Table of Contents
If you’re looking for a tropical family vacation with a cultural component, these historical sites in the Caribbean will deliver just the right mix.
We specialize in helping parents get beyond the big resorts and overrun tourist attractions, and to find meaningful travel experiences with kids — even on a beach trip.
The Caribbean islands draw families in with their soft sandy shores and clear blue waters — the perfect setting for kids to run free. But beyond its stunning beaches, the Caribbean islands are rich in history and culture, offering incredible historical sites for all ages.
Whether you’re intrigued by colonization, want to know more about the slave trade and sugar industry, or have a fascination for forts, you’ll find plenty to see and do. And plenty of ways to strike the right balance between much-needed R&R and a family vacation that also nurtures your inner world traveler.
Dive into our list of the best historical sites in the Caribbean that you should consider for your next family vacation.
Look Beyond Europe For a History-Focused Family Vacation
Europe’s iconic sites like the Colosseum and the Acropolis are tempting for educational family trips.
But consider looking beyond these renowned sites when brainstorming your next family trip. There’s history everywhere. A destination that might be traditionally seen as just a place for a beach vacation may also offer unique opportunities for learning and cultural exploration.
Finding history and learning opportunities in destinations closer to home can provide fresh cultural perspectives and save you from long-haul flights. Plus, you can enjoy a more relaxed and immersive visit with fewer crowds.
Visit Historical Sites on Your Next Caribbean Getaway
One of the last places you might think of for a historical family vacation is the Caribbean, home of the beach vacation.
But while the Caribbean is known for its stunning beaches and relaxing getaway vibes, it’s also rich with cultural and historical treasures, with arguably some of the most overlooked best historical sites in the world.
The Caribbean’s history is a story of Indigenous peoples, European colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and a struggle for independence. Visiting these islands offers the opportunity to learn about these pivotal events from the islands’ perspectives.
Several historic islands have famous landmarks, and there are more than two dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Caribbean.
And then, of course, the incredible beaches offer a relaxing place to soak up the sun after a few hours of exploring. A beach break between cultural sites might be just what you need to keep your children engaged!
Ready to dive in? Let’s discover the best islands for a mix of sites and sand.
The Caribbean offers unique historical experiences that are often overlooked. Take a beach break and get to know your island of choice.
Several historic islands have famous landmarks, and there are more than two dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Caribbean.
And then, of course, the incredible beaches offer a relaxing place to soak up the sun after a few hours of exploring. A beach break between cultural sites might be just what you need to keep your children engaged!
Ready to dive in? Let’s discover the best islands for a mix of sites and sand.
The XX Best Historic Sites in the Caribbean
1. Bonaire: Explore the Salt Pans
After Dutch colonization in the early 1600s, Bonaire’s salt industry became a central part of the island’s economy.
Enslaved Africans were brought to Bonaire to work in the salt pans, which adds a significant, though somber, layer to the island’s history.
Today, the Bonaire salt pans are both a historical site and a stunning natural attraction. The bright white salt mounds contrast sharply with the vibrant blue waters, making the landscape visually remarkable.
Today, the salt pans are both a historical site and a stunning natural attraction. The bright white salt mounds contrast sharply with the vibrant blue waters, making the landscape visually remarkable.
A visit to the salt pans is a key historical experience during your Bonaire family trip. Consider joining a guided tour, which often includes a visit to the salt museum.
Alternatively, if you’re visiting this historical site with kids who may not have the attention span for a guided tour, drive by while exploring Bonaire’s best beaches — Love Beach is right nearby. That way you can go at your own pace.
It can be hot at the salt pans. Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to stay comfortable in the heat. Get ice cream in town on the way back to your Bonaire hotel, and relax the afternoon away with a new appreication for the island’s history.
1. Curacao: Tour Colonial Willemstaad,
For the next stop on your educational family vacation to the Caribbean, take a 20-minute hopper flight from Bonaire to Curaçao.
Another Dutch island in the Caribbean, that sits just off the coast of Venezuela, Curaçao shares a similar history to Bonaire, but each Dutch Island offers a completely different experience.
