Most people go to Antigua for the Beaches as there are far more beaches than things to do in Antigua. For those who don't just like sitting on a beach all day, or in a fancy restaurant, there are a few highlights on the Island. Devil's Bridge National Park is one of the more unique features of the island.
Located about as far away from the cruise terminal and capital as one can get, this would be a must if you rent a car. Nothing is far in Antigua, it's a 40 minute drive from one side of the island to the other, mainly because of poor roads and traffic, the island is about 20 km by 20 km.
The waves created this, there's nothing much between here and the UK so they have power. There are smaller blow holes spraying water all over the place and you want to watch your step, falling in or even on the rocks could be a tragedy. It's either slippery or hot, so thongs aren't the best idea and bare feet would be painful.
The view from Shirley Heights is another must see. They have a fort up here but most people come to get a panorama and see the vista. If you squint hard enough you can see a mansion on the point, there are some incredibly wealthy people who maintain residences in Antigua.
The view of English and Falmouth Harbours are just as impressive. This is where you find the mega yachts and is another popular spot for tourists. Not as many locals live in this part, it seems pricey.
Antigua has a number of forts. There are ruins of at least 4 or 5 from the Golden Age of Pirates and the Caribbean. Fort James is close to the Capital and guards Deep Water Harbour. Fort Barrington is on the other side of the Harbour and a little way out of town. It's next to a very nice beach, Deep Bay, so I do recommend going here even if you don't want to hike up the hill.
Fort James is above, Fort Barrington is pictured below. There's also Fort Charlotte, Fort Berkeley, Fort Cuyler, Fort William, A Block House, Fort Point and probably a bunch of other fortifications. The British kept Antigua well protected from 1632 to 1981. Now it's on its own.
There's a very small but lovely area downtown next to the cruise ship terminal. Don't park here on cruise ship day, they moved the sign next to our car and we had to pay a fine. When we parked there was no sign, when we came back 15 minutes later, there was a no parking sign and a 60 dollar ticket.
We bought some art at the boutique, took a few pictures and left. It looks like a great place to spend a couple hours, just pay for parking. If you do get off a ship, this place is worth it and then I'd say take a cab to Deep Bay or rent a car and do it yourself. We were in Antigua for a week and loved it.
Writing this makes me want to go back, we probably will, it is our favourite Island in the area so far.
All Photos taken with an s22 or iphone13 pro