Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands

Saipan is the largest and most populous island in the Mariana Islands archipelago—a tropical paradise of 14 islands strung across the western Pacific. In addition to picture-postcard beaches and pristine waters, the island boasts a wealth of culture and history as well as outdoor activities that range from world-class diving to golf. Saipan has one of the most consistent temperatures in the world according to the Guinness World Records and its average year-round temperature of 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit) makes the island ideal for swimmers, snorkelers and beach lovers, who will want to explore the western coast of the island. The eastern shore is the place for strolls and hikes along the scenic rocky cliffs, and the interior sports lots of attractive limestone forests and Mount Tapochau, Saipan’s highest peak at 474 meters (1,554 feet). Garapan, the island’s main town, offers plenty of restaurants, bars and shopping centers and spring visitors might want to time their journey to coincide with the annual Flame Tree Festival, which brings together artists and dancers from all over Micronesia.