St. Lucia | Winter 2025
Looking for the perfect list of things to do in St. Lucia? Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a friends’ trip, or an adventurous solo getaway, this Caribbean island has it all. I recently spent six exciting days in St. Lucia. While not everything went perfectly, every moment made the experience even more unforgettable.
Get ready for beaches, Piton views, waterfall dips, local eats, and real Caribbean charm. Here’s my full St. Lucia itinerary, filled with laughs, surprises, and lessons along the way.
Quick Trip Details
Duration: 6 days (Saturday to Thursday)
Base: Rodney Bay, just north of Castries
Taxi from Airport (UVF): $100 USD
Transportation Tip: Rent a car to explore freely
Day 1: Touchdown in Paradise
After an early morning flight from New York, I arrived at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) just before lunch. The moment I stepped outside, the negotiation for a taxi began. Then I was on my way to relaxation.
Later that evening, we headed out for dinner at Keebees, a lively restaurant and bar in Rodney Bay serving up just what we needed to kick off the trip. Before heading back, we popped into the Supermarket to stock up on snacks and groceries for the week ahead.
Day 2: Beach Day Bliss
The next morning, we took things slow. After a lazy start and a few snack breaks, we decided to spend the afternoon at the beach.
Rodney Bay Beach did not disappoint. The water was clear, bright blue, and refreshing. It felt cold at first but soon turned inviting. We stayed until our fingers were pruned and hunger finally struck. Honestly, we should have gone to KFC!
On our way back, we stopped at the supermarket to pick up ingredients. Dinner that night was homemade and simple. Sometimes, the best part of island life is just letting the day unfold naturally.
Day 3: Car Rental Adventures and Unexpected Turns
Today, our rental car arrived just after lunchtime. Right after the keys were handed over, we were headed up the hills. In St. Lucia, you really do need a car to explore properly.
First stop was bamboo rafting. But when we arrived around 2 PM, the last tour had already floated away. No problem. We quickly moved on to plan B.
Next, we tried to visit a local estate. However, the road was so rough that our little car didn’t stand a chance.
Finally, we aimed for Pigeon Island National Park. Sadly, it was closed for construction. Some days, all you can do is laugh. Luckily, our host invited us to a homemade dinner, which ended the day on a sweet note.
Day 4: Ziplining Thrills and Stormy Beaches
Adventure was the theme today. We set out for the center of the island, excited for a day of ziplining.
On the way, we stopped at Thomazo Local Bread. The smell of freshly baked dirt-oven bread was too good to resist. We grabbed a few pieces, the perfect snack before a big adventure.
Next, we zipped over to Treetop Adventure Park, which was just a short drive from the bakery. Our timing was perfect. A large tour group had just finished and our small group included only four people and two guides.
The course featured 20 stops, including 12 ziplines, a few suspension bridges and lots (and I mean lots) of stair climbing. There was a small delay before we started, as the staff tried to merge us into another tour group. We politely declined because we wanted our own experience without the extra waiting around.
Once we got going, the adrenaline kicked in. After the first three ziplines, I got the hang of it and was cruising through the treetops like a pro. By the eighth one, though, I was feeling it. The constant stair climbing was no joke, and the harness was starting to feel… rough. Despite the sore muscles and a few gasps along the way, it was a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Flying through the rainforest and seeing the lush island from above was something I’ll never forget.
Later, we tried to squeeze in a beach visit. But with dark clouds gathering and the waves growing wilder, we stayed only about 30 minutes before heading back indoors.
Day 5: Piton Views, Hot Springs and Sugar Beach Magic
This day was packed from start to finish, with a 7:30 AM start time and lots of adventure ahead.
We began by heading to the cruise port in Castries to take photos at the famous St. Lucia sign. It’s a must-do if you visit. Bright colors, ocean in the background, and that perfect feeling of island excitement.
After snapping our photos, it was time to hit the road. The drive to Soufrière was long but incredibly scenic, winding through mountains, rainforest, and even a few stretches of under-construction roads. About an hour later, we made a quick stop at Mirado Piton, one of the best lookouts to see the famous Pitons up close.
The views were breathtaking. Everywhere we turned, it was lush, green, and vibrant. From this spot, we could also see the Soufrière volcano in the distance. A few years ago, I visited the volcano with a friend and her family. It’s definitely worth doing if you have the time. Just a tip: go early to beat the crowds.
