What to Do in Anguilla: Top Picks for Your Island Getaway 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Anguilla: Experiences You Can't Miss

Welcome to Anguilla, a serene slice of Caribbean paradise that offers a perfect blend of powder-white beaches, laid-back island vibes, world-class snorkeling, and unforgettable local culture. Though small in size, Anguilla overflows with charm, adventure, and beauty — and we’re here to help you uncover the top 10 best things to do on this dreamy island.

🏖️ Shoal Bay Beach – Anguilla's Turquoise Dreamscape

Welcome to Shoal Bay Beach, a place that feels more like a fantasy than a real slice of the Caribbean. Tucked along Anguilla’s northeast coast, Shoal Bay is a two-mile ribbon of powder-white sand lapped by turquoise waters so clear they practically glow. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t need filters—nature already did the editing. Whether you're here for laid-back lounging or underwater adventure, this beach has an undeniable magic that keeps travelers coming back again and again.

🌊 Why It’s a Postcard Come to Life -Shoal Bay Beach is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world—and for good reason. The sand is soft as powdered sugar, the ocean shimmers with unreal blues, and the vibe is pure tropical bliss. It’s the kind of beach where you lose track of time, your worries dissolve, and all that matters is the rhythm of the waves and the salty breeze on your skin.

🏖️ Calm, Clear, and Made for Chilling -Whether you want to snorkel, paddleboard, or just float in bliss, the water here is perfect—calm, warm, and inviting. Shoal Bay is great for beginners too, with gentle waves and easy water access. Don't feel like being active? Rent a sun lounger, sip a rum punch, and let the island do its thing.

This beach is also home to casual beach bars and restaurants that feel like hidden gems, with Gwen’s Reggae Grill being a local favorite. Order a conch salad or grilled snapper, sway to live reggae beats, and toast your good fortune with a cold drink in hand.

🛶 Easy to Get To, Impossible to Forget -Shoal Bay is located on Anguilla’s northeast coast, just a 20-minute drive from The Valley, the island’s capital. The road is easy to navigate and well-marked, and many of Anguilla’s top resorts are nearby, making it a must-visit whether you're staying on the east or west end of the island. You don’t need a tour to enjoy it—just show up with your towel, sunscreen, and maybe a snorkel mask. The beach stretches long enough that, even on busy days, you can find a quiet corner to call your own.

⏱️ Stay for the Day, or Come Back Again -Shoal Bay is one of those places that never gets old, no matter how many times you visit. Spend the morning snorkeling the reef, grab lunch beachside, and settle in for a sunset that’ll make your heart skip. Even if you’re only in Anguilla for a few days, this beach deserves repeat visits—each one a little different, each one unforgettable.

☀️ Local Intel: What to Know Before You Go

• Bring cash – while some places take cards, the smaller bars and chair rentals often prefer cash.
• Shade is limited, so consider renting an umbrella if you’re planning to stay for a while.
• Midweek visits are quieter, especially in the mornings.
• Snorkel gear rentals are available nearby, but if you have your own, bring it along to save a few bucks and get straight into the water.

🏝️ Sandy Island – The Quintessential Castaway Escape

Welcome to Sandy Island, a sun-drenched speck of paradise floating just off the coast of Anguilla. This tiny, uninhabited cay is the kind of place you dream about while staring out a rainy window—a sliver of white sand, ringed by electric-blue water, dotted with swaying palms and nothing else. It’s the ultimate castaway fantasy, except with cold rum punch, grilled lobster, and zero responsibilities.

🌴 Why It’s the Castaway Dream Come True - Sandy Island isn’t just scenic—it’s surreal. It’s so small you can walk around the entire island in under 10 minutes, yet it holds the kind of soul-stirring beauty that makes you pause, breathe deeper, and fully disconnect. There are no roads, no Wi-Fi, no crowds—just warm sand under your feet and the sound of waves gently lapping the shore.

