Bermuda
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Bermuda - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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We’ve compiled the best of the best in Bermuda - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
The 40,000-square-foot Ocean Discovery Centre at the institute showcases local contributions to oceanographic research and undersea discovery. Highlights include the world-class shell collection amassed by resident Jack Lightbourn (three of the 1,000 species were identified by and named for Lightbourn himself) and a gallery honoring native-born archaeologist Teddy Tucker featuring booty from Bermudian shipwrecks. The equipment that made such discoveries possible is displayed, including a replica of the bathysphere William Beebe and Otis Barton used in their record-smashing 1934 dive. (Forget the Bermuda Triangle: the real mystery is how they descended a half mile in a metal ball less than 5 feet in diameter!) A more modern "submersible," Nautilus-X2, lets wannabe explorers take a simulated seven-minute trip to the ocean floor. Special events, like lectures, glowworm cruises, and whale-watching trips, are available for an added fee. The on-site Harbourfront restaurant is a lovely choice for lunch. Pedestrians may access the facility by following the sidewalk on the water side of Front Street. Motorists must drive out of town on Front Street, round the traffic circle, and exit at the lane signposted for the BUEI.
This imposing, moat-ringed fortress has underground passageways that were cut through solid rock by Royal Engineers in the 1860s. Built to defend the West End's Royal Naval Dockyard from land attacks, it was outdated even before its completion, but remains a fine example of a polygonal Victorian fort. Even if you're not a big fan of military history, the hilltop site's stellar views and stunning gardens make the trip worthwhile. On Monday at noon, from November to March, bagpipes echo through the grounds as the kilt-clad members of the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band perform a traditional skirling ceremony. Due to one-way streets, getting to the fort by scooter can be a bit challenging. From downtown Hamilton head north on Queen Street, turn right on Church Street, then turn left to go up the hill on King Street. Make a sharp (270-degree) right turn onto Happy Valley Road and follow the signs. Pedestrians may walk along Front Street to King Street.
When locals say they're going to "the beach," they're generally referring to Horseshoe Bay, the island's most popular. With clear water, a 0.3-mile (0.5-km) crescent of pink sand, a vibrant social scene, and the uncluttered backdrop of South Shore Park, Horseshoe Bay has everything you could ask of a Bermudian beach. The Annual Bermuda Sand Castle Competition also takes place here. The undertow can be strong, especially on the main beach. A better place for children is Horseshoe Baby Beach, at the western end of Horseshoe Bay. Sheltered from the ocean by a ring of rocks, this cove is shallow and almost perfectly calm. In summer, toddlers can find lots of playmates. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; swimming; walking.
Ensconced in Bermuda's largest fort, the museum displays its collections of maritime and historical artifacts in old munitions warehouses that surround the parade grounds and Keep Pond at the Dockyard. Insulated from the rest of the Dockyard by a moat and massive stone ramparts, it is entered by way of a drawbridge. At the Shifting House, right inside the entrance, rooms hold relics from some of the 350-odd ships wrecked on the island's reefs. Other buildings are devoted to seafaring pursuits such as whaling, shipbuilding, and yacht racing. More displays are in the 19th-century Commissioner's House, on the museum's upper grounds. Built as both home and headquarters for the Dockyard commissioner, the house served as a World War I barracks and was used for military intelligence during World War II. Today it contains exhibits on Bermuda's social and military history. A must-see is the Hall of History, a mural of Bermuda's history covering 1,000 square feet. Painting it took local artist Graham Foster more than 3½ years. You'll also want to photograph the sheep that graze outside the building, mowing the grass. Mind your feet! They're very good at their work.
If you've got kids in tow—or are driving a scooter—you may want to skip the rum and stick to Bailey's—Bailey's Ice Cream, that is. The popular parlor, directly across from the Swizzle Inn, dishes up some two dozen flavors of homemade all-natural ice creams, plus low-fat frozen yogurts and fat-free sorbets. This store accepts cash only.
Established with specimens delivered to the island from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, sent by Queen Elizabeth II, the 22-acre parkland features Bermudian cedar trees, flowing golden acacias, rare rubber trees, and black ebony and avocado trees. Its winding trails and grassy meadows are popular for walking, hiking, and picnicking. The area is also an established bird-watching sanctuary, where you can hope to catch a glimpse of feathered species like cardinals, rare bluebirds, white-eyed vireos, and kiskadees.
