Nassau's Hidden Gems: Places Only Locals Know

Most visitors to Nassau stick to the same circuit — Atlantis, the Straw Market, and a Nassau harbour cruise. And while those are all worth doing, the real magic of this island reveals itself when you venture off the tourist trail. Here are our favourite hidden gems, best reached with your own set of wheels.

Despite the dramatic name, Jaws Beach (named for the 1996 film that was shot here) is one of the most peaceful stretches of sand on the island. Located on the southwestern coast near Clifton Heritage Park, it's rarely crowded and offers crystal-clear water perfect for snorkelling.

Getting there: Head west along West Bay Street past Lyford Cay, then follow the signs for Clifton Heritage National Park. The beach is a short walk from the car park.

Tucked away on the southwestern tip of New Providence, Adelaide is one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas — founded in 1831 by freed slaves from a captured slave ship. The village has a quiet, timeless quality, with colourful wooden houses, a historic church, and a small beach that's almost always deserted.

It's a short drive from the main road but feels like a different world entirely.

In the heart of Nassau, the Retreat Garden is a 11-acre sanctuary managed by the Bahamas National Trust. It's home to one of the largest private collections of palms in the world, along with tropical birds and a peaceful walking trail.

Entry is a small fee and it's one of the most underrated spots in the city — perfect for a quiet morning before the heat of the day sets in.

Technically not a secret, but most tourists walk straight past it. Arawak Cay — known locally as "The Fish Fry" — is a strip of colourful wooden shacks serving the freshest conch salad, fried snapper, and cracked conch you'll find anywhere on the island.

Go for lunch on a weekday when it's quieter, order a Kalik beer, and watch the boats come in. This is Nassau at its most authentic.

Location: Just west of downtown Nassau, off West Bay Street. Easy to park nearby.

While Fort Fincastle gets most of the tourist attention, Fort Charlotte — the largest fort in the Bahamas — is far more impressive and usually much quieter. Built in 1788, it features a dry moat, underground passages, and sweeping views over Nassau Harbour.

Entry is free and guided tours are available. Allow at least an hour.

We mentioned this in our driving guide, but it deserves a spot here too. Love Beach on the northwestern coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand on the island — and because it requires a car to reach, it's rarely as busy as Cable Beach.

The snorkelling just offshore is excellent, and there's a small reef that's home to colourful fish and the occasional sea turtle.

On the eastern side of the island, Yamacraw Beach is a long, quiet stretch of sand popular with local families on weekends but largely empty during the week. The water is calm and shallow, making it ideal for children.

There's no facilities or vendors here — bring your own food and drinks and enjoy the solitude.

All of these spots are best reached by car. Public transport is limited and taxis can add up quickly if you're making multiple stops in a day.

Reserve your rental vehicle and discover the Nassau that most visitors never see.