Of the best things to do on Antigua, the island is most renowned for its “365 beaches, one for every day of the year.” It’s a long-standing motto that keeps tourists coming to the shores of this dual-island country (along with neighboring Barbuda). Antigua is the bigger of the two, covering 108 square miles and more beaches than you’ll likely be able to squeeze into one visit, from the easternmost secluded white sands of Halfmoon Bay, to Galley Bay Beach, known for its surf-friendly waves and sea turtle hatchlings.
But beyond its gleaming shoreline, Antigua is rich in dense, fertile valleys that it ideal for make zip lining, hiking, and spotting the island’s celebrated fruit, the Antigua Black pineapple—known as one of the rarest varieties of the fruit in the world. It’d be a mistake to leave the island without tasting it, whether in jelly or hot sauce form, or simply as a sweet, juicy slice.
While exploring the island, you’ll also witness the cultural traditions of Antiguan people, including the remarkable seedwork of artisans who carry on this tradition from formerly enslaved African women: Made primarily of tamarind seeds, seedwork pieces of art include jewelry and home decor, all of which can be purchased at a restored English harbor called Nelson's Dockyard. And every summer, the streets of Antigua come alive with annual Carnival bacchanalia—where “jumping up,” waving flags, and drinking rum go hand-in-hand. Read on for more ways to enjoy this eastern Caribbean island.
Nelson's Dockyard is a restored English harbor where visitors can buy seedwork and explore the island's waterfront national park. EMPPhotography/Getty Images
Things to do on Antigua
Nelson's Dockyard National Park stretches across the island’s southern coastline and encompasses more than 12 miles of hiking trails and archaeological sites. The popular waterfront area is a former British maritime hub, and Nelson's Dockyard is the ideal starting point for experiencing the grounds' many historical tours and dining options. The 8th of March Project at the dockyard details the history of enslaved and free Africans who worked as forced laborers here for centuries. Don’t miss the Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre, also part of the National Parks of Antigua, overlooking the English Harbour; site includes an on-site museum where you can watch a 15-minute multimedia presentation of the island’s history and people, from its first Indigenous people to present day. There’s also a weekly archaeological tour called Rum in the Ruins that educates visitors on the history of sugar and rum making—with a cocktail included, of course.
Hikers can make their way up to the dockyard’s lookout, Shirley Heights—but be prepared for a challenging climb and wear comfortable shoes. Situated 492 feet above sea level, the restored military observation point offers views as far as the neighboring islands of Guadeloupe and Montserrat. Taxis are also available to take passengers to the top—which is a good idea on Sundays, when a lively BBQ set to the sounds of live music like calypso occurs.
Speaking of parties, Antigua’s Friday fish fry is another weekly event where both residents and visitors commune, over music and a bounty from the sea—typically fried conch and grilled lobster—at the historic Copper and Lumber Store Hotel on the English Harbour.
Devil's Bridge is a natural bridge that can be see on the way to Betty's Hope. Sarah_Cheriton/Getty Images
For a bit of adventure, head to Devil’s Bridge on the eastern end of the island, where a natural arch of limestone has been formed by crashing waves. Also surrounded by powerful blowholes (avoid walking along the slippery rock), it's worth a quick stop to view the geological wonder on the way to nearby Betty’s Hope: First built in 1650, the former sugar plantation educates visitors on the sugar-refining process and enslaved Africans' daily life here.
If you’re making your way from Betty’s Hope to the west coast of the island, be sure to stop at Colesome Farmers Market, where Deire Cole and his family have grown five bountiful acres of produce, fruits, and spices that includes cassava, soursop, passionfruit, bok choy, and much more. A small store on site sells many of these items alongside a number of pickled, spiced, and naturally-sweetened syrups, jams, and hot sauces that make good souvenirs.
For a bit of shopping, Redcliffe Quay is a collection of stores and restaurants that overlook the harbor of St. John’s, one of the oldest parts of Antigua. Enjoy a glass of wine at C & C Wine House, which focuses on South African producers, and shop at Rasta Pasta, an Afro-Caribbean crafts store selling jewelry and handmade bags.
Then there’s Antigua’s famed beaches: shrouded in palms and dotted with coves where white stretches of sand meet glowing blue waters. To really see the shoreline come alive, visit in late April and early May during Antigua Sailing Week—one of the world’s biggest racing regattas.
Where to eat in Antigua
Traditional Antiguan foods include the national dish, fungee (pronounced "foon-jee"), which is made of cornmeal and okra (similar to Italian polenta), and pepperpot, a thick stew made of meat, yams, cassava, and other spices. Saltfish and “chop up,” a mash of boiled vegetables like callaloo and okra, is often served for breakfast alongside “bun and cheese,” a raisin bread that’s sliced open and buttered with soft cheese.
At Half Moon Bay, one of the island’s most popular beaches, grab a table at Smiling Harry’s for laid-back vibes and Antiguan foods like curry goat and ducana—a sweet potato dumpling that's similar in appearance to a tamale.
For a bit of the French Riviera in the heart of the Caribbean, Catherine’s Cafe in Pigeon Point offers oceanside dining in an open-air space that includes reservable cabana beds. On Sundays, bubbly and cocktails flow for the popular brunch, and small bites include beetroot falafel, blistered plantain, and escargots in garlic butter.
Pigeon Point Beach offers oceanside dining at Catherine's Cafe. yujie chen/Getty Imagees
At Sheer Rocks, dine cliffside above the ultramarine waters of Fryes Beach with a tapas-style lunch and a tasting menu that offers bites of crispy fried octopus, roasted artichokes, and smoked beef brisket. Wherever you choose to eat, be sure to try the local hot sauce, a condiment the island takes so seriously that there’s an annual hot sauce competition here.
How to get around Antigua
Taxis are available from most hotels and around the island, and offer a fixed price for trips (rather than meters). Many taxi drivers also offer guiding services around the island. Due to the length of driving time from one end of the island to the other (often a little over an hour), renting a car upon arrival at V.C. Bird International Airport is a more budget-friendly option. For day trips to neighboring Barbuda, ferries Summer Breeze and Barbuda Express are a 90-minute ride.
