Hang out in a beach bar
There are some sensational places to eat and drink on the island: head to Turners Beach Bar for a toes-in-the-sand feast of curried lobster and whole roasted red snapper, while Rachel’s Bar, the shiny new joint on the island, will mix up a fiery rum punch. For sundowners, make an appointment for happy hour at Castaways in Jolly Harbour—by day it’s touristy, but the atmosphere is brilliantly buzzy and come sunset the bars heave with the yacht set.
Go out to sea
With fantastic off-shore reefs and bath-warm waters, Antigua & Barbuda is an excellent place to don a mask and fins and explore the brightly colored corals. Book a Sea Escape tour aboard a glass-bottom boat for a day of swimming amongst the reefs, exploring hidden wrecks and drinking rum punch. Head to Green Island for one of the finest spots, Cades Reef, best for spotting lobsters, eagle stingrays, and nurse sharks.
Put your best foot forward on a hike through the rainforest
Antigua is shrouded by lush rainforest and there are countless walks and hikes for those wanting to explore on foot. For breathtaking views across the island, Monks Hill is a little-known trail leading past the remains of the 18th-century Fort George and onto a knoll with jaw-dropping vistas out to sea. Hiking the trail to Boggy Point is also well worth the trek, but early risers should join the 5am Hike Club for the sunrise walk to see the island at its prettiest.
Get an appetite for a sunset BBQ & Friday-night fish fry
The imposing fortifications of Shirley Heights are set high above English Harbour and named after General Thomas Shirley, who arrived here in 1781. But they enjoy a peaceful role now: Sundays here are legendary and it’s a good chance for visitors to mingle with the locals. From 4:00 p.m. the Lookout Bar hosts live steel bands and reggae beats. There’s a BBQ and rum bar, and the sunset views across English Harbour take some beating. And don’t miss the Fish Fry at English Harbour on Fridays at the Copper & Lumber Store Hotel—it’s best to appreciate the restored beauty of the building while snacking on yummy specialities such as coconut shrimp and conch fritters.
Set sail for Barbuda
Hop on a boat to see Antigua’s sister island of Barbuda—it takes just 90 minutes by boat (or 20 minutes by plane). Lying 27 miles to the north, this dozy islet fringed by luminous powder-soft pink sand and is home to stunning beaches, caves, and exotic birds. Visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary to see the lagoon and nesting grounds—it’s the second largest in the world after the Galapagos. Then head back to the beach to explore the caves and rest amidst swaying palms and crystal-clear shores.
Celebrate on an island that’s full of events
Sailing is a mainstay on Antigua and come April, the whole island revels in a festival atmosphere. 2025 is set to be bigger and better than ever. During the Classic Yacht Regatta, now in its 37th year, Falmouth Harbour transforms into a yachting mecca with every type of boat riding the wind around the island. There are six days of formal racing, with chase boats to charter and a full-on party schedule for post-race action. Back on dry land, the Antigua Carnival (68th Anniversary) from July to August shakes the island up with 11 days of food fairs, Calypso bands, and candy-bright costumes.
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