Antigua (pronounced Ahn-tee-guh) & Barbuda is a two-island nation that lies where the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean meet. With sun-drenched, white sand beaches and an uncrowded feel, it’s an ideal destination to kick back with a rum punch in hand, of course. Here’s how to spend a perfect two days, focusing on the island of Antigua.

Quick notes

• Getting around: You can book excursions with transportation options, but renting a cars allows more flexibility and ends up being cheaper. Providers like Chase Rent-a-Car can meet you right at the airport. A full-size Jeep was about $100/day.
• Where to stay: The western part of the island has the best beaches, so try a hotel there. I’ve listed my favorite beachfront hotels below.
• Fun on the road: If you’re into local eats, keep an eye out for stands on the road. You can buy fresh fruit (the sweetest mangoes!), prepared goods like honey and hot sauce, and even homemade hot foods.

Day 1

Morning

Relax at the beach

Let’s start the day off strong – at the beach! I don’t think you can go wrong at any single beach in Antigua, but there are a few on the west that came highly recommended by locals.

Ffyres Beach, Darkwood Beach, and Valley Church Bay are spectacularly beautiful and usually not crowded. There’s beach bars to grab drink and food, but otherwise there’s not much so bring your own towels and other effects.

It gets a little more crowded as you get closer to St. Johns and the cruise part; at Jolly Beach and Dickenson Bay, you’ll find more vendors with chairs and umbrellas for rent, plus jetskis and other water activities.

For ultimate seclusion, Rendezvous Bay Beach is a gorgeous long sandy stretch that can only be reached on foot or 4×4. If you don’t have a car, you can book a fun excursion to explore beaches via tuk-tuk.

Afternoon

Explore Antigua’s past at English Harbour

After a day at the beach, head over to Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour where you can get a sense of Antigua’s colonial past. With preserved historic buildings, it’s a UNESCO Heritage Site that now harbors luxury yachts.

Sugar was the treasure that colonial powers tried to protect by occupying the Caribbean islands. Rum is the end product of that history, and here at Galleon Beach Academy of Rum offers an immersive rum making experience that brings the tradition to life.

Night

Sunset with a view and dinner

On Fridays, you can join the Rum in the Ruins tour of Fort George led by one of the park rangers. Chat about the history and learn about preservations efforts on the island – with a cup of rum punch, of course.

On Thursdays and Sundays, you can attend the famous barbecue at Shirley Heights Lookout, a former military site. Admission is $10 with various food vendors.

Day 2

Morning

Swimming with the stingrays

Stingray City is located in the northeast part of the island, but it’s worth the trip. I was hesitant at first but all of the guides puts you at ease and help you witness the charm of these gentle creatures.

After checking in at the facilities, you take a short boat ride out to a sandbar where you can feed and swim with the stingrays. The trip ends with what else? Rum punch.

You can book in advance and pay once you arrive.

Check out Long Bay Beach while you’re out here, known for its white sand and colorful huts housing small tourist shops. Along the way there’s a tasty locals spot called Matumba Cafe in the town of Willikies. It’s located on the same street as Reggaevillage East, also a good eatery. Stop by to get a plate of the barbecue chicken or oxtail.

Afternoon

Tour the city of St. John

The city caters to the cruises that dock here, so it can feel a little empty when the crowds aren’t around. Therefore it’s not a must, but if you’re interested you can spend an hour or two exploring the harborside center and Redcliffe Caye shopping village for shops, snack bars, and restaurants. There’s also the National Museum of Antigua & Barbuda to learn about culture and history, plus a casino if you’re into gambling.

A good place to eat and people watch is the deck at Hemingway Cafe.

Night

Sunset dinner at Sheer Rocks

For a special waterfront view, make a reservation at Sheer Rocks located at the Cocobay Resort. It’s a bit pricey so you can also just grab drinks and enjoy the view from one of the lounge areas.

And you can always of course catch the same sunset from on shore at Little Ffyres Beach or Valley Church Bay.

Nighttime karaoke at T.N.A. Sports Bar

A great place to meet friendly locals is T.N.A. Sports Bar which hosts karaoke nights. Bring cash.