Things to Do in St John's

One of the best places to go on the island if you want fantastic views of the shimmering Caribbean waters, Fort James sits in an ideal position overlooking St. John's Harbor. Built by the British in 1706 to protect the harbor, the fort was intended to prevent the French from invading the island.

Today, come and see the cannons, powder magazine, and foundation of the wall, the remainders of the fort. The true highlight of a visit to Fort James, however, is the unbeatable view of St. John's Harbor. With its bright blue waters, nestled among towering cliffs and the picturesque town of St. John's, the harbor is truly one of the most beautiful sites Antigua and Barbuda has to offer.

Located in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies, Antigua is the main island in the grouping constituting the nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Its history and geography have made it internationally famous as a sailing and yachting destination.

St. John’s has a large and deep harbor that perfectly accommodates large cruise ships. The main attractions in town are all within close walking distance to the pier. Heritage and Redcliffe Quay offer shopping opportunities directly next to port, and downtown St. John’s is just a short distance away.

Locals boast that Antigua has 365 different beaches, one for each day of the year. History buffs will love the island’s rich naval history, as it was once an important colonial base of the British Royal Navy. Take the Round Island Tour, which brings you through the historic Nelson's Dockyard National Park. Or, stay local in St. John’s with the city shore excursion, and tour the city’s vegetable market.

The blazing-white sands of Dickenson Bay are home to a handful of Antigua’s larger resort hotels, including Sandals, Halcyon Cove and Antigua Village. Along the beachfront you can also find a hub of restaurants, beach bars, and water sports operators renting kayaks, windsurfing boards, snorkeling gear and more. The bay is known for having consistently calm waters, which makes it a great place for families with kids to play in the water, or for snorkelers who want to visit the mile-long stretch of reef that runs along the shore. The one thing you won’t find at Dickenson Bay is a secluded stretch of sand, as it’s one of the most popular beaches on the island, but if you want get away from the crowd, head south to the next beach over along Runaway Bay.