^^^adding to above: United has direct flights on Saturdays (I think? Maybe another day, too)—this is by far the best option. It’s a 3.5 hour flight and really does allow you to maximize your time there.

We’ve vacationed in GC for almost 25 years. Here are my recommendations:

Rent a car. If you plan not to leave the Kimpton, it’s not necessary, but if you plan to eat out or anything else, a car is very helpful.

Stay 5-7 days. I love GC, but after 7 days, I’m ready to go home; the food is mediocre, and everything is incredibly expensive.

Related: I disagree with others about losing two days to travel; from DC, at least, you generally get there mid-day, which gives you part of the first day on the beach, and you don’t leave until early afternoon, which means (assuming your hotel allows it; we stay in a condo that is pretty flexible) that you can spend the morning on the beach, as well.

Go for the beautiful beach and water, but don’t expect anything particularly exciting beyond that (unless you’re a snorkler or SCUBA diver—those are both exceptional experiences on GC). It’s a place to relax; activities and food are underwhelming.

Have fun! It’s one of my favorite places to go, but I think knowing what it is and isn’t is helpful for managing expectations.

Anonymous wrote:OP here thanks all! Do most people do a rental car?

I did not need one staying in the 7mile beach area. Traffic from the airport can be 30+min, but taxis are plentiful.

Not much to do other than the turtle sanctuary, stingray city and diving. If you plan on diving, I recommend 7 days. If you're not diving, 5 is fine.

5 nights is what we did. we did not rent a car but you are a little further at the end of 7 mile-we walked to other resorts and restaurants etc. taxis are also readily available for dinners and town and camana bay and they will call from hotel for you. we also spent every other day on a boat so that broke things up. such a nice place.

OP here thanks all! Do most people do a rental car?

6 days (5 nights) is the magic number for us with our teen.

Do you have nonstop flights? If so, I'd do 5 nights. We did 7 one year and it was too much - also stayed at the Kimpton which we loved but it was too many days in the sun.

Anonymous wrote:Are you staying on the East or West side? Seven Mile Beach in GC is a very busy with an American feel. Not much "Caribbean" vibe. Just FYI. The upside is that it is very safe due to the cost/clientele. The East side is more secluded and peaceful. Both sides are beautiful!

We are staying at the Kimpton Seafire on Seven Mile Beach.

I would say 7 days is good. You pretty much lose two whole days to travel. That gives you a day to get your bearings, a resort beach day, and a couple of days for excursions, and a town day. Five isn't enough, given that it is really just 3.

Are you staying on the East or West side? Seven Mile Beach in GC is a very busy with an American feel. Not much "Caribbean" vibe. Just FYI. The upside is that it is very safe due to the cost/clientele. The East side is more secluded and peaceful. Both sides are beautiful!

We did 6 and it was plenty. Not a ton going on unless you spend extra on a bunch of tours/boat trips, etc. It all depends on what kind of trip your kids like.

7 is great! Haven’t done less. Could do more!

9 days. 7 is too short because you effectively lose 2 days to travel.

2 adults, 2 teens. Staying at a beachfront hotel over spring break.

Is 7 days too many? Is 5 enough? What's a good length?