Synonymous with beach holidays, the Bahamas is a cluster of 700 islands and 2000 cays lying across the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. Once a popular location with pirates, the Bahamas is now a renowned tourist destination with sophisticated features that attract the rich and the famous.
Here’s a complete list of places (islands and attractions) to visit in the Bahamas!
1. Atlantis Bahamas – Paradise Island
A popular beach resort, Atlantis Paradise Island is a playground for the wealthy and one of the top-rated places to visit in the Bahamas. With an entertainment complex, an aquarium, and a water park, the island attracts couples, solo travellers, and families alike.
The Aquaventure Water Park, with high-speed slides and swimming pools, stands to be the main highlight. Swordfish and hammerhead sharks are two of the marine species you will encounter in the open-air pools here.
Perched on the southern edge of Paradise Island, the Versailles Gardens is a magnificent creation that exudes wealth and privilege. Positioned inside a rectangular design at a width of 75 feet, the gardens have several terraces.
Located in proximity to The Ocean Club, the gardens overlook the Nassau Harbour – The Ocean Club is a Four Seasons Hotel in the Bahamas.
Find Accommodation: Where to Stay in the Bahamas (Islands & Resorts)
2. Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, And Conservation Centre – Paradise Island
The only conservation centre in the Bahamas, Ardastra Gardens was established in 1937. The sprawling garden is home to a variety of wildlife species, including the Caribbean Flamingo.
A haven for nature lovers, the gardens offer an array of interactive experiences, which includes feeding parrots.
You will encounter a wide range of animal species here; lorry parrots, peafowls, macaws, swans, and the Bahamian boa constrictor are a few of the species that inhabit the gardens. The garden is also a nurturing ground for a variety of flowers.
3. Nassau – New Providence Island
The capital of the Bahamas, Nassau is a famed cruise ship port in the Caribbean Sea. A city connected to Paradise Island via a bridge, Nassau is located on New Providence Island.
Things to do and see here are aplenty; shopping, water sports, and beach time are some of the best draws for tourists.
Check out our detailed guide for Nassau, Bahamas: Things to do in Nassau
4. Cable Beach – Nassau
One of the most visited beaches in Nassau, Cable Beach is a gorgeous white sandy tract lapped up by the turquoise waters of the ocean.
Perfect for a swim or a few hours of sunbathing, Cable Beach offers a range of water sports too – jet skiing and parasailing are two activities thrill-seekers can enjoy here.
You might find this article useful: Can you fly a Drone in the Bahamas?
5. Bay Street – Nassau
Another highlight of Nassau, Bay Street is always packed with people. The colonial buildings hark back to the country’s past, while the shops keep shopaholics sufficiently busy with all their distractions. You can also find a few museums here and numerous restaurants that serve a variety of food delights.
6. Junkanoo Beach
Junkanoo Beach is many things. Mesmerising and vibrant – what it’s not, however, is dull. It’s the closest beach to the Cruise Port- so you can view plenty of cruises reaching the port.
It gets pretty crowded (especially during December – April), but that’s half the experience. The shores have plenty of beach cafes, bars and restaurants, so you get to sit and enjoy those Bahama flavours when you’re taking a break from the stunning waters. (Entrance is free!)
Recommended reading for Junkanoo Beach: All you Need to Know About Junkanoo Beach
7. Nassau Straw Market – Nassau
Looking for a souvenir to take home? Then you should visit Nassau Straw Market. This open-air market sells a range of handcrafted items, tourist trinkets, and Bahamian souvenirs.
You can visit the market from 7.30 AM to 5 PM every day, and both the US dollar and the Bahamian dollar are accepted.
8. Pirates of Nassau Museum
Nassau was once the beloved home of pirates who ravaged the Caribbean Sea. The Pirate Museum of Nassau has spectacularly captured the pirate history of the island and offers visitors an immersive experience.
The museum provides a journey into the golden age of piracy, and rightfully, it has become one of the family-friendly attractions in Nassau. A visit to the museum can be educational and historically intriguing.
9. Clifton Heritage National Park – Nassau
History buffs and nature lovers will find a set of equally stimulating diversions at Clifton Heritage National Park. Located on a land of 208 acres, the national park is among the most visited attractions on New Providence Island.
The diverse ecosystem will give nature lovers plenty to see and think about, while the caves, nature trails, and ruins are perfect tokens of adventure for those who fancy a bit of intrigue in their lives.
10. National Art Gallery Of The Bahamas – Nassau
Another must-visit place in Nassau, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is the first of its kind in the country. Located within a short distance of Nassau’s port, the museum has four galleries: the PE, the PS, T1, and T2.
The PE, the permanent space, is dedicated to the national collection; the PE is dedicated to monthly exhibitions and interventions, while T1 and T2 are temporary spaces. Apart from the collection, the building – an ancient mansion, is an attraction in itself.
