Northern Mariana Islands
Lots of water views and lots of island fun
In the western Pacific Ocean, the Northern Mariana Islands, which people just call “The Marianas,” are a simple way to get away from the cold. When you get to these U.S. commonwealth islands, the only hard choice you’ll have to make is whether to lay out on a beautiful beach, try your luck at a casino, play golf with stunning views of the Philippine Sea, or scuba dive in a shipwreck from World War II. Still, there’s no reason not to do all of them.
Aerial Tour of Saipan
The Northern Marianas are made up of 14 islands, but Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are the most well-known. The biggest island in The Marianas is Saipan, which covers 115.4 square kilometers. By car, getting around the island takes about an hour. Start on the beach, especially Micro Beach’s bright white sand, which is popular with both locals and tourists. Then, go to the many, many others that have beautiful tropical scenery and lots of different things to do. You can go on jungle hikes, cavern dives, or night dives if you want to try something new.
The resorts and country clubs in the Marianas are more than just stylish places to hang out on the beach; they’re also openings to the area’s exciting outdoor activities and lively city life. You can go on walks to hidden beaches, ride banana boats, and fish off of cliffs at resorts. You can go on a sailing tour or play golf.
There are traces of the Islands’ long history all over the place, especially in the Chamorro and Carolinian cultures that were born there. Archeological sites, small towns, and prehistoric stone buildings connect you with people from the past and the present. The San Vicente Fiesta and the San Antonio Festival in the spring and summer let you try food, dance, and music from Chamorro and Carolina.
The Marianas are also a great place for history buffs to see well-preserved World War II buildings and posts, such as a Japanese lighthouse, bunkers, jails, and an abandoned airport. The dramatic Banzai and Suicide Cliffs show how important these islands’ past is.