21 Best Sights in Barbados

The galleries of this museum, established in 1930 and located in Barbados's UNESCO World Heritage Site, are housed in a 19th-century military prison building. More than 5,000 artifacts—dating from prehistoric times through the 21st century—tell the story of the people of Barbados, revealing the island's rich history, culture, and heritage. The on-site Shilstone Memorial Library is home to rare West Indian materials, archival documents, photographs, hard-to-find books, and maps dating from the 17th century.

Popular for fashion and travel-industry photo shoots, Bottom Bay is the quintessential Caribbean beach. Secluded, surrounded by a coral cliff, studded with a stand of palms, and blessed with an endless ocean view, this dreamy enclave is near the southeasternmost point of the island. The Atlantic Ocean waves can be too strong for swimming, but it's a picture-perfect place for a picnic lunch on the shore. Park at the top of the cliff and follow the steps down to the beach. Note: because of the seclusion, it's not advisable for women to go to this beach alone; going with a group is much safer. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.

This lush 53-acre tropical forest is ideal for nature walks, hiking, and forest bathing, or if you need a break from the beach. The view over the island's East Coast is simply breathtaking. Hiking trails are approximately 1½ miles long and take about 2 hours to complete.

Hire a guide to share details on the hundreds of tree, plant, and herb species, as well as the history of agriculture in Barbados and the project's mission to regenerate the soils.

Check their Facebook page for the latest tour details.

This exquisite crescent of pink sand on the Southeast Coast was named not for the elegant long-legged wading bird but for the crane used to haul and load cargo when this area served as a busy port. Crane Beach usually has a steady breeze and lightly rolling surf that varies in color from aqua to turquoise to lapis. It's great for bodysurfing and there are lifeguards. Access to the beach is either down 98 steps or via a cliffside glass-walled elevator on The Crane resort property. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

Unlike other West Coast beaches, Heywoods is quiet and unspoiled. The long stretch of crisp white sand is wide and never busy, and the water is calm and ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The entrance to the sea is a gentle slope making it ideal for kids, but some areas can be rocky. There are no amenities here for snacks so take a picnic. Amenities: none. Best for: sunset; swimming; snorkeling; walking.

Horticulturist Anthony Hunte spent two years converting an overgrown sinkhole (caused by the collapse of a limestone cave) into an extraordinary garden environment. Trails lead up, down, and around 10 acres of dense foliage—everything from pots of flowering plants and great swaths of thick ground cover to robust vines, exotic tropical flowers, and majestic 100-year-old cabbage palms that reach for the sun. Benches and chairs, strategically placed among the greenery, afford perfect (and fairly private) vantage points, while classical music plays overhead. Hunte lives on the property and welcomes visitors to his verandah for a glass of juice or rum punch. Just ask and he'll be happy to tell you the fascinating story of how the gardens evolved.

Meandering pathways thread through gardens filled with more than 30,000 colorful orchids and other tropical plants. You'll see Vandaceous orchids attached to fences or wire frames, Schomburgkia and Oncidiums stuck on mahogany trees, Aranda and Spathoglottis orchids growing in a grotto, and Ascocendas suspended from netting in shady enclosures, as well as seasonal orchids, scented orchids, and multicolor Vanda orchids. Benches are well placed to rest, admire the flowers, or take in the expansive view of the surrounding cane fields and distant hills of Sweet Vale. Snacks, cold beverages, and other refreshments are served in the café.

Learn about the early days of Barbados, particularly Speightstown, at this interactive museum in the center of town. Virtual exhibits let you "talk" with local personalities, businesspeople, vendors, and historical figures. Other focal points are the room-size map of Barbados from 1747, the story of sugar and slavery, and a re-created wharf on the top floor—including virtual turtles swimming underneath and a pirate's running monologue. Adults and kids alike will learn a lot—and have fun doing it. Be sure to ask about their special group packages that come with a discount. All visits include a juice or rum punch.

Horse racing is a big part of Bajan culture, and "going to the races" is an event for everyone. The races are administered by the Barbados Turf Club. Races take place on alternate Saturdays throughout the year at the Garrison Savannah, a 6-furlong grass oval in Christ Church, about 3 miles (5 km) south of Bridgetown. There is also occasional night racing. Important events include the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup, held in late February or early March, and the Boxing Day Races on December 26. You can watch for free on the grounds or pay for tickets, which vary in price according to where you sit—in the Chandler stand, the grandstand, or the VIP grandstand (grabbing a seat up close on the grounds/field with a picnic is also an option). Regardless of where you sit, you can't help but get caught up in the energy and excitement of the events.