11. John Watling’s Distillery – Nassau
John Watling’s Distillery is located within the vicinity of the cruise ship port. This is an estate with a history that goes back to 1789. The distillery is open every day of the week, except on national holidays, from 10 AM to 6 PM.
12. Queen’s Staircase – Nassau
Also known as the 66 steps, Queen’s Staircase is a principal landmark found inside the Fort Fincastle complex in Nassau. The staircase was built by slaves for two years from 1793 to 1794.
It is believed that the staircase was a direct link between the fort and Nassau city. The stairs were named as such in honour of Queen Victoria. Only 65 steps can be seen at the moment; one step is hidden under asphalt.
If you’re into history and all things ancient – Queen’s Staircase could be considered one of the best places to visit in the Bahamas!
13. Blue Lagoon Island
Located at a five-kilometre distance from Nassau, Blue Lagoon Island is known for white sandy beaches, fun parks, dolphin encounters, sea lions, and cruising. Visiting this island is one of the popular things to do on a cruise.
If you are visiting with friends and family, this is an excellent spot to spend some time together – kids can play in the warm waters of the sea, or they’ll find the inflatable water park to their liking. Kayaking is also a possibility here.
14. Exuma Cays Land And Sea Park
Offering some of the most spellbinding seascapes, Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a dazzling marine park visited by thousands of tourists. With waters of different shades of blue and green and powdery white sand, the park is the perfect spot for water sports lovers.
The vibrant marine life and the crystal-clear waters attract divers, boaters and snorkelers. However, the park is a protected area, so no fishing is allowed within the park’s parameters.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park should definitely be on your bucket list of must-visit places in the Bahamas.
15. Pig Beach – Big Major Cay
Found on Big Major Cay, one of the cays of the Exuma Cays, Pig Beach received its name due to the fact that it is home to feral pigs that live freely on the island.
It is one of the most popular places to visit in the Bahamas; a range of tours are available, which includes half-day excursions and full-day trips.
Check out our detailed article on the Pig Beach
16. Harbour Island
Lying north of Eleuthera, Harbour Island is another picturesque island of the Bahamas. Also known as Briland, Harbour Island was the first Bahamian settlement.
In the 1700s, English loyalists made a home here, and their little pink-hued cottages still stand on the island.
Pink-sand beaches are the principal attraction of the island. Popular activities include fishing, sunbathing, diving, and snorkelling.
17. Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve – Eleuthera Island
The only national park on Eleuthera Island, Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve is a sprawling botanic garden located within a 30-acre land area. Home to a wide variety of native Bahamian plants, this national park was the first park of its kind on the island.
The park is an excellent display of bush medicine; it serves as an educational centre with a focus on the biodiversity and the native vegetation of the country.
This is one of the best places in the Bahamas to witness some bird activity; the park has several bird trails and boardwalks.
18. Glass Window Bridge – Eleuthera Island
The Glass Window Bridge brings you the most amazing views of both the Atlantic and the Caribbean seas. This strip of rocks seems to separate the two seas, enabling visitors to see the wonderful contrast between the blue waters.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in the Bahamas, the Glass Window Bridge has a width of 30 feet. This was once a man-made bridge, but it was replaced by a natural rock that was moved here by a hurricane.
Winslow Homer, the famous landscape painter, was captivated by the beauty of the area and gave it the name Glass Window. We rate this as one of the must-visit places in the Bahamas!
19. Grand Bahama Island
The northernmost island of the Bahamas, Grand Bahama Island is known for cruise ships and tour packages.
Freeport, the capital, is the second-largest city in the country, and Port Lucaya is now a popular shopping, entertainment and dining destination. Port Lucaya Marketplace, for instance, sells a variety of merchandise, including straw products and jewellery.
20. Garden of the Groves – Grand Bahama Island
One of the tourist highlights of Grand Bahama Island, Garden of the Groves is a nature lovers’ paradise. The three gardens are home to a diverse range of butterflies, migratory birds, and native birds.
The many flowers and plants also attract a variety of insects. Strolling along the winding paths through the lush vegetation of the park is a popular thing to do here.
What’s more, the cascading waterfalls and sparkling fountains create the most romantic backdrop for those who want to host their wedding in the beautiful chapel found here.
21. Lucayan National Park – Grand Bahama Island
Visiting Lucayan National Park is one of the must-do things on Grand Bahama Island. Located within a land area of 40 acres, the national park was opened in 1977.
The highlight of the park is its underwater cave systems, which, as it happens, are among the largest cave systems in the world. The caves are off-limits for swimmers, and divers need a special permit.
22. Andros Island
The largest landmass of the Bahamas, Andros Island is frequented by divers and anglers. The third-largest barrier reef is found here as well.
