wheretogo
Northern Mariana Islands

Northern Mariana Islands Highlights

The Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth in the Pacific Ocean, are known for their stunning beaches, fascinating history, and diverse culture. Saipan, the largest island, offers a mix of beautiful beaches such as Micro Beach, historical sites like the Last Command Post from WWII, and outdoor activities such as hiking up the verdant Mount Tapochau. The Grotto, a limestone cave offering excellent diving and snorkeling, is a must-visit. Tinian Island is notable for its historical significance during World War II. The local cuisine is a fusion of Chamorro, Asian, and Western influences with dishes like kelaguen and apigigi. With its blend of cultures, historical landmarks, and natural beauty, the Northern Mariana Islands offer an idyllic Pacific getaway.

Top 10 Attractions

American Memorial Park

This park in Saipan is dedicated to honoring the American and Marianas people who lost their lives during the Mariana Islands Campaign of World War II. The park houses the Court of Honor, a circular monument with marble panels inscribed with the name... more

This park in Saipan is dedicated to honoring the American and Marianas people who lost their lives during the Mariana Islands Campaign of World War II. The park houses the Court of Honor, a circular monument with marble panels inscribed with the names of the fallen, and a museum detailing the historic battle and its significance.

Banzai Cliff

Banzai Cliff in Saipan is a historic and deeply somber site. This is where thousands of Japanese soldiers and civilians jumped to their deaths during World War II to avoid capture by U.S. forces. Today, a peace monument and several memorials stand on... more

Banzai Cliff in Saipan is a historic and deeply somber site. This is where thousands of Japanese soldiers and civilians jumped to their deaths during World War II to avoid capture by U.S. forces. Today, a peace monument and several memorials stand on the cliff, overlooking the beautiful yet haunting shoreline.

Bird Island

Located in Saipan, Bird Island is a wildlife sanctuary primarily for birds. This picturesque location offers stunning views of a turquoise lagoon and the verdant sanctuary. The nearby Bird Island Lookout is the perfect spot for bird watching and phot... more

Located in Saipan, Bird Island is a wildlife sanctuary primarily for birds. This picturesque location offers stunning views of a turquoise lagoon and the verdant sanctuary. The nearby Bird Island Lookout is the perfect spot for bird watching and photography.

Forbidden Island

Forbidden Island is a secluded and stunning area located on the eastern shore of Saipan. It offers stunning views, great snorkeling, and a beautiful but challenging hiking trail leading down to the shoreline. Its isolation contributes to its untouche... more

Forbidden Island is a secluded and stunning area located on the eastern shore of Saipan. It offers stunning views, great snorkeling, and a beautiful but challenging hiking trail leading down to the shoreline. Its isolation contributes to its untouched beauty but also makes it a place for experienced hikers and swimmers only.

Grotto

Saipan`s Grotto is a large limestone cavern filled with seawater, providing one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world. It features stunning underwater caves and tunnels, and a diverse marine life including turtles and reef sharks. Note... more

Saipan`s Grotto is a large limestone cavern filled with seawater, providing one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world. It features stunning underwater caves and tunnels, and a diverse marine life including turtles and reef sharks. Note that the Grotto can be challenging and is best suited for experienced divers.

Himawari

This popular Japanese restaurant in Saipan serves a variety of sushi, ramen, and other Japanese dishes. It`s a great place to enjoy delicious food with a lovely view of the sea. more

This popular Japanese restaurant in Saipan serves a variety of sushi, ramen, and other Japanese dishes. It`s a great place to enjoy delicious food with a lovely view of the sea.

Japanese Jail

This historic site in Garapan, Saipan, is the remains of a jail used by Japanese forces during their control of the island prior to World War II. It`s a sobering place to visit and a reminder of the region`s tumultuous history. more

This historic site in Garapan, Saipan, is the remains of a jail used by Japanese forces during their control of the island prior to World War II. It`s a sobering place to visit and a reminder of the region`s tumultuous history.

Lake Susupe

Lake Susupe is a major wetland area in Saipan, providing a habitat for various species of birds. It is an excellent spot for bird watching and enjoying the serene environment. more

Lake Susupe is a major wetland area in Saipan, providing a habitat for various species of birds. It is an excellent spot for bird watching and enjoying the serene environment.

Lao Lao Bay Golf Resort

This top-rated golf resort offers stunning views of Saipan`s east coast. The 36-hole course is set in a beautiful environment with the mountains on one side and the vast Pacific Ocean on the other. more

This top-rated golf resort offers stunning views of Saipan`s east coast. The 36-hole course is set in a beautiful environment with the mountains on one side and the vast Pacific Ocean on the other.

