Many travelers that have wandered the narrow streets of St. George's say that it's almost like walking through an oil painting. The vivid, brightly painted houses exude an aura of colonialism. In fact, Grenada's capital city—located on Grenada Island's southwestern shore—has earned the unofficial title of the most beautiful harbor town in the Caribbean.

Devote an hour or two to exploring St. George's marina (known as the Carenage), where you'll find plenty of restaurants serving up local cuisine with a side of spectacular views. But there's much more to this city than its postcard-worthy appearance. St. George's serves as a great place to get a whirlwind introduction to Grenadian culture. Discover the islands' colonial history at Fort Frederick and Fort George and learn about local spices at Market Square.

Frommer's describes Grand Anse as "the granddaddy" of Grenada's 45 beaches, but that's an understatement. This two-mile stretch of creamy-white sand overlooks a sheltered, azure-hued bay where bright red and yellow fishing boats burst with color. Numerous hotels, restaurants, and shops act as a convenient backdrop to this postcard-perfect scene, making this a great home base for sun-seeking visitors.

Recent visitors love this beach, but they do warn that local vendors' aggressive sales pitches can put a damper on a relaxing day in the sun. To avoid any conflicts, just sternly say "No, thank you" (unless you actually want to make a purchase).

When it comes to souvenir shopping, you can't go wrong with a visit to Market Square. Located in the heart of St. George's, Market Square welcomes visitors and locals alike looking for handmade crafts, fresh produce, and, of course, spices. One TripAdvisor user calls the spice market the "best smelling market that I have ever been to!" However, some recent visitors warn that the vendors can be fairly aggressive.

You'll find Market Square at the foot of Young Street. Weekends—Saturdays specifically—are the best times to go, as the marketplace bustles more than usual.

Nature-lovers will fall in love with La Sagesse, a former plantation nestled along a private estuary. Just be sure to bring your binoculars: According to the Grenada Tourism Board, La Sagesse Nature Center has some of the best bird-watching on the island. This region houses unique species as the Caribbean coot, the green-back heron, and the northern Jacuna. If you're not an avian enthusiast, La Sagesse also boasts a beautiful beach and numerous hiking trails, not to mention a small hotel and a mouthwatering restaurant.

While you're hitting the trails, keep your eyes peeled for your fellow simians. "As part of our island tour, we stopped at the nature preserve," writes one TripAdvisor user. "Much to our surprise, a monkey literally climbed over my husband's shoulder."