While most people visiting Curacao spend their time on the gorgeous beaches or exploring some of the world's best coral reefs, there are also a number of fascinating destinations within the island's interior. If you are looking for adventure on land in Curacao, there is no better place to start than one of the national parks. Christoffelpark, Curacao's largest and most ecologically-diverse nature preserve - Shete Boka, a site dedicated to sea turtles and the beautiful northern coastline - and Den Dunki, a historic site ideal for relaxation - each provide adventurous travelers numerous opportunities for sightseeing and outdoor recreation. If you want to experience the best of both worlds in Curacao, make some time in your beach routine for a tour of the island's national parks.

Curacao's most well known park - Christoffelpark - features a vast expanse of trails that traverse up and around Mt. Christoffel. The easiest hikes can be enjoyed by families with small children, while adventurous travelers can devote the morning hours to an ascent of Mt. Christoffel. Regardless of which path you choose, there will be plenty of unique plants, birds and creature to identify. In fact, there are several species residing amongst the eight trails of Christoffelpark that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, including the Curacao White Tailed Deer and the Palabrua, a reclusive native owl. Even if you don't feel up to hiking, the park can still be enjoyed by automobile, as a few scenic routes visit many of the park's most striking sites.

Christoffelpark also has its share of historic sites, including one of the Curacao's first plantations and well-preserved ruins of colonial buildings. While the Savonet plantation didn't leave any structures behind, the wells and dams of this early colonial settlement are still visible throughout the park. The Zorgvlied plantation - perched on the side of Mt. Christoffel - features a number of interesting ruins, including the foundation of the original house and slave's quarters.

Curacao's most newly minted national park - Shete Boka - is located along the island's rocky northern coast. The park begins at the picturesque inlet known as Boka Tabla. As you descend the rocks towards the Caribbean waves, you will find a series of steps carved into the cliffs that lead into a remarkable cavern. At the mouth of the precarious inlet, you can dangle your feet over the sea and watch the waves crash against the rocks. Above the cavern, you will find an incredible vista of Curacao's windswept coast. A well-maintained dirt road leads from Boka Tabla to a series of six smaller caverns, two of which have dedicated hiking trails. In addition to being great places to enjoy a view of the Caribbean Sea, all of the inlets within Shete Boka are protected sea turtle breeding grounds.

The Boka Pistol Trail in Shete Boka offers visitors a chance to see one of the sea turtles' hidden breeding grounds up close. In addition to the placid coves frequented by sea turtles, hikers will find plenty of spots worth photographing along the hour-long trek. As the trail follows a stretch of windswept shoreline, visitors can expect plenty of crashing waves and remarkable views from atop the limestone cliffs.

The Boka Wandomi Trail carves a calmer path, but the views are no less spectacular. Set amongst the same limestone cliffs as the Boka Pistol Trail, the Boka Wandomi Trail is known for its rolling, black lava hills and natural stone bridge resting above the Caribbean Sea. This trail leads back to the Boka Tabla trailhead and can be comfortably hiked in about one hour.

Den Dunki National Park provides an elegant location to enjoy Curacao's climate while immersing visitors in many lesser-known stories of Caribbean history. During the colonial period, the park was used by the Dutch as a camp for African slaves. After the slaves were emancipated, the land was used for nobler purposes. After being purchased by a wealthy family in the 19th century, the picturesque property was used as a swan park and outfitted with numerous ornamental fountains, wells and gates. Today, many of the swan park's architectural embellishments remain alongside markers dedicated to the island's multifaceted past, while the trails that weave through the Den Dunki offer an opportunity for a peaceful afternoon escape.

As one of the most exciting cities in the Caribbean, Willemstad - Curacao's charming colonial capital - allows visitors to experience everything from historic architecture and museums to world-class dining and shopping. Willemstad is divided by a central canal into two districts, Punda and Otrabanda. Generally speaking, Punda is of greater interest to travelers as the most interesting historic sites and shopping areas rest on this side of the capital. For instance, if you want to see the pastel-colored colonial homes that Curacao is famous for, the Punda section is certainly the best place to spend your time. On the other hand, Otrabanda - meaning "other side" - is known as the contemporary half of the city and home to some exciting new developments. Regardless of where you spend your time in Willemstad, you will find plenty of sites and activities capable of exciting any traveler.

One of the best ways to explore Curacao's capital is by trolley. Each day these open-sided cars embark on a 75-minute tour of the city, passing by all of the most fascinating historical sites. Groups meet at Fort Amsterdam within sight of the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, one of the island's most significant technological advancements. After touring the Willemstad by trolley car, tourists can walk across this pedestrian bridge that connects the Punda and Otrabanda sections of the city. As the walkway rests atop the city's busiest canal, the bridge was equipped with a diesel engine and designed to swing open several times a day, allowing cruise ships and commercial fleets to enter the bustling harbor.

As Willemstad is a city rooted in rich colonial history and cultural traditions, local museums offer some of the island's most captivating sites. One of the most interesting collections can be found at the Museum Kura Hulanda, one of the largest museums in the Caribbean. Showcasing the life's work of Dr. Jacob Gelt Dekker, the restored colonial warehouses of Kura Hulanda are full of African artifacts and oddities. As African culture has played an important role in the postcolonial development of the Caribbean, several exhibits are devoted to this historical relationship. The most impressive example of this history is a full-scale reproduction of a colonial slave ship, modeled directly after a vessel that sailed from Ivory Coast to the Caribbean and the Americas. Located in Otrabanda, this fascinating museum is open everyday from 10 am to 5 pm and offers a unique, informative experience for the whole family.

Another good site to learn about the history of Curacao and the Caribbean is the Maritime Museum. Located in the picturesque neighborhood of Scharloo, the Maritime Museum details the history of the island from the arrival of the first inhabitants around 600 B.C. to the present. With the assistance of 40 permanent exhibits, visitors are able to chronologically trace the economic and cultural development of Curacao. Alongside the antiques, artifacts and historical maps, guests can also view a number of video presentations featuring oral histories offered by some of the island's most colorful personalities.

Near the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, you can find the charming Curacao Museum. Housed in a 19th century military hospital that was painstakingly restored in the mid-20th century, this small museum is now home to historic paintings, sculptures and furniture crafted over several hundred years by local and Dutch artisans. The outdoor pavilion is also a popular destination as many performances featuring local and traveling musicians take place throughout the year.

This bustling neighborhood near Fort Amsterdam and the pontoon bridge also marks the entrance to the city's best shopping district. As you walk through the Punda district and approach the harbor, you will uncover one of the most exciting stretches of shopping at the Waterfront Aches. This special ¼-mile strip is hard to miss as it is marked by historic 30 foot-tall stone arches and cobblestone walkways. Beneath the arches, you will find numerous specialty boutiques and restaurants, with options for every taste and budget. This waterfront district also offers great evening activities, as many businesses remain open late and the narrow streets are elegantly illuminated each night.