If you’re dreaming of turquoise, crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, look no further than Grand Cayman Island! This Caribbean paradise is only a short, direct flight from Houston — less than 3 hours away! Whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a family vacation, Grand Cayman has something for everyone.
Grand Cayman is part of the British Overseas Territory of the Cayman Islands, so you’ll notice subtle touches of British charm — from driving on the left side of the road to being greeted at the airport by a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
My hubby and I visited grand Cayman for our 10th wedding anniversary. To find out more about our annual retreats, read my blog post “Why Every Couple Needs a Yearly Romantic Getaway” HERE.
Where to Stay on Grand Cayman
Seven Mile Beach is world-famous for a reason. Stretching along the island’s west coast, this stunning beach is consistently ranked among the top beaches in the world for its calm, crystal-clear waters and soft white sand.
We stayed at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The beach is pristine and calm — ideal for young children or blissful relaxation. It also offers fantastic snorkeling right from shore. We had so much fun searching for “buried treasure” and pretty shells. We even spotted a barracuda gliding past Us!
The resort itself is beautiful, with excellent amenities, beachfront dining, and plenty of lounge chairs shaded by palms and umbrellas. It’s the perfect home base for your Grand Cayman adventure.
Top Things to Do in Grand Cayman
1. Visit Stingray City (Absolute Must!)
No trip to Grand Cayman is complete without visiting Stingray City — a series of shallow sandbars in the North Sound where friendly southern stingrays swim freely.
We booked our tour Captain Marvins Watersports , and we can’t recommend them enough. Their small group tours make for a more personalized experience, and our guides were fantastic — sharing island history, snorkeling tips, and making our stingray encounter unforgettable.
We chose Tour #5: Stingray City, Starfish Point & Snorkel , and it was hands-down the highlight of our trip. We’ll definitely be booking with Captain Marvin again when we return — next time with our kids!
2. Experience the Bioluminescent Bay
Another can’t-miss experience is the Bioluminescent Bay Tour, one of the few places in the world where you can see glowing organisms light up the water around you. It’s a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience — best enjoyed on a moonless night.
3. Take a Sunset Sail
If you love sunsets (and who doesn’t?), book a Sunset Sail through Red Sail Sports. The crew was friendly, accommodating, and even helped capture some amazing photos for us. Watching the sun dip below the horizon from the water is absolutely breathtaking.
Best Restaurants in Grand Cayman
The Westin Restaurants – Convenient and delicious options, from breakfast to poolside lunches. Their on-site coffee and breakfast bar was a daily favorite. We also enjoyed the Fish Tacos and the Paella Night.
Peppers Bar & Grill – A lively local spot with authentic Caribbean food and island vibes.
Luca Restaurant – Upscale Italian cuisine with a beautiful ocean view and an excellent wine list.
Yoshi Sushi – Located across from The Westin, this restaurant serves fresh, beautifully presented sushi in a unique ground-level seating setting. (Pro tip: make a reservation; it’s popular with both locals and tourists!)
Explore George Town
When you’re ready for a break from the beach, head to George Town, the capital of Grand Cayman. This charming port city is filled with duty-free shopping, local art galleries, and colorful colonial-style buildings.
Fun fact: George Town is one of the Caribbean’s leading financial hubs, yet it still maintains its relaxed island charm with friendly locals and seaside cafés.
Must-Do Next Time (Already Planning Our Return!)
Cayman Turtle Centre (West Bay)
One of the oldest sea turtle conservation centers in the world, the Cayman Turtle Centre offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can swim with green sea turtles, explore the marine lagoon, and learn about conservation efforts to protect these incredible creatures.
Perfect for families — educational, fun, and unforgettable.
Cayman Crystal Caves (Northside)
The Cayman Crystal Caves are a breathtaking natural wonder. You’ll explore three magnificent caves filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and sparkling crystal formations. The guided tour lasts about two hours and offers an adventurous change of pace from the beach.
Grand Cayman Travel Tips
Mind Hurricane Season: The best time to visit Grand Cayman is December through April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and mild. We visited in August (hurricane season) and lucked out with perfect weather.
Protect Yourself from the Sun: The Caribbean sun is strong! Bring UPF shirts, wide-brim hats, and plenty of reef-safe sunscreen — or you might end up buying a $50 sun shirt like we did.
