A few months after I met my now fiance, he surprised me with a birthday weekend in Bermuda. (If that doesn’t have “keeper” written all over it I don’t know what does.) My birthday falls on July 4th, which is a holiday here in the US, so we hopped a 2-hour flight from NYC and spent four romantic and adventurous days exploring.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have seen many beautiful islands all over the Caribbean and Mediterranean thanks to my cruise ship dancer days. I have to say, though, Bermuda might be the prettiest island I’ve seen yet.
As the plane descended, I watched the ocean below me turn into an ombre masterpiece, slipping into shades of the deepest blue to serene cyan and sparkling turquoise. On land, the island continued to show off with pink-sand beaches, seaside cliffs, lush greenery and colorful buildings.
Bermuda’s one of those places that oozes charm. There’s something for everyone too, whether you’re looking for romance, history, art and culture, sports or just to hang out on the beach.
Want to make your own escape to Bermuda?
Best time to visit Bermuda
We visited Bermuda in July and while it was hot, it wasn’t overbearingly so. Coming from NYC where the summer months can be sweltering, Bermuda felt like a refreshing escape. Blame it on the ocean breeze, the perfect water temperature or the cold Dark and Stormies.
It’s important to note that Bermuda is in the Atlantic ocean, 600 miles offshore from North Carolina, which means it’s not a tropical island and its high season is not wintertime like it is in the Caribbean.
While things get sleepier and chillier in winter, Bermuda’s mild climate makes it a year-round destination with the cool winter months ranging from 55-70 degrees Fahrenheit and the summers heat up to around 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
High season is May-October, so if you want warm weather with fewer crowds and lower prices, look for dates in April or November.
Where to stay in Bermuda
We stayed at the Fairmont Southampton and if you’re looking for a quintessential Bermuda resort you can’t go wrong there. A short walk or shuttle ride from the main property lies a beautiful private beach for hotel guests and a restaurant.
If you want something closer to town with a modern touch, check out the Hamilton Princess.
For a more boutique-style hotel, The Loren at Pink Beach looks perfect.
If I were to visit Bermuda again, I’d definitely look into an Airbnb. You can have this beauty (up to 10 guests) all to yourself. Or you could take the more affordable route and stay in this adorable cottage or this yoga dorm.
Things to do in Bermuda
Hit the beaches
This one’s a no-brainer. The beaches in Bermuda are some of the most stunning I’ve ever seen. And no doubt, the sea is a major draw for visitors.
Most hotels have a private beach, however, there are plenty of public beaches as well. Horseshoe Bay is one of the most popular (read: crowded) however, there’s a lifeguard, watersports rentals and a cafe, so it’s a great option for families.
Elbow Beach is great for swimming thanks to an offshore reef that prevents it from getting too rough. When you think of Bermuda, this is probably the beach you think of. It’s truly a postcard.
Warwick Bay has a more rustic feel with grassy trail and shrubs lining the shore. You’ll love this beach if you want a little more peace and quiet.
For a true hidden gem, make your way to Daniel’s Head Beach Park in Somerset Village. If you think you’re lost at first and then you see locals hanging out and having barbeques, you’re in the right place.
Get active in the water
If you love snorkeling, Bermuda won’t disappoint. While you can snorkel on your own right off the shore, I highly recommend taking a snorkeling tour to experience it fully. There’s also plenty of stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing, boating and even whale watching opportunities.
Stroll along Front Street
Those pastel buildings you see when you think of Bermuda? Yes, they’re all over the place, but you’re probably picturing Front Street in the main town of Hamilton. If an afternoon slowly pursuing art galleries, coffee shops, cafes, and boutiques sounds like your idea of fun, you’ll love it there.
Visit the Royal Navy Dockyard
The dockyard is probably the most touristy place on the island, however, it’s still worth a visit. Among the cruise ship docks and souvenir shops, lie the remains of the British fortress built right after the American Revolution. Alongside the historical sights, you’ll also find the National Museum, craft markets, and a mall.
Explore Crystal Caves
If you’re into caves, you won’t want to miss this one. Descend into a subterranean world of rock formations and underground lakes. A visit to the caves would be a great way to take a break from the sun and cool off.
Visit St. George
This UNESCO World Heritage site will give you a glimpse at what the town looked like in the 1600s. Wander along the cobblestone streets and visit museums and churches retaining their old British Colonial feel.
Indulge in the national cocktails
You can’t leave Bermuda without having one (or two) of its famous drinks, the Rum Swizzle and the Dark & Stormy. For a touch of history with your cocktail, head to the Swizzle Inn, Bermuda’s oldest pub. Or if you’re like me and you’d rather take that drink with an ocean view, try Wahoo’s Waterside Bistro and Patio.
Rent some wheels
In Bermuda, visitors cannot rent cars. But never fear, there are plenty of motorbikes to get around. Rent some wheels and take to the winding roads. Taxis are expensive, so if you plan to explore the island, a motorbike is the way to go. If that terrifies you—and I can’t blame you, I still shaking at the memory of some of those rides—you can now rent electric cars called Twizys (how cute!).
A weekend in Bermuda is the perfect mini escape from the East Coast of the US and Canada. For such a tiny country, there’s plenty to do whether you’re on a romantic trip with a new beau like I was, or traveling with family. Why do you want to visit Bermuda?
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