The Magic of the Bahamas: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the Bahamas

The Bahamas are made up of over 700 islands and and 2,000 cays in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea leaving endless beaches, lagoons, resorts, and spas to be discovered. In this post, we'll review some of the well-known tourist spots as well as lesser-known locations if you're looking for a lower key vacation. Just know you can't go wrong with any of them as you'll always be surrounded by beautiful views.

The capital of the Bahamas, Nassau is also one of the most popular cruise ship ports in the Caribbean. While also one of the most crowded locations, it does mean there's also plenty to do and explore! With the candy shops, restaurants, Bay Street right next to the cruise terminal, and the Nassau Straw Market, there's plenty to see and do right in Nassau. If you want to head out to bask in the sun, you can hit Cable Beach, Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Center, or swim with dolphins on a quick trip to Blue Lagoon Island.

Sunrise at 'Watch Hill' on Guana Cay captured by Joe Garza

Check out Joe Garza's full collection of Caribbean & Mexico fine art prints.

Sitting just northwest of Eleuthera Island, Harbour Island is known for its world famous pink sand beaches. Don't forget the "u" in Harbour Island! Without it, you may be directed to "Harbor Island" in Tampa, Florida and end up a tad disappointed. This little slice of heaven has been labeled as having one of the best beaches in the Bahamas by The Travel Channel. The picture perfect scenes here are full of palm trees swaying in the gentle island breeze while the turquoise water kisses the pink sand shores. With fewer tourists than other locations, you're sure to get some downtime with options of small shops, beach strolls, and seaside cocktails.

A conch shell sits and wait for the 'Incoming' wave on this beautiful turquoise beach in the Bahamas.

Only 55 miles from Florida, Grand Bahama Island is famous for luxury resorts, stunning beaches, championship golf courses, boutique hotels and variety of cultural experiences and natural wonders. From kayaking, dolphin watching, jeep safaris, scuba diving, water sports, bike tours, and night life, there's something for every traveler and adventurer. Home to one of the longest underwater cave systems and the lush Garden of the Groves there's plenty you don't want to miss here.

Freeport is the largest city and is near popular beaches like Xanadu. Port Lucaya is filled with Bahamian music and straw crafts at the Port Lucaya Marketplace which is the largest shopping, dining and entertainment open air facility in the Bahamas with nearly 50 stores and boutiques.

Incredible view near Scotland Cay in the Abacos Islands others captured by Joe Garza. Check out his full collection of the Caribbean and Mexico prints for sale!

Bimini is actual two islands that are located about 50 miles east of Miami. Enjoy seafood that can't get any fresher and take home stories to tell when you visit Bimini. Whether it's exploring Poetry in Stone at the Dolphin House, swimming with dolphins or sharks, or diving on the Continental Shelf, relaxing on the beach, or fishing in the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, you won't be disappointed.

Beautiful palm tree scene from Nassau, Bahamas. Check out 'Vacancy' and other images in Joe Garza's Caribbean Collection!

The Abacos Islands is a 120-mile chain of islands surrounding the Sea of Abaco. To get to them, you would typically fly into Leonard Thompson International Airport in Marsh Harbour and then travel by ferry or boat. Great Abaco is the largest of the Abacos and is where Marsh Harbour is located. The outlying cays are filled with hundreds of places to explore.

Take a ferry to Great Guana Cay and you will find yourself in a little slice of heaven with exquisite views. VRBO has many places to stay and one of my favorites is Watch Hill owned by Tim & Alina Whitfield. After Dorian, they took the time and money to rebuild a beautiful home overlooking the ocean. The island is small enough to get around by golf carts that you can rent from Dive Guana. You will also want to bring your snorkel gear or rent it. Our stay had us swimming with sting rays right on the beach. We also saw dolphins, turtles and one (very shy) reef shark. You can also charter a boat for the day to go out and see some of the other beautiful cays. We got to swim with and feed stingrays, have fresh conch salad, and eat lobsters caught that day.

The island has one market if you need a few items, one liquor store, and two places to go snag a few drinks and some food. Both Nippers and Grabbers had friendly staff and great views! Just check the hours before you go to make sure they're open. Forget the rest of the world exists. This place is pure paradise and you won't want to leave.

'Paradise in Guana Cay' - View from the deck at Watch Hill by Joe Garza