These Are The Top 2 Caribbean Island Getaways For 2027

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Few destinations make Americans dream quite like the Caribbean.

Be it for the postcard-ready white-sand beaches, the turquoise seas that hug them, or all the endless hours of sunshine you get, the tropical hotspot is known for being the average U.S. traveler’s preferred vacation hotspot.

We’ve all heard of Cancun and its glitzy resorts, or Punta Cana’s infamous nightlife, but there’s a quieter side to the Caribbean that draws in not the partygoers, but those seeking some actual peace and quiet, deep cultural immersion, and relaxation away from the masses.

According to National Geographic‘s newly released “Best of the World 2027” list, if experiencing rich living traditions and unspoiled nature is your heart’s true desire, Puerto Rico and Grenada are your perfect island escapes next year:

Discover Puerto Rico: The Cultural Jewel Of The Caribbean

An island home to dense rainforests, historic fortresses, and vibrant cities, Puerto Rico is NatGeo’s top pick for travelers looking to experience a true cultural renaissance next year.

Here, the hustle and bustle of the usual tourist-packed resort strips give way to a deep cultural heartbeat formed by centuries of intermingling between Indigenous Taíno, West African, and Spanish influences. This unique blend manifests itself in the local music, cuisine, and architecture.

For U.S.-based travelers, Puerto Rico offers the ultimate friction-free escape. You don’t need a passport, your cell phone works normally, and they use the U.S. dollar, making it incredibly easy to navigate.

Its capital, San Juan, still has perfectly-preserved colonial-era houses and churches, and a walk through the cobblestone core of Old San Juan feels like going on a journey back in time, framed by colorful buildings and the massive stone walls of El Morro.

My favorite thing I did when I toured Old San Juan was booking a food tour. It’s a great way to get the history of the area while taking in the atmosphere. Plus, you get to try delicious local food (and drinks!) along the way.

Exploring Puerto Rico Beyond The Beach

National Geographic specifically points out that Puerto Rico is so much more than just a place to fly and flop on a beach chair.

Whether you’re renting a car or going on guided excursions, the island’s interior is begging to be explored. A popular natural attraction within easy reach of the coast is the Cordillera Central, a lush mountain range that cuts through the center of the island. It boasts epic hiking trails, rugged peaks, and hidden waterfalls that feel entirely removed from the city.

Don’t spend your whole trip locked inside a resort in San Juan. Drive out to coastal towns like Loíza to experience the island’s deep Afro-Puerto Rican heritage. It’s a must-visit spot for foodies where authentic local dishes and traditional bomba music will completely change your perspective on the destination.

Where To Stay In Puerto Rico & When To Go

While Puerto Rico has its share of mega-resorts, to really tap into the island’s culture, look for boutique stays in historic districts or eco-lodges in the mountains.

Properties like Hotel El Convento in Old San Juan offer an authentic, historic luxury experience right in the middle of the action.

Year-round, the temperature ranges from 80°F to 88°F, but the best months to visit are between December and May when the weather is driest and you avoid the late-summer hurricane season.

Discover Grenada: The Unspoiled Spice Isle

Tucked all the way down into the southwestern corner of the Caribbean Sea, Grenada is NatGeo’s other top pick, and it’s gaining big-time international recognition.

I’ve lived on the island twice—six months at a time, each time—and I can confidently say that it remains one of the most authentic, laid-back destinations in the Americas.

While it boasts nearly four dozen incredible beaches, NatGeo selected Grenada for its dense rainforests, bird-filled mangroves, and farm-to-table experiences rooted in local flavors. The country is blessed with rich volcanic soil that helps nutmeg, mace, and cocoa thrive, giving it the famous nickname: The Spice Isle.

Visiting the local markets in the capital of St. George’s is a must-do. This is where farmers bring all their fresh produce, and the smell of nutmeg and cinnamon bark fills the air the second you step out of your car.

A Historic Year For Culture & Nature

2027 is going to be a landmark year for the island. The country’s annual Spicemas festival—Grenada’s answer to Carnival—will celebrate its 150th anniversary with islandwide parties and live calypso concerts. The absolute heartbeat of the event is the sacred Jab Jab ritual, where participants proudly cover themselves in black oil as a reminder of the cruelty of slavery and the resilience of their ancestors.

Nature lovers should head to the northern coast. From March to July, the mangrove lagoons near Levera National Park become a prime nesting ground for giant leatherback turtles.

As a scuba diver who spent time volunteering on artificial coral reef restoration in Grenada (you can check it out on Google Maps here), I can tell you the marine life here is phenomenal. Because it’s a volcanic island, the underwater topography is dramatic. You skip the crowded tour boats found on other islands and get pristine reefs, shipwrecks, and underwater sculpture parks practically to yourself.

Where To Stay In Grenada & When To Go

Grenada is developing quickly but still holds onto its undeveloped charm. To accommodate the growing interest highlighted by NatGeo, the huge 500-room Grenada National Resort will be opening near the national park next year.

If you prefer a smaller, more intimate luxury experience, properties like Silversands or the cliffside villas at Secret Harbour offer incredible views over the water.

Like Puerto Rico, the ideal time to visit is from December through May for the best beach weather, though arriving in August to experience the 150th anniversary of Spicemas is well worth braving a few tropical rain showers.

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