Experience The Beauty and Charm of Shirley Heights, Antigua!

Antigua and Barbuda are two islands that come together as one Caribbean nation. Known for many things including its 365 beaches (one for every day of the year), it’s also home to striking attractions with views that will stay with you. Take Shirley Heights in Antigua, for example. Perched on the island’s southern coast, this historic site once served as a military lookout and gun battery. Today, it’s the perfect spot to soak in sweeping views, enjoy tasty bites and live music, and connect with the rich history of Antigua and Barbuda.

Speaking of scenic views, the all-inclusive Sandals Grande Antigua offers garden, ocean, and beachfront suites to make your island vacation even more memorable.

Whether you’re here for the history, the views, or just to unwind, Shirley Heights is a must-visit spot. From the signature lookout to the live music and delicious local flavors, here’s what you can expect with a visit.

History of Shirley Heights

Shirley Heights dates back to the 17th century. This historical site is said to have been built by the British military who were in control of Antigua at the time. Shirley Heights is located in the southern part of Antigua and was named after Sir Thomas Shirley, who was a former governor of the Leeward Islands. Shirley is credited for having overseen the construction of the military complex at this location.

Shirley Heights as a military lookout is believed to have played a significant role in defending Antigua against attacks by French and American forces. As much of the structure here still remains, visitors can still today explore the ruins of the gun battery and remaining military structures. From Shirley Heights, visitors can take in views of English Harbor, Nelson’s Dockyard, and some of the nearby national parks in Antigua. The highest lookout point at this location is around 490ft, which means that you can expect some pretty impressive views.

Expert tip: If you're headed to Shirley Heights and want a guided tour, you can go to the Dow’s Interpretation Centre. In addition to guided tours, you can also learn some island history including details about the indigenous people of Antigua.

Activities at Shirley Heights

Exploring Shirley Heights can certainly be one of the interesting things to do in Antigua for couples. At this historical site, you can find lots of different activities that will be fun for all age groups. Couples may enjoy the hiking opportunities at Shirley Heights as well as the outstanding views and events like the Sunday Sunset Party.

Here are some of the activities we love most at Shirley Heights, Antigua:

Hike to the summit

Hiking and sightseeing are possible at Shirley Heights. There are a number of trails in this area including the Lookout Trail, which runs from Galleon Beach to Shirley Heights. This hike is a more challenging hike that will take you off-the-beaten path. Along the waym, you'll be able to get up close to Antiguan wildlife. There are more leisurely hiking options that you can choose from as well that offer exceptional views of English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour. On days when the skies are most clear, you might catch a glimpse of nearby islands like Guadeloupe and Montserrat from the Shirley Heights Lookout.

Once you’ve had a moment to stretch your legs and explore, you can find a shady spot to relax. If you’re still here as the sun begins its descent, you’ll catch a magical moment that lingers long after the day fades. Let the warm glow of the Caribbean sunset spark a quiet romance as you take in the views from this peaceful island vantage.

Insider tip: At an Antigua beach resort couples can find plenty to do on site without having to leave their resort. At Sandals Antigua, this can include day and night entertainment, unlimited land and water sports, and plenty of themed restaurants to try out cuisine from around the world.

Enjoy food and entertainment

As amazing as the views are at Shirley Heights, the appeal for this spot goes up 10-fold with the knowledge that you can enjoy the scenery with some great food as well. The Shirley Heights Lookout Restaurant & Bar offers delicious meals including jerk chicken, BBQ, and local seafood. To complement the mouthwatering Antigua food and drinks and the breezy island ambiance at Shirley Heights, locals and visitors can collectively take in some music from live local bands here on weekends.

If you happen to visit Shirley Heights on a Sunday, expect a party. This sunset affair happens regularly and is quite popular. The Shirley Heights Sunday Sunset BBQ tends to be quite lively. You can look forward to delicious local food, steel bands and reggae music. Try one of the delicious rum punch drinks to fully get into the Caribbean rhythm.

Take phenomenal photos and videos

What would a visit to Shirley Heights be without taking some amazing photos and videos that you can watch later to relive your experience? The hilltop vantage of Shirley Heights makes it ideal to take stunning photos, particularly with the exceptional view of English Harbour. Whatever time of day you go, start or end your day with a couple of memorable photographs.

How much does it cost to visit Shirley Heights

It will cost around $8-$10 USD to visit Shirley Heights during regular operating hours. This can also depend on the day. If you want to get food and drinks, you should bring along some extra cash for that purpose. For the Sunday Sunset BBQ party, expect to spend at least $15-$20 USD per person. The amount you’ll spend at Shirley Heights for food and drinks really depends on how many people are in your group or how many portions you’d like to order.

When factoring in your costs for Shirley Heights, you’ll also need to consider how you’ll be getting there. It will cost around $85 USD per day to get a car rental, while a taxi ride can be in the region of $25-$30 USD. Catching a bus to Shirley Heights will cost you less than $5 USD both ways. If you book your tour to Shirley Heights through your resort, in most cases, transportation will be included in the cost of your tour package.

How to get to Shirley Heights, Antigua

Shirley Heights Antigua is located high up on a hill overlooking English Harbor. This popular Antiguan attraction is around 30 minutes from St. John’s, the capital. The amount of time it will take to get to Shirley Heights can vary depending on where in Antigua you’ll be spending your vacation. From Sandals Antigua, it will take around 20-30 minutes to get to Shirley Heights, depending on traffic.

