9 Best Things to Do in Freeport, Bahamas
Discover the highlights of Freeport beyond the usual tourist stops
Located on Grand Bahama Island’s southern coast, Freeport is one of the Bahamas’ lesser-visited destinations, and that’s part of its appeal. It’s quieter than Nassau and more spread out than many of the cays, but still offers a wide range of things to see and do. From limestone caves and botanical trails to low-key beach bars and evening shark sightings, Freeport is a place where activity and stillness can coexist. Here’s a closer look at nine of the best ways to experience the area.
Lucayan National Park
One of the highlights of Grand Bahama, Lucayan National Park protects a mix of pine forest, mangroves, and one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world. A short network of boardwalks leads visitors through the park to Gold Rock Beach, a quiet stretch of white sand that reveals sandbars at low tide. The park is compact and easy to explore on foot, making it an accessible introduction to the island’s natural landscapes.
This small botanical garden is a peaceful place to walk, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Shaded trails wind past waterfalls, ponds, and native plants, with benches tucked into quiet corners. A small café, chapel, and gift shop add to the experience, but the focus remains on open space and quiet surroundings. Birdlife is common throughout the grounds, particularly in the less landscaped areas.
Port Lucaya Marketplace
Located near the marina, Port Lucaya Marketplace is an open-air space filled with small shops, restaurants, and food stands. While it caters to visitors, it also serves as a local gathering place—especially in the evenings when live music or Junkanoo performances sometimes take place. It’s a good spot to pick up handmade goods or grab a casual meal after a day at the beach.
Rand Nature Centre
Just outside the center of Freeport, the Rand Nature Centre offers a change of pace from the island’s coastal scenery. This 100-acre natural area is managed by the Bahamas National Trust and focuses on preserving native plants, trees, and bird habitats. The reserve is not large or heavily trafficked, but it’s well-maintained and offers an easy opportunity to explore Grand Bahama’s interior landscape on foot.
Feed the Sharks at Pier One
Every evening, reef sharks gather under the lights at Pier One, a waterfront restaurant on Freeport’s edge. The feeding happens off the back deck and draws both curious travelers and marine life. There’s no diving or swimming involved—just an opportunity to observe these large fish up close in their natural habitat. Timing varies slightly depending on the season, but dusk is the most active time.
Taino Beach
Taino Beach is one of the island’s most accessible public beaches, with wide stretches of sand, shallow waters, and food stalls within walking distance. It’s popular among both locals and visitors—especially on weekends—and offers a more lived-in beach experience than some of the more polished resort fronts. On quieter weekdays, it’s easy to find a spot to read, swim, or just watch the tide shift.
Bahamas Maritime Museum
Freeport may be best known for its beaches and resorts, but it’s also home to The Bahamas Maritime Museum, which offers a deeper look at Bahamian history, exploring how the ocean has shaped life in the islands, from early indigenous travel to European colonization and modern shipwreck exploration. Exhibits include recovered artifacts from shipwrecks, as well as maps, models, and historical context that connects the Bahamas to broader Atlantic history. It’s one of the more informative and curated cultural stops on the island.
Pinder’s Point Lighthouse
Located west of central Freeport, Pinder’s Point Lighthouse, a still-operational lighthouse, sits along a rocky shoreline and offers open views of the sea. It’s not heavily trafficked, and though the lighthouse isn’t always open for tours, the site is worth visiting for its quiet atmosphere and coastal backdrop. Sunset here is especially striking.
Explore the Local Food Stalls
While Freeport has restaurants catering to visitors, some of its most interesting food is found in low-key roadside stalls and open-air kitchens. Grilled snapper, fried plantains, conch salad, and Bahamian mac and cheese are common in many spots around town. Local favorites often change day to day, so it’s worth asking around or simply pulling over when something smells good.
Are you ready to start discovering Bahamas?
This is the tour I did during my time in the Bahamas and personally recommend—leaving the link below so you can check it out for yourself.
Are you ready to start discovering Bahamas?
This is the tour I did during my time in the Bahamas and personally recommend—leaving the link below so you can check it out for yourself.
