Reachable by short flights from U.S. cities, this Caribbean island is the perfect spot for a quick beach getaway or a longer relaxing stay.
East Grand Bahama, West Grand Bahama and the City of Freeport are the three districts of the island of Grand Bahama. Plan a long enough visit to explore each area.
Freeport is a bustling city with extensive shopping, dining and entertainment options, but quick access to great beaches. Visit Lucaya for the upscale Grand Lucayan resort and Port Lucaya Marketplace shopping and dining hub. You’ll also find the Bahamas Maritime Museum and Count Basie Square Bandstand here.
The beautiful sandy stretch nearby is the publicly accessible Lucaya Beach. Head west along the island’s southern shoreline to the quieter Xanadu Beach or east to Taino Beach, where you can get a famous Wednesday fish fry at Smith’s Point. Consider taking the Taino Beach Ferry for an inland water trip to or from Lucaya Beach.
Drive to the border between East and West Grand Bahama to visit Lucayan National Park. Explore one of the world’s longest charted underwater cave systems, including Ben’s Cave, a gorgeous blue hole. Above water is the gorgeous Gold Rock Beach, where scenes from Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean movies were filmed. Burial Mound Cave marks the spot where remains of indigenous Lucayans were found.
Nearby, the Garden of the Groves features a peaceful inland setting filled with lush vegetation, sculptures, waterfalls and a simple chapel. The outdoor labyrinth and hibiscus gardens offer serene spots for joyful weddings surrounded by migrating butterflies and fragrant flowers.
While Freeport gets significant tourist attention, West End is actually the island’s capital. Visit this historic town to learn about rum-running, pirates and early explorers. Experience more modern history at Cooper’s Castle, the family home of a local entrepreneur who made his wealth bringing fast-food franchises to the islands.
Commercial and charter flights arrive daily at Freeport’s Grand Bahama Airport from several U.S. cities. Consider a fast ferry or cruise ship transportation from Florida for a more relaxing trip. Plan ahead to charter your own boat for inter-island sails.
