Top 5 Things to Do in St. Lucia

Blogger's note: We are thrilled to announce our first guest blogger - Katie. She may be writing some articles for Beach Junkies from time to time.

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Before you embark on your next Caribbean vacation, you may want to do some investigation about the activities and attractions located in St. Lucia. The options may seem endless, but compiled below you will find a list of the best things to do during a trip to exquisite St. Lucia. From sunning by the seaside to partying with locals, there are many exciting ways to spend your time visiting this popular Caribbean destination.

Worship the sun at a St. Lucia beach. Many travelers flock to the Caribbean solely take it easy on the soft sand and bask in the warm water that laps smoothly against St. Lucia beaches. Some of the best stretches of coastline in St. Lucia can be found along the areas of Marigot Bay that are solely accessible via water craft. Unlike many Caribbean destinations, a large portion of St. Lucia’s beaches feature black sand created by volcanic sediments. Some beaches, like Anse Couchon, boast sandbanks with naturally intermingling patches of white and black sand. 

Celebrate the Rose Festival in August. A yearly tradition in St. Lucia, the Rose Festival pays homage to the event’s namesake flower with an entire month of music, dancing and street parties. The celebration climaxes on August 30th, when the island hosts the Feast of St. Rose de Lima. Each Saturday leading up to the feast includes all-night dance and musical fundraisers to raise funds for festival costumes. If you’re fortunate enough to be in St. Lucia during the month of August, be sure to partake in some of the rosy rituals.

Try your luck at a St. Lucia casino. Many tourists are enchanted by the bright lights and bustling sounds of casinos during a Caribbean vacation, and St. Lucia has finally opened up their first gambling establishment. The island has historically outlawed all gambling, but the opening of the Treasure Bay Casino has changed everything for this small island. From slot machines and placing bets on sporting events to Caribbean stud poker and everything in between, the newly opened Treasure Bay of St. Lucia offers it all.

Get a taste of local cuisine. While traveling to foreign countries, travelers will inevitably encounter exotic food that may not be like anything you've eaten before. Although many travelers may prefer to order more familiar dishes, people with daring tastes are encouraged to consider testing out fare from authentic, local restaurants. If you want to get a true taste of St. Lucia cuisine, check out pepperpot soup or blood sausage. Additional exceptional treats include local produce like breadfruit, tamarind tree beans and tropical love apples.

Put on your dancing shoes. The nightlife of St. Lucia provides endless outlets for drinking and entertainment. From crowded dance clubs to themed cruises, there is a wide selection of ways to spend your evenings. If you're interested in dancing the night away, you should think about heading to a popular night club in St. Lucia, like Upper Level Night Club in Rodney Bay. For a less crowded experience, travelers may prefer a leisurely bar, such as the themed Xanadu Lounge in Gros Islet. Some other suggestions for alternative nighttime experiences include taking an evening ride of the Marigot Bay Ferry or attending an open-air performance at the Derek Walcott Center Theatre.

When organizing your itinerary for your vacation in St. Lucia, contemplate these five excellent activities. Each offers a unique peek into the culture of St. Lucia, and will provide you with memories to last a lifetime. Whether your lifestyle is better suited for snorkeling through crystal clear waters or shopping for trinkets in a charming market, St. Lucia has plenty of attractions to keep you captivated throughout your travels.

About the Author: Katie Boue is a Cuban-American student who studied at Florida State University’s Creative Writing program before diving into the world of travel. An avid rock climber and photographer, Ms. Boue has a true passion for adventure. She currently writes for a series of Caribbean guide sites, including stlucia-guide.info. Feel free to contact Ms. Boue at kboue@iiwinc.com.