The 7 top attractions to explore in St. Lucia

St. Lucia, a stunning Caribbean gem, spans just 238 square miles but brims with a diverse array of attractions to satisfy every traveler's desire. The rich history is reflected in the ancient ruins of Pigeon Island National Park, while the natural wonder of Sulphur Springs envelops the landscape in soothing steam. The majestic Pitons rise dramatically, providing an iconic backdrop to the island's volcanic story.

Whether you're on the hunt for breathtaking waterfalls or a sun-drenched beach escape, St. Lucia has it all. Here’s your essential guide to the must-visit spots.

1. Pigeon Island National Park

Ideal for history enthusiasts

If you love history but also crave outdoor adventures or a relaxing beach day, Pigeon Island National Park is perfect for you. History enthusiasts will appreciate the ruins and artifacts—such as an officer's kitchen and soldiers' barracks—that reflect St. Lucia's past as a key battleground between the British and French, while thrill-seekers will enjoy the hiking trails and breathtaking views.

Nestled at the northernmost point of the island, the national park spans 44 acres. A gentle hike to the summit of Fort Rodney (225 feet) reveals stunning panoramic views of the northwest coastline.

At the summit, the living museum continues with an authentic cannon, remnants of the military fort, and a powder room. For adventurous spirits, Signal Hill presents a rocky and loose gravel challenge. Even if you're not particularly outdoorsy, the sweeping vistas will make the trek to the top worth it.

For a tranquil day, unwind on the beautifully manicured lawns for a picnic, or bask in the sun on one of the two pristine white-sand beaches within the park. I've spent countless weekends enjoying the secluded beach, taking breaks only to grab a Bounty Rum and orange juice or some wings from The Thirsty Parrot located just outside the entrance.

2. Gros-Islet

Best spot for food enthusiasts

The Gros-Islet district extends from just outside the capital, Castries, to the northern tip of the island, and it’s renowned as the most welcoming corner of St. Lucia. However, it’s also an underappreciated haven for food lovers.

The Naked Fisherman is a hidden gem with a thatched-roof, offering delectable seafood dishes like conch fritters, crispy squid with pickled vegetables, ceviche, creole fish stew with curry, and ahi tuna poke with cucumber. Savor these delightful offerings as the waves gently lap at the shore.

Just a few minutes south, the tranquil fishing village of Gros-Islet comes alive every Friday night with vibrant live music during its iconic street party. Amidst the festivities, a delightful array of local dishes awaits.

Duke's Fish Place, located by the seafront, invites guests with a menu featuring grilled or fried marlin, tuna, barracuda, pot fish, and lambi (conch), all enhanced by their irresistible garlic sauce.

Diners can also enjoy Auntie's green fig salad, a delightful mix of boiled green bananas, shredded saltfish, chopped vegetables, and mayo, seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, plus other side dishes like ground provisions and refreshing local fruit juices.

Other delicious choices include barbecue chicken and bakes—fried dough discs—from vendors lining the roadside. Another local favorite, the reggae-themed Irie Bar, is nestled near the beach, serving cold drinks and lively banter.

At the entrance of the nearby Beausejour community, a collection of food trucks forms the bustling Food Village. Indulge in authentic Jamaican cuisine, Mediterranean dishes, wraps, vegetarian and vegan options, and artisan dairy-free ice cream, plus what many claim to be St. Lucia's finest burgers at Burnz Food Truck. Don’t miss the caramelized onions, and if you’re adventurous, try the fully loaded Jabal burger.

3. Rodney Bay

Best spot for sailing aficionados

For a moment of relaxation, enjoy the stunning sunset at Rodney Bay Marina. Not only is it a top yachting destination, but it also ranks among the finest sport fishing spots in the Caribbean.

The marina boasts a range of facilities tailored for boaters and sailing fans, including private showers, WiFi access, and customs services. Additionally, there's a well-equipped boatyard featuring a 75ft travelift and dry storage, manned by a skilled technical team.

Since 1986, Las Palmas in the Canary Islands has been the departure point for the annual Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, a race that journeys west across the Atlantic to St Lucia.

Over 200 boats take part, making it the largest transocean sailing event in the world. Once the participants reach the shores of St. Lucia, the following two weeks are filled with non-stop festivities leading into the Christmas season.

The marina turns into the ARC Village, hosting a vibrant array of events including fire-eating shows, limbo contests, J’ouvert (daybreak) jump-ups, performances from local bands, cooking demonstrations, and lively costume parties. ARC participants can even challenge locals in football matches. While it can get quite busy, it’s nearly impossible not to be swept up in the celebration.

For those who prefer a quieter atmosphere, Rodney Bay Marina offers delightful waterfront dining options such as Rituals Sushi, La Mesa Bar and Grill (my personal favorite), and Elena's Italian Pizza and Gelato—don’t miss the divine strawberry cheesecake yogurt. The only experience that rivals these meals is one of the tranquil sunset cruises that depart from the dock several times a week.