Last Command Post

This historical site in Saipan holds the remains of the command post of Lieutenant General Yoshitsugu Saito, the commander of Japanese forces during the Battle of Saipan. It offers a look into the island`s World War II history. more

This historical site in Saipan holds the remains of the command post of Lieutenant General Yoshitsugu Saito, the commander of Japanese forces during the Battle of Saipan. It offers a look into the island`s World War II history.

Managaha Island

Managaha Island is a small islet off the west coast of Saipan. This tropical paradise is famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and fantastic snorkeling opportunities. It is accessible by a short boat ride from Saipan. A day on Man... more

Managaha Island is a small islet off the west coast of Saipan. This tropical paradise is famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and fantastic snorkeling opportunities. It is accessible by a short boat ride from Saipan. A day on Managaha Island offers a unique opportunity to relax, sunbathe, or engage in a variety of water sports.

Mount Tapochau

The highest point in the Northern Mariana Islands, Mount Tapochau offers panoramic views of Saipan. A statue of Christ and a memorial for those who died in World War II stand at the top. Hiking trails offer visitors a chance to experience the island`... more

The highest point in the Northern Mariana Islands, Mount Tapochau offers panoramic views of Saipan. A statue of Christ and a memorial for those who died in World War II stand at the top. Hiking trails offer visitors a chance to experience the island`s beautiful natural landscape.

Naftan Point

This point on the southern tip of Saipan offers stunning views of the ocean and the rugged coastline. It`s also the starting point for a challenging hike down to Dragon`s Teeth, a unique rock formation on the shore. more

This point on the southern tip of Saipan offers stunning views of the ocean and the rugged coastline. It`s also the starting point for a challenging hike down to Dragon`s Teeth, a unique rock formation on the shore.

Northern Marianas Museum of History and Culture

Located in Saipan, this museum exhibits historical artifacts from the various cultures and eras of the Mariana Islands, from ancient Chamorro pottery to Spanish colonial artifacts and Japanese and American World War II relics. It`s an essential visit... more

Located in Saipan, this museum exhibits historical artifacts from the various cultures and eras of the Mariana Islands, from ancient Chamorro pottery to Spanish colonial artifacts and Japanese and American World War II relics. It`s an essential visit for history enthusiasts.

Obyan Beach

Obyan Beach is a quiet white sand beach with a beautiful view of the coral reef. It`s a great spot for snorkeling, swimming, or simply enjoying a relaxing day in the sun. The beach is also close to the remains of a World War II tank. more

Obyan Beach is a quiet white sand beach with a beautiful view of the coral reef. It`s a great spot for snorkeling, swimming, or simply enjoying a relaxing day in the sun. The beach is also close to the remains of a World War II tank.

Puntan Sabaneta

A small, picturesque islet off the coast of Tinian. Puntan Sabaneta is a great location for bird watching and is home to several bird species. It`s an idyllic spot for nature lovers. more

A small, picturesque islet off the coast of Tinian. Puntan Sabaneta is a great location for bird watching and is home to several bird species. It`s an idyllic spot for nature lovers.

Saipan Botanical Garden

This is a wonderful place to explore the flora of the Northern Mariana Islands. The garden is divided into sections including a tropical rainforest, a fruit orchard, and an ornamental garden. more

This is a wonderful place to explore the flora of the Northern Mariana Islands. The garden is divided into sections including a tropical rainforest, a fruit orchard, and an ornamental garden.

Suicide Cliff

Another poignant World War II site in Saipan, Suicide Cliff is where thousands of Japanese civilians, convinced by propaganda that they would be harmed by American forces, chose to leap to their deaths. A peace memorial now stands at the site, provid... more

Another poignant World War II site in Saipan, Suicide Cliff is where thousands of Japanese civilians, convinced by propaganda that they would be harmed by American forces, chose to leap to their deaths. A peace memorial now stands at the site, providing a somber reminder of the tragic event.

Tachogna Beach

Located on Tinian, this beautiful white sand beach offers calm waters for swimming and snorkeling. Beachside pavilions are available for picnics and barbecues, making it a great place for a family outing. more

Located on Tinian, this beautiful white sand beach offers calm waters for swimming and snorkeling. Beachside pavilions are available for picnics and barbecues, making it a great place for a family outing.

The Blue Grotto

Similar to Saipan`s Grotto, the Blue Grotto on Tinian is a unique swimming and diving location with vibrant marine life. It is particularly famous for its mesmerizing deep blue waters. more

Similar to Saipan`s Grotto, the Blue Grotto on Tinian is a unique swimming and diving location with vibrant marine life. It is particularly famous for its mesmerizing deep blue waters.

More