What to see and do in St Johns, Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua is a Caribbean island located in the West Indies in the nation of Antigua and Barbuda

It is part of the Lesser Antilles and is located southeast of Puerto Rico. Antigua is one of the two major islands that make up the nation of Antigua and Barbuda, the other being Barbuda. The island of Antigua is known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and lush vegetation. It was a major center of the sugar trade in the colonial era and has a rich cultural heritage. Today, Antigua is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world with its tropical climate, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant culture.

We visited Antigua on 12/2/2016 while on an Eastern Caribbean cruise.   There were three large cruise ships in port while we were there.   The shops along the docks in St John's were nice.  We took a taxi to the beach at Dickerson Bay.  This is where the Sandals Grande Antigua is located.  The beach here is very nice.  While on the beach, we were approached by a vendor offering horseback rides.  We rode down to Runaway Beach and back.  It was very nice experience.

On 2/13/2025, we visited Antigua for a second time.  While there we visited Nelson's Boatyard. The majority of the buildings in the Dockyard were constructed during 1780 and 1820 to better accommodate the Royal Navy warships, crew, and stores so as to protect the island and wage war against France and Napoleon Bonaparte. We also visited Shirley Heights and Dow's Hill which overlook the English Harbor and Nelson's Boatyard.

The island is home to the capital city of St. John's, which is a hub for commerce, tourism, and entertainment. The city is known for its historic buildings, including the magnificent St. John's Cathedral, as well as its lively street markets, festivals, and cultural events.

Antigua also has a thriving economy, based on tourism, agriculture, and offshore financial services. The island has a well-developed infrastructure, including airports, seaports, and modern amenities, making it an attractive destination for both tourists and investors.

Overall, Antigua is a beautiful and vibrant island with a rich history, cultural heritage, and modern amenities, making it a great destination for anyone looking to experience the best of the Caribbean.

Looking for things to do?  Viator offers numerous tours in Antigua. Click here for details.

Horseback riding on Runaway Beach.

Runaway Beach in Antigua.

The beach at Sandals Grande Antigua on Dickerson Bay.

The city of St. John's is the Capitol of Antigua.

Sunset over the the harbor near Fort James.

Nelson's Dockyard

Entrance gate to Nelson's Boatyard

Sundial at Nelson's Boatyard

Museum at Nelson's Boatyard

The Pillars at Nelson's Boatyard

Shirley Heights overlooking English Harbor and Nelson's Boatyard

The Shirley Heights Lookout was first used during the War of American Independence (1774-1783) as a signal station and lookout for ships approaching English Harbor. A sentry could spot approaching sails and spread an alarm using flags during the day and firing signal guns at night. 

Ruins from some of the quarters at the Shirley Heights Lookout. 

Dow's Hill Interpretation Center

Dow's house was built in 1771 and it was included in the fortifications at Dow’s Hill which were started in 1789