Start your first day at the Queen's Staircase, with 66 steep stairs that lead up to Bennet's Hill, the highest vantage point on the island and home to late-18th-century Fort Fincastle. From here, it's a short walk down to the Straw Market, where you can pick up a locally produced straw hat or basket.

Next, grab some beach time at Cable Beach, a powdery stretch of sand not far from the town center. Here you’ll find plenty of beachfront bars and restaurants where you can grab lunch, as well as the popular Baha Mar Casino. Many of the area’s hotels offer day passes to visitors, which allow access to facilities such as lounge chairs and showers.

While you may want to stick around Cable Beach for sunset, you might choose to head out on a sunset cruise around New Providence Island; many sunset cruises include dinner and drinks. Alternatively, grab dinner on Bay Street in the city center, home to numerous lively bars and restaurants.

Devote your second day to nearby Paradise Island; you can catch a boat to the island from Nassau's waterfront or join a half- or full-day tour to the island. Spend your morning wandering around the resort Atlantis, checking out its huge aquariums, before grabbing lunch at one of the many on-site restaurants.

In the afternoon, make your way to the resort's Aquaventure water park—just make sure to reserve ahead in case it sells out. This sprawling park has wave pools that range from calm and family-friendly to exhilaratingly powerful, plus nine water slides, one of which passes through a (sealed-off) shark enclosure.

Stick around Atlantis in the evening for dinner, followed by a stop at the huge on-site casino. If you've got kids with you, visit the arcade, which has games suitable for younger guests. Don't leave before revisiting the aquarium at night; evening illuminations make for an enchanting experience. Sail back to Nassau and top off your stay with drinks along Bay Street overlooking the harbor.