Standing at Horseshoe Bay as the morning sun lit up that famous pink sand, I couldn’t stop staring at the water—those impossible shades of blue that fade from turquoise to sapphire. Bermuda isn’t just pretty; it’s the kind of gorgeousness that makes you wonder if someone cranked up the saturation on reality. The ocean here doesn’t even look real.
After exploring this tiny Atlantic paradise, I’m still blown away by its beauty. From snorkeling through the crystal clear waters of Tobacco Bay (where parrotfish swam right up to my mask) to watching the sunset paint the sky behind the old church ruins at Unfinished Church, these beautiful places in Bermuda feel like they’re straight out of a dream. Here are 12 spots that made my jaw drop in this stunning island nation.
Scenic Destinations to See in Bermuda
Looking to explore Bermuda’s most beautiful places? From the pink sands of Horseshoe Bay to the vibrant streets of Hamilton, Bermuda is packed with stunning scenery. Stroll through the historic charm of St. George’s, marvel at the natural beauty of Crystal Caves, or explore the serene beaches of Elbow Beach. Discover the tranquil allure of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, the lush landscapes of Botanical Gardens, or the breathtaking views from Fort Scaur. Whether you’re into beaches, history, or island beauty, here are 12 of Bermuda’s most breathtaking spots!
1. Blue Hole Park
Blue Hole Park is honestly way cooler than most people realize – it’s basically Bermuda’s best-kept secret swimming hole that doesn’t cost you a dime. I couldn’t believe how crystal clear the water was when I first jumped in from the wooden platform they’ve got set up. The main blue hole connects to underground tunnels and caves through the limestone, making it feel like you’re swimming in some kind of magical grotto.
The park’s actually part of Walsingham Nature Reserve (also called Tom Moore’s Jungle), which sounds way more intimidating than it is. You’ll find cliff jumping spots ranging from easy 10-foot drops to more adventurous 20-footers, plus there are multiple caves you can explore if you bring a flashlight. I spent hours just floating around watching parrotfish swim right up to my mask. The water stays around 72°F year-round, which is perfect for cooling off during Bermuda’s hot summers.
Getting there’s pretty straightforward – take bus routes 1, 3, 10, or 11 to Grotto Bay Beach Resort and walk about three minutes toward the causeway. Grab water and use the bathroom at the Rubis gas station before you head in because there aren’t any facilities inside the park (trust me on this one). The entrance is free, but pack everything you need including snorkel gear if you want to see the underwater formations.
2. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is where locals actually hang out when they want to escape the tourist crowds, and it’s got this amazing artificial beach that was created when the U.S. Navy reclaimed the land back in the mid-1900s. The water here is incredibly shallow and calm – perfect if you’re traveling with kids or just want to chill without fighting waves. I love how you can literally walk out pretty far and still touch the bottom.
The beach sits right next to Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve, so you can easily explore both in one day. Sunjammers Beach Bar & Grill replaced the old Gombeys restaurant and serves up solid fish sandwiches and cold beer – their wahoo nuggets are actually pretty good. They also rent beach chairs and umbrellas, plus there’s a playground for kids and even a roller blade rink if you’re feeling nostalgic.
Since it’s near the airport, you’ll get a front-row seat to planes taking off and landing, which sounds annoying but is actually kind of entertaining. Bus route 6 from St. George’s gets you there in about 25 minutes, though not all buses make the stop – just ask the driver to make sure. The beach is open sunrise to sunset with no entrance fee, and honestly, it’s one of the most underrated spots on the island.
3. Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve
Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve feels like stepping into a nature documentary – this 12-acre paradise was off-limits to the public until 1995 when the U.S. military finally cleared out. Now it’s probably the best spot in Bermuda for wildlife watching, especially if you time it right during migration seasons. I climbed the Wildlife Observation Tower (which used to be a NASA radar station) and spotted humpback whales during their March-April migration.
The reserve has multiple pristine beaches including Long Bay Beach with its Instagram-worthy swing, Turtle Bay Beach where you can actually spot sea turtles grazing in the seagrass, and several smaller coves that feel completely private. The hiking trails wind through native Bermuda cedar and palmetto forests, and bird watchers go crazy here spotting everything from white-tailed tropicbirds to the endangered Bermuda petrel (the island’s national bird).
What I really love about this place is how quiet it stays – most cruise ship visitors can’t be bothered with the trek out here, so you often have entire beaches to yourself. The snorkeling’s excellent too, with conch shells scattered across the sandy bottom and clear visibility that goes on forever. Entry is completely free, but bring everything you need since there are no facilities or vendors anywhere in the reserve.
4. Crystal Caves
Crystal Caves blew my mind the first time I descended those 120 feet underground into what feels like another planet. These limestone caves were discovered in 1905 by two kids chasing a cricket ball, and honestly, I’m jealous they got to experience that first “holy crap” moment. The main attraction is walking across the floating pontoon bridge over Cahow Lake – you can see straight down about 55 feet through water that’s so clear it doesn’t even look real.