The beach is soft, untouched, and so white it glows under the midday sun. The water surrounding the island is crystal-clear, shallow, and perfect for snorkeling, floating, or just pretending you're the only person on Earth.

🐠 Reef Life, Rum Punch & Real Relaxation -Despite its tiny footprint, Sandy Island punches way above its weight in natural beauty. The coral reefs just offshore are brimming with tropical fish, and stingrays sometimes glide by like quiet island sentinels. Bring snorkel gear (or rent it before you go), and prepare for an underwater show.

In the middle of the island sits a legendary beach bar and grill, built on island time and good vibes. Grab a seat at a driftwood table, order a grilled lobster or conch salad, and toast your good luck with a frosty rum punch. Meals are cooked fresh, island-style, and served with unbeatable sea views.

🛥️ Getting There is Half the Fun -To reach Sandy Island, head to Sandy Ground on the mainland, where a small boat ferries visitors out to the cay in just 5–10 minutes. The ride is short, scenic, and the start of your off-the-grid adventure.

There’s no need to book far in advance—just check the boat times at the dockside booth, hop on, and you’ll be cast away in no time. Boats typically run between mid-morning and late afternoon, and round-trip transport is affordable and easy.

⏳ Stay an Hour or Stay All Day - Whether you want a quick escape or a full day of island indulgence, Sandy Island delivers. Some visitors swing by for a swim and lunch, while others linger for hours, napping in the shade or basking under the sun until the last boat heads back.

There’s something timeless about this place. No clocks, no pressure—just an endless horizon and a warm breeze telling you to slow down and soak it all in.

☀️ Local Intel: Tiny Island, Big Vibes

• No shops or ATMs—bring cash for food, drinks, and tips.
• Sun protection is a must—there’s some shade, but it gets toasty fast.
• Closed in rough weather—check conditions before planning your day.
• Water shoes are helpful if you plan to explore the rocky parts of the shoreline.
• The earlier you go, the calmer the water and fewer the crowds.

🌅 Meads Bay – Luxury Meets Tranquility

Welcome to Meads Bay, where barefoot elegance meets calm Caribbean beauty. Located on Anguilla’s upscale west coast, this crescent of powder-soft white sand and glass-clear turquoise water is the perfect blend of relaxation and refined luxury. It's not about the flash here—it's about serenity, sunsets, and seriously good seafood.

🧘 Why It’s the Definition of Chill Luxe - Meads Bay offers an atmosphere that’s both laid-back and luxurious. You’ll find Anguilla’s top resorts nestled quietly along the shore—places like the Four Seasons and Frangipani Beach Resort—yet the vibe remains peaceful and low-key. This is a beach for those who want to escape without losing access to the good life: spa days, gourmet dining, and cocktails at sunset.

The sand here stretches wide and long, perfect for leisurely beach walks or just sprawling out with a good book. The sea is calm, making it ideal for paddleboarding, swimming, or simply floating and letting the world drift away.

🦞 Where the Food is as Iconic as the View -One of Meads Bay’s biggest draws? The culinary scene. Grab lunch at Leon's at Malliouhana for breezy beachside bites and tropical drinks. For a more upscale experience, dine at the renowned Blanchard’s Restaurant, where Caribbean flavors meet fine-dining finesse.

From beachfront BBQs to five-star fare, Meads Bay delivers deliciousness with a view. And when the sky begins to shift into hues of gold and pink, there’s no better place to be than right here, cocktail in hand, toasting the horizon.

🚗 Getting There Is a Breeze - Located just 15 minutes from The Valley, Anguilla’s capital, Meads Bay is easy to reach whether you're driving, biking, or taking a taxi. Parking is available, and many restaurants and resorts offer day-pass beach access if you’re not a guest.

⏰ Stay for the Day, Stay for a Lifetime -Spend your day soaking in luxury—swim, sip, sunbathe, and repeat. Or check into one of the boutique beachfront resorts and make Meads Bay your base for exploring Anguilla. It's close to several island attractions, yet feels worlds away from everything.

