Guanica's appeal is split between the dry forest and the coast. The Guanica State Forest covers the headlands east and south of town with trails through one of the world's best-preserved tropical dry forests. Down at the water, a string of small beaches and offshore cays make for swimming, snorkelling, and lazy afternoons. The town itself is small but carries the weight of two historical events: the founding of the Spanish settlement in the 16th century and the US landing of 1898.