9 Best Sights in Trinidad and Tobago

This stretch of peach-color sand has a cove and a fishing village at one end. It's the local favorite, so it can get crowded on weekends. The government is constantly trying to upgrade the facilities (with limited success), so the areas around the beach are less than pristine. Lifeguards will guide you away from strong currents. Parking sites are ample, and there are snack bars selling the famous bake and shark, a must-try. Take the winding North Coast Road from Maraval (it intersects with Long Circular Road right next to KFC Maraval) over the Northern Range; the beach is about 7 miles (11 km) from Maraval. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; toilets. Best for: partiers; swimming; walking.

This large swamp with mazelike waterways is bordered by mangrove trees, some plumed with huge termite nests. If you're lucky, you may see lazy caimans idling in the water and large snakes hanging from branches on the banks, taking in the sun. In the middle of the sanctuary are several islets that are home to Trinidad's national bird, the scarlet ibis. Just before sunset the ibis arrive by the thousands, their richly colored feathers brilliant in the gathering dusk, and as more flocks alight, they turn the mangrove foliage a brilliant scarlet. Bring a sweater and insect repellent. The sanctuary was renamed in 2015 following the death of its founder, Winston Nanan. He was also the owner of the only official tour operator, and his family continues to operate tours.

The cultivated expanse of parkland north of the Savannah is the site of the president's and prime minister's official residences and also the Emperor Valley Zoo & Botanical Gardens. A meticulous lattice of walkways and local flora, the parkland was first laid out in 1820 for Governor Ralph Woodford. In the midst of the serene wonderland is the 8-acre zoo, which exhibits mostly birds and animals of the region—including the brilliantly plumed scarlet ibis as well as slithering anacondas and pythons; you can also see (and hear) the wild parrots that breed in the surrounding foliage. Two African giraffes and several big cats were added to the collection in 2013 and have proven to be hugely attractive with locals. The zoo, which is undergoing a major renovation to make it more of a naturalistic setting, draws a quarter of a million visitors a year. Tours are free.

The cultivated expanse of parkland north of the Savannah is the site of the president's and prime minister's official residences and also the Emperor Valley Zoo & Botanical Gardens. A meticulous lattice of walkways and local flora, the parkland was first laid out in 1820 for Governor Ralph Woodford. In the midst of the serene wonderland is the 8-acre zoo, which exhibits mostly birds and animals of the region—including the brilliantly plumed scarlet ibis as well as slithering anacondas and pythons; you can also see (and hear) the wild parrots that breed in the surrounding foliage. Two African giraffes and several big cats were added to the collection in 2013 and have proven to be a huge draw for locals. The zoo, which underwent a major renovation and expansion to make it more of a naturalistic setting, draws a quarter of a million visitors a year. Tours are free.

This essential stop when touring the northeast was constructed in 1897 on a stunning cliff. It's still used to warn ships about the rough waters below, the point where the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea meet. You can walk out onto a nearby rocky outcropping that marks Trinidad's easternmost point. On most days Tobago is clearly visible from here. A local legend (unprovable) tells that a group of indigenous people jumped off this point to their deaths rather than be captured by the Spanish. You'll pass several beautiful beaches on the drive from Toco to the lighthouse. The journey from Port of Spain takes about two hours; take Churchill Roosevelt Highway east to Valencia Road; follow the road east to Toco Main Road sign; take this road all the way to Toco; from the Toco intersection, follow the sign to Galera Point.

On Trinidad's rugged northeast coast, Grande Riviere is well worth the drive. Swimming is good, and there are several guesthouses nearby for refreshments, but the main attractions here are turtles. Every year up to 500 giant leatherback turtles a night come onto the beach to lay their eggs. If you're here at night, run your hand through the sand to make it glow—a phenomenon caused by bioluminescent plankton. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming; walking.

This narrow, picturesque strip on North Coast Road is named for the series of partially submerged and explorable caves that ring the beach. A food stand offers tasty snacks, and vendors hawk fresh fruit across the road. You can also buy fresh fish and lobster from the fishing depot near the beach. You have to park your car in the small parking lot and walk down a few steps to get to the beach, so be sure to take everything from the car (it will be out of sight once you are on the beach). There are basic changing and toilet facilities. It's less crowded here than at nearby Maracas Bay and seemingly serene, although, as at Maracas, the current can be treacherous. Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

Be sure to see the National Museum & Art Gallery, especially its Carnival exhibitions, the Amerindian collection and historical re-creations, and the fine 19th-century paintings of Trinidadian artist Michel-Jean Cazabon. Tours are free.

This impressive temple site was constructed by artisans brought in from India. It is well worth a visit to admire the intricate architectural details of the main temple, learn about Trinidad Hinduism, and marvel at the towering 85-foot statue of the monkey deity Hanuman. Krishna Ramsaran, the compound manager, is extremely helpful and proud to explain the history of the center and the significance of the various murtis (sacred statues). Kids are welcome, so this makes for a pleasant and educational family outing (kids seem especially interested in the giant elephant statues that guard the temple doors). This is a religious site, so appropriate clothing is required (no shorts), and shoes must be left outside the temple door. It's fine to take pictures of the statue and the temple exterior and grounds, but permission is required to take pictures inside, as it's an active place of worship. The temple is half an hour from Port of Spain; take Churchill Roosevelt Highway east to Uriah Butler south; turn off at the Freeport flyover (overpass); then turn right and follow the signs east to Waterloo; then follow signs to the temple.