Located only 50 miles from the Florida coast, the Bahama Islands are a popular destination for American vacationers. A chain of 700 islands, the Bahamas include only 22 that are inhabited. Casinos, luxury hotels, and villas are prevalent on New Providence Island, with its capital city of Nassau and nearby Paradise Island, and on Grand Bahama Island, home of Freeport, a newer resort complex. Those desiring a quieter getaway favor the Out Islands of Abaco, Eleuthera, and Exuma. Once a British colony, the Bahamas retain much of their British heritage.
The islands offer numerous golf courses and tennis courts. And those wanting to spend time in or on the water can enjoy such watersports as parasailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and deep-sea fishing.