Discovering Paradise: The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in St. Lucia
Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, St. Lucia is a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure. With its iconic twin peaks of the Pitons rising from the sea, lush rainforests and turquoise waters, the island is a unique mix of luxurious relaxation and exploration.
St. Lucia is a fun and dynamic place, simultaneously offering seclusion for romantic getaways and family friendly beaches. This island truly has it all. Whether you are seeking a quiet private escape or adventure-filled vacation with kids, you’ll most definitely find it here.
This guide covers the best beaches, hiking trails and other fun things to do in St. Lucia.
Getting to St. Lucia
Most visitors will arrive via one of the two international airports – UVF in the south and SLU in the north. UVF is slightly larger, so most likely you’ll be flying here. This airport’s location is perfect if you are staying on the southwestern side of the island, where most of the luxury hotels are located.
Driving Around the Island
Renting a car is a must if you want to truly explore the island beyond your hotel. But driving in St. Lucia is not for the faint of heart. Driving is on the left and the roads are narrow and winding with steep inclines.
And my personal pet peeve – the water drainage ditches. Many roads, especially in the mountainous areas and villages, have these concrete drainage ditches alongside the road for channeling the water. The entire time I was driving I was convinced I would end up in one of those ditches. Thankfully I didn’t.
Where to Stay
If you are looking for a romantic getaway, you can’t go wrong with staying in the southwestern part of the island around Soufrière. For more budget-friendly options, you can stay in the town of Soufrière. Or, if the budget allows, stay in one of the hotels hidden deep in the jungle.
When people think of a tropical destination, they usually think of a hotel right on the beach. But St. Lucia is different. It does have your traditional hotels on the beach, but it’s better known for its smaller boutique hotels hidden in the lush rainforest with private infinity pools overlooking the great Pitons.
If you are traveling with small children, you might want to look into the northern part of the island around Rodney Bay. The water is calm, and the beaches have more amenities.
I personally prefer the southwestern side of the island, but the northern part is better suited for traveling with children.
Best Hotels in St. Lucia
Best Beaches in St. Lucia
The best part about St. Lucia is that all the beaches are public. Even if you are not staying at the resort, you can still access the beach and enjoy the same stunning views.
Sugar Beach
Sugar Beach is arguably the most famous and picturesque beach on the island. It’s tucked between the Gros and Petit Pitons dramatically rising from the sea. The sand is soft and white, contrasting from the island’s natural volcanic sand, as it was imported from Guyana. The water is very calm and crystal clear, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Right on the beach is the world-famous Viceroy Hotel. It’s a stunning property, but if it’s not within your budget, don’t despair. You can still access the beach in front of the hotel (remember, all beaches are public in St. Lucia) and enjoy the same views as the guests. You can also ask to rent a beach chair. If they are not full, they’ll rent it to you for the day for about $20.
Anse Chastanet
Another favorite of mine is Anse Chastanet Beach. It’s located north of Soufrière. This beach is absolutely stunning. It feels very secluded and peaceful with not too many people. It’s a haven for divers and snorkelers, as the reef starts just a few feet from the shore. The sand is volcanic, so it’s a bit darker than the sand at Sugar Beach.
Right next to Anse Chastanet Beach is Anse Mamin Beach, which is also worth a visit.
Reduit Beach
Another famous beach in St. Lucia is the Reduit Beach in the northern part of the island. It’s a long stretch of golden sand and calm waters, making it a perfect spot if you are traveling with children. At the end of the beach is a hut where a wonderful local woman cooks one of the most delicious meals I’ve had on the island.
The beach has plenty of bars and restaurants nearby and a good selection of water sports.
Personally, I found this beach to be a little too commercial and the hotels lining the shore gave it a bit of an outdated vibe. If you are looking for something more serene, stick with the southwestern part of the island.
Marigot Bay Beach
Marigot Bay is considered one of the most beautiful bays in the Caribbean and I think it’s worth the hype. It’s located southwest of Castries, the capital of St. Lucia, and is known for its calm blue waters and lush green hills.