Just north of downtown Bridgetown and within walking distance of the cruise ship terminal, the sea at this southernmost pair of the West Coast beaches is as calm as a lake. This is also one of the island's longest sandy stretches: you can easily walk from here all the way up to Batts Rock Beach. On hot days, particularly on weekends and holidays, you'll find locals taking a quick dip. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguard; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

Along the St. Lawrence Gap waterfront, Dover is one of the most popular beaches on the South Coast. The sea is fairly calm with small to medium waves, and the white-sand beach is broad and brilliant. The resorts of Divi Southwinds and Ocean Two, as well as several restaurants, are nearby. There's a small boardwalk, a promenade with a food court, water sports and beach chair rentals, and a playground. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

This family-owned and -managed microbrewery burst onto the scene in 2013, much to the delight of beer enthusiasts bored with the regular local options. DreadHop Brewery offers nine varieties of beer on tap, from a double IPA to stout and summer ale. The breezy lively taproom is a favorite among locals, families, and visiting brew enthusiasts, who enjoy a few pints over the weekend or at one of the popular weekly quiz nights. Bar food such as samosas, burgers, loaded fries, and roti are available. Pets are welcome but must remain outside.

Facilities at this family-oriented marine park include a playground, basketball court, picnic area, and a beach with lifeguards. There's also an underwater snorkeling trail (equipment rental, $10 for the day) around Dottins Reef, just off the beach, in the 2.2-mile (3½-km) protected marine reserve. Snorkels and masks are available for purchase ($25 each or $50 for set). Nonswimmers can opt for a glass-bottom boat tour. The ship Stavronikita, deliberately sunk in 120 feet of water about a half mile from shore, is home to myriad fish and is a popular dive site.

Equipped with a 16-inch Meade telescope with the latest robotic controls and digital cameras and a new Lunt 80 mm solar telescope, this observatory lets you view the moon, stars, planets, comets, and other astronomical objects that aren't otherwise visible from mainland North America or Europe. The Friday-evening programs (8–10 pm, weather permitting), which start with an informative presentation, are run by volunteers; call ahead to make sure it's open. The observatory has been the headquarters of the Barbados Astronomical Society since 1963.

Overlooking National Heroes Square in the center of town, these Victorian buildings were constructed around 1870 to house the British Commonwealth's third-oldest parliament (after Britain itself and Bermuda). A series of stained-glass windows in the East Wing depicts British monarchs from James I to Victoria. The National Heroes Gallery and Museum of Parliament is in the West Wing. Extensive refurbishment was carried out on the building between March 2020 and February 2022.

This national park is the site of beautiful gardens, a children's playground, a sports/events field, and one of the island's two immense baobab trees. Brought to Barbados from Guinea, West Africa, around 1738, this tree has a girth of more than 60 feet. Queen's Park House, built in 1783 and the historic home of the British troop commander, now houses the Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre, which hosts special events and exhibits, and the Queen's Park Gallery, which features work by both emerging and established artists. The park is open seven days a week during Crop Over season.

The park underwent refurbishments in 2021; most notable is the new lake that features a stunning map of Barbados. There are plans to rename the park and transform the space into a hub of Bajan arts and culture.

Nestled between South Point, the southernmost tip of the island, and Inch Marlow Point, the Silver Point Hotel overlooks this long broad strand of beautiful white sand that always has a strong breeze. That makes this beach the best in Barbados for intermediate and advanced windsurfers and, more recently, kiteboarders. There's a small playground and shaded picnic tables. Amenities: parking (no fee); water sports. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

Stretching from Turtle Beach resort and Sandals Barbados at the eastern end of St. Lawrence Gap to Bougainvillea resort on Maxwell Coast Road, this broad strand of powdery white sand is great for sunbathing, strolling, and—with low to medium surf—swimming and bodyboarding. This beach is a favorite nesting place for turtles, hence its name; if you're lucky, you may see hundreds of tiny hatchlings emerge from the sand and make their way to the sea. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee). Best for: swimming; walking.

This 1½-mile-long (2-km-long) natural gully is really a collapsed limestone cavern, once part of the same underground network as Harrison's Cave. The Barbados National Trust protects the peace and quiet here, making it a beautiful place to hike past acres of labeled flowers and stands of enormous trees. You can see some interesting birds and troops of native green monkeys. There are some free scheduled guided tours, and a guide can be arranged with 24 hours' notice. Otherwise, the 30- to 45-minute walk is self-guided.