Currency Tips: The island uses the Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Most restaurants and taxis accept credit cards; carry a bit of cash for tips or smaller purchases.
Fun Facts About Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands in the western Caribbean.
Seven Mile Beach is actually about 6.3 miles long — but who’s counting when it’s this gorgeous?
The island’s flat terrain gives it exceptionally clear turquoise waters — a snorkeler’s dream.
Grand Cayman was once a pirate hideout during the Golden Age of Piracy.
The island is known for being one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean, with friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Grand Cayman truly lives up to its reputation as a tropical paradise. Between the soft sand, turquoise water, incredible food, and unforgettable excursions, it’s a destination you’ll want to return to again and again.
Next time, we’ll be exploring the Turtle Centre, Crystal Caves, and Bioluminescent Bay — but honestly, even another sunset on Seven Mile Beach would be worth the trip alone.
Have you been to Grand Cayman? Share your experience in the comments below, I love to hear from you!
Was this post helpful? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you visited Rocky Mountain National Park? What were your favorite hikes, views, or hidden gems? Drop your recommendations in the comments—I can’t wait to hear what made your trip unforgettable!
Rest, Reconnect, Reflect. How 7 days away makes us stronger all year long!
Since having kids, my husband and I have made it a priority to get away—just the two of us—at least once a year. My love language is quality time, so uninterrupted moments with my husband really fill my love tank. The focus of this time is simple yet powerful: to rest, reconnect, and reflect.
To be clear, this getaway doesn’t need to be extravagant, expensive, or even very long. The purpose is to silence the noise of the daily grind and take a break from the weight of life’s responsibilities. Whether it’s a staycation close to home or a splurge on a dream destination, this annual retreat fills my soul. We plan and budget for it in advance, and it’s one of the things I most look forward to each year.
If you’re a parent, you know that arranging childcare can be one of the biggest hurdles. We’re incredibly grateful to have both sets of grandparents who generously step in to watch our kids. If family isn’t an option for you, consider partnering with a close, trusted friend—ideally someone whose kids are similar in age to yours—so you can take turns supporting each other. Start small—maybe with just an overnight stay—and work your way up to longer trips as your kids get older and more comfortable being away.
Our getaways usually include time in nature, delicious food, a new adventure, and some much-needed relaxation.
Here are a few ideas to help you plan your own couples’ retreat:
1. Take Care of BusinessEarly
We always seem to have some “business” to discuss—whether it’s finances, parenting, logistics, or future plans. And yes, these conversations can lead to tension. That’s okay! It’s part of being two different people with different ideas doing life together.
I’m not a proponent of avoiding hard conversations, but I do advocate for getting them out of the way early. Sometimes we have the tough talks en route to the airport or while sitting on the plane. I find it helpful to lay all the cards on the table, work through it, and move forward with clarity.
I’m grateful that my husband and I are both natural problem-solvers. Over the years, we’ve learned how to compromise and understand each other’s perspectives. But that skill takes time—and lots of practice.
2. Rest
There is so much to take care of on a daily basis. My husband is in a demanding leadership role in corporate America, and I’m a stay-at-home mom, focused on raising kind, hardworking, responsible humans while keeping our household running smoothly. Between work, kids, activities, health, meals, home maintenance, and community service—it’s a lot.
That’s why rest is crucial.
Rest looks different for each of us. Nate loves spending an extra hour at the gym, enjoying an unrushed workout. For me, rest means embracing the Italian concept of dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing. Having time when I’m not a mom, maid, chef, teacher, or therapist is essential.
Thankfully, Nate and I share similar vacation interests: a healthy mix of relaxation and adventure. No matter what rest looks like for you, carve out time to step away from responsibility. Silence the noise, pause the mental checklist, and be still. Easier said than done, right? It takes me a few days to truly unwind—which is why we usually plan for 5–7 days. But I promise you, the benefits are so worth it.
3. Reconnect
Life gets busy. Without intentionality, it’s easy to slip into a “roommate” dynamic in marriage. This trip is our time to rekindle the love, friendship, and passion we shared in the early years.
