The Islands of the Bahamas are among the most beautiful places on earth to visit. The water ranges from pale aqua to deep sapphire, the spectrum changing hourly as the sun shines brightly in a cloudless sky. Nassau, the country's capital, is a bustling town on New Providence Island with shops, nightclubs, glamorous casinos, and posh hotels. Even in Nassau, though, there are quiet byways and shady lanes where you can step away from the activity of the main tourist areas. Visitors have many options. They can pause in their shopping at any time to wander past old colonial buildings that are full of fascinating island history. Nights can be spent watching a perfect sunset, dining on elegant French or local cuisine in a hotel restaurant, and then taking in a show, dancing, or visiting one of the island's casinos.

Fort Charlotte Fort Charlotte is the largest fort in the Bahamas. It was built in 1788 and features a traditional moat and dungeons. It also boasts one of the best views of Nassau.

Crystal Cay Tel: (242) 328-1036 The Crystal Cay Marine Park is notably one of the world's finest underwater parks. The park was built around an existing reef, and visitors can explore exhibits both above and below the surface.

Botanical Gardens Tel: (242) 323-5975 Chippingham off West Bay St Enjoy lushfull gardens with more than 600 tropical species.

Paintings by Amos Ferguson 2nd floor of the Pompey Museum Bay Street, Nassau (242) 326-2566/8 Sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, a permanent Art Exhibition spotlights paintings of internationally acclaimed Bahamian artist Amos Ferguson. Ferguson's "primitive" paintings are grouped by four main themes: history, religion, nature and folklore. Museum Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mon. - Fri.; 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on alternate Sats. Closed on Sun. and holidays. Location: 2nd floor of the Pompey Museum, Bay Street, Nassau. Donation.

Junkanoo Expo (242) 356-2731 Open daily 10:00 am to 4:00 pm A new attraction at Nassau's waterfront. The first Museum of it's kind showcasing large, colorful, intricately deigned artistic creations from recently passed Junkanoo parades, held annually on December 26th and New Year's Day. The Expo complex also includes a souvenir boutique, with Junkanoo paintings and a variety of Junkanoo craft.

Bahamas Historical Society Museum Pompey Museum Elizabeth Avenue and Shirley Street, Nassau (242) 326-2566/8 An ongoing exhibition, displaying A RESERVOIR OF HISTORY, comprising a collection and preservation of historic, anthropological and archaeological Bahamian artifacts. Hours: Weekdays, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m; Sat. 10:00 a.m.- Noon. Closed Sun. and holidays. Tours available. Admission fee.

Balcony House (242) 322-2193, The original design of this wooden house was a transplant of late 18th century southeast American architecture. The present design and furnishings, recently restored between 1992 and 1993, have sought to recapture the ambience of this historic period. Admission: Free, however donations are welcome. Tours are provided. Hours: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily, except Thursdays. Closed Thur. & holidays.

Changing of the Guards Ceremony Government House Grounds Baillou Hill Road five minutes from downtown Nassau (242) 322-2020 A fortnightly tradition of pomp and pageantry marking the changing of the Guard at Government House, the residence of the Governor General, personal representative of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The internationally renowned Royal Bahamas Police Force Band proudly performs. Time: 10:00 a.m.

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park Exuma Islands This park, inaugurated in 1958, is the first of its kind anywhere on the planet. It comprises 176 square miles of outstanding anchorages and a stunning marine environment. It was the Caribbean's first marine fishery reserve. Many a worldly yachtsperson will tell you that the Exumas are the world's most picturesque yachting grounds.

Inagua National Park Great Inagua Island This park on Great Inagua island is internationally famous as the site of the world's largest colony of wild West Indian flamingos. In Bahamian dialect these birds are called "fillymingos" and/or "flamingas".

Island World Adventures Ltd Tel: (242) 394-8960/61, evenings 357-7782 Private charter and offshore excursions throughout The Bahamas. Daily excursions to Exuma Island. Explore and snorkel around private islands, feed stingrays, sharks, barracudas and experience the beauty of the Bahama waters.

Glass Bottom Boat Tours Sunshine Tours Tel: (242) 363-4051 Sightseeing and glass bottom boat excursions. Enjoy a great underwater adventure!

Ardastra Gardens and Zoo This is the place to come to see flamingoes, the national bird as well as many other wild animals. Great place for the whole family.

Cable Beach Cable Beach is a famous beach on the island of New Providence where you'll find a wide range of activities, and every service will be at your fingertips. Water-skiing, windsurfing, diving, fishing, sailing, parasailing, seaside restaurants, beach bars, local entertainment--if you can think of it, you'll probably find it there.