Just a one-hour flight from Miami, the Bahamas is a popular spot for first-time travelers to the Caribbean or seasoned travelers who want to venture to the tranquil, less visited Out Islands. I’ve been visiting the Bahamas for two decades, first with my husband and eventually with our two kids. Over the years, I’ve rushed in the annual Junkanoo parade, eaten the island’s specialty conch fritters, and visited nearly deserted beaches—discovering something new with each visit.
Though the Bahamas is made up of over 700 islands, most hotels and restaurants are concentrated on just a few. New Providence is home to 70 percent of the population, and its capital, Nassau, is the epicenter of the country’s tourism and entertainment. But venture beyond Nassau and you’ll find pink sand beaches on Harbour Island, a 600-foot-deep blue hole on Long Island, and swimming pigs on Exumas’ Big Major Cay.
With gorgeous stretches of sand, a mix of charming hotels and sprawling resorts, and a top-notch food scene, here are the best places to go in the Bahamas.
Where to eat
Like its neighboring islands, the Bahamas specializes in fresh seafood, particularly conch. If your stay includes Nassau, head to Fish Fry at Arawak Cay, a cluster of restaurants and beachside shacks serving up conch fritters, fried snapper, and grilled shrimp—go-to’s are Twin Brothers and Goldie’s Conch House. Don’t leave without ordering Sky Juice (also known as Gully Wash), a refreshing mix of gin, coconut water, and a splash of sweetened condensed milk.
In downtown Nassau, Graycliff Hotel’s appeal is its historic roots. Built in 1740, the private home is now a boutique hotel and restaurant. But we’re here to talk about the food: There’s a show-stopping wine cellar with over 250,000 bottles and white-gloved lunch and dinner service of traditional Bahamian dishes like snapper and conch soup.
Bon Vivants Bar and Cafe is another can’t-miss spot. Opened in 2019, this spot has a Caribbean maximalist vibe with wall-to-wall tropical jungle print wallpaper and over 400 bottles of spirits on display. Located in Nassau’s Sandyport neighborhood, the bar has a 30-page cocktail menu and serves mostly finger foods—think empanadas and jerk chicken bao buns—listed alongside wine pairings.
