10 Quintessentially Caribbean Things to Do in Grenada
You can have the most Caribbean experience ever by trying these 10 things to do in Grenada. It’s live every island dream you’ve ever had all ticked off in one tiny island trip. Number nine is unique to Grenada too!
When you think about Caribbean islands, pictures of gleaming white sand beaches, lush verdant mountains, super friendly locals, unique culinary experiences, rum punch & fresh nutmeg come to mind.
But there’s even more to this enchanting area than that. We’re talking ziplining through rainforest canopies, uncovering crashing waterfalls, trying gorgeous rum straight from the barrel, tasting chocolate direct from the source, discovering storied forts and shopping in bustling centres.
And the best news is, you don’t have to travel the region to experience them.
Just come with us on a voyage of discovery through some of the top things to do in Grenada and see that you can do it all on this tiny, tantalising island.
Why Discover the Caribbean in Grenada?
If the prospect of seeing the best of the Caribbean in one place isn’t encouragement enough to get yourself booked on the next flight to Grenada, then the island geography might be.
See, it’s not just that the island offers all the best quintessentially Caribbean activities you can think of, it’s that they are so easy to get to. Because Grenada is only 133 square miles, getting out to events and day trips is super simple. Plus, its diminutive nature also means it doesn’t take as long to get around and you can fit more fun activities into those day trips.
To give you more perspective on how small the island is; to drive from Levera Beach on the northwest coast to Magazine Beach down on the southeast shoreline would take around one hour and 30 minutes.
With that in mind, we’d definitely recommend hiring a car from your glitzy resort and heading out on your own adventure. Maybe you can discover these 10 things to do in Grenada in your own time.
What Are The Things to Do in Grenada For a Full Caribbean Experience?
As we mentioned, beaches, rum and snorkelling are readily available on most islands across the Caribbean. But this list of top activities in Grenada showcases that you can do it all here – and then some.
- The Cargenage in St George’s
- Countless incredible beaches
- Visit the House of Chocolate
- Discover delicious Caribbean cuisine
- Visit the River Antoine Rum Distillery
- Tour the Dougaldston Spice Estate
- Explore Grand Etang National Park
- Uncover Annandale Falls
- Explore the world’s first Under Water Sculpture Park
- Hike to Colonial Fortifications
1. The Carenage in St George’s
Now, first things first, St George’s is the capital of Grenada and it’s an absolute hub of amazing things to do. From forts to amazing restaurants and museums it’s chocked full of crowd-pleasing places.
One such smile-sower is the Carenage, a delightful waterfront promenade which is reminiscent of a quaint harbour in a Welsh town.
Beautiful little cafés, restaurants, and boutiques fill the promenade and give off a really welcoming vibe. It’s a great place to settle down for a bite to eat or coffee looking out over the water.
2. Plenty of Beaches
It’ll come as no surprise, while counting down the top Caribbean activities on this island, to hear there are some simply stunning beaches in Grenada. In fact there are over 45 stretches of indelible sand in here so, no matter where you stay, you should be within striking distance of one.
Alternatively, you could also choose to book your escape in one of the top beachfront hotels in Grenada and place the sand on your doorstep.
A few lesser-known spots for beach-lovers are Morne Rouge Bay, Magazine Beach & Tamarind Bay. But, if you want to be sure of a quiet beach experience, head to Magazine Beach or Tamarind Bay. These secluded pieces of Grenadine shoreline lie just a little further down on the south coast.
Choosing the Best Beach in Grenada
However, if you’re searching for beachy perfection then Grand Anse Beach is where you need to head. Located in the tiny area known as The Lime, just outside the capital, Grand Anse is surely the image of a dreamy paradise island. Fall in love with the soft sand, perfect lilting ocean waves and the way the palm trees and other lush tropical flora frames the beach. There are also some gorgeous views of the hills and St George to savour too.
3. Visit the House of Chocolate
Who doesn’t love a bit of chocolate? Well, chocolate-lovers wil be hard-pushed to find a better activity than day tripping to the House of Chocolate.
