Packed with brightly painted houses, St. George’s is the capital city of Grenada and home to the Caribbean island’s busy cruise ship terminal. While some passengers head straight to the beaches or on scuba diving excursions, St. George’s offers its own attractions and things to do. Fort George serves up panoramic island views, while the Grenada National Museum hosts exhibits on the region’s history. And at the Carenage, the city’s lively waterfront promenade, you can watch the goings-on of the harbor as you stroll past stores, seafood restaurants, and cafés.
The best time to visit Grenada is January–April when it’s driest. Though you’ll encounter larger crowds during this time, Grenada isn’t typically as busy as other Caribbean islands as it receives fewer cruise ships. Foodies may want to plan their visit around the Grenada Chocolate Festival at the end of May—cocoa and nutmeg are two of Grenada’s biggest crops. During the summer and fall, hurricanes are a risk, so consider getting travel insurance if you’re visiting then.
You can explore most of St. George’s on foot but taxis and public minibuses are readily available. The island’s central bus station is a 15-minute walk from the St. George’s cruise ship terminal. Minibusses only run on weekdays with limited service. Colorful motor boats can transport you between Grand Anse Beach and St. George's harbor. There are rental car agencies in St. George’s but driving around Grenada is not for the faint of heart.
The Carenage is home to a spice market where vendors sell cinnamon, cloves, ginger, bay leaf, turmeric, and nutmeg. It is open daily, but Saturday mornings are when farmers from around the island set up shop. Keep in mind you can only bring factory-sealed packages through US Customs. St. George’s is also a good jumping-off point for diving excursions. Just off the coast lies Molinière Underwater Sculpture Park, which features hauntingly beautiful work by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor.
