8 things you need to do on your first trip to Bermuda

May 2 2018, 9:46 pm

Fact: The perfect island oasis is waiting for you just a two-hour flight from Toronto.

Think pink sand beaches, bright turquoise water, and all the quaintness you can handle – cobblestone streets included.

Of course, we’re talking about Bermuda, the year-round island destination perfect for sun seekers and history buffs alike.

Offering something for everyone, here are 8 things you need to do on your first trip to Bermuda.

See Bermuda’s pink sand beaches

Stephanie White/Daily Hive

Bermuda has an abundance of beautiful pink sand beaches that you simply need to see to believe. Horseshoe Bay is the most popular beach in Bermuda and is ranked by TripAdvisor, Conde Nast, and Flight Network as one of the best beaches in the world. There, you can take part in Beachfest in the summer, or the Sand Castle Competition in September.

What To Do on Your First Trip to Bermuda

Stephanie White/Daily Hive

What To Do on Your First Trip to Bermuda

Stephanie White/Daily Hive

If you want to avoid the crowds at Horseshoe Bay, Warwick Long Bay is the longest beach – a full 800 metres of blissful white sand.

Other stunning beaches to visit are Tobacco Bay Beach and Shelly Bay Beach, which offer clear and shallow water that’s great for snorkelling.

Experience serenity at Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa

What To Do on Your First Trip to Bermuda

Bermuda Department of Tourism

At Grotto Bay Beach Resort their spa is in an ancient limestone cave over a brilliant turquoise lake. (No big deal.) Following a candlelit path, you’ll find private massage tents over the water. (Again, NO BIG DEAL.) Book an individual or couple’s massage in the floating tents and experience the most unique and relaxing massage of your life.

Walk or bike through the cobbled streets of St. George

What To Do on Your First Trip to Bermuda

Bermuda Department of Tourism

Settled in 1609, St. George was one of the first English settlements in the New World. The former capital was even named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Take a stroll down the cobbled streets to explore the historic buildings, churches, and forts and let your full history nerd run wild.

What To Do on Your First Trip to Bermuda

Stephanie White/Daily Hive

What To Do on Your First Trip to Bermuda

Bermuda Department of Tourism

Within St. George you can visit St. Peter’s Church (built in 1612), see the stunning church ruins of the Unfinished Church, and have a hand at making your own signature perfume at the Bermuda Perfumery.

Try a rum swizzle and Bermudian cuisine

What To Do on Your First Trip to Bermuda

Stephanie White/Daily Hive

Bermuda’s national drink is the rum swizzle, a fruity drink similar to a rum punch. While visiting Bermuda, you need to try some of the popular food and beverages like the swizzle, fish chowder, spiny lobster, Wahoo nuggets, and fish sandwich.

Kristin White, a local expert, offers a three-hour tour of St. George where you can try food from local restaurants. Learn more about the local sights and history as she guides you through the area on her food tour.

Explore the Crystal Caves

What To Do on Your First Trip to Bermuda

Bermuda Department of Tourism

The Crystal Caves is one of Bermuda’s top tourist attractions. Walk through the stunning limestone caves with a beautiful turquoise lake. The caves are estimated to be millions of years old and have massive hanging stalagmite over the 55-foot deep subterranean lake.

Shop and dine in the City of Hamilton

What To Do on Your First Trip to Bermuda

Bermuda Department of Tourism

Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda, is a must-stop location if you wish to get some locally made products. Head to Front Street to visit Alexandra Mosher to buy jewelry made with pink sand from the local beaches, or pick up a pair of Bermuda shorts at TABS The Authentic Bermuda Shorts.

What To Do on Your First Trip to Bermuda

Bermuda Department of Tourism

For a magnificent dining experience make sure to try Marcus, which is Bermuda’s first celebrity chef restaurant. Helmed by chef Marcus Samuelsson, renowned for his New York restaurant Red Rooster and for winning Top Chef Masters, Marcus offers incredible Bermudian cuisine that is simply a must-try!

See Gombey dancing

What To Do on Your First Trip to Bermuda

Bermuda Department of Tourism

Gombey dancing is a traditional Bermudan performance that is a mix of dancing and drumming. The dancers wear a colourful costume of a peacock feather headdress, painted mask, tassels, and bells. Gombey dancing can be seen at festive celebrations, and in the summer during Harbor Nights. Join the crowds of spectators in dancing along with the Gombey dancers to the percussion beats.

Get a 360 view of Bermuda

What To Do on Your First Trip to Bermuda

Bermuda Department of Tourism

Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, a cast iron lighthouse built in 1846, is the oldest of its kind in the world! The 117-foot lighthouse is the tallest point in Bermuda, and from the top of the lighthouse, you can get a panoramic view of Bermuda.

 

Disclaimer: Travel, accommodation, and meals were provided by Bermuda Tourism Authority. All views and opinions are those of the author.

Stephanie WhiteStephanie White

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