Barbados Road Trip Itinerary: Must-See Spots on Your Next Island Drive

Island drives are a fave activity amongst both locals and visitors in Barbados, and it's easy to see why - there's nothing quite like hitting the road and exploring the beauty of Barbados by car. Whether you're a seasoned island explorer or looking for a new adventure, there's always a hidden gem or new scenic spot waiting to be discovered. 

So, save this list, pack a cooler, grab your friends and family, and plan an island drive around Barbados. This guide will take you on a journey through the different regions of Barbados, highlighting must-see destinations and hidden gems along the way.

Want to turn your island drive into a picnic? Check out my article here on some of the best picnic spots in Barbados!

Suggested Destinations by Region:

North:

• Animal Flower Cave, Conneltown, St. Lucy: A must-visit spot in the north! Explore the unique rock formations and natural pools, plus check out the fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean splashing up on the cliffs nearby.

• Archer's Bay, St. Lucy: A truly hidden gem in the north! Head down some steps to find this secluded hideaway beach with rock formations.
  

• North Point, St. Lucy: A peaceful spot to enjoy the ocean breeze and see the Atlantic Ocean. There is also the abandoned but very intriguing North Point Surf Resort property nearby.

• River Bay, St. Lucy: A classic picnic spot amongst locals, there is a nearby small cliff that you can hike up to get another great view of the Atlantic Ocean.
  

• Cove Bay, St. Lucy: Known for its many coconut trees, gorgeous views, and a few friendly cows grazing nearby, this is very close to Pico Tenerife, a popular hiking spot. Warning: the road leading to Cove Bay is quite rough!

• Harrison's Point Lighthouse, St. Lucy: One of four lighthouses in the island, this is the most northern one and is off the beaten path. Definitely worth including as a stop on a drive through the north.

• Cherry Tree Hill, St. Peter: Enjoy gorgeous scenic views of the East Coast from this iconic hilltop. Definitely worth stopping and taking a picture!

• Farley Hill National Park, St. Peter: Another favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy spectacular views of the East Coast, take a walk through the shade provided by the many trees, or take a look at the nearby mansion ruins. Note - there is a a nominal fee to enter.
  

• Speightstown, St. Peter: Barbados' most northern town, Speightstown offers a charming blend of history, cuisine, shopping options and coastal relaxation. Consider visiting one of the many fantastic food spots in Speightstown to pick up lunch!

West Coast:

• Holetown, St. James: Barbados' first settlement, Holetown boasts a vibrant mix of history, shopping, and dining options, as well as historic landmarks and picturesque beaches.
  

• Folkestone, St. James: On the edge of Holetown heading north, Folkestone offers pristine beaches, a shady picnic spot with parking, as well as the nearby Folkestone Marine Park & Visitors' Centre.

• Gibbs Beach, St Peter: A quieter alternative to the more crowded beaches on the west coast.

East Coast:

• Morgan Lewis Windmill, St. Andrew: Take a drive down this scenic hill and check out the only functioning windmill in Barbados.

• Long Pond, St. Andrew: This is a very secluded, unspoilt spot in the north, and is great for nature lovers.

• Chalky Mount Village, St. Andrew: Also known as the Pottery Village, here you can see potters making creations from clay taken from the soil right here in the Chalky Mount district. Great for picking up a souvenir or two!

• Turners Hall Wood, St. Andrew: Explore the last remaining piece of original Barbadian forest.
  

• Bathsheba, St. Joseph: Known for being a surfer's paradise, Bathsheba also offers plenty of photo opportunities, and places to eat, drink and relax.

• Ermy Bourne Highway: Take a drive down this highway that connects many favourite spots such as Barclays Park, Cattlewash, and Joe's River. Tip: If you drive on it heading north, you'll see the silhouette of the hills forming the famous "Sleeping Giant" on the East Coast!

• Cattlewash, St. Joseph: Cattlewash offers a serene escape with its sandy beach and the powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean nearby. Perfect for beachcombing, picnics, and enjoying the stunning coastal scenery!

• Joe's River, St. Joseph: Another spot worth visiting on any East Coast drive! Look for the recently built footbridge for easier access.

• Andromeda Botanic Gardens, St. Joseph: A botanical oasis on the with a variety of exotic plants.

• Corkscrew Tree, Forster Hall, St. Joseph - One of my personal favourite landmarks along the East Coast - I always try to visit when I can! This is a few minutes' drive away from Andromeda Botanic Gardens, and is a coconut tree that has somehow grown in a spiral direction, looking like a corkscrew - be sure to stop and take a photo!
  

• Hackleton's Cliff, St. John: Enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the east coast from this iconic clifftop location. Picnic tables are also available.
  

• Bath Beach, St. John: This beautiful remote beach is popular with both locals and visitors. Picnic tables and parking are available.

• St. John's Parish Church, St. John: Walk through the churchyard here and see not only a picturesque view of the East Coast, but the tomb of Ferdinand Paleologus, one of the last members of the Byzantine Empire's last ruling dynasty, as well as one of two fully intact sundials on the island. Close to the sundial, you can also see the distant abandoned Cable & Wireless Earth Station at Bath, which was used for satellite telecommunications throughout the 70's and 80's.

• Codrington College, St. John: Sitting at the end of a long driveway lined with royal palm trees, this historic Anglican college is also known for having a picturesque pond with friendly ducks by its entrance. There is a nominal fee if you want to enter the college itself.
  

South & Bridgetown:

• Oistins, Christ Church: Famous for its Friday night fish fry and vibrant community, this is a perfect spot to consider stopping for lunch and sightseeing. There are also conveniences such as shopping, gas stations, restaurants, pharmacies and a bus terminal.

• Miami Beach, Christ Church: One of the more popular beaches on the South Coast, and with calm waters and soft sands, it's easy to see why! It's also a great spot to enjoy a gorgeous sunset.

• Dover Beach, Christ Church:  A popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. This sits at the end of St. Lawrence Gap.

• St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church: Lively nightlife and entertainment options, with great food and shopping options during the day as well.
  

• Garrison Savannah, Christ Church: Take a stroll through the historic Garrison Savannah, which used to be a military base for the British West India Regiment, but now is the home of the Barbados Turf Club and horse-racing race track. Lots of interesting historical and horse-racing aspects to be seen here!

• Carlisle Bay: Enjoy stunning views of the bay's crystal clear waters from nearby beaches like Browne's Beach and Pebbles, or if time allows, dive in to explore its underwater wonders!

• Batts Rock Beach, St. Michael: Keep an eye out for this beach on the outskirts of Bridgetown, heading north. There's also a small play park nearby, as well as picnic tables and parking.
  

Southeast:

• Bottom Bay, St. Philip: A hidden gem with a secluded beach and picturesque cliffs.

• Harrismith Beach, St. Philip: neighbouring with Bottom Bay. There is also the abandoned Harrismith House.

• Crane Beach, St. Philip: One of Barbados' most iconic beaches, known for its pink sands.

• South Point Lighthouse, Christ Church:

• East Point/Ragged Point Lighthouse, St. Philip

• Shark's Hole, St. Philip

Central:

• Brighton Farmers Market, St. George: Planning your island drive for a Saturday morning? A great start is to come here for breakfast before heading off!

• Gun Hill, St. George: Enjoy panoramic island views from this historic military outpost. Don't miss snapping a photo of the iconic lion statue nearby!

• Welchman Hall Gully, St. Thomas: This one is for the nature lovers! Walk through lush vegetation and see more of our local flora and fauna.
  

Planning out and going on island drives is one of my favourite things to do, and I hope this list I put together helps you plan out your next road trip adventure here in Bim. Happy exploring!