This list of things to do in Grenada goes beyond the typical tourist attractions to include hidden gems and rich cultural experiences that will make your vacation unforgettable.
And if you enjoy this post, you'll love my Grenada solo travel guide, too!
I traveled to Grenada solo for a seven-day getaway in April. Still, this list has plenty of year-round ideas that will work for families with kids, groups of adults, or romantic couples, whether you're flying in or visiting on a cruise ship for one day.
My Top Things to Do in Grenada
1. Eat Amazing Food
When deciding whether to visit Grenada for the first time in April, the food was what sealed the deal for me. And the hype is justified!
From oil down to lambi souse (pictured above) to rum punch, nutmeg-flavored everything, and world-famous Caribbean lobster, I promise you won't go hungry.
Read my list of what to eat in Grenada--it's long!
2. Get a Sulphuric Spa Treatment
Grenada's mineral-rich volcanic soil and clay make for beneficial mud masks. When I tell you that my skin was super glassy after an outdoor facial at River Sallee Sulphur Springs! It's all-natural and better than any 12-step skincare routine.
Take this Grenada full-day tour to hit the springs + three more hot spots!
3. Beach Bonfire
The bright, sparkling beaches come alive in a different way at night, and if you can, I highly recommend enjoying a beach bonfire with fresh grilled seafood, cold drinks, and good music. Mount Cinnamon Resort in St. George's has one every Friday--get the s'mores for dessert!
Here's everything you need to know before your Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort stay!
4. Shop for Spices
Grenada is the Island of Spice, after all. You'll find potent single-source spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as blends like curry powder, and plenty of spice-infused oils, balms, and more.
The historical Market Square in downtown St. George's originally sold enslaved human beings during Grenada's French and British colonial rule, and sells spices, fresh produce, and other goods in the present day. It's an easy thing to do near the cruise port, and I picked up spices and pain-relieving nutmeg oil there before taking a ferry to Carriacou.
If you're looking for things to do in Grand Anse, try shopping at Grand Anse Craft & Spice Market and View Top Spice Shop.
5. Visit Carriacou or Petite Martinique
Speaking of Carriacou, did you know that Grenada is actually the largest of three sister islands that make up the country?
Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique each have a different pace and vibe, and you can travel between the three via ferry or between the larger two by plane. I spent a long weekend in Carriacou, and would have stayed longer if I knew better when planning my first trip. It's definitely worth returning to!
Want to add an island to your itinerary? Read up on things to do in Carriacou!
6. Go Island Hopping
In addition to the three inhabited islands, there are about fifty-leven uninhabited islands like Hog Island and Sandy Island that make for great day trips from any of the three major islands.
I spent a day hopping from Sandy Island to White Island and Saline Island, snorkeling with sea turtles, lounging on felled palm trees, and more. Book your island day trip below!
7. Hit the White Sand Beaches
Grenada is well-known for stunning white sand beaches like Grand Anse Beach and Magazine Beach. And because the beauty is not restricted to private beaches along fancy resort strips, it's one of the top free things to do.
In addition to being easy on a budget, it's one of the few things to do on a Sunday since most businesses are closed!
My favorite beach day was at Morne Rouge Beach--or BBC Beach as locals know it. I spent an afternoon relaxing under mango trees, swimming, and eating curry goat right on the water.
8. Or the Black Sand Beach
For a more unique and unusual experience, you have to go to a black sand beach. The nation's volcanic activity also lends to nine different black sand beaches, and the closest one to major tourist hubs is Black Bay Beach near Concord Waterfall.
My favorite thing about hanging out here is that the water is just as crystal clear as any other beach on Grenada--it's the dark, charcoal-colored sand that gives it such a deep appearance.
Here's everything you need to know before visiting Black Bay Beach!
9. See Indigenous Petroglyphs
And if you're feeling adventurous while at Black Bay Beach, you can hike up to Black Bay Cave, which is home to ancient petroglyphs from Grenada's native people. There are also bats in the cave, though they didn't really bother us when we entered.
