Exploring St. Kitts: The Best Kept Secrets

Cockleshell Bay Beach: The best beach on St. Kitts! It’s an incredible stretch of soft sand, crystal-clear turquoise water and a stunning view of Nevis Peak. At one end, you’ll find the lively Reggae Beach Bar & Grill, while the other offers a quiet spot for relaxation. Grab a (free!) chair and umbrella! Enjoy some cold local beer from one of the no-frills beach bars. We practically had the whole place to ourselves!

Drive Around the Island: There’s so much more to St. Kitts than the beach and the cruise port! Renting a car allowed us to drive the island’s circumference, passing through small villages and soaking up authentic St. Kittian culture. There are plenty of scenic stops along the way — don’t miss them!

Timothy Hill Overlook: This iconic viewpoint offers stunning vistas where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. It’s a popular shore excursion, so expect crowds, but it’s worth stopping for those postcard-perfect photos. Vendors sell souvenirs, snacks and drinks here.

Brimstone Hill Fortress: Enjoy a scenic drive through rainforest-covered hillsides to this historic British fort. Watch for goats, monkeys and mongooses along the way! You can hike up to the top of the British fort, which dates back to the 1600s. The incredible panoramic views of Mount Liamuiga and the Caribbean Sea are stunning. On clear days, you can even spot St. Maarten!

Old Rum Road Co: Explore this historic sugar plantation and rum distillery. Choose a guided tour (offered daily at 10 am and 1 pm) or independently with a rum punch in hand. Wander through ancient ruins surrounded by lush rainforest — it’s a unique slice of history.

Day trip: Visit the island of Nevis

Nevis is St. Kitts’ tranquil sister island. It is a must for Hamilton fans! Take a water taxi from Reggae Beach or Park Hyatt for a quick 10-minute ride across the channel (bonus: you’ll get a cold Carib Beer onboard).

Tip: Nevis isn’t walkable, so plan your transportation ahead. Organized tours are convenient, but if you prefer exploring independently (like I did!), rent a scooter or side-by-side for the day. You can also hire taxis at fixed rates ($20 per trip). It’s a convenient option, but the costs can add up quickly.

Things to do

Visit the Hamilton museum: Nevis is the “forgotten spot in the Caribbean’ Lin Manuel Miranda writes about in the famous musical! You can visit Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace and tour the small museum where his home once stood.

Stroll around Charlestown: This is Nevis’ capital and the biggest city on the island. Take a walking tour through the side streets and explore the colorful, colonial-era historic buildings.

Relax on Pinney’s Beach: This popular beach still feels wonderfully laid-back. Stop by Sunshine’s Beach Bar for their famous “Killer Bee” cocktail and enjoy some sun-soaked relaxation.

Shipwreck: A beachside bar and grill with chill beach vibes, killer jerk chicken, tasty rum punch and playful monkeys roaming nearby.

Sunshine’s Restaurant (Nevis): This beach bar is famous for their Killer Bee rum punch. Be warned, they’re stronger than they taste! I recommend the calamari for a light snack. And if you see Sunshine himself around, be sure to say hi!

Nevis Brewery (Nevis): The brewery was sadly closed the day I visited, but I was able to sample some of their craft beer during my trip and it’s delicious!

Reggae Beach Bar: Don’t miss their BBQ ribs — they’re some of the best you’ll ever try! The views of Nevis from this spot are incredible.

Arthur’s: A slightly more upscale restaurant on the northern coast, this was one of my favorite meals! The roti and curry are to die for! (Lobster is their specialty, but they sell out early. Be sure to try it if it’s on the menu.)

Boozie’s on the Beach: The best lobster I had all trip — and their coconut shrimp is perfection. This was our last meal on the island and the perfect way to end the trip!