Antigua likes to brag that it has 365 beaches—one for every day of the year. Honestly, I respect the confidence. But unless you’re planning to move here full-time and treat beach-hopping like a 9-to-5 job (sign me up), you’ll need to narrow it down.

After some highly scientific “research” (sunscreen in one hand, coconut drink in the other), here are the five beaches in Antigua that rose straight to the top of my list.

1. Long Bay Beach (My Favorite)

If you only visit one beach in Antigua, let it be this one. The water is so calm and clear it almost looks fake.

Parking & access: As you turn off the main road toward the beach, there’s a bright mural painted on a little wall on the left. Cute, colorful, and yes—I stopped to take a photo because that’s the kind of person I am. Drive just past that and you’ll see a small dirt parking lot steps from the sand. Parking is free and usually stress-free, even on busier days.

Pro tips:

Rent a chair/umbrella from the local vendors—it’s inexpensive and saves your back.
If a cruise ship is in port, get there early. This beach is on some tour itineraries and fills up quickly.
The water here is glassy and calm, which makes it perfect for floating, swimming, or just zoning out while questioning all your life choices that don’t involve living here.

Nearby eats: Walk over to Mama Pasta, a beachfront spot serving seafood, pasta, and casual island fare. Perfect for refueling after a long float session.

2. Ffryes Beach

Ffryes is one of those beaches that nails the balance of laid-back and fun. The water is calm, the sand is soft, and yes—there’s a swing set planted right in the sand. Instagram gimmick? Sure. Did I climb on it anyway? Absolutely.

Parking & access: Ffryes is right off Valley Road on the southwest coast. You can pull over and park along the shoulder, or slide into the gravel lot next to Dennis Cocktail Bar (very handy if you’re planning to grab food afterward).

Vibe: Wide beach, plenty of space to spread out, and not overly crowded. It’s playful, photogenic, and great if you’re in the mood for both pictures and a nap.

Nearby eats: Dennis Cocktail Bar & Restaurant is right there, serving grilled lobster, local curries, and strong Caribbean flavors with ocean views.

3. Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is basically two beaches in one. On the Atlantic-facing side, the waves crash hard—perfect for surfers. On the more sheltered side, the water calms down and is great for snorkeling. It’s a massive, dramatic bay that feels wild and unpolished in the best way.

Parking & access: There’s a paved lot right at the entrance, and it’s free. Because the beach is so big, you won’t feel squeezed in even if the lot is busy.

Why it stands out:

Beach Bum Bar & Café is right there when hunger hits. Service is on what locals call “Caribbean time” (translation: slower than you’re used to), but it’s worth it. My burger with sweet potato fries was excellent, and Brad’s wrap didn’t even make it back to the table before disappearing.
If you wander toward the rocky side of the bay, you’ll find golden clay. Locals use it in spa treatments, but you can DIY. Rub it on, dry off in the sun, rinse in the sea, and you’ve just given yourself a luxury spa treatment for free.

Nearby eats: Besides Beach Bum Bar & Café, there are a couple of small food shacks near the parking area serving grilled seafood and local snacks if you just want something quick.

4. Dickenson Bay

This is Sandals Antigua’s home beach, and it has a reputation for being the “best” on the island. It’s calm, sandy, and wide, with lots of watersport options. But here’s the real talk: when I visited in November, it was cloudy and just… meh. When I came back in January, it was like a whole new place—crystal-clear water, calm as a swimming pool, and totally gorgeous.

Parking & access: Since resorts dominate the shoreline, you’ll want the public access point just north of Sandals. There’s a small parking area there (free but limited), or you can park along the road and walk in.

What to expect: More built-up than some other beaches, but with calm waters, wide sand, and enough space to still feel relaxing.

Nearby eats: If you’re not staying at Sandals, check out Ana’s on the Beach (stylish, modern Caribbean dining) or Chippy Antigua (for casual British-style fish and chips).

5. Darkwood Beach

Darkwood has that “hidden gem” feel while still being easy to get to. On one side you’re looking out at the Caribbean Sea, and on the other is Darkwood Pond, a natural lagoon. The contrast makes this beach extra photogenic, especially from above.

Parking & access: The beach runs right alongside Valley Road, so you can literally pull over and park on the shoulder. There are also a couple of small gravel lots by the beach bars if you want a closer spot.

Why it’s worth a stop: It’s less crowded than nearby beaches, with a laid-back, local vibe. You get that perfect mix of “Caribbean postcard” plus something a little different with the lagoon backdrop.

Nearby eats: Grab a bite at Darkwood Beach Bar & Restaurant (simple but tasty), or splurge at Sheer Rocks (an upscale tapas spot perched on a cliff nearby with insane sunset views).

Final Thoughts on Antigua Beaches

Sure, Antigua has 365 beaches, but you don’t need to test-drive them all. These five will give you the sampler you’re after—crystal-clear water, dramatic waves, Instagram swings, a DIY spa treatment, and even a lagoon backdrop. Bring your sunscreen, bring your camera, and let Antigua’s beaches do their thing. Spoiler: their thing is making you never want to leave.

Top 5 Beaches in Antigua: The Ones You Can’t Miss