Explore The Bahamas: 10 Must-See Historic Sites
Step Back into The Bahamas’ Past at These Landmarks
There’s an abundance of historical sites spread across the 3,000 islands and cays in The Bahamas. From centuries-old military forts overlooking the azure Atlantic Ocean to cathedrals that enchant with their sparkling stained-glass windows, this Caribbean nation never fails to impress.
If you’re on a budget, historic attractions like lighthouses, national parks, and public libraries will boost your Bahamian itinerary, while those looking to spend can book a stay at an iconic 18th-century hotel with a renowned 5-star restaurant. Everywhere you look in The Bahamas, you’ll discover little pieces of its storied past.
1. Fort Charlotte
For military and maritime history buffs
Good for: History, Families
Situated on New Providence Island, a mile west of downtown Nassau, Fort Charlotte teeters on a grassy hill overlooking the city’s breathtaking harbor. Dating to 1778, this riveting military complex hosts costumed reenactments every Wednesday and Friday and guided tours of the building’s impressive network of strategic underground tunnels.
Watch the cannon being fired at noon before taking in the spectacular vistas of the harbor mouth, Paradise Island, and the capital Nassau. Afterwards, head to Public Beach for golden sands and turquoise water before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
Open: Daily from 8 am to 4 pm
Phone: +1 242-302-2000
Fort Charlotte
2. Lucayan National Park
Bird sanctuary, boardwalks, and a beautiful beach
Good for: Adventure, Photo
You’ll find Lucayan National Park on the island of Grand Bahama. This eco reserve showcases one of the world’s largest underwater cave networks, two of which are open to the public. Spend the day here, exploring the mangroves and pine forests along the boardwalks before enjoying an al fresco lunch at one of the beach’s scenic picnic tables.
Internationally recognized as a haven for birds, Lucayan is home to stunning winged creatures, including Antillean nighthawks, spotted sandpipers, double-crested cormorants, and magnificent frigate birds. Be sure to visit the Burial Mound Cave that boasts excellently preserved remains of the indigenous Lucayan people and the Gold Rock Beach that was featured in the blockbuster film franchise Pirates of the Caribbean.
Phone: +1 242-393-1317
Lucayan National Park
3. Christ Church Anglican Cathedral
A powerful pillar of faith
Good for: History, Photo
With roots reaching back to 1695, Christ Church Anglican Cathedral is a cornerstone of the Bahamian Anglican community. Located in the capital city of Nassau, this regal religious relic features one of the most stunning stained-glass windows in the country, a striking clock tower, and a monumental pipe organ.
Attend one of three in-person Sunday services for live sermons, spiritual reflections, and songs of praise from the soul-stirring choir. Before you depart, head on over to the baptismal font to glimpse a tiny church mouse carved into its wood; it’s the hallmark of the British carpenter.
Location: George Street, Nassau, Bahamas
Phone: +1 242-322-4186
Christ Church Anglican Cathedral
4. Elbow Reef Lighthouse
A picture-postcard beauty spot
Good for: Photo, Families
One of The Bahamas’ most aesthetically pleasing structures, Elbow Reef Lighthouse beguiles with its red and white candy stripes and palm-fringed surrounds. Built by the British Imperial Lighthouse Service in the 1860s, this architectural gem is featured on the Bahamian $10 bill and makes for some truly wonderful photos.
One of the last remaining operational kerosene-fueled lighthouses in the world, Elbow Reef beams flares from atop its tower every 15 minutes after sundown. The outlook over the water is stunning too, with its bobbing boats and luxury yachts.
Location: Hope Town, Elbow Cay, Abaco Islands, Bahamas
Open: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +1 242-699-4000
Elbow Reef Lighthouse
5. San Salvador Island (Columbus’s First Landfall)
Pure paradise
Good for: Couples, History, Families
One of the smallest inhabited islands in The Bahamas, San Salvador is widely believed to be the site of Christopher Columbus’s first landfall on October 12th, 1492. Today, this compact beauty spot is celebrated for its glimmering inland lakes, historic monuments, hidden gem beaches, and 50 dive sites that teem with kaleidoscopic marine life and brightly colored corals.
Spanning 13 miles long and 5 miles wide, San Salvador is the Bahamian island where tourists venture to when they want to get away from it all. Be sure to check out some of the highlights, including the Rum Cay, the Dixon Hill Lighthouse, and the secluded setting of East Beach, which is a fantastic place for offshore snorkeling.