While we try to do weekly date nights, extended time away deepens our connection on a whole new level. After 11 years of marriage and many seasons of change, this trip always reminds us how much we enjoy each other’s company. Emotional intimacy often leads to greater physical intimacy, so—everyone wins! 😉
Investing in our marriage makes us stronger as a couple and better as parents. After each trip, we return with a shared vision and a renewed sense of unity.
4. Reflect
Once we’ve rested and reconnected, I like to take time to reflect—on how I’m doing personally, how we’re doing as a couple, and how our kids are growing.
I think about our mistakes, what we’ve learned, and how we can grow from those lessons. Reflection helps me recognize patterns—both good and bad—and course-correct when needed. We also take time to celebrate what we’ve done well and acknowledge the progress we’ve made.
This is when we re-align our goals and make sure we’re still moving in the same direction. Stepping back gives me clarity on blind spots that might be holding us back, and helps me move forward with intention.
On our way home, we always feel refreshed, grateful, and more in love than when we left. There’s a deep sense of rejuvenation—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Dare I say… we even feel younger?
With well-rested bodies, new memories, and full tummies, we return ready to embrace whatever the next season holds.
I hope this inspires you to plan your next trip with your spouse!!!
Destination Ideas from previous trips:
Maui, Hawaii
Cancun, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Grand Cayman Island
Sarasota, Florida
Estes Park, Colorado
Austin Hill Country
San Antonio, Texas
Santa Barbara, California
San Diego, Califoria
Sedona, Arizona
Belize
What do you love to do on vacation with your loved one? Share in the comments below!
Was this post helpful? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you visited Rocky Mountain National Park? What were your favorite hikes, views, or hidden gems? Drop your recommendations in the comments—I can’t wait to hear what made your trip unforgettable!
Stand in awe and wonder with crisp mountain air, rushing rivers, and breathtaking views!
Everything You Need to Know to Plan a Great Trip
Why RMNP Should Be On Your Family’s Bucket List
Magic lives in the Colorado mountains! We were invited to a wedding in Estes Park years ago and quickly realized how the natural beauty of this land takes center stage. Towering peaks, pine scented air, and majestic views left us completely enamored. As we stood there taking it all in, we knew one thing for sure—coming back with our kids would definitely be on our bucket list! There are endless opportunities for outdoor family fun—from hiking and fishing to scenic drives, wildlife spotting, and exploring the area’s diverse topography and ecosystem—there’s truly something for everyone!
This summer, we finally made it happen. With backpacks packed and hearts full of excitement, we set out on our long-awaited family adventure to Rocky Mountain National Park. Here’s what we learned from exploring the Rockies—our best tips and tricks from our family to yours.
Trout FishingAlluvial Falls
Know Before You Go
Timed Entry and Park Pass
How It Works
Time entry reservations are required to enter RMNP from May to October between 9am and 2pm. Reservations are released on the 1st of every month for the following month. We visited in June so we had to make our reservations on May 1st. Set multiple alarms for 8am mountain time, these reservations go QUICK! Not able to make a reservation? Not all hope is lost! You can still enter the park either before 9am or after 2pm. But beware, the lines to enter can be long and time consuming. In addition to your timed entry, you will also need to purchase a park pass. There are several options ranging from $15 for a daily pass, $35 for a 7 day pass, and $70 for an annual pass. Military and seniors get some pretty great discounts!
Once you’ve purchased your pass and timed entry, I highly recommend downloading the Recreation.gov app. It provides quick access to your pass and timed entry QR codes, which you’ll need to show park rangers upon arrival. For added convenience be sure to add the QR codes to your digital wallet, especially since cell reception can be spotty in the mountains.
RMNP is Divided Into 2 Distinct Regions
Beaver Meadows/Fall River and Bear Lake
The most popular is the Beaver Meadows and Fall River entrance, located closest to Estes Park. This entrance gives you access to many of the must see attractions including Trail Ridge Road, Alluvial Falls, Hidden Valley (Junior Ranger Headquarters and only clean flushing toilets in the park) Alpine visitors center, and much more! The Junior Ranger Program is a great way to get kids excited about exploring the park. Pick up a Junior Ranger activity book, join in on the daily activities, and earn an official Junior Ranger badge—a memorable and meaningful souvenir of your visit!
