4 Best Sights in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

One of the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere is just north of downtown Kingstown—a few minutes by taxi. The garden was created in 1765 by General Robert Melville, governor of the British Caribbean islands, after Captain Bligh—of Bounty fame—brought the first breadfruit tree to this island for landowners to propagate. The prolific bounty of the breadfruit trees was used to feed the slaves. You can see a direct descendant of the original tree among the specimen mahogany, rubber, teak, and other tropical trees and shrubs in the 20 acres of gardens. Two dozen rare St. Vincent parrots (Amazona guildingii), confiscated from illegal collections, live in the small aviary. Guides explain all the medicinal and ornamental trees and shrubs; they also appreciate a tip (about $5 per person) at the end of the tour. A gift shop, open Monday through Friday, has local crafts, artwork, books, confections, and a traditional creole lunch menu.

This huge sheltered bay on the leeward side of Bequia is a favorite yacht anchorage. Year-round it's filled with boats; in season, they're moored transom to bowsprit. It's the perfect spot for watching the sun dip over the horizon each evening—either from your boat or from the terrace bar at one of Port Elizabeth's waterfront hotels or restaurants.

Union has relatively few good beaches, but this one on Richmond Bay—on the island's northern shore and a five-minute drive from Clifton—is a pretty crescent of powdery white sand, protected by reefs, with lovely views of Mayreau and the Tobago Cays. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming.

This beach on Mustique's western coast is right next to the Brittania Bay jetty, and Basil's Bar is convenient for lunch. Firefly Mustique, on a steep hillside overlooking Britannia Bay, has steps leading down to the beach. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: swimming.