The best way to get to Shirley Heights is by taxi. It is also possible to get there by car or by way of public transportation. With a taxi, all you’ll need to do is make a booking through your resort concierge and ensure you're ready to go when your driver gets there. Getting a rental works if you’re one of those people who can easily make their way around a foreign destination. With this option, be prepared for the roads in Antigua, as they are quite narrow in some places and very busy. One advantage of driving yourself is that you will have free parking once you get to Shirley Heights.

Though there are many ways to get to Shirley Heights in Antigua, the most affordable is by way of public transportation. As the buses tend to make quite a few stops along the way, it can take longer to get to your destination. Some people prefer taking public transportation at their vacation destination just for the experience. If you do decide to take a public bus to get to Shirley Heights, it's worthwhile to know that buses in Antigua operate on a fairly regular schedule from St. John’s to Shirley Heights.

Expert tip: When it comes to getting around in Antigua, staff at all-inclusive Antigua resorts can help you find your footing. Go to the tour desk to arrange tours or speak to staff about their recommendations on where to go. They’re usually happy to help!

Best Time to Visit Shirley Heights and Antigua

The best time to visit Antigua is during peak season from December to April. The same goes for Shirley Heights. During peak/high season on this island, the temperatures tend to be more consistently sunny, which is part of the appeal. Generally, though, Antigua has great weather year-round. The makes peak season a wonderful time to go, especially if you have tours and beach visits in mind.

For visits to Shirley Heights, weekends can be a great option, but keep in mind that things can get pretty busy. On Sunday evenings, you’ll find their weekly BBQ action underway and sometimes live music events as well. Things tone down quite a bit during the week although on occasion a spur-of-the-moment party might pop up on a random Thursday.

Peak-season travel tends to mean that the temperatures are cooler with less rain. This is a great time for a beach vacation and even for a sailing vacation in Antigua as sailing activities pick up in the month of April. A top sailing event is the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta held at the end of April. There are other good times to visit Antigua as well outside of peak season. Antigua Carnival, for instance, happens in late July/early August. The island is usually very busy during this time with lots of activities happening around town and lots of vacationers too.

Where to stay in Antigua

The best places to stay in Antigua will be anywhere that’s near a beach! If you’re planning on spending some time at Shirley Heights in Antigua then you can look into some of the beachside all-inclusive resorts in this area like Sandals Grande Antigua. Like all the resorts in the Sandals chain, this resort offers guests quality inclusions like gourmet dining at multiple restaurants, luxurious accommodations, day and night entertainment, and so much more.

Ultimately, deciding where to stay in Antigua will depend on your budget and expectations for your trip. You might also need to consider your travel style and the things you don’t want to do during your couples vacation, all of which can help you select the perfect vacation accommodation.

Popular destinations nearby

There are many interesting attractions located near Shirley Heights in Antigua. We’ve included a few of the ones that we love most:

Nelson’s Dockyard

Nelson's Dockyard National Park in English Harbor, a national heritage site and marina, is a well-known location for sailing activities in Antigua. Not only that, but it has historical value, as seen by the restored 18th and 19th-century architectural buildings that now contain stores, galleries, museums, and more. There are several hiking routes that you can go on here to fully experience the beauty of this area, as well as lodging and dining options.

In terms of its history, Nelson’s Dockyard is an 18th-century British Navy dockyard. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site as it’s the world’s oldest continuously operating Georgian dockyard. Nelson’s Dockyard is close to Shirley Heights, Antigua. After a guided tour of the dockyard, you can also visit Fort Shirley or Fort Berkeley, both of which are nearby. You’ll also find the 18th-century Clarence House and the Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre in this area.

Falmouth Harbour

Falmouth Harbour is on the southern coast of Antigua a short distance away from Shirley Heights by car. This historic town in Saint Paul Parish is well known for its happening nightlife, gorgeous beaches, and its charming and scenic marina. The beaches here are perfect for a day of exciting water sports or just relaxing for a couple of hours off your resort. If you want to do some shopping, find a good bar, or eat at some of the best restaurants in Antigua, a visit to Falmouth Harbor might be well worth the effort.

Embrace the unforgettable charm of Shirley Heights

There are loads of amazing things to do in Antigua and Barbuda, including going to attractions known for their natural beauty and historical significance like Shirley Heights. Before you pack your bags though, keep in mind that a trip to Shirley Heights is best be enjoyed with good company. Also, while in the Shirley Heights area, it can be worthwhile to check out some of the other fun local attractions.

If you want a vacation filled with adventure, an all-inclusive escape can be just the right fit. At Sandals’ all-inclusive resorts, you can plan tours and excursions directly through your resort. As there are plenty of exciting attractions and things Antigua is known for, you’ll have no short supply of activities to choose from during your stress-free, all-inclusive vacation!

Good to know: How do Antigua's beaches compare with some of the other beaches in the Caribbean? See for yourself in our post on Antigua vs Saint Lucia!

Picture: Let the all-inclusive Sandals Grande Antigua be your home base as you explore some of Antigua's best attractions, including Shirley Heights!