On the opposite side of Estes Park lies the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which provides access to Bear Lake, Glacier Gorge, and a variety of scenic lakes and waterfalls. Parking lots fill up quickly, so I highly recommend using the free Park & Ride shuttle service, which operates daily from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bear Lake offers an easy, paved, and flat loop—perfect for strollers and toddlers. From there, we hiked up to Nymph Lake and Dream Lake (about 2.2 miles round trip). While this trail was a bit more strenuous, our kiddos powered through—and it ended up being our favorite hike of the entire trip!
Pack For The Elements
UnpredictableWeather
The weather in Rocky Mountain National Park can be highly unpredictable, so it’s best to plan ahead. During the summer months, mornings are often cold and crisp, with temperatures in the 50s. By midday, the sun usually warms things up quickly, with highs reaching the mid to upper 80s. I recommend dressing in light layers and always packing a rain jacket—storms can roll in quickly and without warning.
One day, we started our hike under sunny skies and 80-degree temps. Suddenly, a storm moved in, bringing heavy rain and even hail! Within minutes, the temperature dropped back down into the 50s. It was a wild change!
Also keep in mind: the higher you go, the cooler it gets. While it might be sunny and warm at the park entrance, temperatures can be significantly colder as you climb Trail Ridge Road toward the Alpine Visitor Center
Comfortable, water-resistant shoes, a breathable backpack, plenty of water, and snacks are absolute must-haves for a day in the park!
Altitude Awareness
Prevention is Key
To stay ahead of altitude sickness, be sure to stay well hydrated, avoid alcohol on day one, and allow time to acclimate before heading to higher elevations.
We found it helpful to work our way up the mountains gradually, starting with lower elevation hikes and scenic stops before tackling the higher viewpoints.
We also had great success with motion sickness bands—the kind you might use for long car or boat rides. I discovered these tiny miracle bands when I was pregnant and desperate for a remedy for my morning sickness. Surprisingly, they worked well for managing altitude-related symptoms, especially for our kids during winding drives up the mountain. Now, we never go on a trip without them!
While You Are There
Book a Guided Tour
Green Jeep Tour
We opted for a private group tour with Green Jeep Tours, and it was the perfect choice for our group of 8 adults and 3 kids—all with different fitness levels and mobility needs. This option allowed us to explore the park together comfortably, and it made it possible for those with limited hiking ability to still experience the park’s incredible sights and scenery.
Our guide, Fritz, was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive to all of our needs. He came fully prepared—with bathroom stop plans, snacks, blankets, a portable heater, and even insights on spotting wildlife. Fritz handled the unpredictable mountain weather with ease and answered all of our questions with detail and enthusiasm. He truly made our experience unforgettable. This excursion was absolutely worth every penny!
The Estes Park Aerial Tramway offers a peaceful 5-minute ride from Estes Park up to Prospect Mountain (8,900 ft). At the summit, enjoy spectacular 360° views of Estes Park, the Rockies, and the Continental Divide. You’ll also find a short hike, café, gift shop, clean restrooms, and picnic tables with stunning views.
This ride is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it great for families and all mobility levels.
Tips:
Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds. Book reservations ahead of time.
Arrive at 8 a.m. or later in the afternoon for shorter lines.
Dress in layers and bring sunscreen and a rain jacket—weather can change fast!
Tickets range from $20–$38 per person, with kids under 5 free! There are many discounts available. Be sure to check out their website for more info at https://estestram.com/
Take Advantage of The Junior Ranger Program
Learn, Explore and Earn Your Badges
The Junior Ranger Program is a fantastic way for young explorers to get excited about learning while exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. Stop by any visitor center to pick up a free Junior Ranger activity booklet, then complete activities, earn badges, and get officially sworn in as a Junior Ranger. Our kids LOVED earning their badges!
The Junior Ranger Headquarters, located at Hidden Valley, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering hands-on programs and discovery stations. We loved the Junior Angler fishing experience and activities where our kids learned about local plants, trees, and wildflowers.
We were amazed by how many wild animals we saw—both near and far! Elk and deer were the most common; we spotted them every day, even wandering through town! One morning, we watched in awe as an elk grazed through the river just outside our cabin. Its antlers were absolutely majestic—a moment we’ll never forget! We also had the thrill of seeing a moose, a curious marmot, and even a bat! Wildlife sightings were truly one of the highlights of our trip. Always keep a safe distance from wild animals. Park rangers recommend staying at least 25 yards away.
