Five Things to do in St. Lucia

1. Experience the Pitons. Two volcanic plugs on the southwestern coast of the island, each Piton has its own name: Gros Piton at 2,350 feet high and Petit Piton at 2,438 feet hight. These landmarks actually inspired the creation of a local beer, Piton, a light, refreshing drink popular with locals and residents alike.

There are multiple ways for visitors to explore these landmarks. You can hike around them and see exotic plants and animals that call the area home, or you can sail around them to see the Pitons from the water. Many guests to Saint Lucia prefer to do both, as they are captivated by the beauty and shape of the dormant volcanoes along the coast.

2. Home to the world’s only drive-in volcano, experience a unique site plus benefit from the therapeutic power of the hot mineral-rich springs. This natural phenomenon, named the Qualibou Caldera, leaves a marked impression upon those who stand above peering into its murky depths. Yet, in fact, the Sulphur Springs act as a safety valve, constantly releasing subterranean pressure, and stabilizing the area.

Mud Bath — Taking a dip in the mud baths.

3. The Gros Islet street party. Perhaps Saint Lucia’s most famous “jump-up,” has taken place weekly for more than 50 years, come rain or shine. In fact, the town only takes a night off from hosting Saint Lucia’s most famous party on Good Friday.

Every Friday night starting at sunset, the residents of Gros Islet fire up their barbecues, ice down the Piton beer, set up table-top bars in the streets, and get ready to welcome thousands of enthusiastic revelers to the colorful fishing town’s narrow streets. Arts and crafts vendors lay out their stalls, and the town center becomes DJ central, as a giant sound system cranks up and keeps the street party moving until the early hours of Saturday morning.

4. Rodney Bay. Dine and dance at Rodney Bay Village, the north island’s de facto “nightlife central.” Dinner is served at an array of excellent restaurants covering all tastes and budgets. Culinary options include authentic smoked barbecue, steakhouse, Mexican, Chinese and Indian cuisine, as well as other eclectic casual and local dining options.

Late night bars and clubs are a bustling mix of locals and visitors. As you walk down the strip, be sure to stop by one of the regular karaoke and live music nights at various venues to enjoy up-tempo soca and cool reggae. The party never ends as the Rodney Bay vibe goes on till late most nights of the week.

5. Pigeon Island. If you want to combine history and nature in your visit, then Pigeon Island is one of the top Saint Lucia landmarks for you. Pigeon Island was a separate isle until 1972, when the government built a causeway between it and the main island for easy access. Pigeon Island is where the infamous pirate, Jamb de Bois, created a camp to ambush Spanish trade ships.

Visitors can also climb around the ruins of Fort Rodney, which was built by the English to fight the French. Hike around the ruins and pass cannons while you watch nature slowly reclaim the island. You can really feel what it was like guarding the island in the 1700s.