Along the western coast of Grand Cayman lies a stretch of sand known to the entire travel community as one of the best beaches in the world. With placid waters and endless amounts of pure white sand, Seven Mile Beach is what makes Grand Cayman special. Although the beach is a mile and a half from its name, there is certainly no shortage of space to relax in the sun. Also, as you walk along the beach you will notice activities ranging from cafes and bars under the palm trees to diving and snorkeling. When you visit Grand Cayman, you will immediately see why Seven Mile Beach is at the top of so many lists.

Courtesy of the calm waters and casual atmosphere, Seven Mile Beach is known as one of the most family-friendly recreation sites in the Caribbean. The warm water has a sandy bottom, making it a great place for kids to swim. Families can rent all kinds of water toys, from snorkeling equipment and paddle boats to jet skis and windsurfers for the adults. There are also some spectacular dive sites off the coast of Seven Mile Beach. Where the gently sloping shoreline meets the coral wall that surrounds the island, you will find the popular reefs known as Paradise and Aquarium.

Seven Mile Beach is also the site of the best resorts and restaurants on the island. Even if you are not staying at Seven Mile Beach, many of the resorts have facilities that are open to the public. As many of the resorts open directly onto the beach, you will find several bars and snack stands equipped with quiet lounge seating. Throughout this area you will find several world-class restaurants, serving everything from rustic Italian food to fresh seafood with a Caribbean twist. Resorts also make it easy to rent water sports equipment without leaving the beach. Most importantly, all of these activities (and of course the beach itself) are open to the public, whether or not you are lucky enough to spend your nights here.

At the southern end of Seven Mile Beach is one of Grand Cayman’s favorite family attractions – The Butterfly Farm. Within the tropical gardens of the estate, you can see the life stages of butterflies among exotic flowers and peaceful ponds. Many early morning visitors are delighted to see new butterflies emerge from their cocoons for their first flight. On the guided tours of the facilities, the specialists will allow you to handle both caterpillars and butterflies. Since butterflies are drawn to bright colors and perfumes, those wanting a little personal attention from the fluttering creatures should dress to impress. Open daily at 9 am, The Butterfly Farm also allows visitors to return during their vacation with a paid admission. If you don’t see a butterfly come out of its shell the first time, you can stop by and take more photos whenever you want.

Most of Grand Cayman’s other major tourist opportunities lie within a few miles of Seven Mile Beach. South of the beach is the island’s capital, Georgetown. This historic capital is home to a host of excellent boutiques, art galleries, and commercial areas nestled among an impressive array of colonial architecture. Georgetown also has several options for dining and a night out.

North of Seven Mile Beach, you’ll find popular attractions like Hell and The Cayman Island Turtle Farm in the small town of West Bay. Hell, known for its diabolical black coral formations, is a favorite of resourceful travelers hoping to send correspondence from friends and family from the underworld. On the other hand, Cayman Island Turtle Farm is a great family destination where kids can interact with these endangered creatures. In addition to its conservation efforts, The Cayman Island Turtle Farm also recalls the island’s colonial history. Upon arrival, Christopher Columbus named the islands “Las Tortugas” in honor of the multitude of sea turtles along the coast.

Whether you want to relax on the sand, find water adventures, or experience world-class restaurants and attractions, a stroll along Seven Mile Beach will put you in the heart of the action.