Family Summer Vacation in Bermuda: A 5-Day Itinerary

WHERE TO STAY 

Take advantage of all-inclusive offerings at Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa. From inflatable water park activities for the kids to theme night weekly buffets and more, this resort offers fun for everyone. Along with the family-friendly offerings, enjoy the gorgeous water views and a backdrop of lush woodland preserves.

Your family will look forward to waking up to ocean views at The Reefs Resort & Club. This boutique accommodation overlooking a pink-sand cove offers two- and three-bedroom suites that make staying in paradise easy for families. Plus, the kids will love the complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear.

Renting an electric microcar to explore the island will be a hit with the kids and a convenient way to transport you to all the memory-making spots. Public transportation is also a safe way to get around. The buses that are painted Bermuda pink with blue stripes are easy to spot and make frequent stops around the island.

Day 1

STEP BACK IN TIME ON THE EAST END 

Start vacation with breakfast at Temptations in the Town of St. George. The kids can choose from tasty pastries while you fuel up on coffee or tea before strolling around St. George’s taking in the sights. 

Let the family feel like they’re on a treasure hunt at the Tucker House. Explore the inside of this historic home of Henry Tucker, a merchant who was a former president of the Governor’s Council back in the 1700s. Marvel at the collection of family silver and other antiques. At the Bermuda National Trust Museum in the Globe Hotel, step inside one of Bermuda’s oldest buildings and learn about Bermuda’s role in the American Civil War.

Then have lunch at Munchies by the Sea, a harbourside spot in St. George’s. Choose from classic Bermudian dishes like fish sandwiches, shepherd’s pie, and peas and rice. Younger kids can enjoy delicious fish nuggets. 

Lace up your shoes for an afternoon Pedal & Dip ebike tour with Social Cycles. Embark on a thrilling electric bike ride starting at the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Town of St. George to Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve for a dip in the ocean.

If the family wants to wind down, a beach day at Tobacco Bay offers beachside bliss complete with a family-friendly restaurant and bar and snorkelling spots. Or, head underground to explore one of the island’s most dramatic cave systems at Crystal Caves. The kids will be in awe of the otherworldly rock formations. End the afternoon with an ice cream cone before relaxing for dinner. 

For dinner, indulge in sushi and other seasonal dishes like Texas-smoker barbecue. The oceanfront Beach Club Restaurant at Rosewood Bermuda overlooks the famous pink sands of a private beach. More beautiful views await at Thyme, located atop scenic Cataract Hill in Paget, where the family can savour locally sourced cuisine. 

Day 2

ON THE WATER & UNDER THE SEA

Enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast at the hotel before an adventurous second day starting at the Royal Naval Dockyard discovering the island’s maritime history. See Bermudian jewellery, gold bars, and other artefacts recovered from shipwrecks at the National Museum of Bermuda. The kids can crawl through a lighthouse at the museum playground. Next door at Dolphin Quest, enjoy the awe-inspiring and educational Dolphin Demo & Conservation Chat, free with museum admission on Saturdays and Sundays.

Do lunch in Dockyard at the Frog & Onion Pub. Find British-inspired favourites like bangers and mash to traditional pub fare with a Bermuda twist, plus a tempting kids’ menu. Nearby, Snorkel Park Beach Club offers seafood to comfort food and provides endless fun for children with their fun castles in the playground. It’s a magnet for families in summer.

The adventure continues at Bermuda’s only pirate ship floating bar. Walk the plank and jump into the turquoise waters. See the ocean from a different vantage point with a glass bottom boat and snorkel tour with Island Tour Centre – you can visit the Sea Gardens and see the shipwreck Vixen. Older kids will love sliding, diving, and conquering the floating obstacle course at Longtail Floating Fun Park, located on a cruise ship pier right in Dockyard.

Spend dinner taking in the ocean views at Henry VIII Restaurant, Sushi Bar & Pub on Bermuda’s South Shore or head to Bermuda’s oldest and most famous pub, the Swizzle Inn. The kids can enjoy burgers and pizza while you sip on a fruity, frothy Rum Swizzle, Bermuda’s national drink. 