The design team had a bit of fun with these minilinks: featuring 18 holes representing the best golf courses from around the world—including Augusta National and St. Andrews—it'll challenge even the most experienced minigolfers. Surprisingly, Bermuda Fun Golf is one of the best places to watch the sunset with uninterrupted views. There's also a bar and grill serving cold drinks, snacks, and other nibbles.
After immersing yourself in maritime history at the National Museum of Bermuda, you can immerse yourself—literally—in the wonderful world of dolphins. Dolphin Quest offers a range of in-water programs that allow adults and children ages five and older to pet, play with, and swim alongside its eight Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the historic Keep Pond. There are even specially designed sessions, conducted from a submersible bench, for younger kids. Since entry to the Dolphin Quest area is free with museum admission, anyone can watch the action. Participation in the actual programs, however, ranges in price, and advance booking is recommended. For $725, you can be a dolphin trainer for the day.
Swimming and bodysurfing are great at this beach, which is bordered by the prime strand of sand reserved for guests of the Elbow Beach hotel on the left, and the ultra-exclusive Coral Beach Club beach area on the right. It's a pleasant setting for a late-evening stroll, with the lights from nearby hotels dancing on the water. If you're planning a daytime visit during summer months, arrive early to claim your spot, as this popular beach is often crowded. In addition to sunbathers and joggers, groups of locals gather here to play football and volleyball. Protective coral reefs make the waters some of the safest on the island and a good choice for families. It's possible to rent chairs, umbrellas, and other gear from the hotel-owned beach facility, but it can be quite expensive. A lunch wagon sometimes sells fast food and cold drinks during the day, and Mickey's Beach Bar (part of the Elbow Beach hotel) is open for lunch and dinner, though reservations are useful. Amenities: parking (free); water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.
Designed in London and opened in 1846, this cast-iron lighthouse soars above Southampton Parish, stands 117 feet high and 362 feet above the sea, and offers a 185-step climb to the top for panoramic island views. The light was originally produced by a concentrated burner of four large circular wicks. Today the beam from the 1,000-watt bulb can be seen by ships 40 miles out to sea and by planes 120 miles away at 10,000 feet. The haul up the spiral stairs is an arduous one—particularly if you dislike heights or tight spaces. But en route to the top you can stop to catch your breath on eight landings, where photographs and drawings of the lighthouse help divert attention from your aching appendages. Once you take in the views up top and return to solid ground, stop in at Tamarind to sample the traditional Indian cuisine.
Both beautiful marine life and evidence of the Dockyard's impressive naval legacy can be viewed at this protected inlet, accessed through a stone tunnel adjacent to the National Museum of Bermuda. Beneath the water's surface lie cast-iron cannons dating from 1550 to 1800, plus an antique anchor and gun-carriage wheel. The true attractions, however, are colorful fish (you might see more than 50 varieties) and other sea creatures including anemones, sea cucumbers, and assorted species of coral. Thanks to amenities like floating rest stations, snorkeling and scuba diving couldn't be easier. Everything is available to rent, including kayaks, pedalos, Jet Skis, and underwater scooters. This is a family beach by day, catering mainly to cruise ship passengers, and a nightclub by night, with beach parties and island barbecues.
This is a popular spot for tourists as well as local families who like to treat their children to a sheltered white sand beach and pristine views of the water. Enjoy local and American cuisine while sipping a frozen cocktail at the beach's Hammerheads Bar and Grill; on-site water-sports and beach equipment rentals are available for kids and parents. A playground outside the park features a 70-foot, wooden green moray eel and a replica of St. David's Lighthouse. Snorkel Park Beach is just a short walk from the Dockyard cruise terminal, so it attracts many cruise passengers. Before you leave, stop in the Clocktower Mall and the Bermuda Craft Market to pick up a souvenir or two. Also nearby are restaurants, the Dockyard Ferry Terminal, and an ATM. At night, Snorkel transforms into a lively nightclub area, especially on Monday and Thursday when live DJs spin top 40, soca, reggae, and dancehall hits. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; snorkeling; sunset; swimming.
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