You’ve got two options here: Crystal Cave for $24 or both Crystal and Fantasy Caves for $35 (definitely worth the extra $11). Crystal Cave is bigger with easier stairs and the famous floating walkway, while Fantasy Cave has more delicate formations but steeper, more humid conditions. The guided tours are actually entertaining – most guides are hilarious storytellers who’ll turn off lights to spotlight formations and give you that authentic explorer feeling.
The caves stay at 72°F year-round, making them perfect for escaping summer heat or rainy days. Tours run every 15 minutes during summer (every 25 minutes in winter) from 9am to 4:30pm. Pro tip: come early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour bus crowds, and wear rubber-soled shoes because everything’s slippery. The Café Olé upstairs makes decent coffee and the gift shop has surprisingly cheap postcards at 40 cents each.
5. Flatts Village
Flatts Village gives you that authentic Bermuda experience without the tourist trap feeling – it’s this charming pastel-colored settlement built around a natural inlet where tidal flows used to power corn mills back in the 1600s. The village’s crown jewel is the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, which houses one of the world’s most impressive marine exhibits in their massive 140,000-gallon North Rock Exhibit. I could spend hours just watching the diverse fish species swim around.
The real magic happens when you just sit by the water watching boats carefully time their passage through the changing tides. The historic bridge spanning the inlet provides killer views, especially during strong tidal flows when the current really picks up. The narrow lanes are lined with traditional Bermudian architecture in those signature pastels that look like they belong on a postcard.
Several waterfront restaurants offer perfect harbor-watching spots, and I always recommend timing your visit with the tidal changes for the best boat-watching action. Spring and fall are ideal for fewer crowds, though the village maintains its laid-back charm year-round. It’s easily accessible from Hamilton or St. George’s, and you can combine it with nearby attractions like the Railway Trail for a full day of exploring authentic Bermuda.
6. Hamilton City
Hamilton City is where Bermuda gets sophisticated without losing that island chill vibe – it’s the perfect urban experience in a totally walkable package. Front Street is the main attraction with its pastel Victorian buildings housing everything from duty-free shopping to high-end restaurants. On summer Wednesday nights, the street transforms for Harbor Nights festival with local artisans, food vendors, and traditional Gombey dancers that’ll make you forget you’re in a tiny city.
The Sessions House with its ornate clock tower is worth checking out, but honestly, I always head straight to Fort Hamilton for those amazing rampart views over the harbor. The fort’s military displays are fascinating, and Queen Elizabeth Park provides a nice green escape right in the city center. The Bermuda National Gallery houses impressive collections if you need an art fix.
From Hamilton, you can catch ferries to Dockyard or St. George’s, making it the perfect home base for island exploration. The restaurants here range from casual fish sandwich joints to fine dining with harbor views – I particularly love the waterfront spots where you can watch the ferry traffic while eating. The city’s compact enough to explore on foot in a few hours, but there’s enough going on to keep you busy for a full day if you want to really dig into the shopping and dining scene.
7. Horseshoe Bay
Horseshoe Bay is Instagram gold – that famous pink sand against impossible turquoise water looks even better in person than in all those photos you’ve been drooling over. The horseshoe-shaped cove creates this natural swimming pool that’s protected from stronger currents, making it perfect for families. I always recommend coming early morning to snag your spot before the cruise ship crowds descend.
Port Royal Cove is the secret gem here – this hidden inlet has shallow waters and fascinating rock formations that create natural tide pools. The limestone cliffs surrounding the main beach offer breathtaking Atlantic panoramas that’ll make your social media followers hate you (in a good way). During summer, you get full amenities including chair rentals, a restaurant serving decent fish sandwiches, and watersports equipment.
The water’s warmest May through October, though you can enjoy the beach year-round for walking and photos. There are lifeguards during peak season, plus showers and restrooms when you need them. The Reefs Resort is right there if you want to stay close, but honestly, this beach is worth the 30-minute journey from Hamilton no matter where you’re staying. Just remember to bring reef-safe sunscreen because Bermuda takes marine conservation seriously.
8. John Smith’s Bay Beach
John Smith’s Bay is where you go for that authentic Bermuda beach experience without fighting for towel space with cruise ship passengers. This local favorite has the same gorgeous pink sand as Horseshoe Bay but with a fraction of the crowds. I discovered an incredible offshore reef just 200 yards from shore where I spotted a sea turtle during my morning snorkel – definitely one of my top Bermuda memories.
The beach has lifeguards during summer months and typically calm waters that make it safe for swimming year-round. The beachside concession stand serves traditional fish sandwiches that locals swear by, and you’ll often find Bermudian families here for weekend cookouts and cricket matches. It’s the perfect place to strike up conversations with friendly locals who’ll give you insider tips about the island.
