Welcome to Grenada, an island nation affectionately known as the "Spice Isle" for its abundant harvests of nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon. While the entire country is a marvel of pristine beaches and lush mountains, its vibrant heart lies squarely within Saint George Parish, home to the capital city.
To truly appreciate the rich history, tropical greenery, and stunning coastlines that define this parish, there is no better way to explore than through a road trip. A self-driven adventure offers unparalleled freedom, allowing you to chase winding coastal routes one minute and navigate steep, verdant mountain views the next, all at your own pace. This three-day drive enables you to immerse yourself in the Saint George's Parish, dividing your journey into a perfect itinerary.
Your adventure begins in the horseshoe-shaped harbour of St. George’s Carenage, which serves as the bustling commercial and cultural centre of Grenada. The waterfront is a stunning tableau, where colourful colonial buildings, painted in hues of apricot, indigo, and terracotta, climb the steep surrounding hillsides, creating a distinctively Caribbean Mediterranean aesthetic. Driving slowly along the Carenage allows you to absorb the atmosphere as fishermen moor their boats and vendors set up shop.
From here, your first historical immersion takes us high above the harbour to the commanding walls of Fort George. This 18th-century structure offers more than just a glimpse into Grenada's strategic past; it provides the most breathtaking, panoramic vantage point of the city, the sea, and the boats bobbing far below. It is the perfect place to capture those initial, iconic photographs of your journey.
Afterwards, you will descend back into the heart of the capital to St. George’s Market Square. This central hub is where local life truly flourishes, offering a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and most importantly, scents. Wander amongst the stalls to see, touch, and smell the famous spices—nutmeg, the island’s pride, along with potent mace, vanilla, and cinnamon—all sold by friendly, knowledgeable local vendors.
Leaving the historic hustle of the city centre, the drive south towards the main beach strip is short but remarkably scenic, quickly transitioning from urban streets to pristine coastal landscapes. Your primary destination for the afternoon is the world-renowned Grand Anse Beach. Stretching for three kilometres, this spectacular arc of white sand is often cited as one of the best beaches in the world.
This is where you will spend the bulk of your afternoon, whether your preference is for a vigorous swim in the tranquil, turquoise water, enjoying one of the many available watersports, or simply relaxing beneath the swaying fronds of a sea grape tree, enjoying the warm tropical shade. The sheer length of Grand Anse means you can always find a secluded spot, despite its popularity.
A short distance away lies the equally beautiful, though smaller and more sheltered, Morne Rouge Bay, often referred to locally as BBC Beach. The calmness of the water here makes it absolutely ideal for beginner swimmers and provides excellent conditions for snorkelling right off the shore, revealing small schools of tropical fish darting amongst the rocks.
As the sun begins its dramatic descent over the Caribbean Sea, painting the sky in fiery oranges and soft pinks, it is time to conclude the day with a seaside meal. Choose a restaurant situated along the Grand Anse strip or one of the many casual beach bars to fully appreciate the sunset views whilst dining on fresh, local seafood. With the capital and coast explored, you should settle into your accommodation in the Grand Anse or St. George's area, recharging for the mountainous interior drive tomorrow.
Day two calls for a shift in scenery as you leave the coastline and head north-east into the parish’s mountainous interior. This segment of the road trip is characterised by scenic, winding mountain roads that offer stunning glimpses of the sea before plunging you into deep green jungle.
Your first significant stop is the Annandale Waterfall and Forest Park, easily accessible right off the main road. This beautiful cascade tumbles approximately ten metres into a cool, clear pool. It is an ideal spot to stop, stretch your legs, and—for the brave—take a truly refreshing dip in the cool, invigorating water before the heat of the day truly takes hold.
Next, turn your attention from natural beauty to strategic history by driving up Richmond Hill to Fort Frederick. Often overlooked compared to its famous neighbour, this fort provides arguably the best 360-degree panoramic lookout on the island. From its ramparts, you can perfectly frame views that capture the entire coastal curve, the sprawl of the capital, and the rugged, lush mountains stretching away to the north.
The heart of the day is dedicated to the magnificent Grand Etang National Park, a protected area that encompasses the high, central point of the island. The air here is noticeably cooler and thicker with the scent of damp earth and tropical blossoms. Our central stop within the park is the Grand Etang Crater Lake.
This mystical, deep-blue volcanic crater lake is shrouded in local folklore and surrounded by dense rainforest, creating a truly atmospheric destination. Here, you can embark on one of the many short walking trails that traverse the rainforest perimeter, or simply sit by the roadside viewpoint and look out for the park’s famous inhabitants: the lively and curious Mona Monkeys.
As lunchtime approaches, keep an eye out for a small, roadside vendor or a modest local restaurant near the park entrance. This is the best place to sample the national dish of Grenada, the hearty and delicious oil down, a rich stew made with breadfruit, callaloo, coconut milk, and salted meat, often cooked over an open fire.
After an afternoon steeped in nature and history, the return drive back down the hills towards the coast offers a different reward. Time your descent correctly to enjoy the spectacular transformation of the sky as the sun begins to set, casting long shadows across the landscape.
For dinner, take the opportunity to explore the more casual evening atmosphere back near the Carenage, perhaps sampling some of the local street food offerings, or choosing a meal at one of the authentic local favourites you might have spotted on the first day. It is a relaxed evening that prepares you for the final day's exploration of the serene southern parish coast.
Our final day takes us along the serene southern coast of the parish, starting with a drive towards the St. David Parish border to discover a true hidden gem: La Sagesse Nature Centre and Beach. This tranquil, secluded bay is a world away from the busy Grand Anse. It is characterised by beautiful mangroves and features subtle traces of black sand, remnants of the island’s volcanic past. Spend the morning here enjoying a gentle nature walk or renting a kayak to paddle through the calm, clear waters.
Transitioning from nature to production, the next essential stops celebrate the goods that made Grenada famous. Visit a chocolate factory or a large-scale nutmeg and spice plantation. These tours provide fascinating insight into the complex processes of farming, fermenting, and drying the island’s primary exports, allowing you to sample fine local chocolate and stock up on fresh spices that are impossible to find back home.
The final afternoon begins with an optional but highly recommended stop: the Molinière Underwater Sculpture Park. Drive back towards the western coast, where various operators offer boat tours, including snorkelling or glass-bottom boat excursions, to this unique site. The park is home to a collection of over eighty submerged sculptures created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, which double as artificial reefs, blending art, marine science, and history into a truly unforgettable sight.
Following this magical underwater experience, it is time for the final, ultimate relaxation stop before your flight. Head to Magazine Beach or Pink Gin Beach on the southern tip. These are amongst the quietest and most pristine beaches in the area, offering a peaceful environment to unwind and reflect on the past three days of exploration before heading back to your accommodation or making the final drive to the airport.
This three-day road trip through Saint George’s Parish reveals Grenada's true, vibrant diversity. From navigating the historic Carenage and climbing the walls of Fort George, to plunging into the cool waters of the Annandale Waterfall, and exploring the mysterious, lush Grand Etang rainforest, the journey is an encompassing experience.
The ease and reward of exploring this stunning Caribbean nation by car simply cannot be overstated, as the autonomy you gain allows access to viewpoints and hidden coves that public transport or organised tours simply miss. Take control of your itinerary and your adventure. Now is the perfect time to turn this dream into reality. Go ahead—pack your bags, book your flight, and rent a car on Final Rentals!
