Beach View Hotel is a great base to explore the exciting sights & activities; from historic homes and gardens to underground caves and a host of leisure activities such as golf, surfing, sailing, kite surfing, cricket, hiking and much more. No matter which coast you’re on, what month of the year or what the time of day, Barbados has something wonderful to offer. The best & easiest way to explore Barbados is by renting a car and seeing the island on your own time. Beach View Hotel offers car rentals on property & you can book this before you arrive, or while you’re here with your dedicated concierge team. There is no shortage of #hashtag-worthy places to see in Barbados & if we were ‘playing tourist’ for a few days, here is what we would do & what we think you should see!
Barbados is one of the most visited Caribbean islands because there is so much to see and do, it will keep you coming back for more!
HEAD NORTH TO THE ANIMAL FLOWER CAVE AT NORTH POINT
The views are spectacular & it’s a nice spot to grab a bite to eat or a cool drink. It is also where you will find a unique “window to the sea” that can be seen in Billy Ocean’s music video for The Colour of Love!
RUM & ST. NICHOLAS ABBEY
Enjoy rum tasting & a dose of history. One of the oldest plantation houses on the island who still make their own rum. They even have a heritage railway with an actual steam train! When you leave the Abbey, you’ll hit ‘Cherry Tree Hill’ for the most amazing views of the East Coast.
Rum was invented in Barbados & the world’s oldest rum, Mount Gay, is also produced here. Rum is an integral part of Bajan life & there are approximately 1,500 rum shops on the island!
HEAD EAST TO BATHSHEBA
Bathsheba is the hub of the surfing community. You’ll be surrounded by dramatic scenery and the crashing waves of Soup Bowl, a top surfing spot but not for beginners! Stop off for lunch with a view at the Round House or The Atlantis.
Garden Enthusiasts will make a pitstop at Andromeda Botanical Gardens before heading inland to visit Hunte’s Gardens.
HUNTE’S GARDENS
Probably the most spectacular botanical gardens in Barbados, with opera music playing in the background & Anthony Hunte himself usually on hand to ply you with rum punches & a tale or two about Barbados.
HARRISON’S CAVE & WELCHMAN HALL GULLY
Explore the majestic beauty of the underground caves at Harrison’s Cave. Then check out local flora & fauna at Welchman Hall Gully. Our top tip is to get there for monkey feeding time!
EARTHWORKS POTTERY
Earthworks is the home of locally made pottery. Stunning pieces that make great gifts.
JUST OUTSIDE OF BRIDGETOWN & BEACH BARS
Carlisle Bay to the south is the epitome of a beautiful Barbados beach. Long stretch of pure white sand, turtles swimming through the waves & shipwrecks for the snorkeling & diving enthusiasts. Carlisle Bay also has a number of serviced beaches. Try Harbour Lights, Copacabana or The Boatyard. Relax on the sun loungers & have your lunch & drinks served to you. For lobster with jazz on the beach, try Lobster Alive.
THE GARRISON AREA
Stop off at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Museum, The George Washington House, The Armoury & much more! Did you know that the only country outside of the USA visited by George Washington was Barbados? The visit took place in 1751 when Washington was traveling with his brother who was recovering from an illness.
UNDERWATER EXPLORATION
Atlantis Submarine – Board an explorer submarine and head below the tranquil waters to discover our diverse ecosystem, home to coral reefs and brimming with sea life, including turtles and majestic stingrays. If you’d prefer a more hands on approach, day and night dives are available to certified divers…and if this is your first time, divemasters will have you ready to dive in a matter of hours.
THE SOUTH COAST
The South coast is home to more gorgeous sandy beaches. Take a relaxing stroll along the south coast boardwalk for the beautiful scenery & spend the day at Accra Beach.
OISTINS FISH FRY
Oistins is a traditional fishing village & it comes alive every weekend, serving inexpensive & excellent Bajan food. It is famous for the Friday Night Fish Fry!
SOUTH EAST
Take a picnic & head to the south east of the island for even more beautiful beaches. We recommend Crane Beach, Bottom Bay & also Foul Bay. Expansive stretches of pink sand, dotted with palm trees & dramatic cliffs. Just be a bit careful in the water, the current can be strong.