If you're in need of a rainy day activity, or are just interested in learning more about the history and culture of the islands, plan a stop at the Turks & Caicos National Museum. The museum's exhibits range from showcasing the island's natural history to chronicling the lives of its former slaves to displaying information about local shipwrecks. It's located in a historic (though some say run-down) building in Cockburn Town on Grand Turk.

Recent travelers find the museum worthwhile despite its small size. There's much to see and do spread out on the museum's two floors, in addition to a museum shop and library. If you're crunched for time, visit the museum to learn more about the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest European shipwreck to be excavated in the Western Hemisphere, or about the sinking of the slave ship Trouvadore, the only known wreck of a ship involved in the illegal slave trade.

The Turks & Caicos National Museum is open Monday through Thursday plus all days that cruise ships are in port at Grand Turk. General admission is $5, although there are discounts for cruise ship visitors and guests of specific hotels. Hours of operation vary depending on the day and whether or not there's a cruise ship docked. Visit the website for more information.