This Viator mystery tour includes the beach and cave in one!
10. Go Hiking
The mountainous terrain here makes for great hikes. The most popular ones for travelers are to the pools of Seven Sisters Waterfalls and the bi-coastal views of Grand Etang Lake & Mount Qua Qua.
If you're an experienced hiker seeking a challenge, check out Mt. St. Catherine or Golden Falls. A local guide is recommended for either.
Here's what to pack for vacation in Grenada + outfit ideas to make planning easy!
11. Swim Under a Waterfall
Grenada is home to dozens of gorgeous waterfalls. I visited Concord Falls, and the pools were so cool and refreshing. It was a fun way to cool off and very easy to get to. Other popular options are Annadale Waterfall and Royal Mount Carmel Falls, which are the highest on the island.
Compare what excursions to do in Grenada that include waterfalls:
12. Swim at the Underwater Sculpture Park
The Molinére Underwater Sculpture Park is the first in the world and one of National Geographic's 25 Wonders of the World. This protected area was installed in 2006 to help restore marine life to Molinére Bay following Hurricane Ivan.
You can dive, snorkel, or take a glass-bottom boat to experience the artwork. It's so cool to see how marine life has become one with the installation! This sailing and snorkeling tour includes the sculpture park + an additional dive site.
P.S. There's another sculpture park in the waters near Carriacou, called A World Adrift, which serves a similar purpose in the wake of Hurricane Beryl.
13. Tour a Rum Distillery
Rum has been made in Grenada for centuries, beginning with the introduction of sugarcane during the plantation era. And touring the River Antoine Estate--the oldest continuously functioning water-powered distillery--felt a bit like stepping back in time.
A perk of this experience was tasting local proof rum, which is only available in Grenada and was surprisingly sweet with no burning sensation!
14. Learn How Chocolate is Made
Cocoa and chocolate also have a long and storied history on this island, and I was fascinated by the bean-to-bar process at Jouvay Chocolate Factory. Another well-loved option is Belmont Estate.
Our tour ended with taste tests of different types of chocolate with varying cacao levels and local flavorings. This activity is kid-friendly, and I definitely recommend it if you have a sweet tooth!
Read my full Grenada private tour itinerary, including rum tastings, a chocolate factory tour, and much more!
15. Go to Dodgy Dock for Street Food Night
Street food in Grenada is some of the best I've tasted throughout the Caribbean Islands! Getting to try a variety all in one place at Dodgy Dock's Street Food Wednesday was a vibe.
Between the live music, full bar, and literal buffet of options, it's absolutely one of the best things to do in True Blue Grenada.
16. Experience Spicemas
Like many Caribbean nations, Grenada celebrates its Emancipation on August 1st, which kicks off its week-long carnival celebration known as Spicemas!
Spicemas is less commercialized than many other West Indies carnivals, and steeped in unique African resistance traditions like Jab Jab. It's the best thing to do in Grenada Island in August.
17. Learn About Grenada's History
I don't know about you, but I love learning about the factors that shaped the places I visit, especially the Black and Indigenous history. And Grenada's rich and multi-faceted culture has been shaped by an interesting combination of events from all around the world.
Visiting Fort Frederick with an expert guide to get a sense of grounding at the start of my vacation made every moment after that much more meaningful.
18. Go to Grand Etang National Park
The Grand Etang National Park & Forest Reserve is a protected area full of exotic wildlife. With over 3000 acres of tropical rainforest, mountains, and more, it can easily fill up a half-day or full-day tour. Nature lovers flock here for rare birdwatching, the resident armadillos, and hiking trails.
The biggest draw is the trained Mona Monkeys who can be coaxed to pose for pictures with treats. I was most taken by the scale of the Grand Étang lake, which is actually the mouth of a dormant volcano!
More Grenada Caribbean Moments
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I hope this list of what to see in Grenada island helps you have the most memorable trip soon and very soon. And sharing is caring, so be sure to pin this post for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
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