12 Best Sights in Grenada

Grenada's loveliest and most popular beach is Grand Anse, a gleaming 2-mile (3-km) semicircle of white sand lapped by gentle surf and punctuated by seagrapes and coconut palms that provide shady escapes from the sun. Brilliant rainbows frequently spill into the sea from the high green mountains that frame St. George's Harbour to the north. Several resorts face the beach, from Mount Cinnamon at the southern end of the beach to Spice Island Beach Resort, Coyaba Beach Resort, Allamanda Beach Resort, Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, and Silversands as you head north. Several of these hotels have dive shops for arranging dive trips or renting snorkeling equipment. A water-taxi dock is at the midpoint of the beach, along with the Grand Anse Craft and Spice Market, where vendors also rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Restrooms and changing facilities are available at Camerhogne Park, which is the public entrance and parking lot. Hotel guests, cruise-ship passengers, and other island visitors love this beach, as do local people who come to swim and play on weekends. There's plenty of room for everyone. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking.

This long, narrow stretch of beautiful sandy beach in L'Esterre, between Hillsborough and Tyrrel Bay, has calm, clear, inviting water. Popular with local folks on weekends, it's very quiet—often deserted—at other times. The Hardwood Bar, at the southern end of the parking lot, serves local specialties for lunch. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

This is a truly deserted sandbar off Paradise Beach—just a few young palm trees on a spit of pure white, powdery soft sand—except for those who come by boat to snorkel and swim in the sparkling clear water. A 5-square-mile (3-square-km) Marine Protected Area surrounds the island. Arrange transportation to the island (about $20 round-trip) with a local boat owner at Paradise Beach, Hillsborough, or Tyrrel Bay; be sure to arrange the pickup time! Wear your bathing suit and bring along snorkeling gear and everything else you'll need (sunscreen, towel, hat, shirt, food and water, etc.), making sure to leave only your footprints when you leave. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming.

About a 15-minute hike north from the village of Prospect, on the northwestern tip of Carriacou, this often-deserted beach has white sand, sparkling clear water, and abundant marine life for snorkelers. The beach was named for a huge rock where pelicans gather, so bird-watchers will also be thrilled. And because of its relative inaccessibility, Anse La Roche is never crowded. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming; walking.

This broad strip of white sand on the northeastern tip of Grenada is part of Levera National Park. A natural coral reef protects swimmers and snorkelers from the rough Atlantic surf; swimming beyond the reef is dangerous. A magnet for local folks on national holidays, the beach is almost deserted at other times. Changing rooms are located at the park headquarters. A vendor or two sometimes sets up shop near the beach, but you're smart to bring your own refreshments. Amenities: parking (no fee); toilets. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming; walking.

A residential and commercial area about 5 miles (8 km) south of downtown St. George's, Grand Anse is named for the world-renowned beach it surrounds. Grenada's tourist facilities—resorts, restaurants, some shopping, and most nightlife—are concentrated in this general area. Grand Anse Beach is a 2-mile (3-km) crescent of sand, shaded by coconut palms and seagrape trees, with gentle turquoise surf. A public entrance is at Camerhogne Park, just a few steps from the main road. Water taxis carry passengers between The Esplanade in St. George's and a jetty on the beach. St. George's University, which for years held classes at its enviable beachfront location in Grand Anse, now has its sprawling main campus on a peninsula in True Blue, a nearby residential community. The university's original beachside building in Grand Anse is currently used for student housing.

Day-trippers (and others) can take a dip at this strip of sand adjacent to the jetty in the center of town. The beach extends for quite a distance in each direction, so there's plenty of room to swim without interference from any boat traffic. The best parts of the beach are at the northern end, along what's called the Esplanade, and at the southern end in front of Mermaid Beach Hotel and Callaloo Restaurant. Ade's Dream House is across the street from the beach, and snack bars and restaurants are nearby. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming.

Surrounding a sheltered bay along the southeastern coast at La Sagesse Nature Centre, this secluded crescent of fine gray sand is a 30-minute drive from Grand Anse. Surrounded by tropical vegetation, the beach provides a lovely, quiet refuge. The water is fairly shallow and always calm along the shoreline. Plan a full day of swimming, sunning, and nature walks, with lunch at La Sagesse Inn's restaurant, which is adjacent to the beach. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.

This portion of Grenada's protected parkland encompasses 450 acres at the northeastern tip of the island, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. There's a trail that circles 45-acre Levera Pond. The shallow lagoon by the beach is one of the most important wildlife habitats on the island—thick mangroves provide food and protection for nesting seabirds and seldom-seen parrots—and a natural reef protects swimmers from the rough Atlantic surf at Bathway Beach. The southernmost islets of the Grenadines are visible from the beach.

Not far from the international airport in Point Salines, Magazine Beach is a magnificent strip of pure white sand that stretches from Aquarium Restaurant and Maca Bana Villas at its southern end to the Royalton Grenada, farther north. Never crowded, it's excellent for swimming and sunbathing; the surf ranges from gentle to spectacular. Cool drinks, snacks, or a full lunch are available at the Aquarium's La Sirena Beach Bar—or stick around for happy hour. You can also rent snorkeling equipment and kayaks there. Access to the beach is next to the restaurant or next to the Royalton. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming; walking.

One mile (1½ km) south of Grand Anse, a ½-mile-long (¾-km-long) crescent of pure white sand is tucked away on Morne Rouge Bay. The clear turquoise water is excellent for swimming, and the gentle surf makes this beach perfect for families with small children. Light meals and snacks are available at Gem Holiday Resort's beachfront bar and grill or next door at Kalinago Beach Resort. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming.

On this deserted island off Carriacou's southeastern coast, your choice of beautiful white sandy beaches and calm Caribbean waters awaits you. The island is surrounded by reefs and has beaches on all sides except for the eastern (Atlantic Ocean) side, which has a high cliff. Arrange transportation from Tyrrel Bay for about $30 round-trip, and be sure to bring everything you may need. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming; walking.