Museum of Belize: Housed in the old prison, this museum has a number of rotating exhibitions like “Insects of Belize,” “Maya Jade,” and an incredible stamp collection that make it worth a visit.

Fort George Area: When you first arrive in Belize City, take a stroll through this breezy neighborhood with its ramshackle colonial homes and old wooden hotels. Start by walking North Front Street to the lighthouse and enjoy the sea breezes and views.

Old Belize and Cucumber Beach: Go for a meal and stay for the beach, boats, waterslide, and zip line. This entertainment center is a few miles down the Western Highway from Belize City and features a historical heritage tour and museum.

Altun Ha Ruins: Head north to this ancient Maya trading center, the most extensively excavated ruins in all of Belize.

The Community Baboon Sanctuary: The area is thick with black howler monkeys in the trees just outside this network of simple Creole villages. This community-managed ecotourism venture offers an adventurous menu of wildlife hikes and canoe trips.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary: Drive an hour north of Belize City to this habitat for hundreds of resident and migratory birds for a full day of bird-watching and a boat tour.