Grenada, the Isle of Spice, is the world’s second largest nutmeg producer and a hidden gem in the Caribbean. This tri-island nation, consisting of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, is known for its warm weather and friendly locals, making it an excellent vacation spot for families. Here are 12 of the best things to do in Grenada for an unforgettable vacation.
St. George’s Grenada
Relax On Grand Anse Beach
Grand Anse Beach is the most popular beach on the island of Grenada. It’s situated in the southern part of the island where most of the major hotels and restaurants are located. The beach itself is roughly two miles long and is known for having silky white sand. There are many areas for swimming but the stretch of beach near the Blessed Sacrament Church is said to be the calmest.
Grand Anse Beach is a very safe beach as there are numerous lifeguard stations. Visitors will also find a number of vendors and beach chair rentals.
Grand Anse Beach
Grand Anse Beach shares it shoreline with the luxury five star Spice Island Beach Resort as well as the well-loved beach bar Umbrellas.
If you are travelling to Grenada with kids then Camerhogne Park is the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day on Grand Anse Beach. It’s a lovely greenspace with picnic tables, benches and a small play area for kids.
If you up for some shopping after the beach then Spiceland Mall International, Excel Plaza and Grand Anse Shopping Centre are all within walking distance.
Feast on Chocolates At House Of Chocolate
Located in the heart of St. George’s, Grenada’s capital, is a café and mini museum called House of Chocolate. The great thing is that all of their treats and drinks are made using locally produced chocolate.
House Of Chocolate
When you’re done sampling their treats make sure you stay for the live demonstrations about how cocoa beans are processed. House of Chocolates also teaches visitors about the history of cocoa on the island. This is an amazing spot to rest, relax, and learn while on a walking tour of St. George’s.
Spend The Day In Carriacou
The country of Grenada consists of three islands. Grenada is the largest, then Carriacou and Petite Martinique, the smallest one. Each island has its own distinct culture. Carriacou in particular is well known for Big Drum Dancing, The Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival, and The Carriacou Regatta Festival – the longest-running regatta festival in the Caribbean since 1965.
The island is accessible by daily ferry and small aircraft services.
Paradise Beach is the place to be while in Carriacou. This spot is located in the community of L’Esterre and is known for its beautiful turquoise waters. In 2022, Paradise Beach was voted Best Caribbean Beach in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
If you’re into adventure then you need to head underwater and explore the reefs on the Caribbean Sea side of the island. There are 33 dive sites, including two wreck sites, suitable for divers of all skill levels.
The island is only 13 square miles and you can easily be seen in less than two hours making it a perfect day trip while in Grenada
Eat Local Food At Sunset City Food Festival
If you are a food lover then the Sunset City Food Festival is a must attend event.
The food festival takes place every month in the parish of St Mark, the smallest on the island in terms of landmass and population.
Pot of food at a Grenadian food festival
The festivities start around 5pm and goes till around 11pm. Come hungry because you’ll find all sorts of local food and drinks showing of the heritage of the Grenadian people. If you get too full then you can dance off some of the food as there’s always a live band playing.
Mingle With Locals At Mt Moritz Breakfast
If you want to experience traditional Grenadian breakfast foods then head over to Mt Moritz, a small community about 15 minutes north of St. Georges.
The Mt Moritz Breakfast is hosted by the Mt Moritz Community Development Organisation usually on the first or last Sunday of the month. Delicacies on sale often include ground provision, coconut bakes, smoked herring and saltfish. Local cocoa and other herbal teas are also available.
This breakfast is well attended by locals and it is an awesome opportunity to interact with Grenadians and learn about their culture.
Attend Street Food Wednesdays
One of the most popular midweek items on the island’s entertainment calendar is Street Food Wednesdays. The islands of the West Indies are known for their street food so you cannot skip this one.
This event is hosted by True Blue Bay Resort, an eco-friendly boutique hotel situated on the southern side of the island.
Bookings are usually required to attend and can be easily made over the phone free of charge.
Preparing Oil Down
Food can be purchased from 6:30 pm with live local performances starting at 8pm. A DJ takes over at 10pm so make sure you bring those dancing shoes. They offer a wide variety of local food options aand it’s a great event to sample oil down, Grenada’s national dish.
Explore St. George’s, The Capital City
The capital of Grenada is St. George’s and it’s a very walkable city. Keep in mind that some areas are rather hilly so comfortable and sturdy shoes are a must.
Fort George is often considered the most historical site in St. George’s and one you cannot skip. The views over the city and the Caribbean Sea are unmatched. Fort George also serves as the headquarters of the police force but visitors can still freely explore the site.
