The island of Bermuda offers plenty to do from relaxing on beautiful beaches to visiting historic landmarks. It’s also a quick jaunt from the east coast making it an ideal vacation spot. If you go (and you should), here are a few of our top picks for what to do.
Horseshoe Bay Beach
Bermuda’s Horseshoe Bay Beach is tinted slightly pink and is one of the prettiest beaches on the island. It’s also one of the most photographed beaches in Bermuda for that reason. In addition to the rosy hue of the sand and the turquoise water, there are uniquely shaped rock formations jutting out of the water and along the sand, which give the beach even more photo-worthy qualities.
Crystal Caves
One of the most interesting attractions in Bermuda are the Crystal Caves. A series of pontoon bridges allow you access to the caves, featuring a crystal clear lake filled with oddly shaped formations that look as if they’re near the surface, but are actually 15 metres below. The cave is also full of impressive stalactites, giving it an otherworldly feel.
Fort Hamilton
There are several forts you can visit in Bermuda including Fort St. Catherine and Burnt Point Fort, but Fort Hamilton is where you can get some of the best views. The fort was originally built to protect Hamilton Harbour, and in addition to panoramic views, there are beautiful landscaped gardens, dungeons and artillery pieces. The well-tended lawns also make for a good spot to have a picnic.
Bermuda Botanical Gardens
The 36-acre Bermuda Botanical Gardens are a peaceful spot to spend an hour or two wandering among the many plants and flowers. There is a palm garden here, as well as a subtropical fruit garden, an aviary, and greenhouses with orchids and bromeliads. Admission is free and there are tours available.
Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art
Located on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens you’ll find Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, which houses a noteworthy collection of art both by Bermudians and work by artists inspired by the beauty of the island. Tours can be arranged in advance, or there are drop-in tours at 11am on the second Wednesday of every month with Tom Butterfield, the creative director and founder of the Masterworks.
Bermuda Craft Market
If you want to pick up some souvenirs one of the best places to do it is at the Bermuda Craft Market, situated in the historic Royal Naval Dockyard (which has many more shops). This is not somewhere you’ll be stuck choosing between a cheesy T-shirt, a mug you won’t use or a silly magnet – the market is filled with unique items crafted by locals. From jewellery and art, to locally-made jams and honey, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.
St. Georges
A walk around the historic town of St. Georges is not to be missed. The town and its surrounding fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and filled with colonial landmarks and 17th century homes. You’ll be walking along cobblestone streets and there will be plenty of opportunities to shop, explore, and snap gorgeous photos.
Lead photo: JoshuaDavisPhotography used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license
