While the island of Antigua has roughly 365 beaches, visit some of the best in Saint John parish. Set up base here and explore the sandy stretches and other attractions in and around the capital city of Saint John’s.
North of the city, Dickenson Bay Beach is one of Antigua’s most popular spots, backed by hotels, resorts and restaurants, with watersports and other activities. Closer to town, Runaway Bay Beach has fine sand and a fairly quiet atmosphere for peaceful beach days. Nearby, Fort James Beach, or Fort Bay Beach, is equally beautiful, with spots for lunch. Glance up to see the cannons and remaining walls of Fort James, built by the British in the early 1700s to guard the eastern side of Saint John’s Harbour.
In the city, find plenty of shopping. The twin towers of St. John’s Cathedral, constructed on a hilltop in 1847 and now under restoration, stand out as a city landmark. Learn about the dual-island nation at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, in one of the town’s oldest buildings, the former St. John’s Courthouse, from 1750.
Travel to Five Islands Village, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) west. Galley Bay offers lovely ocean views and a relaxing beach. Climb the hill to Fort Barrington for a perspective of the entire region. Built in 1779, the fort once had the important role of guarding the opposite side of the harbor, but now it lies in ruins. However, the views from the hill remain spectacular. Look down on Deep Bay and Deep Bay Beach, a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and watersports. Gaze intently at the bay’s entrance to spot the shipwrecked Andes resting in 30 feet (9 meters) of water. Plan a snorkeling trip for close-up views of the three-masted barque that sank in 1905.
Fly to V.C. Bird International Airport in Osbourn on the northeastern side of the island and drive just 15 minutes to get to Saint John on the northwestern side.
