Freeport

Freeport, once an attractive, planned city of modern shopping centers, resorts, and other convenient tourist facilities, took a bad hit from the 2004 and 2005 hurricanes; its main resort and casino have not reopened. An Irish firm has purchased International Bazaar—currently a ghost town with a few crafts vendors, shops, and clubs—and has plans to revive the area once the American economy improves. In the meantime, Freeport's native restaurants, Rand Nature Centre, and beaches make it worth the visit. It's close to Lucaya (a 15-minute drive), and the airport and harbor are just a few minutes from downtown.