When a few underwater volcanoes once burst, they scattered fragments that eventually became the 138 islands known today as Bermuda. That origin story feels fitting when you wander through the island’s vivid communities, set in the middle of the Atlantic roughly 600 miles—about a two-hour flight—from the U.S. East Coast. Here the sea is a translucent stained-glass blue, fruit hangs pale yellow, and coral reefs glow fiery orange; early Caribbean settlers borrowed those tones to paint houses, bridges and public buildings. The bright palette even inspired Bermuda shorts. Nature continues to add color above and below the mint-green blanket that drapes the islands.
The best way to take in Bermuda’s varied scenery is by bike or on foot. The historic Railway Trail, once a rail line, now spans about 18 miles and connects the island’s nine parishes. The route alternates between hard-packed dirt, stairways and small bridges, threading through sapphire coves, juniper canopies and coastal ribbons of surf. Social Cycles rents mountain bikes and can support trips as short or long as you want.
If you prefer walking, book a two- or three-hour tour with Tim Rogers, a witty British transplant, and his Bermudian wife, Mary, of Bermuda Lectures and Tours. Their guided walks are lively and informative; one popular stop is Fort Scaur, which once defended the Royal Naval Dockyard with hidden cannon emplacements. Rogers also points out original gray stone houses handbuilt from porous volcanic rock, explaining how builders quarried large slabs, air-dried them for months and then cured them to shape sturdy homes.
Pause your outing with a picnic on the grassy plateau near Fort Scaur. From there, a mosaic of ocean blue, bobbing boats and palm fronds spreads out below while a cool breeze eases your exploration. Local restaurants will assemble picnic baskets with sandwiches and salads—Utopia’s head chef Karsten Krivenko is frequently mentioned for exceptional fare—and Novel Tea is a good refreshment option. A picnic makes for a romantic interlude or a relaxed stop with friends.
For a faster-paced introduction to the island, Segway Tours of Bermuda runs guided Segway departures from the Royal Naval Dockyard. Though the British Navy left the dockyard in the 1950s, the area still showcases restored garrisons and fortifications, and occasional reenactments bring history to life. Afterward you can enjoy craft beer, dinner or dessert at nearby eateries, shop for jewelry, create your own glass keepsake or browse the upscale boutiques in the area.
If you’re based in Hamilton and can pry yourself away from one of Bermuda’s six world-class golf courses, the Hamilton Princess can arrange yacht outings through Island Tour Centre. Options include winter whale-watching, summer catamaran trips to secluded beaches, and coastal tours of notable homes and hideaways. These cruises typically serve the island’s signature cocktail, the Dark and Stormy, a lively companion as you travel from shore to shore.
The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) is another highlight. Principal curator Dr. Ian Walker stresses that the zoo houses primarily rescued animals; those that recover are released back into their habitats when possible. Guided tours offer memorable facts—flamingos are the only birds that remain outdoors during hurricanes, aligning single-file by size and rotating with the wind—and encounters with long-lived residents such as Crooked Nose and Sally, Galápagos tortoises aged around 100 and 50 years. BAMZ also manages the private seven-acre Trunk Island, a ferry ride away, where zoologists run summer camps and facilities can be rented for conferences.
Colorful Bermuda waterfront homes © RINA NEHDAR
Flamingos at Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo © RINA NEHDAR
Below the island’s surface lie the Crystal and Fantasy Caves, a three-mile network formed roughly two million years ago. As sea levels rose, many chambers and their stalagmites and stalactites became partially submerged. Local children discovered the caves after a lost cricket ball, and today visitors descend stone stairways to a pontoon bridge that rises and falls with the tide—an atmospheric setting for dramatic photos and a sense of adventure.
Bermuda’s once-dangerous surrounding reefs are now a snorkeler’s and diver’s paradise. Many hotels, such as the Fairmont Southampton, provide shuttles to private beaches stocked for snorkeling and paddleboarding. Dive operators, including the hotel’s Dive Bermuda shop, run excursions to lively reefs like Southwest Breaker, where colorful marine life thrives within 30 feet of the surface. Wreck diving is excellent; one of the best-preserved sites is the World War II U.S. Navy ship The Hermes, resting on a sandy bottom at about 70 feet.
As evening falls, St. George’s offers a different kind of exploration. With lamp light cutting through drifting fog, Haunted History tours guide visitors through graveyards and streets while actors portray island residents from the past, sharing stories that range from melancholy to eerie. The immersive performances make for a memorable, slightly chilling night.
Whether you come for a long weekend or an extended stay, Bermuda’s colorful, multi-layered landscape feels like stepping from monochrome into a vivid tapestry—an experience that requires no further explanation.
Bermuda Info to Go
Flights from the U.S. East Coast to L.F. Wade International Airport in St. George’s take just over two hours. Visitors cannot rent traditional cars on the islands but may rent scooters or two-seat electric Twizy vehicles; taxis operate under government regulation.
Where to Stay in Bermuda
FAIRMONT SOUTHAMPTON Tee off at Turtle Hill Golf Club or visit the private beach to paddleboard and observe colorful sea life in a protected cove. 101 South Shore Road, Southampton $$$$
HAMILTON PRINCESS Relax at the infinity pool bar while watching boats in the harbor and explore the hotel’s notable art collection. A longtime favorite gathering spot, it offers classic island hospitality. 76 Pitts Bay Road, Hamilton $$$$
THE LOREN AT PINK BEACH A chic oceanfront boutique hotel blending European elegance with Bermudian style; most rooms offer private balconies to enjoy the view. Tucker’s Town $$$$
Restaurants in Bermuda
MARCUS’ Created by Marcus Samuelsson, this restaurant in a former ballroom features ocean views, an open kitchen and a central bar—ideal for a lively evening. Hamilton Princess, 76 Pitts Bay Road, Hamilton $$$$
VILLAGE PANTRY Near the Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo, the outdoor patio serves organic options with gluten-free and paleo choices for a healthy, satisfying meal. 8 North Shore Road, Flatts Village $$$
WOODY’S SPORTS BAR A laid-back local favorite known for an excellent daily fish sandwich served Bermudan-style on raisin bread. 1 Boaz Island, Somerset $