Lifegard's paradise

Getty Images/Flickr Open

Miami Beach

Top choice in Barbados


A somewhat hidden gem that is the antithesis of its American namesake. Small, shady and intimate, it's well removed from the often frenetic south-coast pace. The beach is divided into two sections by a rock breakwater. The west side is one of the premier swimming spots on the island, with deep, calm and crystal-clear waters, while the east side has a wide recreation area featuring picnic tables under shady evergreen pines and almond trees.

There hasn't always been a beach here. The sea used to bash up against the road, but when the coast guard moved into the area it constructed a breakwater that resulted in masses of soft white sand washing up on both sides of the structure. The coast guard has since moved on, leaving the beach blissfully free of development.

Officially this stretch of sand is called Enterprise Beach, which is how it's marked on most maps, though locals all use the Miami moniker.

It gets crowded on weekends, but is wide open during the week. Look for Mr Delicious, a vendor selling rum punch and fab fish cutters (sandwiches). On foot you can take the path past the police station just south of the Oistins Fish Fry. If coming by vehicle, take the small road heading towards South Point Lighthouse from Oistins, then curl back west to the beach.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Barbados attractions

1. Sandy Beach

2.67 MILES

This wonderful strip of white powdery sand was hit hard by the sewage failures of 2017/18 when it was closed to visitors after waste from nearby roads…

2. Rockley Beach

3.41 MILES

The largest beach in the area, Rockley is a picture-perfect crescent of sand. Backed by shade trees, there’s moderate surf. The new boardwalk allows you…

3. Barbados Museum

4.49 MILES

This excellent museum is housed in an early 19th-century military prison. It has engaging displays on all aspects of the island’s history, beginning with…

4. Garrison Savannah Area

4.56 MILES

About 2km south of central Bridgetown and inland from Carlisle Bay, the Garrison is part of the World Heritage area and was the home of the British…

5. George Washington House

4.69 MILES

Just west of the Barbados Museum is a place that can truly claim that the great man slept here. After decades of research and debate, it was finally shown…

6. Pebbles Beach

4.97 MILES

Running between two high-end hotels, this lovely stretch of sand is really just an extension of Brownes Beach. It has soft sands and calm waters and is…

7. Brownes Beach

5.06 MILES

A fine beach close to downtown Bridgetown (a 10-minute walk) that makes a good break before and after lunch and shopping. A long white crescent of sand…

8. St Michael’s Cathedral

5.54 MILES

The island’s Anglican cathedral was originally completed in 1665 to accommodate 3000 worshippers, but came tumbling down in a hurricane a century later…