If you’re dreaming of a trip to the Caribbean, you’re going to want to know about the top things to do in Nassau Bahamas. Serving as both the capital of the Bahamas and the central travel hub in the region, Nassau offers its visitors everything from unparalleled scenery to urban delights. But as just one of over 700 islands in the Bahamas, New Providence (the island name of Nassau) should be your focal point from which to journey from into their island nation.
While travelers to the Bahamas may prioritize planning things to do in Atlantis Bahamas, some of the best destinations on the island are off the beaten path; the stunning Exuma Islands – a beautiful archipelago of 365 tropical islands. But while they might not be as famous, all of them are well worth a visit!
Today we’re going to highlight some of the best things to do in Nassau Bahamas. From getting a taste of local history to embarking on swimming with pigs tours, you’re going to want to keep reading to learn what to do in Nassau Bahamas.
Embark on Exuma day trips with Bahamas Air Tours to see sites like these!
Discover our 9 Top Things to Do in Nassau
Pirates, pigs, and sharks — oh my! Here are some of the top things to do in Nassau.
1. Lounge Around on the Nassau Beaches
Many travelers looking for Nassau Bahamas things to do are most interested in one thing: beaches. The good news is that if you’re looking for soft, powdery white sand and water so clear you can see your feet in it, you’ve come to the right place!
While Nassau might not be the biggest island, it still comes packed with over a dozen distinct and exquisite beaches. Some are free and public, while hotels own other ones.
Cabbage Beach, Junkanoo Beach, Cable Beach, and Love Beach are all postcard-perfect expanses that even the most particular travelers can’t help but love. If you have the time, don’t be afraid to visit them all — beach hopping is one of the best things to do in Nassau Bahamas!
Wondering what to do in Nassau Bahamas? You can’t go wrong with Cabbage Beach.
2. Visit Hilton Colonial Hotel Beach
Wondering what to do in Nassau Bahamas after visiting your first beach? Visit a second one! Located just a short walk away from Junkanoo Beach, the Hilton Colonial Hotel owns a picturesque stretch of sand that’s another can’t miss site. Like all of the other Nassau beaches, it features turquoise water, swaying palms, and the Caribbean vibe that travelers crave.
Being a private beach, you have to pay for a day pass. However, once you do, you’ll be able to enjoy the beach, swimming pool, and hotel restaurant.
Hilton Beach is another one of the top Nassau Bahamas things to do.
3. Push Your Limits at the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
When you’re ready for some action and excitement, a trip to Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis is another one of the top things to do in Nassau. Located on Paradise Island, Aquaventure stretches for 141 acres and contains waterslides, swimming areas, refreshing pools, and lazy rivers.
Besides cruising down waterslides and enjoying the adrenaline rush you’ve been craving, there are so many other fantastic things to do in Atlantis Bahamas. From exploring the park’s lush, tropical gardens to renting a cabana at one of the private beaches, make sure to pencil in at least a day for Atlantis on your Bahamas vacation.
Touring Aquaventure Waterpark — one of the best things to do in Atlantis Bahamas.
4. Embark on Exuma Day Trips
If you’re ever wondering what to do in Nassau Bahamas, remember that you have easy access to the surrounding islands, as well. Unfortunately, boat rides can take several hours, which is why we recommend embarking on Bahamas day trips by plane with Bahamas Air Tours. Besides getting you there in a fraction of the time, you also get unparalleled views of the country from the sky in a comfortable, private class plane.
A trip to the Exumas allows you to see the Exuma pigs, which are one of the most iconic sites that the Bahamas has to offer. And, by signing up for a Nassau to Staniel Cay day tour with Bahamas Air Tours, you’ll be able to observe and pet them as they swim next to you.
In addition to pigs in the Bahamas, a day trip with Bahamas Air Tours will also allow you to swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay, roam around Bitter Island Cay with iguanas, relax on the sand bars at Pipe Creek, and do so much more.
Staniel Cay day trips with Bahamas Air Tours let you swim alongside nurse sharks!
5. Get a Taste of History at Fort Fincastle
Interested in local history? If you are, make sure to stop by another one of the best things to do in Nassau Bahamas: Fort Fincastle. Located right in downtown Nassau, the British built this 18th-century fort in an attempt to deter pirates from raiding nearby settlements.
From hiking up Queen’s Staircase, which leads to the fort, to touring the site’s massive walls and cannons, Fort Fincastle is the perfect place to dive into the island’s history. The top also features a fantastic view of the island, making it another great spot for photo ops.
No trip to Bahamas is complete without a stop by Fort Fincastle.
Fort Fincastle gets its name from the second title of Lord Dunmore (the colonial governor who constructed the fort), Viscount Fincastle. It also served as a lighthouse until 1817, when another lighthouse on Paradise Island replaced it.
6. Enjoy a Drink at John Watling’s Distillery
Besides beaches, many people looking for the top things to do in Nassau also wonder where they can enjoy a drink. And while you can undoubtedly enjoy cocktails at hotel bars and upscale restaurants, a stop by John Watling’s Distillery is a must.
History and rum make John Watling’s Distillery another one of the top things to do in Nassau.
Built on the historic Buena Vista Estate, the distillery is one of the best Nassau Bahamas things to do since it caters to history and rum lovers alike. History buffs will love the guided tour around the grounds, while rum lovers (and anyone who enjoys a delicious drink) will enjoy the rum tasting experience.
Just don’t forget to bring your camera, if you have one, since the grounds are an excellent place to take pictures!
7. Stop by the Government House & the Columbus Statue
If you’d like to learn more about the local government, the Nassau Government House is the place to do it. Located on a beautiful ten-acre estate atop Mount Fitzwilliam, the site houses the Governor General of the Bahamas.
The vivid colors and lush foliage of Government House — another one of the best things to do in Nassau Bahamas
Besides being a political site, the Government House is also historical. Built in 1801, it showcases a combination of American Colonial and Bahamian British architecture, making a visit there another one of the best things to do in Nassau Bahamas. Visitors can also see a statue of Christopher Columbus at the front of the building.
8. Visit the French Cloisters
While sampling the local architecture, ensure that you save time for the French Cloisters and Versailles Gardens. Located on nearby Paradise Island, the site houses the remains of a 14th-century monastery in Montréjeau, France. Despite being from the Old World, an American businessman bought them then assembled them piece by piece on their new island site.
Even if you just see them from the street, stopping to visit the French Cloisters is another can’t-miss stop on your Bahamas vacation.
Unless you’re staying at the Four Seasons Ocean Club, you won’t be able to walk around the Cloisters. However, you can still enjoy a view of them from the street!
Enjoy the Top Things to Do in Nassau Bahamas
While many people end up wondering about the top things to do in Nassau, hopefully this article lets you come prepared. Make sure to bring sunscreen, your camera, and a sense of adventure — they’ll come in handy while you explore the island!
If you want to explore more of the exquisite archipelago, signing up for a Nassau to Exuma day trip with Bahamas Air Tours will allow you to do just that. From flying in comfort over azure waters to swimming with Exuma pigs and sharks, Staniel Cay Day Trips are a can’t-miss excursion.
Get started planning your Bahamas day trip by plane excursion today with Bahamas Air Tours!
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