Exploring Willemstad, the capital of Curacao, is like stepping back in time. The area is packed with colorful buildings and fascinating history for kids and adults.a historical site and a stunning natural attraction. The bright white salt mounds contrast sharply with the vibrant blue waters, making the landscape visually remarkable.
Start at the Kura Hulanda museum, where you’ll discover stories about the island’s past, including the journey of enslaved Africans and early settlers.
Next, visit Fort Amsterdam, a historic fortress that once protected the island from pirates. Kids will love imagining the old battles and exploring the fort’s walls.
The Maritime Museum is another must-see. It has interesting exhibits about the island’s seafaring adventures. Don’t forget to check out the Landhuizen country houses. These old, elegant homes show what life was like for wealthy families in the past.
Finally, don’t skip Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest surviving synagogue in the Americas.
Finally, trek on over to the floating market, where vendors sell fresh produce and local goods from their boats. Try a savory fried turnover called a pastechi (cheese is our favorite!) or find a handcrafted souvenir like a woven basket.
Pick a classic Curacao hotel as your homebase with kids, but be sure to get out beyond the resort to see all the historic sites this rich island has to offer.
Tour the Historical Sites of Curacao
For the next stop on your educational family vacation to the Caribbean, take a 20-minute hopper flight from Bonaire to Curaçao. Another Dutch island in the Caribbean, Curaçao shares a similar history to Bonaire, but Curacao compared to Bonaire offers an entirely different explorative experience.
To start, Curacao is a much bigger island, with an actual urban center, Willemstad, and more to see, including proper museums for those of who are into that sort of thing.
As you travel around Curaçao, you can visit the Kura Hulanda Museum to learn more about the history of slavery on the island or Fort Amsterdam to see one of the oldest structures on the island, a peek at Curaçao’s colonial past. Other interesting educational sites, such as the Maritime Museum and the Landhuizen Country Houses, divulge the important role of agriculture and trade in Curaçao’s history.
To get the most out of Curacao, we highly recommend renting a car for solo exploration, or joining a guided walking tour that can help you piece together the island’s historical fabric.
Curacao Historical Highlights
Willemstad
Willemstad, Curacao’s capital, is divided between two main districts, Punda and Otrobanda, which are connected by the iconic Queen Emma Bridge. As you navigate the cobblestone streets and admire the colorful Dutch colonial architecture, you can’t help but feel like you are wandering back through time.
Want to partake in a decades-old tradition on your historical family vacation? Visit the floating market in Punda to discover a vibrant marketplace where Venezuelan traders sell a variety of fresh produce and fish directly from their boats. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated.
Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue
The Mikevé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue is the only Jewish Synagogue in the Caribbean, making it a must-see place on your educational family vacation to Curaçao. Built in 1732, its sand-covered floor and historic artifacts provide a unique look at the island’s Jewish heritage.
Hato Caves
The original inhabitants of Curaçao were the Arawak Indians, and their archaeological evidence can still be found in the Hato Caves. Additionally, the caves served as a hiding place for escaped slaves. Take a guided tour through the caves and check out the ancient petroglyphs left behind.
Next, visit Fort Amsterdam, a historic fortress that once protected the island from pirates. Kids will love imagining the old battles and exploring the fort’s walls.
The Maritime Museum is another must-see. It has interesting exhibits about the island’s seafaring adventures. Don’t forget to check out the Landhuizen country houses. These old, elegant homes show what life was like for wealthy families in the past.
Finally, don’t skip Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest surviving synagogue in the Americas.
Finally, trek on over to the floating market, where vendors sell fresh produce and local goods from their boats. Try a savory fried turnover called a pastechi (cheese is our favorite!) or find a handcrafted souvenir like a woven basket.
Pick a classic Curacao hotel as your homebase with kids, but be sure to get out beyond the resort to see all the historic sites this rich island has to offer.
Tour the Historical Sites of Curacao
For the next stop on your educational family vacation to the Caribbean, take a 20-minute hopper flight from Bonaire to Curaçao. Another Dutch island in the Caribbean, Curaçao shares a similar history to Bonaire, but Curacao compared to Bonaire offers an entirely different explorative experience.