Phone: +1 242-302-2000
San Salvador Island (Columbus's First Landfall)
6. Government House
A grand Neoclassical treasure
Good for: History, Photo
Nestled on a leafy estate in the capital, Nassau, Government House sits atop Mount Fitzwilliam and is the official residence of the Bahamas’ Governor General. Dating to 1801, this majestic building can’t be missed as it’s painted a dreamy shade of cotton-candy pink.
Stand outside to admire its grand Georgian Colonial architecture featuring imposing white columns and elongated windows before taking in the 1830s monument of Christopher Columbus. Be sure to leave some time to explore other nearby prime attractions, including the Pirates of Nassau Museum, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, as well as a number of popular restaurants.
Location: Bay St, Nassau, Bahamas
Phone: +1 242-322-1875
Government House
7. Graycliff Hotel
Dazzling digs in a historic manor house
Good for: Food, History, Couples
Set in a striking colonial mansion dating to 1740, Graycliff Hotel is steeped in Bahamian history. Originally the home of a wealthy pirate and later a retreat for British officers, this landmark offers a fascinating glimpse into Nassau’s storied past. Visitors can explore its elegant architecture, wander through lush tropical gardens, and admire period details that speak to centuries of heritage.
Located in the heart of Nassau, Graycliff is close to major attractions like the Governor’s House, John Watling’s Distillery, and the Nassau Straw Market. Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can book a guided tour or enjoy the property’s historic dining rooms, home to the Caribbean’s first 5-star restaurant, for an authentic taste of old-world charm.
Graycliff Hotel
8. Fort Fincastle and the Queen’s Staircase
Two extraordinary attractions
Good for: History, Families
Fort Fincastle was constructed from native limestone in 1793 by Lord Dunmore, the former Governor of The Bahamas. Its strategic position atop Bennet’s Hill meant soldiers could keep watch over Nassau town and the harbor, protecting them from roving pirates. Today, this paddle-wheel shaped relic draws in the throngs with its daily guided tours and eye-catching collection of bright red cannons.
Afterwards, head to nearby Queen’s Staircase to see the route that enslaved people carved through the rock, back in the late 18th century. Surrounded by jungle plants, this narrow corridor leads to 66 steps and was named in honor of Queen Victoria, who signed a declaration to abolish slavery.
Location: Bennet’s Hill, Prison Lane, Nassau, Bahamas
Phone: +1 242-356-9085
Fort Fincastle and the Queen’s Staircase
9. Nassau Public Library & Museum
One of the Caribbean’s most beautiful buildings
Good for: History, Families, Photo
Nassau Public Library & Museum is the largest and most historic of The Bahamas’ five main libraries. Founded in 1837, this pastel pink octagonal structure sits at the southern end of Parliament Square, surrounded by swaying palm trees and romantic horse-drawn carriages.
In the 1700s, the dwelling was a prison. The converted cells are now used to house collections of books, old maps, colonial documents, vintage newspapers, and artifacts belonging to the Arawak people, an Indigenous community from the Greater Antilles. Admission is free, and the library is a wonderful pitstop when you’re heading to nearby attractions like the Garden of Remembrance and the Bahamas Historical Society.
Location: Shirley St, Nassau, Bahamas
Open: Monday–Thursday from 10 am to 5.45 pm, Friday from 10 am to 4.45 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 3.45 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +1 242-322-4907
Nassau Public Library & Museum
10. Fort Montagu
A British-built military relic overlooking the turquoise sea
Good for: History, Families
Fort Montagu is strategically positioned at the eastern entrance of Nassau harbor. The smallest of the city’s three forts, it’s arguably the most significant. Enjoy a guided tour of this 18th-century military relic seven days a week. You’ll also enjoy superb views of Montagu Bay and its white sandy beach, which is edged with pretty palm trees.
Take selfies with the fort’s mammoth cannon, learn more about the 1776 Battle of Nassau, and soak up the historic ambiance. Afterwards, head to the nearby Nassau Yacht Club for a swanky cocktail, a delicious meal, and glamorous views of the blue-green water.
Location: E Bay St, Nassau, Bahamas
Open: Daily from 8 am to 3 pm
Phone: +1 242-322-7500
Fort Montagu
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