Barbados rewards those who venture beyond the beach. The island has a surprisingly dense concentration of historical sites, natural attractions, and working rum distilleries.
Harrison's Cave in the central uplands is the most spectacular natural attraction on the island — a system of limestone caverns with stalactites, stalagmites, streams, and underground waterfalls. Tram tours run through the cave system; there's also an "Early Explorers" spelunking tour for those who want to go deeper. Book in advance, particularly in peak season.
Bridgetown and its Garrison is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Garrison Historic Area — just south of the capital — preserves the most intact British colonial military complex in the Caribbean. The Barbados Museum, housed in the old military prison, is one of the best in the region. In the city itself, the Careenage waterfront, Parliament Buildings, and the 17th-century Nidhe Israel Synagogue (one of the oldest in the Americas) are all worth your time.
Andromeda Botanic Gardens on the east coast is a compact but beautifully maintained collection of tropical plants, set on a hillside above the Atlantic. Good for birdwatching. Budget about an hour and a half.
Welchman Hall Gully in the Scotland District is a forested ravine managed by the Barbados National Trust — a good place to see green monkeys in their natural habitat. Check feeding times if you want a guaranteed sighting.
Francia Plantation is an early 20th-century plantation house open for tours. The interior has impressive antique furnishings and the house itself is architecturally distinctive — built by a Frenchman via Brazil, with Brazilian hardwood floors. Closed on weekends.
Mount Gay Rum Distillery near Bridgetown offers tours of what claims to be the world's oldest rum brand (established 1703). Even if you're not particularly interested in rum production, the tasting at the end is worth it.
Hunte's Gardens in the Scotland District is a private tropical garden created by horticulturist Anthony Hunte in a former gully. Hunte himself is often on hand, and his enthusiasm for the place is infectious. Unconventional and wonderful.