A week in Antigua gives you enough time to dip into the island’s highlights without feeling like you’re rushing from place to place. You’ll get calm turquoise beaches, dramatic cliffs, local eats, and a few “I can’t believe this is real life” moments. Here’s how I’d spend 7 days in paradise.

Day 1: Arrival + Dickenson Bay

Ease in on one of Antigua’s most famous beaches. Dickenson Bay is wide, sandy, and calm—perfect for a post-flight reset.

Getting there: 15 minutes from V.C. Bird International Airport, north of St. John’s.
Parking: Public access point just north of Sandals with a small free lot (limited), or street parking.
Do: Swim, paddleboard, or just collapse on the sand.
Eat nearby: Ana’s on the Beach (stylish Caribbean dining) or Chippy Antigua (fish & chips, casual and quick).

Day 2: Long Bay Beach + Devil’s Bridge

Start strong with my favorite beach, then hop to one of the island’s most dramatic landmarks.

Long Bay Beach:
- 25 minutes from St. John’s. Look for the bright mural on the left when you turn in—yes, I stopped for a photo.
- Free dirt lot steps from the sand.
- Calm, clear water and rentable chairs.
- Eat: Mama Pasta, right on the beach, serving seafood and pasta.
Devil’s Bridge:
- 5-minute drive from Long Bay.
- Free parking lot right at the site.
- Rugged limestone arch with waves pounding underneath. DO NOT walk on the arch (waves are unpredictable).
- Plan 20–30 minutes for photos and exploring.

Day 3: Half Moon Bay + Beach Bum Lunch

A massive, crescent-shaped bay with two personalities: one wild, one calm.

Half Moon Bay:
- 40 minutes from St. John’s. Free paved lot by the entrance.
- One side is surf-worthy, the other is calm for snorkeling.
- Walk the rocky edge to find golden clay—smear it on, bake in the sun, rinse off, and voilà: free spa day.
- Eat: Beach Bum Bar & Café. Service is on “Caribbean time,” but the food’s solid. Burger + sweet potato fries = yes. Brad’s chicken wrap = gone in 60 seconds.

Day 4: Darkwood + Ffryes + Turner’s (Southwest Beach Hop)

Valley Road is beach-hopping central. Three stops, one easy drive.

Darkwood Beach: Sea on one side, lagoon on the other. Park roadside or in small gravel lots. Grab a snack at Darkwood Beach Bar or splurge at nearby Sheer Rocks (tapas with sunset views).
Ffryes Beach: Swing set in the sand = required photo stop. Park along Valley Road or next to Dennis Cocktail Bar (also your lunch option—grilled lobster here is the move).
Turner’s Beach: Wide, calm, and with a clear view of Montserrat. Free parking lot right across the road. Stop at Turner’s Beach Bar & Restaurant for fresh snapper or conch fritters.

Day 5: Galleon Beach + Pillars of Hercules + English Harbour

This day blends beaches with a little adventure.

Galleon Beach: About 30 minutes from St. John’s. Park near the beach entrance or Shirley Heights trailhead. Calm, clear water perfect for snorkeling (turtles hang out here).
Pillars of Hercules: Walk to the far end of Galleon, follow the rocky trail (wear real shoes), and within minutes the cliff face turns into those iconic limestone columns.
English Harbour: Explore Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua’s historic naval base.
Eat: Catherine’s Café (French-Caribbean chic right on the sand) or Cloggy’s (Mediterranean with marina views).

Day 6: Downtown Antigua + Jolly Harbour Sunset

Time for a little shopping, a little culture, and one of the best sunset spots.

Downtown St. John’s: Walk Heritage Quay for duty-free shops, Redcliffe Quay for local crafts, and the public market for fruit and spices. Park in one of the paid lots near the cruise port.
Jolly Harbour: About 20 minutes away. Park in the marina plaza lot. Stroll the waterfront, grab a coffee, and do some yacht-spotting. This is where we found Antigua’s elusive black pineapple (sweetest in the world).
Eat: Al Porto (wood-fired pizza on the water) or Miracles of the Caribbean (hearty local fare). Stay for sunset—it’s ridiculously pretty here.

Day 7: Shirley Heights Finale

End your week with Antigua’s most iconic view.

Shirley Heights Lookout: 25 minutes from St. John’s. Parking lot right at the lookout. During the day, it’s peaceful with sweeping views over English Harbour. On Sunday evenings, it turns into a party with live steel drum bands, barbecue, and dancing.
Eat: Stay for the BBQ—jerk chicken and ribs with that view is the perfect send-off.

Final Thoughts on a Week in Antigua

Seven days in Antigua gives you the best of both worlds—lazy mornings, adventurous afternoons, and evenings that end with sunsets (or steel drums). You’ll leave sun-kissed, full, and probably plotting your return for days 8 through 365.

One Week Itinerary in Antigua: Beaches, Eats & Adventures