To start, Curacao is a much bigger island, with an actual urban center, Willemstad, and more to see, including proper museums for those of who are into that sort of thing.
As you travel around Curaçao, you can visit the Kura Hulanda Museum to learn more about the history of slavery on the island or Fort Amsterdam to see one of the oldest structures on the island, a peek at Curaçao’s colonial past. Other interesting educational sites, such as the Maritime Museum and the Landhuizen Country Houses, divulge the important role of agriculture and trade in Curaçao’s history.
To get the most out of Curacao, we highly recommend renting a car for solo exploration, or joining a guided walking tour that can help you piece together the island’s historical fabric.
Curacao Historical Highlights
Willemstad
Willemstad, Curacao’s capital, is divided between two main districts, Punda and Otrobanda, which are connected by the iconic Queen Emma Bridge. As you navigate the cobblestone streets and admire the colorful Dutch colonial architecture, you can’t help but feel like you are wandering back through time.
Want to partake in a decades-old tradition on your historical family vacation? Visit the floating market in Punda to discover a vibrant marketplace where Venezuelan traders sell a variety of fresh produce and fish directly from their boats. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated.
Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue
The Mikevé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue is the only Jewish Synagogue in the Caribbean, making it a must-see place on your educational family vacation to Curaçao. Built in 1732, its sand-covered floor and historic artifacts provide a unique look at the island’s Jewish heritage.
Hato Caves
The original inhabitants of Curaçao were the Arawak Indians, and their archaeological evidence can still be found in the Hato Caves. Additionally, the caves served as a hiding place for escaped slaves. Take a guided tour through the caves and check out the ancient petroglyphs left behind.
Where to Stay in Curacao with Kids
Baoase Luxury Resort
For luxury accommodation on your educational vacation, look no further than Baoase, one of our favorite luxury boutique hotels for families. It’s a secluded, peaceful property – but just minutes from the heart of Willemstad. Retreat to an oasis after your day of historic family excursions.
Avila Beach Hotel
This beachfront hotel is our favorite for bigger families who don’t need 5-star luxury, but who want to spread out in 2- and 3-bedroom beachfront apartments. Avila is the closest beach resort to downtown Willemstad, and offers a complimentary shuttle service into town, giving you easy access to Curaçao’s historical sites. The Budget car rental service in the hotel lobby gives you a quick and easy way to expand your educational exploration. Plus, the beach has some of the best snorkeling on the island too!
Scuba Lodge Oceanfront Boutique Hotel
If you prefer an in-town stay with kids, and don’t mind driving to the beach, Scuba Lodge is your best bet. The most colorful hotel around, the Scuba Lodge building is a collection of beautifully restored Dutch colonial buildings from the 1860s. The two-bedroom apartments for families have stunning views – and the restaurant has a playground!
Discover the Legacy of the Sugar Industry in Saint Kitts & Nevis
If you saw Hamilton on Broadway, you may recall reference in the opening number to Alexander Hamilton’s Caribbean birthplace – Nevis. While Saint Kitts and Nevis may have piqued more interest after play’s success, visiting Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace is only one of the many unique historical sites to see in this dual island nation.
Nevis was the first British colony in the Caribbean, and British Colonialism shows in the island’s architecture and cultural traditions. Saint Kitts and Nevis’ history is a fascinating journey from indigenous settlement and colonial rivalry to independence and modern development.
One great part of about Nevis: Our partners who will make your educational trip a breeze. We love working with Nevis Sun Tours, Inc. to help families explore Saint Kitts and Nevis with kids in a way that’s both approachable and educational.
Saint Kitts & Nevis Historical Highlights
Sugar Industry
The sugar industry played a central role in the history and development of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Although the government closed the sugar industry in Saint Kitts in 2005, sugar mills and plantation estates are scattered across the island.
Whether you opt to visit the 18th-century Clay Villa Plantation House, Romney Manor, or the Wingfield Estate and Old Sugar Mill, informative displays and guided tours will increase your knowledge about the island’s sugar industry and colonial history and level up your educational trip.
