Bermuda Attractions and Things to Do

Unique Bermuda attractions include dozens of military forts; large historic churches including Anglican Cathedral, with its 157-step tower, and St. Peter's Church, built from island cedar in 1612; the 36-acre Botanical Gardens; 758 historic homes listed with the Bermuda National Trust; and the Royal Navy Dockyard, built more than 200 years ago.


Five military installations are worth noting. They are Fort Hamilton, Fort St. Catherine, Gates' Fort, Martello Tower and Scaur Hill Fort Park. All are free and open to tourists year-round except for Martello Tower, which is open during the summer and by appointment only during the rest of the year. The highlight of Fort Hamilton is a series of underground tunnels dug out of solid rock in the 1870s that lead to a moat garden.


The Anglican Cathedral Tower at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity has a climb of 157 steps to a panoramic view of the area. It is located on Church Street in the city of Hamilton. It is free and open daily, but the tower has a $3 entrance fee ($2 for seniors and students) and is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. St. Peter's Church is located on Duke of York Street in the town of St. George. It is free and open daily, with church services on Sundays.


Bermuda's famous pink sand beaches include Horseshoe Bay Beach, John Smith's Bay and Warwick Long Bay. Elbow Beach is good for snorkeling because of reefs that are close to shore; it also is close to Hamilton.


St. George, located on the northeast tip of the island, will richly reward tourists looking to get a taste of the island's history. Founded in 1612, St. George represents one of the oldest permanent English settlements in the New World.


Hamilton is the center of trade and shipping for Bermuda because it is the only container port on the island. As a result, cruise ship visitors get quick and easy access to the city. When arriving, they first see Front Street, which lies along the edge of the water. It is the main road of Hamilton for restaurants and shopping.


Highlights include The Formal Gardens, which has a Japanese Zen Garden, a 17th Century-style English Parterre Garden, a 12th Century-style Persian Garden and a Tudor-style children’s Maze Garden. The gardens, which are free to the public, are located at 169 South Road. They are open sunrise to sunset with tours at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.


Bermuda is one of the premier golf course destinations among all of the islands that lie along the coastal United States, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.


Dolphin Quest Bermuda is located at the National Museum of Bermuda in Dockyard on the westernmost end of Bermuda. It provides hands-on experiences with dolphins that include a variety of encounters in the water. Prices vary based on the program.


The Carter House on Southside Road is considered to be the oldest structure in St. David's. It was built in 1640, is mostly in its original state and was recently restored. The house is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, May through September; it is open Saturdays only from October to May. Admission is $2, while children under 12 years old are free. Telephone: (441) 297-1642


Tourists can take a ferry ride from Hamilton to the Dockyards, which were used as a strategic outpost for the Royal Navy more than 200 years ago and which were used to attack Washington D.C. during the War of 1812. In addition to military buildings, visitors can shop, eat at restaurants, watch glass-blowing demonstrations and interact with dolphins at the Bermuda Maritime Museum, which also is the island's largest fort.

Other Bermuda Attractions

• Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute
  
• Crystal and Fantasy Caves
  
• Bermuda Perfumery
  
• Snorkel Park Beach