Around St George, you’ll find places that appeal to different interests: Fort Charlotte combines history with sweeping views, Indian Bay Beach focuses on sand and water activities, and the Botanical Gardens add a botanical touch.
Fort Charlotte: History on the Ridge
Fort Charlotte stands on Bershire Hill in Edinboro, near St George, on a ridge 600 feet above sea level. Construction began in 1763, after the British recaptured St. Vincent; the fort was completed and named in 1806. Its elevated position offers views across Kingstown and the Grenadines. Some rooms are used to share the country’s history and culture. The fort is just a few minutes’ drive from Kingstown.
Indian Bay Beach and the Coast
Indian Bay Beach is on the southern coast of St. Vincent, near St George. The beach is considered a popular sandy beach with white sand. The distance between Indian Bay Beach and Kingstown is given as 5.5 km (3.4 miles). The beach can be reached on foot from the Main Windward Highway; public transportation also provides access. If you plan to travel by public transportation, check the current routes and schedules in advance.
Indian Bay Beach and Villa Beach offer opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. These are two named beach options for these activities. The specific directions about walking from the Main Windward Highway and access by public transportation refer to Indian Bay Beach.
Young Island Beach: Activities and Access
Young Island Beach offers a different range of activities: swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving are possible there, and the beach is accessible only by sea. Young Island Beach is considered a privately operated resort. Check in advance whether access is possible without staying there. Young Island is about 4 miles (6.4 km) from Kingstown.
Botanical Gardens: Conservation and Garden History
The SVG Botanical Gardens are near St George, in the New Montrose area on the leeward side of the island. They are considered a nature reserve, particularly for the St. Vincent Amazon parrot (Amazona guildingii); preserving them as a tourist attraction is also a goal. Thus, alongside the visitor experience, the protection of the parrot is also a focus. A guided tour of the gardens is listed at 10 East Caribbean dollars per person. Before your visit, check whether the tour and price are still available.
Historical Context in the Wider Destination
In the wider destination of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Botanical Gardens were established in 1765 and are considered the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere. Another historical reference in the wider destination of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the Black Point Tunnel: the British built it around 1815 using enslaved labor; it is 360 feet long. The history of enslaved labor is therefore also part of the historical perspective on the wider destination.
Discover more destinations: Kingstown, Calliaqua, Arnos Vale, St Andrew, Christiansted, Grenadines, Saint David, Clifton.
Go to the wider travel overview: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
