Southampton Parish: An Insider’s Guide Beyond the Beaches

Bermuda’s most famous stretches of sand are found here but ask the people of Southampton what they love about it and they’ll talk about the early morning runs along the endless trails, roadside snowball stands on hot afternoons, a PGA golf course, top tier dining and the hilltop views.

Start Along the South Shore

Southampton’s coastline is impossible to ignore. Chaplin Bay, Horseshoe Bay, Church Bay, and the smaller coves in between create one of the island’s most beautiful stretches of shoreline. But the real magic happens when you move beyond the main entrances and explore the trails, hidden paths, and quieter corners connecting them all.

Early mornings bring joggers, dog walkers, and locals squeezing in a swim before work. The beach trails winding between the coves offer some of the best running routes in Bermuda, where every turn opens to another view of pink sand and turquoise water.

Local tip: Start at Horseshoe Bay early in the morning and follow the trails east before the day heats up. Take a route off the main path and find some Instagram worthy pictures. 

Run or Ride the Railway Trail 

Southampton is one of the best places to experience Bermuda’s Railway Trail. The old railway paths cut through neighbourhoods, coastal viewpoints, and shaded stretches filled with cedar and palmetto. 

Whether you are walking, running, or cycling, the trail gives you a slower view of the parish. Along the way, you’ll pass limestone walls, hidden coves, and locals who almost always greet you as they pass by. 
 

Local tip: Look out for native plants and if you are visiting in March-May look out for wild loquats and cherries and pick them right off the trees.  

Tee Off at Port Royal Golf Course

Even people who do not play golf stop to admire Port Royal Golf Course. Perched dramatically above the ocean, it is one of the most scenic public golf courses in the world and home to Bermuda’s annual PGA Tour event, The Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

The signature holes along the cliffs offer panoramic Atlantic views, but Port Royal is more than a golf course, it is a gathering place where locals and visitors alike come to enjoy the scenery, the restaurant, and the relaxed atmosphere.

Local tip: Even if you are not golfing, go for a drink or dinner at Bella Vista at sunset. These sunset  views from the clubhouse are some of the best in Bermuda.

Climb Gibbs Hill Lighthouse

Standing high above the island, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse has been watching over Bermuda since 1846. One of the oldest cast-iron lighthouses in the world, it remains one of the best viewpoints in Bermuda.

Climb the spiral staircase to the top and you’ll see sweeping views stretching from Dockyard to the East End, with Southampton’s neighborhoods below you.

Local tip: Although you can no longer go outside, you can climb up to the light itself. On clear days you can see nearly the entire island from the top, so bring your camera. 

Get a Real Taste of Southampton

Some of Southampton’s best experiences happen in the mom-and-pop shops. Check out Island Cuisine for a traditional Codfish Breakfast or try fresh seafood and a famous fish sandwich from Seaside Grill located at Southampton Ranger’s Sports Club.

Nothing feels more Bermudian than stopping for a snowball on a hot afternoon. The brightly coloured roadside stands scattered through the parish serve shaved ice packed with syrup flavours, it’s the perfect way to cool down.

Southampton is also filled with higher end restaurants, from a top-tier steak dinner at the historic Waterlot to dinner in the sand at Coconuts.  

Local tip: If you see any roadside food with a line of locals, stop there. That is usually the best recommendation you can get.

Meet the People

What truly defines Southampton is the people. There is a warmth to the parish that feels immediate, whether you are chatting with someone at a food stand, passing runners on the trail, or talking with locals gathered outside a neighbourhood shop.

Local tip: Bermudians are proud of their island and always willing to share recommendations. Some of the best places in Southampton are the ones locals tell you about in conversation.

Southampton’s beauty is beyond surface level. The best way to experience Southampton is not to rush through it. Slow down, follow the trails, talk to the people, and discover the parish beyond the beaches.