📝 Insider Tips

• Sunset stunners – this is one of the island’s best beaches to watch the sun dip below the sea.
• Quiet mornings, romantic evenings – visit early for solitude, stay late for the view.
• Perfect for couples – whether you’re honeymooning or just escaping reality.
• Bring a paddleboard – calm waters make it a paddler’s paradise.

⛰️ Prickly Pear Cays – A Day Trip to Deserted Bliss

Sail away to the Prickly Pear Cays, a pair of uninhabited islands just off Anguilla’s northwest coast that feel like they were plucked straight from a tropical daydream. With blindingly white sand, shimmering turquoise water, and zero crowds, these cays are the definition of deserted island escape—minus the survival part.

🌊 Why It’s Pure Island Fantasy - Separated from the mainland by a short boat ride, Prickly Pear Cays offer that rare mix of untouched beauty and just enough amenities to keep you comfy. Whether you're snorkeling among vibrant coral gardens, swimming in calm lagoons, or simply soaking up the sun with a frozen cocktail in hand, this is slow travel at its finest.

The beaches here are postcard-perfect—soft, sandy, and almost never crowded. The reef just offshore is alive with tropical fish, brain coral, and even the occasional sea turtle, making it one of Anguilla’s top spots for casual snorkeling.

🚤 Getting There is Half the Fun - Boats leave regularly from Sandy Ground, and the ride takes about 20 minutes. Many local operators offer half-day and full-day trips, some including snorkel gear and lunch, so you can fully unplug and live the island dream.

🍹 Chill, Swim, Repeat -Once you’re there, grab a lounger and head to the beach bar and grill—yes, even this tiny cay has its own slice of island hospitality. They serve up grilled lobster, conch, and ice-cold rum punch, which somehow tastes even better when you're surrounded by nothing but sea and sky.

📍 Quick Tips for Visiting

• Bring cash – the beach bar often doesn't take cards
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen – protect that gorgeous coral
• Wear water shoes – some areas have rocky entry points
• Ideal for half-day trips – but you’ll wish you could stay longer

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‍🧂 Salt Picking at Road Salt Pond – A Salty Slice of Anguilla’s Past

Step back in time and dig into Anguilla’s heritage with a hands-on salt picking experience at Road Salt Pond—a 100-acre shimmering lagoon that once powered the island’s economy. Before the days of beach resorts and rum bars, salt was king, and this pond was the island’s crown jewel.

🧱 Why It’s a Historic Gem - In the 18th and 19th centuries, Anguilla was known across the Caribbean for its high-quality salt. Workers would wade into the shallows, harvesting crystals under the hot sun in a rhythm passed down through generations. While the salt trade has slowed, the tradition lives on, and today you can take part in this storied process.

It’s more than just scooping salt—it’s connecting with the island’s roots, standing in the same mineral-rich waters where generations of Anguillians once labored and thrived.

💧 What to Expect - Visitors can wade into the shallow pink-tinted ponds, scoop up sea salt using traditional tools, and learn how nature and time work together to create those flavorful white crystals. The experience is educational, immersive, and surprisingly soothing—a mix of culture, history, and sensory delight.

The water here is high in minerals, so don’t miss the chance to take a quick float or swim. It’s like a Caribbean spa treatment with a historic twist.

🗺️ How to Get There - Road Salt Pond is located near The Valley, making it easily accessible by car or taxi. It’s a peaceful area, often overlooked by tourists—making it a perfect off-the-beaten-path detour for curious travelers.

Guided tours and salt-picking demonstrations are available during the dry season when the salt naturally crystallizes on the pond’s surface.

🧂 Local Tips for a Smooth Visit

• Wear water shoes – the pond’s surface can be uneven or slippery
• Bring a small container – some tours let you take home your own salt souvenir
• Best time to visit is during the drier months (January to April) when salt is actively forming
• Don’t forget your sunscreen – there’s little shade and lots of reflection from the water

🥟 Johnny Cakes – Anguilla's Golden Bites of Heaven

Soft, crispy, and straight-up addictive, Johnny Cakes are the ultimate comfort food in Anguilla—a delicious staple that shows up on every local table, from beach shacks to backyard barbecues. These golden, pan-fried pockets of joy are the kind of thing you eat once and then crave forever.

