Best things to do in Kingstown

Built in the late 18th century, Botanical Gardens now stands as one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere. Originally built to provide medicinal herbs and plants to the military, the garden now provides a clean, natural place for gatherings of locals and tourists alike. Walk the paths yourself, or hire a guide to glean a bit more information about the history of the garden and the plants. You'll find many St. Vincent Parrots within the garden; it's a good place to see one close up.

Immerse yourself in the sight, smell, and sound of nature as you take a peaceful stroll around Montreal Gardens. The botanical garden, set in a tropical rainforest, provides you with the opportunity to see exotic plants and flowers of every shape, size, and color imaginable. Tall tree filled hills that surround the garden complete the lush scenery that surrounds you. Get right into the thick of the botanics and walk along one of the paths leading directly through the garden.

Beginning at sea level, La Soufriere Cross Country Trail takes you up through volcanic ridges as you make your way to the 1,233 m (4,048 ft) summit of the La Soufriere volcano. The 15 km (9 mi) trail starts by winding through lush green rainforest featuring tall coconut trees and banana shoots. After emerging from the forest it leads over lava rock. Pause for a moment and enjoy pristine views of a carpet of rainforest stretching to the sea below. Continue to the top of the volcano and immerse yourself in uninterrupted panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and surrounding Grenadine Islands.

Probably best known as the film set for "Pirates of the Caribbean," Wallilabou River lies tucked away in a small, lush bay. Fans of the movie can examine the remaining parts of the set, dress up in pirate costumes, and look at cast photos in the onsite museum. Hollywood aside, the bay represents a Caribbean oasis of sandy beaches, blue sea, and palm trees, plus rustic architecture. Try snorkeling and diving around the coral reefs or just chilling in the local bar or restaurant.

Gain an insight into Kingstown's history with a visit to Fort Charlotte. Unusually, this standard Napoleonic-era fort features gun turrets pointing inward to the island itself--indeed, the British army wasn't concerned with a European naval invasion, but rather the Black Caribs. The oppressed descendents of the island's indigenous cultures and shipwrecked slave escapees had caused havoc on the island when allied with French invading forces late in the 18th century. Ironically, the fort itself was built using slave labor in 1806. Take a guided tour to illuminate your visit with stories of this troubled period. Bring a camera to capture the views of Kingstown's port and waterfront from the hilltop citadel.

Hike the trails through the dense rainforest of Vermont Nature Trail, culminating in a viewing platform where with luck you'll observe St. Vincent parrots in their natural habitat. You'll find the well-maintained trail easy to navigate, but consider hiring a guide to point out significant animal and plant life to you. Parts of the steep trail involve stairs, so assert caution if you struggle with mobility. Be sure to bring your binoculars to pick out the wildlife, and get there early to get the best views of the bird life.

Hike to see Dark View Falls, two beautiful waterfalls of different heights. After crossing a bamboo bridge, you’ll trek up to the falls through lush flora. Don’t forget your swimming stuff, as the pools at the bottom of the falls serve as a great spot for a swim, and water from the larger the cascade gives a great massage. There are changing rooms onsite, as well as snacks and refreshments for sale. Bear in mind that the ascent to the falls covers a large number of steps.