Map of Antigua and Barbuda For First Timers

This is the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua and Barbuda.

You can use the map below to find the most popular beaches, historical sites, hikes, land marks and things to do.

There will also be images and descriptions of all the places highlighted on this map. I also wrote a general Antigua and Barbuda travel guide so you can easily follow along.

Map of Antigua and Barbuda

This is an interactive map of Antigua that I created with all my favorite places I could think of. You should use this map to easily locate the best beaches in Antigua and things to do and see. Click on the icons to see each landmark.

Best Places to visit and Things to do in Antigua and Barbuda

Beaches

Northwest Coast (near St. John’s)

• Dickenson Bay – One of Antigua’s busiest beaches, lined with resorts, beach bars, and restaurants. The water is calm and safe for swimming. It’s a social beach with plenty of facilities.
• Runaway Bay – A quieter stretch next to Dickenson with soft sand and shallow water. It’s less developed and draws fewer crowds. Good if you want calm near the capital.
• Fort James Beach – Wide sandy beach below the ruins of Fort James. perfect blue water with umbrellas on the beach provided by the bars nearby. The fort above gives views over St. John’s Harbour.
• Hawksbill Beaches – Four coves in one area, each with a different feel. One is clothing-optional, while others are quiet and secluded. Less crowded than the main tourist beaches.
• Deep Bay – This beach is part of the Fort Barrington hike and is a hidden gem most don’t get to see.

West Coast (around Jolly Harbour)

• Jolly Beach – Nearly a mile long and one of the widest beaches in Antigua. Resorts line the shore, but there’s plenty of room to spread out. It’s lively and easy to access.
• Valley Church Beach – This is one of the best beaches in Antigua and my favorite beach of all. It’s quiet, has a long sandy bay and never gets crowds.
• Ffryes Beach – Smaller and quieter than nearby beaches. Shallow water makes it easy for swimming. A few local bars sit on the edge of the sand.
• Darkwood Beach – Scenic beach with wide sand and clear views of Montserrat on clear days. The sea is calm and good for swimming. It feels more open and less built-up.
• Turner’s Beach – Sandy bay with safe swimming and a relaxed feel. You can see Guadeloupe in the distance on a clear day. Popular with families and day-trippers.
• Cades Bay Beach – Quiet beach near Cades Reef. Kayaking and boat trips often start here. It’s less busy and has an unspoiled feel.

South Coast (near English Harbour & Falmouth)

• Pigeon Point Beach – Family-friendly beach near Nelson’s Dockyard. The water is shallow and safe, with plenty of shade. It’s a popular weekend hangout.
• Galleon Beach – Sheltered bay known for snorkeling and marine life. The water is usually calm and clear. Hiking trails link it to nearby viewpoints.
• Rendezvous Bay – Remote beach reached by hiking or rough roads. It’s undeveloped and usually empty. Hills surround the bay, giving it a wild, natural feel.
• Morris Bay Beach – Local beach lined with sea grape trees for shade. It’s quiet, with soft sand and calm water. Close to Old Road village.

East Coast (Atlantic side)

• Half Moon Bay – Large crescent-shaped bay with both surf and calm areas. One end has strong waves, while the other is better for swimming. It’s one of Antigua’s most photographed beaches.
• Long Bay Beach – Easy to access with shallow clear water. A reef offshore makes it good for snorkeling. Popular with families and tour groups.
• Indian Town Bay – Rugged bay near Devil’s Bridge. The Atlantic waves are rough, so it’s better for walking than swimming. The scenery is dramatic and windswept.
• Nonsuch Bay – Wide sheltered bay used for sailing and kitesurfing. Steady wind makes it reliable for water sports. The area is open but still feels quiet.

Barbuda

You need to take a ferry from Antigua to Barbuda in order to get here. Read my article on how to take the ferry from Antigua to Barbuda.

• Princess Diana Beach – Pink sand beach named after Princess Diana. This beach stretches very far and seems desolate. Almost like a desert. There is a bar on the beach serving lobster and drinks that accepts credit card.
• Low Bay – Long stretch of sand running for miles. Remote and often empty, with stronger waves and open views. Good for solitude.
• Gravenor Bay – Clear water with nearby reefs for snorkeling and diving. Marine life is abundant offshore. The beach itself is simple and undeveloped.
• Coco Point Beach – Long sandy beach with shallow water. Once home to a private resort, now quiet and open. The sand is especially soft here.
• Two Foot Bay – Small beach backed by limestone cliffs and caves. The caves were once used by Amerindian people. Access is rough but the landscape is striking.

Historical & Scenic Landmarks

• Nelson’s Dockyard – UNESCO World Heritage Site in English Harbour. Historic Georgian-era dockyard still in use today. Restored buildings now hold museums, shops, and restaurants.
• Fort Berkeley – Defensive fort at the entrance to English Harbour. Offers short hikes and views of the coastline. Once key to protecting the dockyard.
• Shirley Heights Lookout – Hilltop viewpoint overlooking English and Falmouth Harbours. Known for its sunset parties on Sundays. Clear views of the island and sea.
• Fort James – 18th-century fort built to guard St. John’s Harbour. Ruins remain with cannons pointing out to sea. Good for photos and history.
• Betty’s Hope Plantation – Former sugar plantation dating back to the 1600s. Restored windmills and small museum explain Antigua’s colonial past. Set in the countryside.

Towns & Capital

• St. John’s – Capital city with markets, colonial buildings, and the cathedral. The Public Market is lively during the day. Streets are busy in the day but quiet at night.
• St. John’s Cathedral – Large Anglican church rebuilt in 1845. Its twin towers are a landmark in the city. The interior has wooden carvings and historic features.
• Public Market (St. John’s) – Main market with fresh produce, spices, and local goods. Around the edges, stalls sell street food like pepper pot and fungee. Best visited in the morning.
• Ruthlyn’s Car Park – Central parking lot near Market Street in St. John’s. Affordable and secure, useful for exploring the city on foot.
• English Harbour – Harbour on the south coast, home to Nelson’s Dockyard. Busy with yachts and sailing events. Surrounded by hills and historic forts.
• Falmouth Harbour – Adjacent to English Harbour, known for marinas and restaurants. A hub for yachting, with views of anchored boats.
• Jolly Harbour – Resort and residential area with a marina. Has both all-inclusive hotels and Airbnbs. Located next to Jolly Beach. This is my favorite place to stay in Antigua.

Nature & Adventure

• Devil’s Bridge – Natural limestone arch on the Atlantic coast. Waves crash against the rocks in dramatic fashion. The area has blowholes and a rugged look.
• Fig Tree Drive – Scenic road through the rainforest in the southwest. Passes banana plantations, small villages, and lush hills. Best done by car as part of a road trip.
• Stingray City – Offshore area where you can swim with southern stingrays. Shallow waters make it safe and accessible. Tours usually include boat rides and snorkeling.

Transport Hubs

• VC Bird International Airport – Antigua’s main airport, located near St. John’s. Handles all international arrivals. Car rental desks are inside the terminal.
• Antigua to Barbuda Ferry Terminal – Ferry port in St. John’s with daily service to Codrington. The trip takes about 90 minutes each way. Morning departures and evening returns.
• Codrington (Barbuda) – Main village on Barbuda and the arrival point for the ferry. Small community with a few shops and services. Gateway to Barbuda’s beaches and bird sanctuary.

This map is really useful if you want to spend one day in Antigua. Or, if you have a full Antigua itinerary planned out, this can be your hub for finding everything you need.