🍽️ Why They’re the MVP of Island Bites - Johnny Cakes strike that perfect balance: crunchy on the outside, pillowy on the inside, with just a hint of sweetness. Traditionally made from a simple dough of flour, water, and baking powder, they’re fried until perfectly golden and served hot—sometimes split open and slathered with butter, sometimes used as the perfect edible sidekick to a plate of grilled ribs or fresh lobster.

In a land where flavors are bold and traditions run deep, Johnny Cakes are a humble hero—a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things are the most satisfying.

🌴 Where to Try Them - Ask any local where to find the best Johnny Cakes, and chances are they’ll point you to The Palm Grove Barbecue Grill. Tucked away on the island’s eastern end, this beloved beachside joint serves up Johnny Cakes that are crispy, warm, and packed with flavor. Whether you pair them with barbecued chicken, conch, or just a dab of hot sauce, you’re in for an island classic.

Other spots across the island also serve great versions, but Palm Grove’s come with a side of sea breeze and reggae beats, making the whole experience that much better.

🧠 Local Tips for Full Flavor

• Eat them fresh – Johnny Cakes are best hot and straight from the pan
• Try them stuffed – some places fill them with saltfish or spiced meat
• Ask for honey or butter – it brings out the soft interior and rich flavor
• Pair with a cold Carib beer – trust us, it’s the dream combo

🍗 Ken's BBQ – Where the Island Gathers to Eat

When the sun goes down in Anguilla, Ken’s BBQ lights up—grill flames flickering, smoky aromas rising, and a line of locals and visitors snaking down the street. Located in The Valley, this no-frills, all-flavor roadside stand is where you’ll find some of the best grilled food on the island.

🔥 Why It’s a Local Legend -Ken’s isn’t fancy, but that’s the point. You come here for authentic Caribbean street food, cooked over open flames and served with heart. The vibe is friendly, the music is bumping, and the food? Absolutely legendary.

Order a plate of grilled ribs, chicken, or pork, perfectly charred and smothered in house-made sauces. Add a side of buttery Johnny Cakes, coleslaw, or rice and peas, and you’ve got a plate that tastes like a backyard cookout with island flair.

🍻 Island Vibes Served Hot -You’ll see families grabbing takeout, travelers chatting with locals, and everyone licking sauce off their fingers with zero shame. This isn’t just a meal—it’s a slice of Anguillan life, best enjoyed outdoors with a cold Carib beer and good company.

🧭 What to Know Before You Go

• Opens in the evening – it’s a dinner spot, not a lunch joint
• Cash only – bring small bills to make life easier
• Expect a wait – especially on weekends, but it’s 100% worth it
• No reservations – just roll up, place your order, and hang out with the crowd

🏛️ Wallblake House – A Window into Anguilla's Colonial Past

Step through time at Wallblake House, Anguilla’s oldest surviving plantation home, and one of the few tangible links to the island’s colonial era. Built in 1787, this carefully preserved site isn’t just an old building—it’s a story etched in stone and wood, standing strong through centuries of change, including the French invasion of 1796.

🕰️ Why It’s a Historic Must-See - Wallblake House isn’t a polished museum—it’s authentic, raw, and profoundly powerful. As you explore its original architecture, you’re not just seeing the island’s history—you’re walking through it. The estate offers a rare glimpse into both the opulence and oppression of colonial life, making it one of the island’s most compelling historical sites.

You’ll find the main house, with its thick limestone walls and traditional Caribbean shutters, surrounded by slave quarters, a kitchen, and old stables—each space carrying its own weight of memory and meaning.

