Paradise Island is the resort strip, linked to the city of Nassau by bridge, and most all-inclusive guests could spend a whole week without crossing it. That would be a pity, because Nassau has history, food and public beaches within easy reach. This guide covers the main outings based on published travel guides, with practical advice on timing and what to confirm before you go.
How the area fits together
Paradise Island sits just off Nassau’s harbour and is best known for the Atlantis resort, with its waterpark and marine habitats, along with other beachfront hotels. Downtown Nassau is across the bridge, with cruise ship berths, shops and the historic sites. Our Paradise Island destination page describes the resort side, and our overview of The Bahamas places it among the other islands. If you are comparing the Bahamas with other options, our guide to Aruba vs the Bahamas for an all-inclusive may help.
Cabbage Beach
Cabbage Beach is the main beach on Paradise Island. Guides note that it is public, even though it sits next to the resorts, so you can walk it whichever hotel you are staying at. Water sports operators work along the sand, and the beach is lively in the middle of the day. Early morning is usually quieter. Check the surf and any posted flags before swimming, and read our guide to resort beaches for how conditions vary.
Fort Charlotte
Fort Charlotte was built during the governorship of Lord Dunmore, between 1787 and 1796, according to published sources. It sits on a rise west of the downtown area and offers views over the harbour. It is a straightforward outing for anyone who likes history or photography. Hours and entry fees can change, so confirm them before you travel.
Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle
The Queen’s Staircase is a limestone stairway cut by enslaved people in the late 1700s. One guide reports 66 steps, with gardens around the site. The stairs lead up toward Fort Fincastle on Bennett’s Hill, where guides mention a small admission fee to go inside. The two sites are close together and can be combined into a short morning visit. Wear flat shoes and carry water, as the climb is in the open and the Bahamian sun is strong.
Arawak Cay Fish Fry
Arawak Cay is a cluster of casual food stalls and restaurants known as the Fish Fry. Guides describe vendors selling conch salad prepared to order, fried fish and other Bahamian dishes. Some sources say that locals regard Sunday evening as the best time for atmosphere, but opening days and hours vary by stall. Because your all-inclusive covers meals at the resort, treat this as a deliberate treat rather than a replacement. Carry cash in small bills, check prices before ordering and ask about any seasonal catch.
Other options
- Junkanoo Beach. A beach beside downtown, convenient if you are already in the city.
- Baha Mar. The Cable Beach resort area offers a free art gallery, a casino and a flamingo zoo, according to published guides, and makes a possible half day.
- Atlantis. Access to its waterpark and attractions differs by guest status and ticket, so check what is included before you assume. Our page on Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island shows how an all-inclusive on the island frames its facilities.
Cruise ship days
Nassau is a major cruise port, and downtown can be crowded when several ships dock at once. If you prefer quieter sightseeing, aim for early morning, and ask your resort or a local operator which days are busiest. Popular sites fill up mid-morning, so an early start helps with heat as well as crowds.
Getting around
The bridge between Paradise Island and downtown is short, but taxis are the usual way across, and fares are regulated in the Bahamas. Ask the resort desk for the usual price before you set out, or confirm it with the driver before you start the trip. Water taxis and organised tours also run in the area. Keep valuables to a minimum and carry a copy of your passport rather than the original, in line with our guide to departure day planning for keeping documents organised.
A sample day
A simple route starts with Cabbage Beach at breakfast time, followed by a taxi downtown for Fort Fincastle and the Queen’s Staircase before the heat peaks. Lunch can be at the resort, and Fort Charlotte fits in the late afternoon. If it is a Sunday and you want the Fish Fry, go in the evening and allow time for the return trip.
What to confirm
- Opening times and admission fees for each fort.
- Which beaches and facilities your resort includes.
- Taxi prices and the return arrangements.
- Cruise ship schedules if crowds matter to you.
This guide draws on published travel sources, and details can change. Check current information locally, pick two or three outings, and keep the rest of the week for the beach.