It’s a popular yachting destination and visitors from all over the world come here to enjoy the serene atmosphere and sample local cuisine at one of the hillside restaurants. This scenic place also served as a backdrop for the Pirates of the Caribbean movie.
The beach here is small, but I still think it’s an incredible place to spend a day or two.
Other Things to Do in St. Lucia Beyond the Beaches
Hiking Trails
If you know me, you know that if there is a mountain to hike, I will hike it. And a tropical destination is not an exception.
The most famous hikes in St. Lucia are the two Pitons – the big Piton and the small Piton, aptly named Gross Piton and Petit Piton.
Gross Piton gets progressively more difficult as you get closer to the summit. It usually takes about 4 hours round trip. The trail is well-maintained and once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the island and the Caribbean Sea.
A guide is required to climb this UNESCO World Heritage site, and you can hire one at the base in Fond Gens Libres.
Petit Piton is a much shorter hike, about 2 hours roundtrip, but challenging from the get-go. It is well worth it though. The payoff is a panoramic and unobstructed view of the island.
If you are looking for just a leisurely walk with great views, then check out the Tet Paul Nature Trail. It’s a short easy trail suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It takes less than an hour roundtrip. You pass through vegetation and an organic farm to get to a lookout point from which you can see the Pitons. Go early in the morning to avoid the heat.
Enjoy Natural Mud Baths at Sulphur Springs
Did you know St. Lucia has the world’s only drive-in volcano? That’s right! You can drive right up to the edge of a dormant volcanic crater and soak in mineral-rich mud baths.
Pro Tip: wear a dark bikini – the sulfur can leave stains on light-colored fabric.
Watch the Sun Set from a Boat
The sunsets in St. Lucia are truly magical. Sitting on a deck of a catamaran with a glass of champagne watching the sun dip behind the Pitons… need I say more?
Visit the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
This lush peaceful garden is home to the stunning Diamond Waterfall, which changes color due to its mineral deposits. The garden also has mineral baths and a historic estate.
Savor the Local Cuisine
St. Lucian cuisine is a flavorful fusion of French, African, Indian, and British influences, all wrapped in the island’s rich Caribbean heritage.
Here are some local dishes you must try:
Green Fig and Saltfish – a hearty national dish. It’s boiled green bananas served with salted codfish, onions, peppers, and garlic.
Bouyon – thick stew made with either pork or beef, sweet potatoes and dasheen, dumplings and spices.
Cassava Bread – delicious gluten-free bread made from grated cassava root, flavored with cinnamon, coconut, or sometimes ginger.
Callaloo soup – made with leafy greens and coconut milk
Local drinks to try: Sea Moss (made from sea moss, milk, and spices) and Soursop Juice (creamy citrusy drink made from soursop fruit).
My Favorite Places to eat in St. Lucia
Things to Do in the Northern Part of the Island
Explore Rodney Bay and Gros Islet Village
Rodney Bay is home to Reduit Beach, a pristine golden-sand beach, Pigeon Island and a man-made lagoon featuring a lively marina full of shops, restaurants and bars.
On a Friday night, join the locals at the Gros Islet Street party for a night filled with dancing, music and local street food. Try the BBQ and the delicious grilled seafood.
Shop for Souvenirs at the Castries Market
You can find everything from fruits and spices to local snacks and handmade crafts in this lively market. It’s a great place to buy keepsakes to bring home.
Visit the Historic Pigeon Island National Landmark
Once a pirate hideout, Pigeon Island, is now a national park with historic ruins, hiking trails, and panoramic views of Rodney Bay.
There are several archaeological and historic sites to explore, including the 18th century ruins of military buildings used during the battles between the French and the British. There is also a look-out point at the top of the Rodney Fort with sweeping views of the northwest coastline.
Complete your visit with a picnic on the untouched quiet beach – bring your own snacks and a picnic blanket.
Final Thoughts
St. Lucia is a lot more than just pretty beaches. It’s a vibrant island that forces you to slow down and connect with nature. Whether you are sipping rum on a sunset cruise, hiking the Pitons or savoring mahi-mahi at a beachfront restaurant, every moment feels like a fairytale come to life. So, pack your bags and let the island show you its soulful charming ways.