More Adventures You Won’t Want to Miss
The Stanley Hotel & Estes Village
The iconic Stanley Hotel is where history meets luxury. Best known as the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining, the hotel offers more than just elegant accommodations—it also features guided tours, live shows, and world-class dining. I highly recommend stopping by to admire the stunning architecture and enjoy a delicious meal in a truly unforgettable setting.
Estes Village is a charming mountain town at the heart of Estes Park. You’ll find cozy cafés, local restaurants, wine bars, and craft breweries—plenty to satisfy any palate. It’s also the best place to shop for souvenirs, with many stores offering handmade, locally crafted goods you won’t find anywhere else. The atmosphere is casual, inviting, and family-friendly—making it a perfect spot to unwind after a full day of adventure in RMNP.
Where We Stayed
River Stone Resorts and Bear Paw Suites
These cozy cabins were in a fantastic location—just 10 minutes from the Beaver Meadows entrance to RMNP and 6 minutes from Estes Village. Nestled along the peaceful Fall River, they provided the perfect setting for sipping coffee in the morning or enjoying a glass of wine in the evening.
Because this trip was a family reunion, we had several families staying at the resort. The cabins offered the best of both worlds: close proximity to our loved ones, with just enough privacy to enjoy some quiet time alone.
We were warmly greeted by the owners—a friendly couple who went out of their way to make us feel welcome. They even provided fishing poles, which led to an unforgettable memory: our son catching his first trout!
Each cabin came with a full kitchen, perfect for quick breakfasts and trail-ready lunches. Our unit had a master suite, kitchen, and living room downstairs, plus a loft and full bathroom upstairs—an ideal setup for our family of four.
We truly loved our stay here and would definitely come back again!
Anytime you see a line, you know the food is exceptional. Our breakfast here was nothing short of outstanding and most definitely worth the wait! Hubby and eye especially enjoyed the fresh juice bar with our meal.
We LOVED the setting of this coffee shop. It was nestled right along the rocks where you can enjoy an alfresco breakfast while watching the ducks swim and play. Our kids enjoyed the playful atmosphere while we enjoyed the delicious coffee!
Other restaurants that come highly recommended by local friends:
This was hands-down everyone’s favorite meal of the trip. Featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, this restaurant lives up to the hype. The food is absolutely outstanding—combining classic favorites with creative, unexpected twists to deliver a true culinary masterpiece. I highly recommend grabbing a seat outside to take in the spectacular mountain views while you dine. It’s open for lunch and dinner M-F, and brunch on Sat & Sun.
We arrived in Estes Park just in time for lunch and needed a quick, satisfying bite before checking into our cabin. Rocky Mountain Deli was the perfect stop. They use high-quality ingredients, and our sandwiches were absolutely delicious—fresh, flavorful, and exactly what we needed to kick off our trip
We enjoyed a delicious family meal here. The staff was friendly, flexible, and accommodating to our party of 11, which made the experience even better. I highly recommend making a reservation, as it does get busy—especially during peak times. If the weather allows, the patio is the perfect spot to enjoy the views and a cool mountain breeze. The indoor dining area can get a bit hot and noisy, so outdoor seating is definitely worth requesting
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, look no further! Twin Oaks was another crowd favorite! This restaurant boasts breathtaking views, exceptional service and exquisite food. The dining room has beautiful rustic decor and live music that blends beautifully into the background, providing a warm upscale atmosphere. Our party sampled several dishes, including the filet mignon, rack of lamb, the fresh catch fish, and the prime rib. They were all phenomenal! Even the kids enjoyed their entrees! I’d easily give this spot a 10/10! Reservations are highly recommended.
Was this post helpful? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you visited Rocky Mountain National Park? What were your favorite hikes, views, or hidden gems? Drop your recommendations in the comments—I can’t wait to hear what made your trip unforgettable!
Was this post helpful? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you visited Rocky Mountain National Park? What were your favorite hikes, views, or hidden gems? Drop your recommendations in the comments—I can’t wait to hear what made your trip unforgettable!