📍 Location & Accessibility -Wallblake House is located in The Valley, Anguilla’s capital, making it easily accessible whether you're staying nearby or passing through. It’s just minutes from the airport and close to other cultural landmarks, like St. Gerard’s Catholic Church, known for its unique stone-and-shell facade—a perfect stop before or after your visit.

🧭 What You'll Discover on a Visit

• The Main Residence – Step into the 18th century through original wooden floors and preserved period architecture.
• The Slave Quarters – A sobering space that brings the harsh realities of colonialism into stark focus.
• The Gardens and Grounds – Lush, quiet, and often blooming with tropical plants, they offer a moment of peaceful reflection.
• Guided Tours – Available during the week, often led by passionate locals who bring the stories to life with insight and care.

💡 Insider Tips

• Check tour hours in advance – it's not always open daily, especially outside peak season
• Bring a camera, but be respectful—this is a cultural site, not a tourist prop
• Pair with nearby sites – St. Gerard’s and the Heritage Museum make for a great half-day cultural loop
• Ask questions – guides here often have personal ties to Anguilla’s history and offer stories you won’t find in guidebooks.

🚙 Moak Rides – Cruising Anguilla in Tropical Style

Trade in taxis and boring rentals for something way more fun—Moak rides, Anguilla’s ultra-cool, open-air vehicles that turn every drive into a tropical adventure. These colorful, custom-built cruisers aren’t just transportation—they’re a vibe on wheels, designed for island explorers who want to ride with the wind and roll with serious style.

🌈 Why They’re the Coolest Way to Cruise -Moaks are part beach buggy, part fashion statement. Picture this: bright tropical colors, Bluetooth speakers bumping your favorite playlist, waterproof seats, and nothing between you and the Caribbean breeze. It’s like driving a vacation inside a vacation.

Perfect for beach-hopping, sightseeing, or just taking the scenic route, Moaks are made for good times, island tunes, and photo ops that blow up your Instagram feed.

🛣️ Where to Ride & How to Get One -You’ll spot Moaks all over the island, often parked at beaches, restaurants, and resorts. Renting one is easy—several local companies offer daily or weekly Moak rentals, and many hotels can help set it up for you.

Most Moaks are automatic and super easy to drive, and since Anguilla’s roads are low-traffic and laid-back, even first-time visitors will feel comfortable behind the wheel.

🎶 What Makes a Moak Ride So Special

• Open-Air Freedom – No windows, no doors—just ocean air and wide-open views.
• Bluetooth Sound Systems – Sync your phone and cruise to your favorite beach playlist.
• Tropical Paint Jobs – From sunshine yellow to seafoam green, Moaks are pure island eye candy.
• Built for Fun – Rainproof seats, spacious interiors, and a whole lot of character.

Whether you're beach-hopping across Shoal Bay, chasing sunsets at Rendezvous Bay, or just riding through The Valley for snacks and street food, a Moak adds a touch of joy and whimsy to every mile.

📸 Local Tips for a Perfect Ride

• Book early in peak season – Moaks are in high demand (and for good reason).
• Charge your phone – for playlists and lots of pics.
• Drive on the left – Anguilla follows British-style road rules.
• Plan a Moak Photo Stop – the colors + beach backdrops = pure Instagram gold.

🌅 Rendezvous Bay – Sunset Serenity by the Sea

If there’s one place in Anguilla that captures the soul-soothing stillness of a Caribbean evening, it’s Rendezvous Bay. This long, crescent-shaped stretch of sand delivers panoramic views of St. Martin, silky-soft waves, and sunsets so beautiful they feel almost unreal. It’s not just a beach—it’s a moment, a mood, and a memory waiting to be made.

🌇 Why It’s Pure Island Magic - Rendezvous Bay is known for its peaceful vibes and wide-open views. Unlike more bustling beaches, here it’s all about slowing down, soaking up the silence between the waves, and watching the sky catch fire in shades of orange, lavender, and rose gold.

