8 Can’t-Miss Attractions in St. Kitts
Named Liamuiga, or “fertile island" by the resident Arawak people, St. Kitts was a center for sugar cane production for more than 350 years under French and British rule. The Caribbean island is now better known for its powdery white-sand beaches, lush green landscape, local food and culture, and low-key island nightlife.
1. Ride the St. Kitts Scenic Railway
St. Kitts' agricultural heritage comes to life on this three-hour, 30-mile tour of the island — 18 miles of which take place in open-air train cars along tracks once used to transport the sugar harvest to market. The rest of the tour is via sightseeing bus. The narrow-gauge rail journey includes gorgeous views of former sugar cane estates, Mount Liamuiga, historical churches and windmills, and, of course, the Caribbean Sea.
2. Tour the Brimstone Hill Fortress
Constructed of dark volcanic rock, the “Gibraltar of the West Indies" towers 800 feet above sea level on St. Kitts' west coast. Designed by the British and built between the 1690s and 1790s, the massive fort defended the island against French invasions and remains almost completely intact. The astounding views from the battlements rival the history that earned the fort designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
St. Kitts Tourism Authority
3. Sample Local Rum, Fashion
Once owned by the great-great-great-grandfather of Thomas Jefferson, Wingfield Estate has come full circle, with rum once again being poured at this 17th-century sugar plantation, where rum production began in 1681. Old Road Rum offers tours and tastings of its 12-year aged rum at the estate, where visitors can walk among the ruins of the historic distillery, see ancient Amerindian petroglyphs, and shop for colorful fabrics and clothing produced by hand at the Caribelle Batik factory.
4. Enjoy the View From Timothy Hill
One of the best things to do in St. Kitts won’t cost you a penny. The windswept Timothy Hill overlook boasts commanding views of Nevis, the Atlantic Ocean, and Caribbean Sea, and the undulating hills of the island's southern peninsula, bounded by Friar’s Bay and Frigate Bay.
5. Dine, Drink, and Dance at Frigate Bay
Frigate Bay is home to The Strip, a collection of beach shacks like The Monkey Bar and Mr. X’s Shiggidy Shack serving up grilled local fish, pizza, Mexican food, rum drinks, and live music to locals and tourists alike.
St. Kitts Tourism Authority
6. Honor the Past in Independence Square
Independence Square in St. Kitts' capital, Basseterre, honors the political independence of St. Kitts and Nevis from Great Britain achieved in 1983. The site also once served as the island's slave market, and barred dungeons where enslaved people were held can still be seen in buildings around the square.
7. Plan a Beach Day on Cockleshell Bay
The beach on Cockleshell Bay has broad sands, calm waters, and million-dollar views across the narrow strait separating St. Kitts from its sister island of Nevis. Located on the southern tip of the island, the beach is also home to two of St. Kitts' most popular beachfront restaurants and gathering spots, the Lion Rock Beach Bar & Grill and the Reggae Beach Bar & Grill.
8. Attend the St. Kitts Music Festival
The annual St. Kitts Music Festival offers the best excuse to visit St. Kitts during the summer. Each June, the island hosts three days of concerts featuring reggae, soca, jazz, R&B, and even gospel acts from around the world.
St. Kitts Tourism Authority
Want To Go?
Marriott’s St. Kitts Beach Club
Located on the island of St. Kitts, this beachside resort is the perfect oasis for your vacation. It doesn’t matter if you’re swimming in the resort’s pool or the nearby ocean, you’re assured a relaxing respite that will make all your friends jealous.
Your villa’s fully equipped kitchen is the perfect place to start the day as you indulge in a home-cooked breakfast and enjoy it on your balcony or patio. After breakfast, grab the perfect place to lay and relax in the beach. Soak up the sun with a good book or work off your energy with a rousing swim in the ocean.
As the sun goes down, head inside to the neighboring hotel for a delicious meal at Fire Steak & Seafood Restaurant. This city-style steakhouse features perfectly cut selections of beef as well as seafood, salads, and French wines. If pasta is what you’re craving, head to La Cucina Italian Restaurant for brick-oven pizzas and pastas as well as Italian wines. Bring the whole family and enjoy the local flavors of Calypso Restaurant. This buffet-style eatery specializes in fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish straight from the island.
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Marriott Vacation Club International and their respective affiliates and subsidiaries make no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, or any other aspect of the activities, events, or service providers listed herein. No inquiry has been made into the activities or events, or the qualifications or the quality of services offered by the providers. Do not consider this an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the activities, events, or providers. Hours of operation and offerings of any service providers are subject to change.