Northern Mariana Islands is a travel destination in Micronesia. Its capital is Saipan. February and March are its two best months to visit, ranked on 1991–2020 climate averages.
Top places to visit in Northern Mariana Islands
Saipan Blue Hole (natural) — One of the Pacific's legendary dive sites — a 30 m vertical shaft in the reef opens to a cavern at 45 m and descends beyond 150 m; shimmering blue light, circling silvertip sharks, and dense schools of glass fish create an otherworldly underwater experience.
American Memorial Park (Saipan) (landmark) — National park commemorating the thousands of US and Japanese casualties of the 1944 Battle of Saipan — outdoor memorial court, WWII museum, pristine lagoon beach, mangrove boardwalk, and the moving Flag Circle monument.
Banzai Cliff and Suicide Cliff (landmark) — Two sobering WWII sites on Saipan's northern tip — in July 1944 thousands of Japanese civilians and soldiers jumped from these 80 m and 250 m sea cliffs rather than surrender; Japanese war memorials and panoramic views over the Philippine Sea.
Managaha Island (natural) — Pristine uninhabited islet 4 km offshore Saipan — surrounded by the clearest water in the Northern Marianas with perfect snorkelling, white-sand swimming beaches, WWII ship relics beneath the surface, and picturesque views back to Saipan.
Rota (Sopbwafu Cave) (natural) — Rota island's famous natural swimming hole in a limestone cavern — emerald water filtered through the island's coral limestone, accessible by boat and cave entrance swim; the surrounding nature reserve has endemic Rota white-eye birds and forested karst towers.
Tinian Island (Atomic Bomb Pits) (landmark) — Historic airfield where the Enola Gay and Bockscar took off to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki — the North Field loading pits are preserved as a National Historic Landmark; quiet, agricultural island with pristine beaches and taga stone latte sites.
House of Taga (Tinian) (landmark) — Impressive prehistoric latte stone site — two remaining stone pillars up to 5 m tall; the largest and most imposing ancient Chamorro latte stones in Micronesia, once part of a chieftain's house or ceremonial complex of the pre-European Chamorro civilisation.
Saipan Lagoon & Micro Beach (natural) — The island's finest white-sand beach on the protected western lagoon — warm, calm, crystal-clear turquoise water ideal for swimming and paddleboarding; the central gathering spot for Saipan's diverse community with memorable sunrise and sunset views.
Mount Tapochau (natural) — Saipan's highest point at 474 m — the summit cross is visible from across the island; hiking trails pass WWII caves, pillboxes, and tank wrecks through dense secondary jungle, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of all the major islands in the Northern Marianas chain.
Last Command Post (Saipan) (landmark) — Final WWII command post of Japanese General Saito — a dramatic cave site on a clifftop overlooking the Philippine Sea where the commanding officer committed ritual suicide rather than surrender; Japanese memorial garden and interpretive panels surround the site.