Former British colonies in the Eastern Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda boast some of the most ravishing beaches in the world. Antigua proudly proclaims it has "a beach for every day of the year," and Barbuda, Antigua's sleepy sister island, is also blessed with some pristine stretches of pink-tinged sand sprinkled with chic resorts. Not surprisingly, many movie stars and moguls jet to the islands to swim, surf, sun, and swoon on these dazzling shores.
Antigua draws the majority of visitors. Many arrive at the cruise ship port in the colorful capital of St. John's, where shopping, museums, and historic buildings are the prime draws. The island preserves its history as a strategic naval port, and animal lovers can swim with friendly stingrays.
Peaceful Barbuda has less than two percent of the islands' combined population. Seclusion seekers and nature lovers cherish the tranquility, while birders love the fabled frigate sanctuary.
Water sports abound on both islands; diving, swimming, fishing, sailing, and windsurfing are all popular things to do, and golfers will find a couple of scenic courses on Antigua.
Plan your perfect Caribbean getaway with our list of the top attractions and places to visit in Antigua and Barbuda.
1. Half Moon Bay, Antigua
At the southeastern end of Antigua, Half Moon Bay is fringed by one of the Caribbean's best beaches. Protected by a reef, this idyllic crescent of fine white sand and azure sea, backed by natural foliage, offers excellent snorkeling on calm days. When the wind is up, the surf can be rough.
A small restaurant serves snacks just off the beach, and you can rent chairs, and umbrellas here, too.
Note that the beach is difficult to find, so a GPS will come in handy.
2. Stingray City, Antigua
If you have a lifelong fear of stingrays, this fun face-to-face adventure should banish those fears forever. A five-minute speedboat ride off the island's east coast, Stingray City is a shallow pool with a sandy bottom amid a tropical reef, where hundreds of friendly southern stingrays glide through the crystal-clear waters waiting to be fed by visitors.
Depending on your comfort level, you can stand, swim, or snorkel with them, and after your encounter, you can explore the surrounding coral reefs. Feeling their smooth, satiny bodies brush against your skin is a highlight of this exhilarating adventure.
The trip to Stingray City is one of the most popular things to do in Antigua.
3. 17 Mile Beach, Barbuda
Those who lay eyes on Barbuda's 17 Mile Beach, will probably never see a more ravishing stretch of coast. Lapped by pale aqua seas, this stunning stretch of pink-tinged sand separates the Barbuda lagoon from the Caribbean Sea and impresses even the most jaded of beach connoisseurs.
Strolling along these sublime shores is one of the most popular things to do in Barbuda. The sand here is soft as flour, and its remote location means you can walk for miles and not see another soul.
You can either access the beach by boat, or if you prefer a bird's-eye view, fly over it in a helicopter. Tours often include a delicious lunch on the beach.
You can also combine a visit here with a stop at a nearby frigate bird colony. Both these attractions are popular Antigua day trips.
Insider's Tip: This beach has no facilities - and no shade - so if you're not on an organized tour, you should bring your own food and water, as well as plenty of sun protection.
4. Dickenson Bay, Antigua
In the far northwest of Antigua, Dickenson Bay is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Antigua. You'll find everything you need here for a relaxing - or invigorating - day by the sea.
Resorts and restaurants line this mile-long stretch of powdery white sand, and you can try your hand at a full range of water sports. Protected by an offshore reef, the bay is great for swimming, and you'll find activity booths along the sand renting everything you need for other aquatic activities, including jet skiing, snorkeling, and kayaking. The bay is also the hub for Antigua's windsurfing scene.
If you just want to stake a spot on the sand and stare out at the mesmerizing blue sea, you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas. Dickenson Bay is also home to the iconic red phone booth, which features in many a tourist's Instagram photo op.
After a day in the sun, you can feast on fresh seafood at one of the restaurants overlooking the beach or book a relaxing massage along the shore.
Dickenson Bay is also home to some of the island's most popular resorts, including Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Sp and Siboney Beach Club
5. Nelson's Dockyard National Park, Antigua
Nelson's Dockyard National Park, in English Harbour, is a hot spot for tourists, packed with multiple attractions. Its main claim to fame is that it remains the only continuously operating Georgian dockyard in the world - it's home to Antigua's former 18th-century British Naval Dockyard, which was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in July, 2016.