Not quite Willy Wonka’s place, the House of Chocolate is a must-see museum in the heart of St George’s. Learn all about the history of the confection in Grenada and across the world. Then settle down in the café and try some of the amazing stuff for yourself. There’s also a boutique where you can fill your boots with organic Grenadian chocolate.
The Belmont Estate
You’ll find the Belmont Estate in most Grenada guides. The large plantation has been a part of the country’s landscape since way back in the 1600s. After starting as a large producer of coffee and sugar it switched focus to nutmeg and cocoa in the 1800s and it’s fair to say the place hasn’t looked back.
Take a tour around the plantation and enjoy some of the delicious organic treats for yourself. While you’re there, don’t miss the opportunity to wander through the stunning tropical gardens and spot rare animals which call the hills around Belmont home. The mona monkeys and macaws are a special delight. What a day out!
4. Try Unforgettable Caribbean Cuisine
Don’t miss the chance to fill your belly with some amazing grub in Grenada. The Caribbean is synonymous with vibrant cuisine and that’s no different here!
Situated on Magazine Beach, The Aquarium Restaurant serves up casual lunches to elegant evening fare amid stunning mountainous views of St George. From dining in the stylish restaurant to relaxing in the newly opened rooftop bar or experiencing the traditional Sunday BBQ, The Aquarium is certainly worth a visit.
Roger’s Barefoot Beach Bar on Little Hog Island is another example of laid-back Caribbean cuisine done extremely well. Indulgent BBQ feasts with fresh seafood are a particular speciality. Fiery jerk sauces and stunning beaches make the perfect accompaniments.
But it’s not all just about BBQ’s, beaches and rustic charm when it comes to restaurants in Grenada. There are plenty of eateries in St George’s that will also offer that elevated experience too.
5. Rum Tasting at the River Antoine Distillery
The River Antoine Rum Distillery has been a huge part of Grenadian heritage since 1785. Situated up on the northeast coast the distillery is about an hour’s drive away from St George’s.
But it’s worth the trip out to see the process of rum creation and to try some of the finished product. Be careful though, one of the rum’s produced here is so strong it’s illegal to try and bring it back home! Wowzers!
6. Dougaldston Spice Estate
Let the sweet scents entice you up to Dougaldston Spice Estate. The cultivation of organic ingredients like nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon provides the sweet aromas which follow you around this amazing plantation. Take some time out during your time in Grenada to see some old-school cocoa prep too.
Get even more spice know-how at Laura’s Herb and Spice Garden. This large grassy area is covered in a range of spices in their natural habitat. A guided tour will take you around the trees and plants talking you through their fascinating history and journey from field to plate (or packet). Grab a sweet souvenir from the gift shop, super spices straight from the source!
7. Visit a National Park
Want some natural beauty when you’re looking for things to do in Grenada? Then you’ll be glad to know there are national parks which are so naturally beautiful it should be a sport to marvel at them.
Grand Etang National Park
Grand Etang National Park is perfect for those who like to crack out the hiking boots when they’re away. Set up in the higher reaches of central Grenada. Sample the very best of nature by reaching the summit of Mount Qua Qua and staring down on the staggering beauty of the area. Then travel to the verdant banks of Grand Etang Lake. If you get a second to slow the pace, you’ll be treated to a glimpse of stunning hummingbirds working away feverishly.
Levera National Park
If it’s birds you’re looking for then Levera National Park is a dream come true. The great swathes of mangrove covering the area surrounding the park play host to a plethora of wildlife. This in turn means the park is a haven for Avarian visitors looking for a quick meal in the lush vegetation.
8. Discover Enchanting Waterfalls
More stunning natural beauty comes in the form of the Annandale Falls. Just 15 minutes from the relative hustle and bustle of St George’s towards the southwest of the island.
Take in the majestic falls or take a dip in the cooling waters. Some hardy souls also like to jump off the falls into the deep waters below.