4. Babonneau

Best destination for thrill-seekers

For an adrenaline rush, head to the Babonneau region, where you can soar on a thrilling zip line through the rainforest treetops, enjoying breathtaking views of the St. Lucian landscape below.

At Rainforest Adventures St. Lucia, guests will receive a safety briefing from a trained naturalist before embarking on a practice run on the park's training cable, in groups of no more than eight.

You'll reach the top station via an aerial tram that glides through the lush rainforest. After about 10 minutes of hiking down a trail that meanders through the dense underbrush, you'll arrive at the first zip line platform.

From this point, you can zip across eight different lines high above the canopy, all while soaking in stunning views of the northern part of the island, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea.

5. Castries

Best city for shopping

The Castries Market serves as the vibrant heart of St. Lucia's capital, offering a treasure trove of unique local crafts—everything from woven baskets and intricately carved wooden sculptures to aromatic spices and distinctive trinkets crafted from coconut shells and cala.

Saturdays are particularly lively as locals flock to the market at dawn, navigating through stalls filled with fresh produce and herbs. Be sure to explore the back area to grab a coconut from one of the vendors in the open-backed trucks parked in the spacious lot. I enjoy having the vendor crack it open so I can savor the translucent jelly, which is even tastier and crunchier when it's just on the verge of becoming firmer copra.

For those seeking a more upscale shopping adventure, the Pointe Seraphine complex is just a 15-minute stroll from the city center. This duty-free haven offers a plethora of services, including car rentals, exciting land and boat tours, and an enticing selection of souvenirs, luxury fragrances, exquisite jewelry, and stylish clothing.

Once a month, Helen's Daughters, a non-profit aimed at empowering rural women, organizes a FarmHERS market at Pointe Seraphine. Here, you can enjoy a delightful variety of locally made treats that remind me of my childhood, such as coconut tablet, guava jam, pemi, souse with cucumber, and icy treats.

Local tip: The Pointe Seraphine Shopping Complex also serves as a docking area when cruise ships arrive, so expect larger crowds on those days. While parking in the city is limited, it's very pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to easily forgo a rental car in favor of a bus or taxi to the market.

6. Marigot Bay

Best area for set-jetters

Forget about jet-setting; set-jetting is the latest travel trend. This fresh approach to wanderlust revolves around planning a trip centered around a beloved film or TV show's filming location. While it may sound unusual at first, it’s a fantastic way for pop culture enthusiasts and cinephiles to have an immersive adventure.

Breathtaking Marigot Bay, once called 'the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean' by American author James A. Michener, has graced the screen in various films, including the 1967 classic Doctor Doolittle (starring Rex Harrison) and 1979's Firepower (featuring Sophia Loren).

Marigot Bay also plays a memorable role in the first Pirates of the Caribbean film, where Captain Jack Sparrow first encounters the skeletons hanging from an arch over the clear Caribbean waters.

Even if you aren’t a movie enthusiast, Marigot Bay is still a must-visit for its stunning views. A stretch of palm-fringed sand lies in tranquil, azure waters surrounded by lush hills, creating a picture-perfect landscape.

7. Soufrière

Best area for natural attractions

Soufrière attracts both visitors and locals, and it’s easy to see why. The charm of this picturesque west coast town lies in its stunning landscapes and natural wonders.

The iconic Pitons rise dramatically from the vibrant green surroundings, beckoning hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to discover their beauty. If hiking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other spots to take in breathtaking views of these lush mountains against the backdrop of impossibly blue waters.

The Sulphur Springs are the remains of a collapsed volcanic crater, recognized as the world's only drive-in volcano. Although the volcano hasn't erupted since the 1700s, you can still see smoke rising and catch a whiff of the strong sulfur scent that fills the air.

The mineral-rich waters are said to help reduce inflammation, relieve arthritis and eczema pain, detoxify the body, and soothe sore muscles. Apply the magnesium and sulfur-infused mud for a skin treatment that will leave your skin feeling silky and smooth. If you’re fortunate, you might meet Sherman, one of the local guides, who can assist with the mud application and share the springs' fascinating history. Afterward, rinse off in one of the four pools, each with a different temperature.

On the outskirts of Soufrière, the Toraille Waterfall tumbles down a 50ft cliff into a plunge pool surrounded by lush greenery. Nearby, the appropriately named Piton Falls features a 30ft drop, with water flowing into a small pool. Not to be missed, Diamond Falls showcases water that changes color thanks to various minerals from the volcanic rocks and rain, set against botanical gardens bursting with vibrant flora.

Local tip: It’s highly recommended to hike Gros Piton with a guide, especially after rainfall, as the trails can become slippery and muddy. While swimming in Diamond Falls is prohibited for safety reasons, you can still enjoy its stunning beauty.