The East End of Grand Cayman is a sparsely populated stretch of natural shoreline, where you can dine at an isolated, romantic restaurant, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the natural solitude. Along the southern coastal road west of East End, you can observe dramatic blowholes, which spew water high into the air when surf conditions are right.

Pedro St. James Historic Site (formerly known as Pedro Castle) is an authentic great house and outbuildings constructed during the early 19th century and recently restored. It is the oldest stone building still standing in the Cayman Islands. A multimedia theater offers 20 minute programs on the islands' history.

Here you can tour the tanks and ponds where thousands of endangered marine turtles are raised to be released into the islands' waters. The animals range in size from a few ounces to hundreds of pounds, and you can note the size change as you move from pool to pool. At certain tanks you can even pet the animals and pose for photos.

In West Bay, the small hamlet of Hell is home to eerie, blackened rock formations that gave rise to the town's name. The big attraction here is the little post office, from which you can send cards postmarked from "Hell."

The bird sanctuary and natural gardens here are home to an eclectic selection of more than 60 species of exotic birds, including Cayman Parrots, toucans, peacocks and West Indian Whistling Ducks. To add to the diversity, there are even some miniature ponies.

This 40-acre park features an impressive Visitors Centre, done up
Caribbean-style. There is a nature trail and the two acre Heritage Gardens replicate how Caymanians lived many generations ago. The Floral Garden features two-and-a-half acres of shrubs and flowers and there is a large, brackish lake, home to aquatic wildlife. The park is also home to 40 Grand Cayman Blue Iguanas.

In the 1800s, the Mastic Trail, near Frank Sound, was a shortcut from the southern side of the island to the northern side. Now guided tours along the two-mile trail educate visitors about local animals and plants found along the way.

This miles-long stretch of white sand is caressed by a gentle, turquoise sea on one side and backed by palms and Mediterranean pines on the other. It is home to nearly every type of watersport, restaurant, bar, condominium and resort you can think of, and is the vibrant heart of activity on Grand Cayman, day or night.