Another one for you falls fans out there. Royal Mount Carmel Falls in Grenville (about 10 miles from St George’s) comes at the end of a 30-minute hike through beautiful plantation fields. Sweet scents of nutmeg and fruits follow you up to the falls which are the largest on the island dropping 70 feet into the deep waters below.
9. Dive into an Underwater Sculpture Park
Definitely one of the strangest things to do in Grenada, in fact, forget that… it’s probably one of the strangest things you can do full stop.
Underneath the glistening waters of Moliniere Bay lies an eerie underwater sculpture park. Life-sized human sculptures carved by Jason DeCaires Taylor were submerged back in 2006 and are thought to be the first of their kind. Nowadays the renowned British artist, sculptor and activist lays claim to around 13 other underwater museums and submerged installations.
Take a boat out from the capital and get up close and personal with the haunting figures like Viccisitudes – a group of children holding hands as a symbol unity & resilience
If scuba diving’s your thing there’s also a plethora of world-renowned dive sites in Grenada. The most famous of which has to be the Bianca C, the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean. Now reclaimed by the deep a myriad of marine life now call the sunken liner home.
10. Hike to Colonial Fortifications
If you’re into your history and old-world skirmishes then you’ll love the sights dotted around Grenada and St George’s in particular. Two of the more famous forts in the country are Fort George and Fort Frederick.
Fort George
Fort George has been in use on the island pretty much since its creation back in the 1700s. But even before that it served as a wooden fort built by French settlers back in the 1600s. Nowadays you can climb up to the top and witness some spectacular views of the island and the stunning coastline, including a glimpse of the impressive cruise ships in the harbour.
Fort Frederick
If you want more perfect panoramic views out over the island then Fort Frederick is the place to go. Although, you’ll have to work for them, Fort Frederick is just 2km outside of St Geroge’s but the path to it is uphill to say the least. However, once you’re there you’ll be treated to a real piece of the island’s history.
The “Backwards Facing Fort” as it’s known, due to it facing inland rather than out to sea, was built by the French as a way of defending themselves against similar attack to the fashion in which they captured the island from the British in 1779. Rather than attacking from the sea (as the British thought they would) the sneaky French attacked from inland and took the island with ease. This then led to the building of the fortification to avoid a red-faced defeat in similar fashion.
Where To Stay?
To be able to discover all these incredible things to do in Grenada, you’re going to need somewhere to stay. But, with a whole island of options to choose from, that can be easier said than done. So, let’s break down some of your best options.
Top Couples Hotels In Grenada
If you’re searching for a romantic escape to the island or a bit of ‘you’ time away from the stresses of the every day, these three hotel options are perfect for couples with wanderlust:
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
In typical Sandals Resorts fashion, Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa offers a host of world-class amenities. The five-star haven offers five pools 10 restaurants and six bars, stretched out on the delightfully dubbed Pink Gin Beach overlooking the less-enticingly-named Devils Bay Check out our latest offer which gets you to Sandals Grenada for half the price!
Coyaba Beach Resort
If all those incredible activities in St Georges’s had you licking your lips, then you should check out Coyaba Beach Resort. Situated just five miles from the captial and steps from the perfect sands of Grand Anse Beach, you’ll have access to five bars and restaurants and a resort pool. But this is definitely more suited to those who want to get out and explore more. Plus, with just 80 rooms, you’re sure of a restful escape.
Top Hotel for Families in Grenada
If you’re thinking of treating the kids to a memorable holiday in Grenada, then Royalton Grenada Resort & Spa is perfect. Located on the quieter shores of Magazine Beach, at Royalton Grenada adults get all the advantages of luxury living like DreamBed™ mattresses in the rooms, a spa area and a fitness centre.
Meanwhile, the little ones can have fun exploring the super engaging Clubhouse Kids Club and older kids can take their pick from a range of water sports and other activities.
Find Out More About the Top Hotels in Grenada Now
Now you know all about where to go when you touch down – and our suggestions around where to stay on the island, you have everything you need to make an informed decision about your Grenada holiday.
However, if you need more time to decide, want to learn more about the island or would like to check out a few more resort options, why not click the button below to see more info about all our Grenada resorts.