Underwater caves and freshwater blue holes create a picture-perfect wonderland for divers. Also known as the bonefishing capital of the world, fishing is one of the most popular activities here.
The island is also home to the largest protected region in the country, which includes five national parks. Mangrove swamps, rich birdlife, mudflats, forests, and eco-resorts are some of the interesting things that detail the appeal of Andros Island.
This island could be considered one of the best places to visit in the Bahamas!
23. Androsia Hand-Made Batik Factory – Andros Island
A popular tourist attraction on Andros Island, Androsia Hand Made Batik Factory was opened in 1973 by the Birch Family.
The idea behind the enterprise was to create something beautiful that incorporates the local culture; the factory is also a symbol of the country gaining independence and making the best of the country’s resources.
24. Treasure Cay Beach – Abaco Islands
Often cited as one of the most visited beaches in the Bahamas, Treasure Cay Beach is a beautiful tract of soft white sand; the beach is located on Great Abaco Island.
The crescent-shaped shore attracts tourists who wish to sunbathe and relax in the tropical splendour of the island.
The beach is also the venue of many fishing tournaments.
25. Elbow Cay – Abaco Islands
Located across Marsh Harbour in Abaco islands, Elbow Cay is very much like a New England-style fishing village. Hope Town, the main settlement of the island is dotted with beautiful cottages, and the streets here are mostly free of vehicles.
The town attracts tourists from all around the world, and there’s also an ever-growing expat community here.
26. Wyannie Malone Historical Museum – Abaco Islands
A principal tourist attraction in Hope town, Wyannie Malone Historical Museum preserves the town’s long and vibrant history. Opened in 1978, the museum is the namesake of the town’s founder, Wyannie Malone.
The museum holds an extensive collection of artefacts pertaining to the piracy era in the country. Pottery, manuscripts, china, and clothing are some of the components of the collection.
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27. Green Turtle Cay – Great Abaco
To get a feel of the old Bahamas, you should visit Green Turtle Cay, a small island replete with serenity. The streets fringed with pastel-coloured cottages are excellent for walks; golf carts are the main method of transport here.
The harbour is sprinkled with fishing boats, and all over New Plymouth are small shops and museums. The five-kilometre-long island also offers diving, snorkelling, swimming, and boating opportunities.
28. Bimini Islands
The unofficial name of the Bimini islands is the ‘big game fishing capital of the Bahamas’. From March to September, the island turns into a carnival with deep-sea fishing tournaments.
The island is located close to the Gulf Stream, which is the main reason for its diverse and abundant marine life.
This cluster of islands has the shape of a fish-hook, and these are the closest Bahamian islands to the United States. Snorkelling and diving are possibilities; dolphin and shark dives are real treats for adventurous spirits.
Recommended reading for Bimini: Places To Visit in Bimini
29. Long Island
For a bit of unspoiled nature, visit Long Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the Bahamas. The island isn’t included in the regular tourist itinerary due to its remote location, which is the main appeal of the place.
Boating and fishing are popular activities, and the pink and white beaches are an invitation for sunbathers.
30. Dean’s Blue Hole – Long Island
The main highlight of Long Island, Dean’s Blue Hole is the second deepest blue hole of its kind in the world. Compared to other blue holes in the world, this one is the most beautiful and offers excellent visibility. This loccation is also an excellent diving site.
On the surface, the diameter of the blue hole spans from 25 to 35 metres, but if you dive about 20 metres underwater, the diameter extends to around 100 metres.
Turtles, tarpons, snapper fish, rays, and seahorses form the diverse marine life in the blue hole. We rate this as one of the must-visit places in the Bahamas.
Click here to discover more fascinating facts about the Bahamas!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bahamas Places
What is the most Popular Place to Visit in the Bahamas?
Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas and the adjoining Paradise Island are considered to be the most popular places to visit in the archipelago.
Nassau and Paradise Island are often considered the gateway to the Bahamas and home to high-end resorts, casinos and entertainment facilities.
What is the Cheapest Place to Visit in the Bahamas?
The Bahamas is generally an expensive destination but it’s certainly possible to find budget accommodation in places like Cat Island, Long Island and Eleuthera.
Where is the Safest Place to Visit in the Bahamas?
Less populated places like Exumas Island and Cat Island can be considered the safest places to visit in the Bahamas. Violent crime rates are very low in these islands.
What are some Historical Places to Visit in the Bahamas?
The Queens Staircase
Fort Fincastle, Nassau
Fort Charlotte
The Parliament Square
The Elbow Reef Lighthouse, Abaco
Read about these places in detail here: Historical Places to Visit in the Bahamas
What is the Prettiest Place to Visit in the Bahamas?
Bimini Island in the Bahamas is known for its incredible beauty. Bimini was also considered one of Ernest Hemingway’s favourite retreats.