15 Best Things To Do In Barbados According To Locals
When you hear “Barbados,” what do you think of? If you imagine picturesque beaches dotted with swaying palm trees and waves crashing gently on a powdery shore, well, you’d be right!
Buuuuut, there’s so much more to Barbados than just the beach.
You can tour the historic city of Bridgetown, do some rum tasting in Harrison’s Cave, take in the breathtaking views atop Cherry Tree Hill at St. Nicholas Abbey, and even visit the famous green monkeys at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.
Anyway, let’s not waste a second more, let’s dive into all the best sights to see and activities to do in Barbados!
1) Stroll through the Historic city of Bridgetown
Let’s start with Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados.
The Garrison Historic Area in Bridgetown is a must-see. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s teeming with history and culture, thanks to its “outstanding example of British colonial architecture”, and it’s easily one of the most popular things to do on the island.
The town was built in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries and is still well-preserved today.
Also worth noting is that Garrison has 115 historical landmark buildings.
When you walk around and explore them you’ll quickly see why Bridgetown was the crown jewel of the British Empire in the Caribbean.
2) Go Beach Hopping
Of course, one of the best things to do in Barbados is visit its white sand beaches!
From Dover Beach to Miami Beach to Bathsheba Beach and more, you can visit a different beach every day on this tropical island.
Miami Beach
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach, Miami Beach on the south coast is the place to be. Kids can build sand castles while their parents relax on available beach chairs.
Pebbles Beach
You can also visit Pebbles Beach if you’re looking for white sand and calm waters. Pebbles Beach is located in Carlisle Bay – which we’ll talk more about in a minute – and it’s famous for its serene ambiance.
It’s also a great spot to witness hatching sea turtles, especially during the nesting season.
Dover Beach
Dover Beach is located on the island’s south coast and is popular for water sports such as jet-skiing, windsurfing, and boogie boarding. Operators can be found along the beach offering equipment rentals and lessons.
Bathsheba beach
Bathsheba Beach is an iconic east coast beach for surfing.
The Beach is renowned for its break called the “Soup Bowl,” where consistent, powerful waves make for great surfing.
In fact, the surf conditions are so good at Bathsheba Beach that international surf competitions are often held there.
Bathsheba Beach also offers visitors a chance to take a dip in some ancient therapeutic pools.
Local legend says that these tidal pools have therapeutic properties, thanks to the rich mineral content in the water.
Carlisles Bay Beach
When you just want to lie around and enjoy island life (I mean, you are on vacation after all) spend a day relaxing on Carlisle Bay beach.
This beach is one of the largest on the island and offers visitors powdery sand and crystal clear waters.
If you’re a beach bum my suggestion is to rent a sun bed and stay the whole day and only get up for a delicious meal from a nearby beach club or restaurant.
However, if you’re more of an adventure seeker Carlisle Bay has six shipwrecks you can snorkel or scuba dive on. The shipwrecks are home to various tropical fish, turtles, and other marine life, providing a wonderful underwater experience.
For what it’s worth, it’s also one of my brother Jay’s favorite places to go scuba diving in Barbados.
Unlike some of the other beaches mentioned above, there truly is something for everyone at Carlisle Bay – yes, even the kids will love it! That’s why it sits atop my list as one of the best things to do in Barbados.
3) Visit Harrison’s Cave
Another one of the most popular things to do in Barbados is visit Harrison’s Cave.
This is one of the island’s natural wonders, and, in my opinion, a must-visit during a Barbados vacation.
Harrison’s Cave features an extensive limestone formation that boasts stalactites, stalagmites, and a 1.5-mile stream system.
Oh, and just so you know, one of the best ways to explore Harrison’s Cave is with a tram tour. I highly recommend it.
By the way, if you’re looking for more than just a tour of Harrison’s Cave, you can enjoy the rest of Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park.
The park boasts a zip line, a challenge course, and even a rum distillery. The Mount Gay Distillery Rum Experience allows you to do some tum tasting and enjoy the natural beauty of Barbados all at the same time – there will be more on this a bit later on though!
If a little adventure and a little boozing are in your wheelhouse you won’t want to miss Harrison’s Cave when you visit Barbados!
