Top Things to do in Grand Cayman
What to do and see in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands: The Best Historic Sites
The farther you go from Grand Cayman's busy docks, the more peace and quiet you'll find. At Stingray City (actually a sandbar), stingrays swim alongside you in the tranquil waters. Closer to town, travelers report finding some of the best massage and spa services anywhere in the Caribbean.
Restaurants in Grand Cayman
1. Ridgefield Wreck
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The WW II Liberty Ship was the victim of the East End's shallow barrier reef.
2. Pedro St. James National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 576 reviews
First built in 1780, the Great House at Pedro St. James (PSJ) is the oldest surviving stone structure in the Cayman Islands. A national historic site, its administration serves to preserve the physical building and to tell the story of the historical happenings occurring within the Great House’s walls. The PSJ attraction is located along the rocky cliffs of the area known as Pedro’s Point on Grand Cayman — in the country’s first capital of Bodden Town. Once a jailhouse, a courthouse, and house of parliament, the building, and the district of Bodden Town were dubbed “The Birthplace of Democracy in the Cayman Islands” - a title still worthy of national pride 240 years later.
Reviewed By WanderNav - Dayton, United States
My husband and I stopped at Pedro St James for a couple hours one morning to learn about the history of the island. We opted for the self-guided tour, which did not leave us wanting for information as there are signs throughout the main house talking about the history of the plantation and the structure, as well as panel after panel of island history in another building on the grounds. The whole area is gorgeous, from the patio of the visitor center, to the gazebo on the grounds, to the brilliant ocean views from the top floor of the main house, and there is a cute swing hanging from a tree that we stopped to enjoy as well. When we had wandered through to our hearts' content, we went into the theater for the show. It is a multimedia presentation of the plantation's history with immersive special effects. The room was cool, which was a change from the warm outside air. I wish we had known ahead of time that there was a special community dinner and rum tasting happening that evening, as we had other plans already and would have been interested in coming back for it!
3. Doc Polson Wreck
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Shipwreck favored by divers.
4. LCM David Nicholson Wreck
5. Oro Verde Wreck
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 20 reviews
Shipwreck favored by divers.
Reviewed By jwhill45
We used Cayman Divers to dive the Oro Verde wreck. Like other reviewers have stated the wreck is at a depth of 60-65feet and is scattered/ broken up over ~150 feet. This is what makes this wreck so much fun because all the little nooks and crevices allow the reef critters to hide. The coral and life on the wreck is healthy. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed diving this wreck.
6. Mission House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 24 reviews
The Mission House Historic Site is owned and managed by the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. The House was the original site utilized by early missionaries, teachers and by one of the oldest local families - the Watlers. The original home was destroyed in 2004 by Hurricane Ivan and has was carefully replicated. The site includes seasonal wetland with boardwalk, National Museum display, visitor center and gift shop. *Tours by appointment only. Please call The National Trust main office 749-1121 to reserve.
Reviewed By TravelinZeus
Before leaving for Grand Cayman, I was searching online for some historic sites to visit on the island, and came across this historic home. I read that you need to book a tour in advance, but since I had planned to take the bus here, I couldn't really set up a specific time, so I decided to just chance it and show up without a reservation. We took the bus to Bodden Town and got off along the main road. The direction to the house isn't very well marked. There is a sign that says, "Mission House Next Left", but the house is up a rural residential road, that you wouldn't even think there was any attraction there. We tried to get directions from locals, and even THEY had never even heard of this house. Thankfully, I knew what road it was supposed to be on, but as we continued through a rundown residential area, I was starting to second guess myself. But after a couple minutes, we started to see signs and eventually found the house. The house is located right in the middle of a traditional Caymanian village, so you can experience what life is like away from the tourist zone. We were greeted by a nice garden and some shy agouti. We peedked through the windows, but there was no one in sight. We were about to leave, when an older Englishman approached us, and offered to give us a tour of the house. I wish I could remember his name, because he was AMAZING! SO friendly and knowledgeable! He told us facts about the home and island that you won't find in any guide book! I was disappointed to learn the original home was completely destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, along with most of its original furnishings. But it still felt authentic,and it was really interesting to learn the little known history of this island that is known mainly for its banking and luxory resorts. And the place was so peaceful and quaint, I truly felt as if it was stuck in a time warp. The tour must have lasted at least an hour and was SUPER informative. My only issue is that we weren't told off the get go, that this tour would cost us $10. I don't know why naiive me thought anything on Grand Cayman would come free. But this wasn't such a big deal, as it was totally worth the price. It's just that, I'm used to being informed of any fees upon entry. But yeah, this was one of the highlights of my trip to Grand Cayman! I would definitely recommend it, if you enjoyed Pedro St. James. I honestly don't know why they don't market this place better. It's a hidden gem, with so much tourist potential. If this was on any other island, it would be one of the main attractions. And with so few attractions on Grand Cayman, this would be an excellent addition to the guide books. Unfortunately, I read there have been talks of possibly demolishing this house. I hope that doesn't happened.
7. Balboa Wreck
8. Gun Square
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
One of Bodden Town's two defense points in the 18th century.
9. Old Homestead
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 14 reviews
Formerly known as the West Bay Pink House, this is probably the most photographed home in Grand Cayman. The pink-and-white Caymanian cottage was built in 1912 of wattle and daub around an ironwood frame. Cheery Mac Bothwell, who grew up in the house, takes you on tours that present a nostalgic and touching look at life in Grand Cayman before the tourism and banking booms. COST: $5. Mon.-Sat. 8-5.
10. Queen Victoria Monument
Overall Ratings
2.0 based on 5 reviews
Erected between 1907 and 1912, it's the regular meeting site for the men of the district to discuss politics.