Day 3

THE MOST BLISSFUL BEACH DAY

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before climbing the 185 steps of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. You’ll love experiencing one of the best views of the island from the cast iron lighthouse, one of the oldest in the world. 

Then hit the beach for a day of fun in the sun at one of Bermuda’s most famous beaches, Horseshoe Bay Beach. You’ll enjoy the pink sand and turquoise waters while finding everything you need at your fingertips, from beach rentals to food and drinks. Keep the kids fueled with snacks from the concession stand. Plus, little ones will love playing in the shallow waters of the sheltered tidal pools of Baby Cove. It might just be the best day of your entire summer.

After a day in the sun, have a relaxing dinner back at the resort. Eat dinner with your toes in the sand at one of Coconuts’ beachside tables watching the sunset. 

Day 4

OUT ON THE TOWN: HAMILTON ATTRACTIONS

Travel back in time and feel history come to life with a free walking tour through the City of Hamilton with Town Crier Ed Christopher, one of Bermuda’s most popular local figures. See everything from Victoria Park to 'Doctors' Row' with fun facts provided by your spirited guide.

After working up an appetite from the walking tour, have a picnic lunch at Barr’s Bay Park. Pick up food from the nearby supermarket or purchase lunch from a food truck and take in the waterfront views right off Front Street. Or, take your picnic lunch to Admiralty House Park and explore ruins and underground tunnels near the secluded beach. 

Then spend the afternoon exploring Hamilton. Stop in local boutiques and other stores to experience Bermuda’s shopping scene. Let the kids pick out souvenirs and other pink-sand souvenirs. Visit museums like the Bermuda National Gallery or Bermuda Society of the Arts where the whole family can enjoy exhibitions and various types of programming. Nearby, discover shipwrecked treasures and learn about the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI).

For dinner, pick between two tried-and-true options on Front Street: Pickled Onion or Flanagan’s. Pickled Onion offers fun-loving vibes and upscale casual food. Enjoy popular dishes like Rockfish Tacos or Fire Grilled Wahoo while enjoying views of Hamilton Harbour. At Flanagan’s – Bermuda’s only traditional Irish pub – the kids can try fish and chips while the adults can taste a variety of beers from around the world. Both restaurants offer al fresco dining and great sunset viewing.

Day 5

WILDLIFE & PADDLING ADVENTURES

Eat breakfast at the hotel before heading out to Flatts Village to spend time at one of the world’s oldest aquariums, the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ). Kids will love seeing more than 300 birds, reptiles, and other marine life  from Bermuda and beyond. The animal feedings and interactive experiences are as entertaining as they are educational. At the Sea Turtle Talk & Feed, watch turtles chomp on lettuce, observe their enrichment activities, and ask questions about the animals. Also check out the touch pool to feel and learn about cool sea creatures.

Seeing animals from around the world can inspire a lunch of flavours from around the world. Indulge in Italian dishes like pizza, pasta, and even burgers for the little ones for lunch at Rustico. At Tribe Dining & Lounge, savour Indian dishes in a casual atmosphere. 

Then hit the water for an unforgettable kayak session with Round the Sound Tours BDA. Set out for your paddling adventure on peaceful Harrington Sound, a quiet inland body of water that’s perfect for birdwatching. Spy island wildlife and admire the beautiful homes dotting the sound. The transparent kayaks come in single or double seaters; be sure to pack water shoes so you can get in and out of the water easily.

After an eventful day, spend dinnertime at Boundary, the only sports bar in Bermuda’s West End. The restaurant offers a tasty kid’s menu and plenty of outdoor seating. On the East End, another casual restaurant, The Wharf, serves Bermuda Fish Chowder and other house specials. No matter where you choose to enjoy the last dinner of your vacation, you’re bound to have fun reminiscing about your favourite island adventures.

WHEN TO PLAN YOUR VISIT

Make the most of summer vacation and consider visiting during popular Bermuda events. At the end of May, Bermuda Day celebrates the island’s culture. During Labour Day weekend, consider having the family enter the free Bermuda Sandcastle Competition. Throughout the summer, experience Harbour Nights, a waterfront street festival on Wednesday nights in the City of Hamilton.