For a truly unique experience, check availability for the family room at the Golden Rock Hotel in Nevis, which is built into an old sugar mill! Or sweeten up your vacation and book a reservation for a candlelit dinner at Mill Privée restaurant, a 300-year-old sugar mill turned into a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park
Head to Brimstone Hill Fortress in Saint Kitts, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We love a good fort for sweeping views, but this one is particularly good both for the views and also for the winding ramparts little feet can wander.
This formidable stronghold, often called the “Gibraltar of the West Indies,” provides sweeping panoramas and a window into the island’s colonial military past. Educational trips for kids in Saint Kitts and Nevis are not complete without a stop at this critical fortress.
The Birthplace of Alexander Hamilton
Visit the Nevis Heritage Village and the Museum of Nevis History to learn about the birth and childhood of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. The museum provides insights into Hamilton’s early life and the island’s history.
While on Nevis, take time to explore the charming city of Charlestown. Cemeteries, museums, churches, the Old Bath House (one of the Caribbean’s first hotels), and the Port of Charlestown all weave a greater picture of the story of Nevis. Just you wait, just you wait. Your visit to Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace will be a memorable experience on your educational vacation.
Where to Stay in Saint Kitts & Nevis with Kids
Park Hyatt Saint Kitts
One of the best things about the Park Hyatt Saint Kitts is that the architectural detail was designed to mirror Fort Brimstome and reflect Saint Kitt’s history, making you feel even more immersed in the country you are exploring. Not only that, but the kids’ club and incredible pool will make your little ones feel like they are on cloud nine.
Four Seasons Resort Nevis
The Four Seasons Nevis is has been a part of Nevis’s community for decades, and is (simply put) a gorgeous luxury property. The resort offers fantastic children’s programming for kids ages 3-9, including sea turtle education, insights into the cultural significance of coconuts in Nevis, lessons on the classic Caribbean game of dominoes, kite-making activities, and opportunities for monkey spotting.
And if your kids are too young to appreciate touring Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace, they can stay entertained at the resort while you take in the history as adults.
Unearth Colonial History in the Dominican Republic
If you’re asking yourself which Caribbean Island has the most historical sites, then the The Dominican Republic is another contender. We encourage families to get away from the island’s all-inclusive mega resorts and see what else this country has to offer.
The Dominican Republic began as the island of Hispaniola, inhabited by the Taíno people. Christopher Columbus landed on the island in 1492, marking the start of European colonization. The island was divided into two colonies: The Spanish colony of Santo Domingo and the French colony of Saint-Domingue, which later became Haiti.
Santo Domingo is historically recognized as the first permanent European settlement in the Americas and played a crucial role in the Spanish Empire, serving as a launching point for further exploration and conquest.
Now, the Dominican Republic is a go-to place for those seeking relaxation, exploration, and education. But it also packs a historical punch and is perfect for your next beach plus learning vacation.
Dominican Republic Historical Highlights
Santo Domingo Zona Colonial
We start many Mango Tree Travelers off in Santo Domingo for a night or two to see the Zona Colonial, or Colonial Zone, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Santo Domingo holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas.
The cobblestone streets are flanked by beautifully preserved colonial buildings, churches, and fortresses. While wandering, you can’t miss the Catedral Primada de América, the first Cathedral in the Americas, or the Museo de las Casas Reales, showcasing the island’s colonial history. We love sending families in bike tours though the colonial city so you can take in the historical vibes without tiring out the kids.
Alcázar de Colón
Alcázar de Colón is in the Colonial Zone and is the former residence of Christopher Columbus’s son, Diego. Diego served as the Viceroy of the Indies, and this home offers insight into the lives of the Spanish elite during the colonial period.
Fortaleza Ozama
If you have a child who loves pirates – as so many do – then the Dominican Republic might be one of the best educational family vacations for you. Fortaleza Ozama is one of the oldest forts in the Americas, built by the Spanish in the early 16th century to protect Santo Domingo from pirate attacks and invasions. Explore the fort’s towers, dungeons, and walls and the measures it took to defend the city.
Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic with Kids
Casas del XVI
Casas del XVI is a boutique hotel close to the historic area of Santo Domingo. This option is perfect for families looking to add a cultural component to their family vacation. While there are no special or specific amenities for children, onsite butlers assist to ensure everyone is taken care of, including the littlest ones. We work with a partner in Santo Domingo who can arrange your hotels and family-friendly tours as well.
Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences
After a couple of days in Santo Domingo, round off your historical explanation with some R&R at one of our favorite boutique beach resorts for families in Las Terranas, about 2-hours from Santo Domingo on the Samana peninsula.
Learn About Maritime History in Antigua
Antigua, a dynamic island in the Caribbean, bears a historical imprint shaped by European colonization as well. The island was first discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and later settled by the British in 1632. The island’s protected coves and bays made it a naval stronghold.
Today, Antigua has earned its spot as one of the best educational trips for families – especially those interested in maritime history. It showcases meticulously preserved naval historical sites that reflect its colonial legacy. With a wealth of landmarks, museums, cultural festivals, and natural wonders, families can engage in a unique educational exploration of the island’s diverse heritage.
Antigua Historical Highlights
Nelson’s Dockyard
When in Antigua, visiting English Harbour to discover Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must for your historical vacation. This beautifully restored Georgian naval dockyard, named in honor of Admiral Horatio Nelson, served as a crucial base for the British Navy.
Families can stroll through historic structures, explore the Dockyard Museum, and learn about the island’s maritime history. There are lots of family-frienly restaurants as well, so it’s a great activity to do before dinner.
Betty’s Hope
Betty’s Hope is the site of Antigua’s first large-scale sugar plantation, established in the 1650s. The remains of the windmills and the visitor center provide a glimpse into the island’s plantation history and the lives of those who worked there.
Forts
Several forts remain in Antigua, outlining the dominance of British naval history. To start, explore Fort James, a 17th-century British fort at the entrance of St. John’s Harbour. The well-preserved cannons and walls showcase Antigua’s military past. And although this post is supposed to provide recommendations “beyond the beach,” we can’t help but plug the nearby Fort James Beach, a perfect place for your family to relax after your educational experience.
If you like forts, another fort your family can explore in Antigua is Fort Barrington. Located on the Five Islands Peninsula, a short hike up a hill leads to the ruins of this 18th-century fort. Despite its breathtaking views, this fort was especially important in safeguarding St. John’s Harbour.
Fun fact: It is the only fort in Antigua that has witnessed military action, making it a significant stop on your educational family vacation.
Where to Stay in Antigua with Kids
Curtain Bluff
Curtain Bluff resort – a luxury all-inclusive — is one of our favorites for multi-generational trips. It has a host of amenities for the whole family and is a short drive from some of Antigua’s best sights. This is your best bet for an all-inclusive educational vacation option.
Carlisle Bay
If all-inclusive isn’t your vibe, Carlisle Bay is another classic 5-star luxury resort in Antigua that’s perfect for families. From the rooms to the kids’ club to the activities, this luxury family resort thinks about kids and families through and through.
Admirals Inn & Gunpowder Suites
This hotel is ideal for families looking to explore! Although there’s enough entertainment onsite, its location inside Nelson’s Historic Dockyard in English Harbour means your family can easily walk to local restaurants and shops. After all of that exploring, make sure you take advantage of the absolutely incredible infinity pool. Swoon.
Where to Book Your Next Educational Family Vacation? Let Mango Tree Help You Choose!
We hope this list inspires you to explore alternatives to some of the most traditional and popular European locations when you have your mind set on a family vacation with an educational aspect.
The best family vacations seamlessly blend learning and lounging – see the world but recharge from the daily grind at the same time. The Caribbean provides a beautiful backdrop for a historical vacation that takes you beyond the beach – but right back to it at the end of the day.
If you are still unsure where to go or how to pull all the logistics together to create a perfect itinerary, the Mango Tree team is here to guide your way. Let us create a trip full of history and happy memories for your entire family.
