Bermuda is one of my favorite places to escape to. Most people picture the pink sand and turquoise water, but the island offers far more than its famous shoreline. The locals are warm, the pace is easy and every port has its own charm whether you are in Hamilton, St. George or the Royal Naval Dockyard. The island’s British roots show up everywhere you turn, from bright red phone booths to bobby-hatted officers to classic afternoon tea. It feels a bit like London with sunshine and ocean breezes.
Beyond the beaches, Bermuda is a mid-Atlantic island loaded with character and one-of-a-kind experiences. Its story goes back to the 1600s when Sir George Somers was shipwrecked here, and that history still shapes the culture you see today. Hamilton is the island’s lively hub with shops and restaurants lining Front Street right across from the harbor. St. George is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second-oldest English town in the New World, perfect for a slow walking tour. The Royal Naval Dockyard offers museums, pubs, galleries and waterfront views, all linked by quick ferries that make exploring simple.
Hamilton is the capital of the island nation, as well as the heart and commercial hub of the island. Your ship docks right along Front Street — the life and soul of Hamilton City and center of all the main activities. This is where most of the island's glittering retail shops, great restaurants and many other commercial establishments like banks and insurance companies are located. And as expected, this is the busiest place in the island. Beyond the thoroughfare, explore the exclusive corners of the island, like Tucker’s Town. Get a close-up look at the homes of the world's wealthiest people, as well as tour the priceless Crystal Caves, an amazing natural grotto of stalactites and stalagmites. Descending eighty-one steps to the floor of the cave, you will be completely enveloped in the dazzling beauty of this extraordinary cave.
St. George was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its collection of well-preserved architecture. Among the iconic structures to visit is the St. David's Lighthouse. From the pristine grounds of this quaint red and white beacon to seafarers, you'll be afforded some beautiful panoramic views over the east end of the island and the South Shore. One of the lesser-known buildings is the Unfinished Church, which looks like a romantic ruin out of a fairytale. Planned as a replacement for St. Peter's Church in the mid-19th century, it features Gothic arches and a nave open to the sky.
Locally the area is simply called Dockyard, but the nickname hides how much history and Old World charm fills this corner of Bermuda. Take in its beauty on a slow horse and carriage ride and wander past stone fortifications that once protected the island. If you want sweeping island views, head to Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, one of the oldest cast iron lighthouses in the world. Its hilltop perch gives photographers some of the most commanding views of Bermuda.
To complete your visit, follow the island’s story back to its beginnings. Admiral George Somers, whose shipwreck in 1609 led to Bermuda’s settlement, is honored throughout the island, including at Somers Garden in St. George. It is a peaceful place to reflect on the role he played in shaping Bermuda’s identity, and a fitting way to connect your Dockyard visit to the island’s earliest roots.
Whether you’re drawn to tranquil island serenity or rich maritime history, embark on an unforgettable voyage through Bermuda from the ports of Hamilton or the Royal Naval Dockyard.
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