Paradise Awaits: The 10 Best Places to go in The Bahamas
The Bahamas is a dream destination where you can soak up the relaxing island vibes while surrounded by stunning turquoise waters and soft, white sand beaches. With 16 major islands and plenty of crystal-clear water to explore, the possibilities for travel adventure are endless.
Whether it’s swimming with the pigs on Rose Island or relaxing on one of the country’s marvelous beaches, you’ll find your bliss in this Caribbean gem. Here are the 10 best places to visit in the Bahamas.
- Rose Island
Stunning white-sand beaches and tranquil blue water, Rose Island is as picturesque as they come. This secluded cay is a few miles from the coast of Nassau, and the ideal setting for our Swimming with Da Pigs tour in the Bahamas. On the island, guests can mingle with the pigs who live there, as well as kick back on the beautiful beach, swim in the water, and enjoy drinks from the on-site bar.
- Cable Beach
One of the most famous beaches in the Bahamas, and the Caribbean as whole, is Cable Beach. This curve of white sand and glittering blue water sits just west of downtown Nassau, making it very easy to access. This seaside got its name from the underwater cable that landed here in 1892, and now it is full of resorts, hotels and casinos.
- Aquaventure Water Park
Who says lurching down waterslides at dizzying speeds and joyously laughing the whole way through is only for kids? The Aquaventure water park at Atlantis Paradise Island offers an incredible amount of fast-paced water slides, winding lazy rivers, and 11 swimming pools set amongst the “remains” of Atlantis. Access to Atlantis is free for overnight guests of the resort, or you can purchase a day pass.
- Downtown Nassau
Nassau is the capital city of the Bahamas, a vibrant and bustling place that stands out from the other laid-back destinations across the islands. It’s a hub of activity with constant movement from the jitneys, vendors selling their colorful straw-goods, and the cheerful locals enjoying the sun and some rum. Downtown Nassau is an exciting destination that offers plenty of opportunities to explore the rich culture and history of the Bahamas.
- The Queen’s Staircase
For a little bit of history in Nassau, you should visit the Queen’s Staircase. This is a walkway of 66 steps carved out of solid limestone rock by slaves in the late 18th century. It was named after Queen Victoria, who abolished slavery in the British Empire. The staircase leads to Fort Fincastle, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the harbor. Today, it’s seen as a symbol of the Bahamian heritage and resilience.
- Go Diving in Lucayan National Park
Lucayan National Park is a 40-acre ecological wonderland on Grand Bahama Island, where you can explore one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems and see the ancient remains of the Lucayan people. You can swim and dive in two of the caves with a special permit or enjoy a walk or a horse ride along the trails and boardwalks.
- The Fish Fry in Nassau
Conch is the national dish of the Bahamas, and there’s nowhere better to try some than at the Fish Fry in Nassau. With a collection of wooden seafood shacks to choose from, this is a great spot to meet locals, try some local food, and if you’re visiting on a Friday or Saturday night, enjoy some live music and a party.
- Eleuthera Island
Head due east of Nassau and you’ll land on the shores of Eleuthera Island, one of the country’s most alluring Out Islands. Here, you’ll find a more rugged side to the Bahamas. The beaches are stunning, there’s excellent surf breaks, and the island is largely underdeveloped. This is a place for a relaxing island stay, where you explore the backroads and laze on deserted beaches in the sun.
- Pink Sands Beach
One of the most famous spots on Eleuthera Island is Pink Sands Beach. As you can probably guess, the sand here is a delicate pink hue – a result of coral fragments that have been ground to a fine powder. The result is a marvelous contrast between soft, pink sand, blue sky, and the sparkling ocean. It’s a stunning sight that has earned this beach the title of the world’s most beautiful by many magazines, and we agree.
- John Watling’s Distillery
Back to New Providence Island for the final best place to visit in the Bahamas: John Watling’s Distillery. Set in the Buena Vista Estate, which featured in the James Bond film Casino Royale, this historic house is now the location where the distillers made handmade artisanal rums, vodkas, gins, and other liquors. You can take a self-guided tour of the grounds, watch the rum production, and kick back with a drink in the Red Turtle Tavern.