Fort George
Fun fact: Some of the cannons in Fort George are sill operational and are fired on special occasions.
Another memorable thing to do in St. George’s is walking through the 340 foot long Sendall Tunnell. The tunnel was built in 1894 and brings traffic coming from the south of the island into the city. The tunnel is shared by motorists and pedestrians so you need to be careful when walking through.
Sendall Tunnel
If you’re looking for some exceptional shots for The ‘Gram then St. George’s has them for you. Some of the more notable spots The Carenage, Fort Frederick, along Kirani James Boulevard, and many others overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
The market square is in the heart of the city where visitors can find souvenirs as well as the more common foods such as sea moss, cane juice, coconut water, breadnut, and roast corn. Other spots in St. George’s to stock up on locally produced items include the Esplanade Mall and Shipwreck.
Swim In Annandale Waterfalls
Just a short drive from St. George’s you’ll find Annandale Waterfalls, the closest waterfall to the city. It’s also one of the smaller ones but has lots to do. It’s very accessible and you can even enjoy the view from the comfort of your car.
The water is pretty cool and swimming is allowed. After swimming take some time to explore the surrounding area as it’s filled tropical trees and plants. The Wild Orchid Restaurant is located on the site and you can get basic items such as burgers, fries, small salads and other finger foods.
Annandale,Falls
Visit Grand Etang Lake
Grand Etang Lake is situated in the Grand Etang Forest Reserve in the crater of an extinct volcano and is one of two crater lakes on the island. The lake covers 30 acres and is approximately 1,740 feet above sea level.
Grand Etang Lake
The lake is surrounded by a tropical rainforest filled with unique flora and fauna. The Grand Etang Reserve is home to the Mona Monkey and contains a number of hiking trails. Some of the trails will take you through the forests to the area’s stunning waterfalls while others will allow you to explore the area around the lake.
Go To Leapers Hill And Learn About Its History
Leapers Hill is situated in the northern parish of St Patrick and is an area that marks a dark point in Grenada’s history.
In 1651 the native Caribs realized that they were swindled in a deal with the French. The Caribs were unhappy with what they received in the deal in exchange for letting the French settle on the island. They attacked the French but were eventually overwhelmed by superior artillery.
The Caribs were beaten back to a cliff overlooking the sea. Instead of surrendering and being enslaved by the French a number of Caribs decided to jump to their death.
Today the spot is marked with a monument and can be accessed by walking through a local cemetery.
Visit Belmont Estate
Belmont Estate is a 300 year old working plantation sitting on 400 lush acres in the parish of St. Patrick. The property features a large cocoa plantation, a museum, a goat dairy, a gift shop, a craft co-op, and beautiful gardens. On the property you’ll also find a restaurant where you can enjoy local Grenadian cuisine packed with bold flavours that the West Indies are known for.
Belmont Estate Cocoa
Belmont Estate has its own chocolate factory and cocoa from the plantation is used to produce Grenada’s premium chocolate bars. They also conduct tours so visitors can learn more about the whole chocolate making process.
Watch A Game of Football and Cricket
Cricket and football are the two most popular sports in Grenada due to the island’s British heritage.
The National Cricket stadium in St. Grorge’s sometimes plays host to cricket teams touring the region and playing against the West Indies. If you’ve never been to a cricket match you need to pop your cherry at an oval in the West Indies. There’s always a party happening in the stands and it’s filled with amazing food and lots of local beer and rum.
If you’re more of a football(soccer) fan then the Waggy T Super Knockout Football Tournament is for you. It’s usually held on weekends between October and December and is much a party as it is a football competition.
Conclusion
Grenada, the Spice Isle, is a beautiful and unique destination in the Caribbean that offers a variety of activities for travelers to enjoy. From relaxing on the white sands of Grand Anse Beach and indulging in locally made chocolate to exploring the culture and natural beauty of the smaller island of Carriacou to trying local food at the Sunset City Food Festival, there is something for everyone in Grenada. The friendly locals and warm weather only add to the appeal of this hidden gem of a vacation spot.
The peak tourist season in Grenada is from December to April. During this time prices tend to be higher and attractions may be more crowded. Another thing to keep in mind is that the hurricane season runs from June to November.
Even though this article lists the best things to do in Grenada there’s a lot more to experience in this tropical paradise.
Huge thanks to the folks at Around The Caribbean for this guest post. They’re an online magazine dedicated to sharing information about the islands of the Caribbean. Their aim is to provide content with helpful and meaningful tips for individuals relocating to, or traveling to the region.