4) See the George Washington House
Before his rise to political power, George Washington visited Barbados in 1751.
Here, the first US President spent two months in a house that’s now a popular tourist attraction among American and local visitors alike. It’s now known as the George Washington House.
For Americans, it’s interesting to see where George Washington stayed during his one and only visit outside of colonial America.
For everyone else, the house gives a glimpse into how life was in Barbados almost 250 years ago.
Today, visiting this historical house in Bridgetown remains among one of the most popular things to do in Barbados.
5) Walk along the Richard Haynes Boardwalk
Another of the most popular things to do in Barbados is to walk on the Richard Haynes Boardwalk. This Barbados boardwalk is located on the south coast of the island and connects Accra Beach with Camelot Beach.
The boardwalk was initially built to protect the shoreline and improve the area’s resilience against climate change. It has evolved into a beloved area of Barbados and a great place to spot wildlife. In fact, the boardwalk is an excellent place to spot a few turtles coming to shore to lay their eggs.
You can also enjoy beach bars, restaurants, and even yoga classes along the scenic boardwalk as well.
6) Check Out Fish Fry Fridays At Oistins Fish Market
Every Friday night is Fish Fry Fridays in Barbados! Locals and tourists alike flock to the fishing village of Oistin for Oistins Fish Fry. This fun and delicious event is held in the open-air Oistins Bay Garden marketplace, just a short walk away from the Oistins Fish Market.
At the fish fry, you can enjoy fresh seafood like red snapper and flying fish with other Barbados food like macaroni pie while grooving to music. There are also vendors selling jewelry, wood carvings, and original paintings.
As far as location goes, Oistins is in the southern region of Barbados and it’s about a 10-minute walk from Miami Beach and a four-minute drive from Dover Beach.
Locals and tourists alike will tell you the Oistins fish fry is a great way to spend Friday night on the island. That’s why it’s undoubtedly one of the best activities you can do in Barbados.
7) Visit the Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Perfect for visitors of all ages is the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.
At the reserve, you can walk through a lush green forest and spot wild animals. In fact, the Barbados Wildlife Reserve is home to the Barbados Green Monkeys, the area’s most popular residents.
Just keep in mind that the wild Green Monkeys come and go, so the best time to spot them is during feeding time.
Don’t worry if you miss the Green Monkey’s though, you’re more than likely going to see peacocks, ducks, geese, Bocket deer, rabbits, caiman, and more while you’re at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.
8) Cruise the Crystal Waters on a Catamaran
What’s a Caribbean vacation without a catamaran tour? Go on a luxurious catamaran cruise and enjoy beautiful views of Carlisle Bay on the west coast of Barbados.
While you’re taking the catamaran you can snorkel in the crystal waters of the bay. You’ll be able to see thriving marine life and breathtaking coral reefs if you do. You might even find yourself swimming with sea turtles.
Honestly, a catamaran cruise is a great way to enjoy the scenic west coast and the tranquil bay. Most catamaran cruises also offer a delicious island-inspired lunch with the best Bajan food.
9) Spend the Day at St. Nicholas Abbey
Another one of the most popular things to do in Barbados is to visit St. Nicholas Abbey. Don’t be mistaken, this is not a church! The famous 400-acre plantation features the St. Nicholas Abbey great house, one of just three Jacobean style mansions remaining in the Western hemisphere.
When you visit St. Nicholas Abbey, you can view the famous great house, have a rum experience tour at the St. Nicholas Abbey rum distillery, and enjoy lunch at the Terrace Cafe.
Cherry Tree Hill is also here, a picturesque hill that offers panoramic views of the island. Most people will tell you the view is not to be missed!
10) Learn history at Arlington House Museum
The Arlington House Museum is an interactive three-story museum housed in a restored eighteenth-century building. When you need a break from the beach, you can come and learn about the island’s history and heritage.
Kids will love the interactive features and audio-visual presentations the museum offers. The Arlington House Museum is an excellent place to learn about Barbados history.
11) Enjoy Barbados’ Nightlife at the St. Lawrence Gap
I’ve talked a lot about the best things to do in Barbados during the daytime, but I haven’t covered many nighttime activities. However, that’s about to change right now!
