What to see in Trinidad and Tobago: 10 must-sees

Cross Trinidad's Northern Range to reach Maracas, the island's most famous beach, with 3 kilometers of pale sand facing the Caribbean Sea. Grab a bake and shark from the roadside stalls, test your balance on a surfboard, or walk barefoot along the shore as the afternoon fades. On weekends local families fill the sand with music and fried fish; on weekdays you'll nearly have the bay to yourself.

Walk the wooden jetty out to the calm waters of Pigeon Point, Tobago's most famous beach, set beside a coral reef reserve. Swim in its crystal-clear sea, snorkel among the corals, and stroll along the shore of fine white sand. When hunger strikes, try the beachfront restaurants with views of the Caribbean, and end the day watching the calm water change color at sunset.

Head down to Trinidad's east coast and wander kilometers of palm-fringed sand at Mayaro, the beach Trinidadians choose for their Sunday escapes. Here the Atlantic pounds in with steady waves, perfect for long walks at sunrise, while local fishermen haul in their nets and offer red snapper and kingfish fresh from the sea. Rent a beach house along the coconut strip, try the bake and shark at nearby stalls, and watch families set up their tents and grills early in the day. In season, sea turtle nesting adds one more reason to stay until night.

Dive into Nylon Pool, a sandbar in the middle of the sea off the coast of Tobago where the water barely reaches your waist. Swim in its turquoise, crystal-clear waters, surrounded by reefs accessible by boat from Pigeon Point Beach or Store Bay. Walk on the fine white sand that emerges between gentle waves, snorkel in the surrounding area, and gaze out at the open Caribbean horizon. Locals say that bathing here rejuvenates you; see for yourself as you float in this natural pool, one of the island's most unique experiences.

Discover Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, with a walk through the Central Market, where vendors sell tropical fruits and spices from early morning. Cross over to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, built of limestone in the 19th century, and take in the colonial buildings known as the Magnificent Seven around Queen's Park Savannah. Stroll along Independence Square and Wrightson Road to see Victorian houses coexisting with the port's office towers. Try roti and doubles at street stalls while listening to the creole music that defines the character of this Caribbean capital.

Visit Asa Wright National Park in the northern mountains of Trinidad and follow its trails through the rainforest as hummingbirds and toucans cross the treetops. Hike and birdwatch at one of the Caribbean's best spots for close-up wildlife, with guides who point out hard-to-spot species. The park works to conserve its fragile species and habitats, so walk calmly, bring binoculars, and give the morning to listening to the forest before the heat builds.

Stroll through the Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago, protected since 1776 and considered the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. Trails like Gilpin Trace cross humid ravines where hummingbirds fly right past you and golden frogs leap among the leaves. The rainforest smells of wet earth, and birdsong accompanies every stretch. Wear footwear with good grip, because mud is part of the route, and set out early if you want to catch the wildlife at its most active. Local guides know the motmot nests and the century-old trees that mark the way.