national historic site includes a two-story home built in the traditional Caymanian style. Once the home of missionaries, families and teachers who grew the Presbyterian ministry in Bodden Town, the original capital, the building takes visitors back to an earlier time while recreating the islands' history. Genuine artifacts fill the bath, dining, living and bedroom, many of which were owned by the Watler family who called the place home for more than seven decades. A sense of family is evident in each room, and visitors understand the many challenges of missionary life as they walk the halls.

The surrounding grounds are also worth exploration. Dense epiphytes, or “air plants,” grow in thickets, five species of bromeliads thrive on the grounds, and the pond plays host to a variety of waterfowl, birds and freshwater turtles.

Just a 40-minute drive away from George Town is the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. The world-class park is abundant with lush flora growing in themed gardens. A cotton-candy-pink cottage sits in the Heritage Garden, surrounded by white sands, fruit trees, medicinal plants, traditional crops and a separate cook room. Walking through the paths, visitors get a sense of life in the islands during the early 20th century.

While meandering the Floral Color Gardens, visitors pass by a rainbow of flowers arranged by hue. Bright pinks give way to vivid reds, fiery oranges, sunny yellows, serene whites and cool blue, mauve and lavender shades. In the center of the brilliant profusion is a gazebo surrounded by a tranquil lily pond.

Escape the hustle and bustle of George Town by taking a taxi to Seven Mile Beach, named one of the world's “ultimate beaches” by travel experts. The stretch of white sand is one of the reasons why the Cayman Islands are celebrated as the epitome of an island escape and a premier Caribbean destination. Visitors from all over the world flock to the beach to explore the clear waters and coral sands. Walk past the hotels, villas, resorts, beach bars and shops that line the sand, work on your tan under the warm sun, relax while watching the waves roll in, or take a more adventurous route by diving, snorkeling, and boating in the crystalline waters.

The Cayman Turtle Farm is not far from the beach. One of the most exciting attractions in all of the Caribbean, the farm allows visitors to interact with and observe native flora and fauna, including sharks, eels, birds and over 10,000 green sea turtles.