With calm, shallow waters, it’s perfect for an early evening swim or a barefoot walk along the shoreline as the sun begins its descent. It’s that rare kind of place where time seems to pause—and you’ll wish it stayed that way.

🎶 Where to Eat, Sip & Sway - When golden hour hits, make your way to Sunshine Shack, a beachfront gem that brings grilled goodness, reggae vibes, and killer rum punches together in one colorful, casual hangout. Order a plate of BBQ chicken or ribs, grab a cocktail (or two), and claim a spot in the sand as local tunes float on the breeze.

This is where island evenings come alive—not with noise, but with rhythm, flavor, and soul.

📍 Getting There & When to Go - Rendezvous Bay is located on Anguilla’s southwest coast and is easily accessible from both The Valley and nearby luxury resorts like Cap Juluca. It’s quieter than Shoal Bay and less developed than Meads Bay, making it ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.

Plan your visit in the late afternoon—swim, relax, then stay for the show as the sky performs its nightly masterpiece.

🧡 Local Tips for a Perfect Evening

• Bring a towel or blanket – perfect for sunset lounging
• No rush – the best views are just after the sun dips below the horizon
• Check the music schedule – live performances often happen at Sunshine Shack
• Look south – on a clear day, you’ll see the mountains of St. Martin glowing across the sea

‍🌙 Nightlife at Sandy Ground – Where the Island Comes Alive After Dark

When the sun dips behind the sea, Sandy Ground Beach doesn’t go to sleep—it wakes up. This lively coastal strip transforms into Anguilla’s nightlife capital, where beach bars pulse with music, cocktails flow freely, and the vibe is pure island magic. Whether you’re here to dance, sip, or stargaze with a drink in hand, Sandy Ground is where Anguilla parties after sunset.

🍹 Why It’s the Heartbeat of Anguilla’s After-Dark Scene - Sandy Ground has that rare mix of laid-back energy and lively atmosphere. By day, it’s a peaceful harbor dotted with sailboats. But come evening, beach bars, decks, and fire pits light up the shoreline, creating a casual, come-as-you-are party scene that’s impossible to resist.

You’ll find locals, expats, yachties, and travelers all mingling together—no dress codes, no stress, just good vibes, good tunes, and great drinks.

🥃 Where to Go and What to Do - Elvis’ Beach Bar – A Sandy Ground institution. Built from a repurposed boat and practically on the sand, Elvis’ is famous for its strong rum drinks, including the must-try Mama Wanna Rum, and its friendly, dance-all-night energy. Expect reggae, soca, and the occasional spontaneous limbo contest.

Lit Lounge – Perched on a raised deck with views of the sea and stars, Lit Lounge is the spot for DJs, dance floors, and elevated cocktails. It brings a bit of Miami glam to Anguilla’s shores, without losing that easy island charm. Come for the tunes, stay for the moonlit dance parties.

Johnno’s Beach Stop – If you’re in the mood for live music, Johnno’s delivers mellow reggae, calypso, and even jazz depending on the night. It’s a more laid-back scene but still full of energy—perfect for kicking back with a cocktail and enjoying the rhythm of the island.

🕗 When to Go - Things heat up around 8 PM, and the party often goes well past midnight—especially on weekends and during high season. Whether you're starting your night with a beachfront dinner or coming straight from a sunset swim, Sandy Ground is the place to land after dark.

💡 Nightlife Tips & Local Intel

• Cash is king – while many places take cards, small bills go a long way at bars
• Safe and social – Anguilla’s nightlife is friendly and relaxed, with a real community vibe
• Late-night bites – grab a beachside snack after dancing to keep the energy up
• Live music calendars – check local listings or ask bartenders about nightly lineups

Whether you're floating in the turquoise waters of Shoal Bay, savoring fresh Johnny Cakes at a beachside shack, or dancing under the stars at Sandy Ground, Anguilla serves up island magic at every turn. From off-the-grid adventures to soulful cultural moments, this Caribbean gem invites you to slow down, soak it all in, and come back again and again. Ready to plan your next unforgettable island escape?