During a visit, you can learn more about the dockyard's rich history at The Dockyard Museum in the former Admiral's House. But you can also soak up the ambience by wandering around all the beautifully restored stone warehouses, which contrast strikingly with the glitzy superyachts in the marina. Most of these old buildings are now home to hotels, restaurants, shops, and galleries.
If you want to explore a little further afield, the area is also home to some of the island's best nature trails, which lead to historic forts with panoramic views. Perched on the hilltop at Shirley Heights, Fort Shirley, offers the best vistas (bring your camera), and you can also hike to Fort Berkeley, at the west entrance to the harbor.
The park is also home to 18th-century Clarence House, originally built for the future King William IV, and you can watch a fascinating multimedia presentation on the island's history at the Dow's Hill Interpretation Centre, along the Lookout Trail near Shirley Heights.
6. St. John's, Antigua
St. John's, the capital city and cruise ship port of Antigua and Barbuda, is a kaleidoscope of candy-hued colonial cottages and market stalls piled high with tropical fruits and flowers.
Looming above the skyline are the white neo-Baroque towers of St. John's Cathedral, one of the city's most distinctive buildings. It is currently undergoing a thorough restoration.
For an overview of the island's history, head to the petite Museum of Antigua and Barbuda in the 18th-century former Court House, and to soak up more stories from Antigua's past, take a stroll around Betty's Hope, the 17th-century ruins of the island's largest sugar plantation. A small museum here highlights the lives of the slaves who built it.
Since the capital is a popular cruise ship stop, it's no surprise that shopping is one of the most popular things to do in St. John's, Antigua. Duty-free shops abound at Heritage Quay, souvenir stalls beckon from touristy Redcliffe Quay, and the lively harborside public markets are the place to be on Fridays and Saturdays.
For beautiful city and harbor views hike the steep trail to Fort Barrington, built to protect St. John's from the French.
7. Devil's Bridge: Indian Town National Park, Antigua
Along the rugged northeast coast, the dramatic scenery of Indian Town National Park features the natural limestone Devil's Bridge, sculpted over the centuries by the pounding surf. At high tide, waves force geysers of water through blowholes in the nearby rock.
The park also offers some rewarding hikes and excellent birding. More than 36 avian species roost in the park among the acacia trees, and the eastern point of the park is believed to have been an Arawak campsite.
Location: Northeast shore, Antigua
8. Museum of Antigua and Barbuda
The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is a great place to visit to get a feel for the history of these beautiful islands. You don't need much time here. The exhibits are all contained in one room, and they cover topics such as the island's geological origins, colonial history, slavery, archeology, sports, and political independence in 1981.
Highlights include a full-scale replica of an Arawak dwelling, as well as pottery, weaving, tools, and exhibits on the islands' different ecosystems. The museum is located in the former 18th-century Courthouse in St. John's.
Address: Long Street, St. John's
9. Fig Tree Drive, Antigua
Along Antigua's southern coast, Fig Tree Drive winds through rainforest, farmlands, and fishing villages. This picturesque drive offers a glimpse of local life. Banana trees (called "figs" by the locals), mango trees, and coconut palms dot the landscape, as well as the ruins of sugar mills. Look for the roadside stands selling fresh-picked fruit - especially the super juicy pineapples.
Along the route, the Fig Tree Studio Art Gallery sells vibrant local art, and if you're looking for something more active, stop by Antigua Rainforest Zipline Tours for an exhilarating canopy tour.
10. Frigate Bird Sanctuary, Barbuda
Barbuda's Frigate Bird Sanctuary is a haven for birders. Accessible only by boat, the bird sanctuary lies in Barbuda's northwest lagoon and is home to one of the largest nesting colonies of frigate birds in the Caribbean.
These large sea birds are known for their bright red gullets and one-and-a-half-meter wingspan. The reserve also attracts about 150 other species of birds such as herons, cormorants, and pelicans
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