Frommer's Favorite Experiences

Sunbathing at Elbow Beach: The pale pink sand stretches for almost a mile at Elbow Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Bermuda. At least three hotels sit on its perimeter. Because protective coral reefs surround it, Elbow Beach is one of the safest beaches on the island for swimming. Around Easter, it tends to be packed with college students who descend on Bermuda.

Strolling The Back Streets of St. George: Almost every visitor to the island has photographed the 17th-century stocks on King's Square in historic St. George. But it's in the narrow back alleys and cobblestone lanes, such as Shinbone Alley, that you'll really discover the town's old spirit. Arm yourself with a good map and wander at leisure through such places as Silk Alley (also called Petticoat Lane), Barber's Lane Alley (named for a former slave from South Carolina), Printer's Alley (where Bermuda's first newspaper was published), and Nea's Alley (former stamping ground of the Irish poet Tom Moore). Finally, walk through Somers Garden and head up the steps to Blockade Alley. On the hill is the aptly named Unfinished Cathedral.

Golfing: Known for its outstanding courses, Bermuda attracts the world's leading golfers (and those who'd like to be). Over the years, such luminaries as President Eisenhower, President Truman, and the Duke of Windsor have hit the island's links. Rolling, hummocky fairways characterize the courses. Many avid golfers come to Bermuda to "collect courses," or play them all. Some holes, such as Port Royal's notorious 16th, are "from hell," as golfers say: Both the tee and the hole are high on cliff edges, with the rich, blue sea a dizzying 30m (98 ft.) below.

Looking out from Gibbs Hill Lighthouse: For an even better view than the one enjoyed by Queen Elizabeth II when she visited the lighthouse in 1953, climb the 185 spiral steps of the lighthouse. Built in 1846, it's the oldest cast-iron lighthouse in the world. From the top, you can relish what islanders consider the single finest view in all of Bermuda -- a panorama of the island and its shorelines. You can, that is, if the wind doesn't blow you away -- be sure to hang on to the railing. In heavy winds, the tower actually sways.

Hiking the Bermuda Railway Trail: Stretching for about 34km (21 miles), this unique trail was created along the course of the old Bermuda Railway. The railway served the island from 1931 to 1948 (automobiles weren't allowed on the island until the late 1940s). Armed with a copy of the Bermuda Railway Trail Guide, available at visitor centers, you can follow the route of the train known as "Rattle and Shake."

Diving: If you're happiest under the sea, Bermuda has what you're looking for. That includes the wrecks of countless ships, underwater caves, rich reefs, and, during most of the year, warm, gin-clear waters. All around the island you'll find a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life that's the most varied in this part of the world. Many scuba experts consider Bermuda one of the safest and best places to learn the sport. Seasoned divers will not be disappointed, either -- Bermuda has terrific diving areas for experts.

Building a Sandcastle on Horseshoe Bay (Southampton Parish): This is Bermuda's most famous beach, and it's one of the best for families. Unlike most island beaches, Horseshoe Bay has a lifeguard on duty from May to September.

Horseback Riding on the Beach: Steering a horse through the dune grass and oleander, especially at South Shore Park, is an experience you won't want to miss. Because this sport is restricted to supervised trails on Bermuda, it can be all the more memorable -- you'll have the gorgeous seascapes all to yourself. Horseback-riding centers guide you on trails through the best of the countryside and to beautiful hidden spots along the north coast.

Boating & Sailing: Yachters around the world agree: Bermuda is one of the world's top boating destinations. Many people forget that Bermuda isn't one island, but an archipelago, with all kinds of nooks and crannies waiting to be discovered. With the fresh wind of the Atlantic blowing in your hair, you can embark on your own voyage of discovery, exploring Great Sound and its islets, including Long Island and Hawkins Island. Tiny, secluded beaches beckon you to put down anchor and relax awhile.

Walking through Spittal Pond Nature Reserve (Smith's Parish): This 24-hectare (59-acre) sanctuary is the island's largest nature reserve, home to both resident and migratory waterfowl. You can spot some 25 species of waterfowl from November to May. Scenic trails and footpaths cut through the property.

Exploring Fort St. Catherine: This fort -- with its tunnels, cannons, and ramparts -- towers over the beach where the shipwrecked crew of the Sea Venture first came ashore in 1609 (becoming Bermuda's first settlers). The fort was completed in 1614, and extensive rebuilding and remodeling continued until the 19th century.

Strolling Bermuda's Pink Sands -- The pink sand beaches are reason enough to come to Bermuda. Find your favorite cove (perhaps Whale Bay, Astwood Cove, or Jobson's Cove) and stroll aimlessly at dawn, at twilight, or whenever your fancy dictates.

Cycling -- On a rented bicycle, or maybe a moped built for two, explore Bermuda from end to end. Start in St. George in the East End and go all the way to the Royal Naval Dockyard in the West End, or vice versa. You can do this in 1 day or stretch it out.

Following the Bermuda Railway Trail -- As you follow this intermittent trail from one end of the island to the other, you'll take in panoramic seascapes, see exotic flora and fauna, hear the soothing sounds of the island's bird life, and often have long stretches of trail completely to yourself.

Touring by Horse & Buggy -- No one has ever improved on this old-fashioned method of sightseeing and shopping along the City of Hamilton's Front Street. Better yet, go on a 2-hour shopping tour of Somerset Village in the West End.

Viewing Bermuda from Gibbs Hill Lighthouse -- Climb the 185 steps of the oldest cast-iron lighthouse in the world for one of the greatest views of the Atlantic Ocean. Springtime visitors may be lucky enough to see migrating whales beyond the shore reefs.