One of the best things to do in Barbados at night is to take in the nightlife at the St. Lawrence Gap. It is undoubtedly the entertainment and nightlife capital of Barbados.
Here, you’ll find the best nightclubs, bars, and restaurants…everything you need for a perfect night out.
By the way, if you’re coming from Dover Beach, St. Lawrence Gap is less than a five-minute walk away. The perfect way to wrap up your day!
12) Golf at Sandy Lane or Royal Westmoreland
Sandy Lane Resort
Sandy Lane is one of Barbados’s most luxurious resorts. It’s renowned not only for its upscale accommodations and impeccable service but also for its world-class golf facilities.
The resort offers 3 courses, The Country Club, The Old Nine, and the world-renowned Green Monkey.
-The Country Club
The Country Club was designed by the acclaimed architect Tom Fazio. The course offers a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf with immaculate fairways and greens, and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea on several holes.
-The Green Monkey
The Green Monkey is Another Tom Fazio creation. It’s a par 72, 7,343-yard golf course that’s carved into an old limestone quarry. The course will test even the best golfers with its dramatic elevation changes. It also has a signature hole that’s green is shaped like a monkey.
-The Old Nine
The Old Nine winds its way through the Sandy Lane Estate. The course features tighter tree-lined fairways and smaller greens, but it plays as an enjoyable round for golfers of all skill levels.
Royal Westmoreland
The luxurious Royal Westmoreland golf course was meticulously designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. It’s a par-72, 7,045-yard course and it offers an exquisite blend of challenging play and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea – every hole actually has a view of the sea.
The course provides a variety of tee locations so no matter what your skill level is you’ll be able to enjoy your round.
13) Take a Mount Gay Distillery Tour
Mount Gay Distillery was founded in 1703 and they’ve been producing and distilling rum ever since. Adults can enjoy historic distillery tours through the fully-operational rum distillery.
The Mount Gay Distillery has a number of tour packages available including Sweet and Savoury Pairing, which matches premium rum with gourmet chocolate. Another is the Distillery Experience which takes guests through the working estate of Mount Gay, the world’s oldest continuously running rum distillery.
14) Enjoy Animal Flower Cave
The Animal Flower Cave, is a unique experience that combines natural beauty with delicious food! Here, you can visit the accessible sea cave, considered one of the natural wonders of the Caribbean island.
Animal Flower Cave tours are available and the last cave chamber is a natural rock pool where guests can swim in pristine waters. When you’re done swimming, towel off and enjoy a delicious lunch in the family-run restaurant sitting above the cave. Both attractions feature stunning ocean views.
Visiting Barbados has something for everyone – from enjoying the Oistins fish fry to cruising Carlisle Bay to relaxing on Miami Beach, you’ll always have things to do in Barbados.
15) Visit The Sunbury Plantation House
If you love guided tours and/or visiting historic residences then the Sunbury Plantation House is a must-visit in Barbados. It’s located in St. Philip, and the house offers a glimpse into the island’s rich colonial past.
The house itself is beautifully maintained, and the interior of it is adorned with authentic antique furniture, some of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The house also has a vast collection of china, glassware, and household items from the plantation era as well.
I like to keep activities like this when I travel in my back pocket just in case it rains and being outside isn’t as desirable. So, if the rains got you down, the Sunbury Plantation House might turn that around for ya.
Final Thoughts On The Best Activities To Do In Barbados
Well, there you have it, those are the 15 best activities to do in Barbados. If you’ve checked off everything on this list and are still looking for more, then congratulations, you might just be more Barbadian than the flying fish and rum punch combined!
But seriously, whether you’re sunbathing like a pro, scuba diving like Jacques Cousteau, or dancing like nobody’s watching (even though they definitely are), remember: The real magic of Barbados isn’t just in the places you visit but in the memories you make.
So grab your sunglasses, slap on that sunscreen, and make every moment count. And if you happen to find the 16th best thing to do, don’t forget to drop a comment below.
Until then, keep riding those Caribbean waves and may your rum glass never run empty!
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“How boring would the world be if everywhere and everyone were the same. Safe travels and good adventures.” Scuba Jay
