Are you vacationing in Nassau? Or are you on a cruise and enjoying a brief excursion in the capital of the Bahamas?
Undoubtedly, Nassau’s gorgeous year-round climate–personified by an average temperature of 82.4 Fahrenheit–means you’ll enjoy your time here no matter what. Nonetheless, it always helps to know where to go to get the most from your getaway or brief excursion.
Below, we’ll detail a list of the five best things to do in Nassau, Bahamas, shining a light on the capital city’s culture, history, luxury, and attractions.
Choose From Your Pick Of Beaches
A trip to Nassau isn’t complete without spending time on one of the picturesque beaches throughout the area.
Cable Beach is home to the island’s most top-tier hotels (something worth considering if you want a room with an incredible view). It’s a 4 km stretch of alabaster sand, sea, sun, and fun. You’ll find Cable Beach on New Providence’s north coast, west of town.
You also can’t go wrong with a trip to Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island, which offers activities such as water skiing and parasailing. It’s located near multiple restaurants and can be accessed seamlessly from Nassau’s downtown district.
Clifton Heritage National Park on Nassau’s west end has a snorkeling beach with guided snorkel tours, including a foray into the Underwater Sculpture Garden.
Are you stopping by Nassau on a cruise? Junkanoo Beach will be the closest beach to the cruise terminal.
Immerse Yourself In Junkanoo Culture
Bahamians partake in a vibrant, twice-yearly cultural celebration of freedom called Junkanoo. The festival occurs on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, involving a massive downtown parade with music, dance, and spirituality.
Junkanoo celebrations are best personified by an explosion of music and costumed dancers (who resemble birds of paradise) dancing to syncopated rhythms.
That said, the spirit of Junkanoo lives year-round in Nassau. The Junkanoo Museum and Resource Centre is in New Providence and is a worthwhile venture. You’ll be enamored by the passion of the knowledgeable staff who’ll teach you about Junkanoo. You can learn to play patterns on the big “Goombay” drum and sip the “Goombay Smash,” a lip-smacking local drink.
You can also get your fill of Junkanoo–at any point of the year–by visiting I Dream Of Sugar at Bay Street and Market Street.
We’ve adorned our candy store with vibrant artwork and captivating murals to pay homage to Junkanoo. Thus, IDOS combines a unique blend of color, excitement, and tradition.
Take A Memorable Boat Ride
Nassau boat excursions can be the standout activity on your trip. You can hire a speed-boat chauffeur for a day trip to the nearby Exuma Islands.
Your boat will pull up to gorgeous Leaf Cay Island, where you can feed iguanas. While a bit intimidating, the experience of interacting with these dino-like reptiles is enriching, fulfilling, and exciting.
Going south to Compass Cay means you can adventure with various sea creatures in emerald waters. This particular activity is for adrenaline junkies looking for lifetime memories–as you might encounter awe-inspiring nurse sharks. They’re harmless–but scary, nonetheless.
We suggest booking a powerboat trip to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park–the Bahamas’ most popular national park.
Visit Bay Street
A venture to Bay Street is often the perfect cherry on top during a trip to Nassau, Bahamas.
Bay Street is the capital’s most bustling shopping destination. Once there, you’ll encounter a bevy of local vendors selling authentic, handmade crafts and luxury brands.
While you explore the area, you’ll notice eclectic establishments selling souvenirs, designer purses, and jewelry. Check out a variety of local interest books at the Island Book Shop or stroll into one of the many exclusive cigar shops.
Nassau’s world-famous Straw Market is also on Bay Street. Feel free to bargain and barter for unique straw-made items.
Additionally, Bay Street is dense with historical attractions and museums, such as the Pirates of Nassau Museum, which offers an interactive experience.
You’ll then come across Nassau Public Library, Parliament Square, Pompey Museum, and Rawson Square.
Bay Street offers various waterfront adventure outfitters. You can book a diving, fishing, or sailing charter at these establishments.
There’s no shortage of restaurants, bars, and cafes on Bay Street, offering everything from American comfort food to Bahamian conch fritters. The Fish Fry–a trendy spot in the area–is two miles west of Rawson Square.
Furthermore, the corner of Market Street and Bay Street (directly opposite the Straw Market) is home to I Dream Of Sugar. Our 15,000-square-foot candy shop sells 5000-plus mouthwatering candy products! Learn more about the immersive experience we offer by clicking here!
Enjoy One Of The Local Waterparks
Nassau features two local water parks, both offering some of the most fun you’ll have in your entire life–never mind during your stay.
Visitors staying at Baha Mar will have easy access to Baha Bay Water Park. Even if you want to kick back and relax, you can spend the day at the Baha Bay Beach Club, an adults-only oasis. You can rent a cabana or enjoy the luxury of an elegant seaside pool.
Those seeking family fun and thrills in Baha Mar can take a ride down the Pirate’s Plunge or Thunderball slides. You can also satisfy your adrenaline fix on the surf simulator. The Pavilion Casino is also located in the waterpark if you’re feeling particularly adventurous.
Paradise Island is home to Nassau’s other waterpark, Aquaventure at Atlantis–home to nine thrilling slides. This is the biggest waterpark in the Caribbean and will offer thrills you’ll never forget.
Nassau, Bahamas, Offers A Getaway Experience You’ll Cherish Forever
Nassau, Bahamas, is an enriching vacation destination where dreams come true. The gorgeous weather and the eye-catching sights make for a pleasing experience where you can kick back, relax, and forget your troubles.
Similarly, those who thirst for adventure and exploring have plenty to do and get their heart pumping during their trip to the capital city.
Those seeking a getaway worth every penny are bound to be thrilled with a trip to Nassau. The team at IDOS looks forward to seeing you!
