Barbados vacations

See Barbados from a fresh perspective in Bridgetown. This historic gem is home to fascinating architecture, from waterfront boardwalks to neo-Gothic parliament buildings.

The top things to do in Barbados happen in the water. The calm west coast is ideal for snorkeling, while the swells on the Atlantic side draw serious surfers. Hire a catamaran to spot sea turtles, or take a submarine tour past coral reefs and shipwrecks. The newest waterborne thrill? Jetblading, where you propel yourself through the air using a superhero-style jetpack.

Barbados’ gardens deserve your attention. The Flower Forest specializes in huge tropical blooms. The passion project of garden legend Iris Bannochie, the Andromeda Botanical Gardens packs in more than 600 plant species in just eight acres. And at Hunte’s Gardens, you can follow up a walk through the exotic foliage with a glass of rum punch.

You’ll find some of the world’s best and rarest rums in Barbados. The 320-year-old Mount Gay Distillery and historic St. Nicholas Abbey both offer tastings, while other guided tours will transport you to the full range of distilleries all around the island. But nothing beats sipping the good stuff alongside locals in one of the island’s many rum shops.

The beaches in Barbados’ south, where the larger resorts are concentrated, offer the most amenities (think gear rentals and happy hour cocktails). The rocky shores of the east coast boast dramatic limestone cliffs. And all over the island, you can find less-traveled spots, like Enterprise Beach and Shark Hole cove, best found by getting directions from locals.

Explore stalagmites and underground waterfalls on a tram ride through Harrison’s Cave. Brave a short, steep hike to swim in the pools of Animal Flower Cave, complete with stunning views of the ocean. Hike beneath tropical fruit trees at Coco Hill, a sprawling regenerative forest. Or take in the scene from the wooded grounds of Farley Hill National Park.

Influences from Africa, India and Europe come together to make up Barbadian cuisine, served in traditional and inventive ways at restaurants in Barbados. Menus go heavy on local ingredients like breadfruit, cassava, sorrel and fresh seafood. Don’t leave without trying fried flying fish, considered the island’s national dish. It’s usually sandwiched between salt bread or served over ‘cou cou’ (a cornmeal-based porridge).

The Barbados Museum & Historical Society is the best museum in Barbados to learn about the island’s past, from the beginning of British rule through to the present day. Find exhibits on Barbados’ marine life and political history, as well as local fine art. And don’t miss Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where 17th-century colonial buildings and a garrison still stand.

The best time to visit Barbados is from December to April, when the weather is sunny and the waters are calm. Rates come down, and crowds disperse the rest of the year, when rainy days are much more common. Hurricanes tend to bypass Barbados, but storms are more frequent from June to November.

Despite its glitzy reputation, the island offers enough dining and hotel options that a cheap trip to Barbados is possible. Order an inexpensive meal for around 40 Barbadian dollars ($) and a local beer for roughly $5. A short taxi ride will cost you about $28.