The Dominican Republic lies in the same waters as Cuba and Puerto Rico, taking up the eastern two-thirds of the island it shares with Haiti. Offering a lush interior with a mix of caves, Victorian gingerbread houses and the lore of pirates, plus 900 miles of coastline along its brim, island highlights include riding a cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres and basking on stunning Saona Island. Oh, and did we mention the D.R. is family-friendly, has just about perfect weather and is affordable?

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic and a UNESCO world heritage site, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas and one of the most populous cities in the Caribbean. The city is a mix of old world charm and modern Latin flair. Its medieval palaces and fortresses mix with nightlife and shopping to rival any modern city in the world. You'll find pristine beaches and hidden gems like a salsa/merengue club set inside a huge underground cave.

Lively nightclubs pulsing with Caribbean beats drive the nightlife scene of Cabarate, a breathtaking beach town. Not even the stubbornly two-left-footed can keep their toes from tapping when the sun goes down on Cabarete, which brims with culture and energy. Beachfront bars cum discotheques are the perfect spot to shake what your Mami gave you.

Sosua is everything you want a beach town to be. Clear waters teem with coral, perfect for snorkeling and diving. Above sea level you’ll find multicolored sands lined with beach shacks. This small enclave of the Dominican Republic was once a haven for Jewish refugees. Historic sites and synagogues offer great perspective on Sosua’s postwar identity. On a lighter note, a community of ex-pats helps fuel a boisterous, international nightlife scene.

The ideal destination for families, honeymooners, divers and golfers alike, La Romana is home to the famous Casa de Campo resort, internationally renowned golf courses, a world-class marina and Altos de Chavón, a beautiful replica of a 16th-century artisan village. Nearby, the Bayahibe area offers picturesque beaches, chic accommodations, desirable attractions and splendid opportunities for ecotourism. Visitors can enjoy stunning Saona Island, Cotubanamá National Park and more.

More than 60 idyllic islands, including Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, Anegada and Virgin Gorda, make up the BVI. Turquoise waters offer thrilling diving, fishing, sailing and swimming. Tortola is the largest island in the volcanic chain and has beautiful beaches and coves, forts, ruins and warm, welcoming people. Virgin Gorda boasts yacht clubs, chic resorts and secluded sands. Coconut palms shade beaches on tiny Jost van Dyke. Sailing is a popular way to travel between islands. Ferries are the other option.

Get the experience of visiting two island colonies in the same 37 square miles. Saint Maarten/Saint Martin's spicy marriage of Caribbean, French and Dutch cultures matches its physical diversity: the island is both urban and untamed, with rain forest-like landscapes, white beaches, and amazing caves and wildlife.

Romance and adventure are in the air on this lush West Indian island in the Caribbean, depending on your coast. To the west, you'll find calm waters and good swimming. To the east, there are massive, competition-caliber waves. Wherever you stay, expect turquoise waters, fine soft sand beaches, catamaran cruises and delicious island fare.

Key Largo's spectacular Sandspur and Caloosa Beaches are a part of protected area Bahia Honda. This divine duo of sandy beaches, with their coconut palms and year-round warm waters, offer marvellous swimming, snorkelling and kayaking in their calm waters. Sandspur is especially popular with families.

Beyond its epic theme parks and perfect weather, Orange County is celebrated for outdoor dining, entertainment and beach-bound adventure. Treat yourself at South Coast Plaza for the finest in luxury shopping and superlative restaurants. Spend an afternoon aboard a whale watching cruise in Newport Harbour, or cast a reel from the Huntington Beach Pier. Stop to smell the flowers at the Sherman Library and Gardens, or explore Laguna’s vast variety of boutique shops along the Pacific Coast Highway.