Next, we planned to hike the Tet Paul Nature Trail. But as soon as we pulled up, the rain came pouring down. Island life at its finest. Instead of waiting it out, we shifted gears and made our way to Mango Tree Restaurant for lunch.
Lunch came with a bonus: a stunning view of Petit Piton, so close it felt like we could reach out and touch it. The bartender was incredibly friendly and shared stories, including his personal attempt to climb Gros Piton. He made it halfway and gave us a real sense of how tough the hike can be.
I ordered the catch of the day, grilled tuna served with mashed green banana and sautéed veggies. It was one of my favorite meals of the trip. Fresh, flavorful, and unforgettable.
After lunch, we drove to Piton Falls, a cozy spot with three natural mineral pools. The first pool near the entrance was the hottest, and the other two, fed by the waterfall, were a bit cooler. We spent about 15 minutes soaking and relaxing before moving on.
Our final stop was the famous Sugar Beach. To get there, we parked at the entrance of the Viceroy Resort and took an easy eight-minute downhill walk through the lush property.
The beach sits perfectly between the towering Pitons. Crystal-clear water, soft white sand, and views straight out of a dream. The Viceroy Resort looked like something out of an Architectural Digest magazine, with rooms starting at around $1,200 a night.
For visitors like us who weren’t staying at the resort, we made ourselves comfortable. We purchased two drinks from the beach bar for about $20 USD and slowly sipped them while enjoying the golden sunset. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
Tips for Visiting Sugar Beach
- Sugar Beach is open to the public, even though it is located on a private resort property.
- Free chairs are available near the beach entrance on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- The best times to visit are early morning or after 3 PM to avoid big crowds.
Things to Know Before Visiting Sugar Beach in St. Lucia
If you’re planning to visit Sugar Beach during your trip to St. Lucia, here are a few important things to know before you go:
1. Public Access
Sugar Beach is open to the public, even though it sits inside the luxury Viceroy Resort.2. Parking and Entrance
Park near the resort’s entrance. From there, it’s about an 8-minute downhill walk through landscaped paths to the beach.3. Free Seating
There are a few free chairs near the public beach entrance. Arrive early or later in the afternoon for the best chance to grab one.4. Food and Drinks
You can buy food and drinks from the resort’s beach bar. Drinks typically cost around $10–$16 USD.5. Best Time to Visit
Visit early in the morning or after 3 PM for fewer crowds and better photo opportunities. Midday tends to be much busier.Sugar Beach is one of the most beautiful experiences you can have in St. Lucia. Whether you swim, snorkel, or simply relax, the setting between the Pitons is absolutely magical.
Day 6: Souvenirs, Leftovers, and Sweet Goodbyes
The last day came too quickly. We woke up feeling sore but happy, every ache a reminder of the adventures we packed into just a few days.
After a slow morning of packing and finishing our leftover groceries, we made one last stop at the cruise port in Castries. I visited the jewelry shop again and found three different Pandora charms featuring St. Lucia. After a little back and forth, I picked out one favorite to take home.
Before heading south, we made an important pit stop back to the wood oven bakery. I couldn’t leave without grabbing one last piece of that fresh, rustic bread.
At the airport, I made one last happy purchase, a second Pandora charm from the jewelry store. A final sparkle to mark a trip filled with bright memories.
As we took off into the sky, I soaked in every last view, feeling grateful for every twist, turn, and sunset that St. Lucia shared with me. This trip may be ending, but the memories are definitely coming home with me.
Final Thoughts: Why St. Lucia Should Be Your Next Caribbean Destination
St. Lucia is not just another island. It is full of stunning landscapes, amazing beaches and warm, welcoming people. It teaches you to slow down, embrace the unexpected, and find magic in the smallest moments.
If you’re planning your own trip, here are a few tips:
- Rent a car to explore freely
- Leave extra time for winding roads and traffic
- Pack good walking shoes and a sense of humor
There are endless things to do in St. Lucia. From relaxing beach days to thrilling mountain views, every moment feels like a memory in the making.
Already dreaming of my next visit. Maybe next time, I’ll even climb one of those Pitons. Maybe.