September and October are ideal months when the water’s still warm but summer crowds have thinned out. The snorkeling here is genuinely excellent with vibrant marine life just offshore, and the sunset views are spectacular for romantic evening strolls. The Loren at Pink Beach is nearby if you want luxury accommodations, but this beach maintains that authentic local vibe that makes Bermuda special. It’s about 15 minutes from Hamilton, making it easily accessible but still feeling like a hidden gem.
9. King’s Wharf
King’s Wharf at Royal Naval Dockyard is where history meets modern entertainment in the coolest way possible. This 19th-century British fortress turned cultural district never fails to blow my mind – those massive limestone buildings now house everything from the National Museum of Bermuda to artisan workshops where you can watch glassblowers create beautiful pieces right in front of you.
The Commissioner’s House inside the fortress offers panoramic harbor views and fascinating exhibits on Bermuda’s maritime history, including incredible shipwreck displays. I always spend time at Dockyard Glassworks watching the artists work – it’s mesmerizing and they create unique pieces you can’t find anywhere else. When hunger hits, the Frog & Onion Pub serves excellent local seafood inside an 18th-century cooperage building that oozes atmosphere.
During cruise season (April to November), the place buzzes with activity and all amenities are open, but I actually prefer visiting during off-season when it’s quieter and you can really appreciate the historical architecture. The Clocktower Mall has decent shopping, though prices reflect the tourist location. It’s connected to Hamilton by ferry, making it easy to combine with city exploration. The whole complex perfectly blends Bermuda’s naval history with modern conveniences in a way that doesn’t feel forced or touristy.
10. Pink Sand Beach
Pink Sand Beach isn’t just one beach – it’s actually a stretch of blush-hued coastline running from Elbow Beach to Warwick Long Bay that creates those enviable vacation photos your friends won’t believe aren’t filtered. The pink color comes from tiny crushed red shells of foraminifera (microscopic marine organisms) mixing with white sand, and it’s most vibrant along the South Shore where colorful parrotfish grind up coral with their beaks, literally creating more pink sand as they feed.
Elbow Beach offers the most vibrant pink tones with luxury hotel access and beach service, while Warwick Long Bay provides a longer stretch for romantic walks and fewer crowds. The contrast between pink shores, turquoise water, and black volcanic rocks creates a photographer’s dream, especially during golden hour when the colors practically glow.
I recommend taking the South Shore Park Trail that connects several pink beaches – it’s perfect for beach-hopping between hidden coves where you might find completely private stretches of pink sand. The parrotfish feeding on offshore reefs are fascinating to watch snorkeling, and you’ll realize you’re witnessing the actual creation of Bermuda’s famous beaches. Early morning light provides the best photography conditions, and shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer ideal temperatures without summer’s intense heat.
11. St. George’s
St. George’s is a living museum where UNESCO protection means these limestone streets and 400-year-old buildings look exactly like they did centuries ago. Founded in 1612, this former capital feels like time travel done right – I love wandering the narrow alleys discovering hidden courtyards that haven’t changed since before America was even a country.
St. Peter’s Church is the oldest Anglican church in the Western Hemisphere, with original cedar beams and this incredible triple-tiered pulpit that’s unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere. The historical reenactments at King’s Square are actually entertaining, especially the humorous “ducking stool” demonstration where they dunk a gossiping wench – it’s cheesy but fun.
Summer Wednesdays feature the “Storming of the Towne” reenactment that brings history to life with cannons and period costumes. The self-guided walking tour marked throughout town is excellent, and afterwards you can settle into waterfront restaurants to watch boats navigate the narrow harbor entrance while sampling traditional fish chowder spiked with black rum and sherry peppers. The St. George’s Club offers colonial-style accommodations within walking distance, making it easy to explore after day-trippers head back to their cruise ships.
12. Tobacco Bay
Tobacco Bay hosts the best natural swimming pool party your vacation deserves – these dramatic limestone formations create crystal-clear aquatic playgrounds that are both Instagram-worthy and perfect for snorkeling. The weathered rock structures provide shelter for vibrant marine life that’s visible just feet from shore, and I spent an entire afternoon floating above colorful parrotfish without realizing how much time had passed.
The unique geography blocks stronger ocean currents, making this ideal for novice snorkelers and families. Compact but unforgettable, the bay offers full amenities during summer including chair rentals and a restaurant serving cold Dark ‘n’ Stormys and fresh fish sandwiches. What really sets this place apart are the summer “Beach Fest” events featuring bonfires and live music under the stars.
The shallow, protected waters teem with tropical fish visible without even putting your face underwater, making it perfect for first-time snorkelers. It’s about a 15-minute walk from St. George’s town, so you can easily combine both in one day. Grotto Bay Beach Resort is nearby and actually has its own natural caves on the property. Arrive early during summer to secure your spot because this place gets busy once word spreads, but even crowded, it maintains that magical feeling of swimming in nature’s own private pool.
