Although a mere 3.5 miles by 1.5 miles, Harbour Island in the Bahamas has made a name for itself, thanks in part to its natural loveliness and luxury properties.
Much of its appeal lies in its beaches, but there's plenty more to do.
Dunmore Town, the main town on the island, offers a charming opportunity to shop, dine and go out. It was once the capital of the Bahamas and staked its claim as the ship-building and sugar refinement center of the 1800s.
Today, the island offers up a variety of activities from hiking and sailing to shopping and sunning.
Pink Sand Beach
Think pink when you're on Harbour Island.
The island is world-renowned for its three and a half miles of cotton-candy-pink sand beaches that turn a lovely warm salmon color as the sun begins to set. It's so lovely that Travel + Leisure named it one of the Best Beaches on Earth in 2013, and it has received other equally high marks from the likes of Frommers, Forbes, Fodors, Islands Magazine and Caribbean Travel & Life.
Loyalist Cottage
On an island known for its pretty pastel-painted homes and New England architecture, the turquoise-and-white Loyalist Cottage on Bay Street stands out. Built circa 1797, it was one of the original settlers' home and today remains a private residence.
After the obligatory snaps, stroll through the neighborhood and admire the other homes decked out with gingerbread trim and amusing names.
Straw Market
There's nothing like a jaunty straw hat or new purse to put one in a sunny mood (although when in Harbour Island, you're hard pressed to be anything else). That said, head to the straw stands on Bay Street, where you can pick up a number of hand-crafted straw items, as well as t-shirts and a selection of snacks and other food items.
Lone Tree
It's a tree. It's a sculpture.
Either way you look at it, this piece of driftwood that has been sitting down in the sand on Girls Bank on Bay Street since 1992 when Hurricane Andrew struck makes for an eerie spectacle and a great Instagram photo.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Budget-Friendly Things To Do In The Bahamas[/READMORE]
Prison Break
Convicts of long ago put their backs into building the Hill Steps, or at least, that's what the legend says. These steps are said to have been built with an underground tunnel that ends at Rock House.
It's possible these same architecturally minded convicts were housed in Titus Hole, an open-mouth cave that is believed to have been the first prison on the island. Today, it offers up a fabulous view of the harbor.
Who said crime doesn't pay?
Sailing Charter
Aye, mateys. Spend the day sailing the high seas with your friends or people you want to be friends with. Regardless, depending on your itinerary, you'll have the chance to go snorkeling and see some of the area's best sea life. Most cruises will provide drinks and snacks and lunch, but many will also allow you to bring your own if you have something special you want to eat or have certain dietary restrictions.
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