Bermuda

What to do in Bermuda

Historical Sites

History buffs could spend an entire day in St George's. The Old State House, built in 1620 is Bermuda's oldest building. The lovingly preserved Tucker House is still filled with 18th-century furniture. St Peter's Church was first built in 1612 and was often renovated, so that it contains architectural styles spanning 4 centuries. Also worth a visit is Fort St Catherine, which houses a museum of island history.

Scuba Diving

This is a main event in Bermuda, and has won the title as one of the world's Best Beginner and Best Wreck sites in Scuba Diving magazine's Reader's Choice Awards! Every great dive destination has a signature, and Bermuda has at least three. 1) The greatest collection of diveable shipwrecks in the world, with over 400 ships sunk over 500 years lying stranded on broad reefs. 2) The Atlantic's best visibility, a claim backed up by a scientific study showing underwater visibility of a stunning 200-300 feet. 3) Access and more access. It's a quick non-stop hop from the east coast of the US, barely long enough for the in-flight movie!.

Beaches

The beaches in Bermuda are too numerous to list! There are some favorites, though, like the North Shore's Clarence Cove in Pembroke, with super-calm waters ideal for families. The protective reefs of Elbow Beach in Paget Parish also keep its water calm, and add great snorkeling to the attraction. Other popular stretches include Tobacco Bay Beach in St George's, Jobson's Cove in Warwick Parish, and Horseshoe Bay Beach in Southampton Parish. If you'd rather escape the crowds, try secluded Somerset Long Bay in quiet Sandys Parish and remote Astwood Cove in Warwick Parish.

Golf and Tennis

There are 8 world class golf courses, designed by such respected architects as Robert Trent Jones and Charles Banks. They each have challenging greens and distracting scenery, but their skill levels vary to accommodate all. Most hotels have day and night courts.

Tennis is something of a national pastime, not surprising since the first game of tennis in the Western Hemisphere was played here!.

Hamilton Day Trip

The city of Hamilton is ideal for strolling and full of interesting sites. Highlights include the Bermuda Historical Society Museum, impressive Fort Hamilton with great harbor views, the Bermuda Aquarium, Zoological Garden, the Crystal Caves with their underground lake, and much more. Additionally, Hamilton is the departure point for the delightful Glass Bottom Cruise over Bermuda's gorgeous marine ecosystem.

Spittal Pond

Smith's Parish near Hamilton is the location of Bermuda's largest wildlife sanctuary. Follow its network of beautiful trails and you'll have the chance to spot hundreds of species of exotic, colorful birds.

Boating and Fishing

Despite the plethora of sunken ships, Bermuda is still a major hotspot for sailing with its calm waters and endless deserted islands. You can rent your own sailboat or motorboat, or charter one. Anglers can set off on their own as well or hop aboard a deep-sea fishing excursion. The catch of the day could well include marlin, amberjack and tuna!.

Spas

Do you just want to relax? Bermuda comes through with an excellent selection of invigorating spas. Top choices include The Spa at Sonesta Beach Resort, the Secret Garden Spa and Body Tech Fitness at the Southampton Princess Hotel and the Strands Day Spa in Hamilton.

Shopping

Then, there is the shopping. Hamilton is the best area for it, though St George's and the Royal Naval Dockyard have an excellent selection too. Besides local crafts and wares, Bermuda is a great place to find bargains on such imports as Wedgwood china, crystal, perfume, English cashmere, wool, and Irish linens. Definitely include a stop at the famed Trimingham's department store, built in 1842.