Things to do in  Bermuda

Dubbed simply “town” by Bermudians, Hamilton is the islands’ capital and urban hub. It’s home to shops, banking centers, and nightlife, and it’s where glamor and quaintness mix—the gleaming white yachts of Hamilton Harbour provide a stark contrast to the toy-town, pastel buildings of Front Street. For those seeking Bermuda’s eccentric side, Hamilton is where it’s at.

Once Bermuda’s naval base, the Royal Naval Dockyard’s modern day functions still revolve mainly around boats. While its principal activity is that of a cruise ship port, the huge 24-acre (nearly 10-hectare) historic area is so well developed that it’s unfair to call it a port alone. Today, “Dockyard” on Bermuda’s West End is home to a bustling waterfront development, complete with the Clocktower Mall, a craft market, Snorkel Park Beach, and the National Museum of Bermuda.

One of the few pink sand beaches in the world, Horseshoe Bay in Bermuda is loved by locals and tourists alike for its beauty, soft sand, and calm water. A trip to the island of Bermuda is not complete without a stroll along the water’s edge at this world-class stretch of sand.

Famously the inspiration for “Fraggle Rock,” Bermuda’s Crystal and Fantasy Caves form one of the island’s most popular visitor attractions. The two caves are small yet perfectly formed, and offer a mystic subterranean world with straw stalactites, stalagmites, illuminated pools, and underwater rock formations. Adding to their intrigue is the fact that they’re a relatively new discovery; local lads found them in 1907 when searching for a cricket ball.

Bermuda boasts two lighthouses, but the one at Gibbs Hill is notable as the first of only a few in the world to be made from cast iron. Standing 354 feet (108 meters) above sea level on one of Bermuda’s highest hills, the sparkling white lighthouse was first lit in 1846 and automated in 1964, its light visible for miles out to sea.

Cooper's Island Nature Reserve, part of the Bermuda national park system, comprises 12 acres (5 hectares of pristine island forests, salt marshes, beaches, and sea turtle habitats. As well as these natural attractions there are uninhabited buildings and the remains of a former military base and NASA station that once occupied these lands.

If you’re looking for an uninterrupted stretch of sand, Warwick Long Bay is where you’ll find it. This beauty of a beach extends along Bermuda’s southeastern shores, offering crushed-coral sands backed by wild grass and lapped by reef-protected waters. Those in the know keep the secret to themselves, so this beach doesn’t draw the same crowds as neighboring Horseshoe Bay.

For a look at both the undersea and landlocked life of the Bermuda island archipelago, head to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo. From pink flamingos to sharks and even a living coral reef, there’s plenty to entertain all ages here.

Set on the crest of Somerset Island’s highest hill is Fort Scaur, a site built to protect the nearby Royal Naval Dockyard from invasion after the American Civil War. Like many of Bermuda’s battlements, the fort didn’t see much action—but it’s impressive nonetheless. It’s also known as one of Bermuda’s top vantage points, with far-reaching views.

Overlooking Hamilton City from its hilltop perch, the cannons and ramparts of this Victorian fort were built to deter enemy ships, and have remained unused and intact since. Nowadays, the site is more popular for its greenery than its battlements—it entices visitors with its tranquil moat garden and panoramic city views.

The best of Bermuda’s natural beauty is packed into this 12-acre (5-hectare) nature reserve—home to a dense expanse of forests, caves, and mangrove ponds that double as swimming holes. Dubbed “Tom Moore’s Jungle” by locals (after the Irish poet who wrote about it), Walsingham Nature Reserve also encompasses the smaller Blue Hole Reserve and Idwal Hughes Nature Reserve.

Daniel’s Head Park is situated on some of the most gorgeous coastline in Bermuda. Located on the southeastern coast of the island, Daniel’s Head Park covers 17 acres. Making up part of this land are two glorious beaches that are a big part of the draw of Daniel’s Head Park. The water framing the beaches is shallow in most parts, making it an ideal place for families to go swimming. Snorkelers will also love donning some goggles and seeing what lies underneath the surface of the sea. Thanks to clear, calm water, you can usually see the underwater sea life well. Tropical fish isn’t all you can see in this area snorkeling; you can take a boat from the Daniel’s Head coast to the snorkeling hot spot of the shipwreck MVS Vixen, which still has part of its hull sticking out of the water making it very easy to snorkel around. Daniel’s Head Park has other water activities, too, including kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. There is also a restaurant, picnic tables and bathrooms located in Daniel’s Head Park.

The Bermuda Railway Trail is a series of trails that follow along the path of the short-lived Bermuda Railway, which was finished in 1931 but ceased operation by 1948 due to falling into massive disrepair. The Bermuda Railway Trail differs in terms of difficulty level and has sections ideal for beginner or advanced cyclists and hikers.

Within walking distance of Bermuda’s cruise port, Snorkel Park Beach is a sunseeker’s playground, with white-sand beaches around a glittering lagoon. There are activities to keep all ages amused, including swimming, snorkeling, and a host of water sports, as well as one of Bermuda’s biggest nightclubs.

Known as Bermuda’s “Billionaire’s Row,” Tucker’s Town is where those who have it all choose to live. Surrounded on both sides by the ocean, this narrow strip of land is in Bermuda’s eastern St. George’s Parish and is home to an exclusive residential enclave, luxury hotels, and two prestigious private golf courses.