12 Best Sights in Barbados

Popular for fashion and travel-industry photo shoots, Bottom Bay is the quintessential Caribbean beach. Secluded, surrounded by a coral cliff, studded with a stand of palms, and blessed with an endless ocean view, this dreamy enclave is near the southeasternmost point of the island. The Atlantic Ocean waves can be too strong for swimming, but it's a picture-perfect place for a picnic lunch on the shore. Park at the top of the cliff and follow the steps down to the beach. Note: because of the seclusion, it's not advisable for women to go to this beach alone; going with a group is much safer. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.

This exquisite crescent of pink sand on the Southeast Coast was named not for the elegant long-legged wading bird but for the crane used to haul and load cargo when this area served as a busy port. Crane Beach usually has a steady breeze and lightly rolling surf that varies in color from aqua to turquoise to lapis. It's great for bodysurfing and there are lifeguards. Access to the beach is either down 98 steps or via a cliffside glass-walled elevator on The Crane resort property. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

Unlike other West Coast beaches, Heywoods is quiet and unspoiled. The long stretch of crisp white sand is wide and never busy, and the water is calm and ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The entrance to the sea is a gentle slope making it ideal for kids, but some areas can be rocky. There are no amenities here for snacks so take a picnic. Amenities: none. Best for: sunset; swimming; snorkeling; walking.

This lovely spot on the coast road, just east of Oistins, is a slice of pure white sand with shallow and calm water on one side, deeper water with small waves on the other, and cliffs on either side. Located in a mainly upscale residential area, the beach is mostly deserted except for weekends, when folks who live nearby come for a swim. You'll find a palm-shaded parking area, snack carts, and chair rentals. It's also a hop, skip, and jump from Little Arches Hotel. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee). Best for: solitude; swimming.

Just north of downtown Bridgetown and within walking distance of the cruise ship terminal, the sea at this southernmost pair of the West Coast beaches is as calm as a lake. This is also one of the island's longest sandy stretches: you can easily walk from here all the way up to Batts Rock Beach. On hot days, particularly on weekends and holidays, you'll find locals taking a quick dip. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguard; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

Along the St. Lawrence Gap waterfront, Dover is one of the most popular beaches on the South Coast. The sea is fairly calm with small to medium waves, and the white-sand beach is broad and brilliant. The resorts of Divi Southwinds and Ocean Two, as well as several restaurants, are nearby. There's a small boardwalk, a promenade with a food court, water sports and beach chair rentals, and a playground. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

Facilities at this family-oriented marine park include a playground, basketball court, picnic area, and a beach with lifeguards. There's also an underwater snorkeling trail (equipment rental, $10 for the day) around Dottins Reef, just off the beach, in the 2.2-mile (3½-km) protected marine reserve. Snorkels and masks are available for purchase ($25 each or $50 for set). Nonswimmers can opt for a glass-bottom boat tour. The ship Stavronikita, deliberately sunk in 120 feet of water about a half mile from shore, is home to myriad fish and is a popular dive site.

The stretch of beach just south of Sandy Lane is lined with luxury hotels—Tamarind, The House, and Treasure Beach among them. This is where Jay Z proposed to Beyoncé, and the area is known for celeb-spotting, if that's your thing. It's a very pretty area, with plenty of beach to go around, calm water, and good snorkeling. Public access is available at several locations along Highway 1, though parking is limited. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming; walking.

Nestled between South Point, the southernmost tip of the island, and Inch Marlow Point, the Silver Point Hotel overlooks this long broad strand of beautiful white sand that always has a strong breeze. That makes this beach the best in Barbados for intermediate and advanced windsurfers and, more recently, kiteboarders. There's a small playground and shaded picnic tables. Amenities: parking (no fee); water sports. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

Stretching from Turtle Beach resort and Sandals Barbados at the eastern end of St. Lawrence Gap to Bougainvillea resort on Maxwell Coast Road, this broad strand of powdery white sand is great for sunbathing, strolling, and—with low to medium surf—swimming and bodyboarding. This beach is a favorite nesting place for turtles, hence its name; if you're lucky, you may see hundreds of tiny hatchlings emerge from the sand and make their way to the sea. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee). Best for: swimming; walking.