St Lucia was hands down the best Caribbean Island we have been to. No question. If you want to have Hawaii vibes mixed with the landscape of French Polynesia ( without having a 10-15 hour flight), you should definitely consider it!
While it may be known as a romantic honeymoon escape, we were pleasantly surprised by how kid-friendly this lush Caribbean island turned out to be. Traveling with our 3- and 6-year-olds, we found plenty of family-friendly activities nestled among the island’s natural beauty—from calm, swimmable beaches like Sugar Beach to the fascinating drive-in volcano at Sulphur Springs that sparked their curiosity. Resorts were all super welcoming offering pools, kids’ menus, and even child-friendly excursions like gentle rainforest walks and boat rides along the coast ( virgin rum punches were on deck LOL). While the iconic Pitons make a dramatic backdrop for couples, St. Lucia proved to be just as magical for our little adventurers.
CHECK OUT SOME OTHER CARIBBEAN DESTINATIONS:
- Travel Guide to Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Celebrity Ascent Cruise: Best way to see several islands at once!
- The Ultimate Guide to Antigua and Barbuda
- Best Caribbean Islands for First Timers
How to get to around in St. Lucia
We used private transportation and taxis for the first half of the trip and then booked a car for the second half. We booked transportation from the airport ahead of time and used this service.
It was nice to have a car waiting at the airport especially since we had a 2 hour drive to the north of the island ahead of us.
If you are just staying at your resort and don’t plan to sight see or maybe you are planning a tour that includes transportation, then you don’t need a car. If you plan to stay between two hotels, go to different restaurants off your hotel property and do some activities on your own, then definitely get a car!
If you are debating it, here are some things worth noting:
- Taxis are extremely pricey there so if you plan to do a lot of outing, it can REALLY add up! For reference, it was $25.00 USD for a 10 minute drive *insert jaw on the floor*
- On the other hand the roads are winding and mountainous so you need to be careful driving independently! My husband got the hang of it quick and is a great driver but some people would be nervous.
***IMPORTANT NOTE ON DRIVING IN ST LUCIA***
Make sure to take Gravol before doing a long car ride on the island. We always travel with it and thought we would be ok but then my 3 year old threw up all over me 10 minutes before we were supposed to arrive. I felt like I was next but I made it!
Looking for another warm destination? Check out these posts below!
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- The Ultimate Barbados Travel Guide
- Jamaica Vs Barbados?? Breaking down everything you need to know!
- Antigua and Barbuda Travel Guide
Where to stay in St Lucia?
When deciding where to stay in St. Lucia, it’s important to know that while the island is relatively small, travel between the north and south can be slow due to its winding, mountainous roads. It takes about 2-2.5 hours to travel south to north. The airport is located in the South so if you are staying in the “Gros Islet/North” area make sure you know you are in for a ride after a flight!
Map of the Island – Two popular hotel areas. The drive time between the two is almost 2 hours
Because of this, most visitors choose to base themselves in one of two main areas: the north, which is livelier and more developed with bustling beaches, restaurants, and family-friendly activities; or the south, which is quieter and more scenic, known for its dramatic landscapes, lush rainforest, and closer proximity to natural attractions like the Pitons and waterfalls.
We decided to stay in the North for a portion of the trip ( 4 nights) and then in the South (3 nights) for the final leg of the trip. We were so happy with our decision to do this as it allowed us to see a lot of the island
Villa Cest La Vie- Best St. Lucia Hotel for big groups
Staying at Villa C’est La Vie felt like stepping into a scene from a dreamy Caribbean film. The moment we arrived, we were swept up by the vibrant charm of what felt like a reimagined plantation house—full of character, colour, and warmth. Surrounded by lush, tropical gardens and timeless architecture, the villa has a way of blending nature and elegance so seamlessly, it’s almost surreal.
This 5 bedroom villa includes a butler, house keeper, lagoon pool, remote beach access, indoor and outdoor spaces and is perfect if you are travelling with a large family or extended family.
HERE ARE SOME THINGS WE SPECIFICALLY LOVED ABOUT STAYING AT CEST LA VIE
- The Bedroom Set ups: Each bedroom it’s own bathroom making it spacious and private. Our two girls loved their matching twin beds too! They even have a separate cottage on the grounds with a full on kitchen if you want added privacy.
- Specialized Services: The team here set up everything from us- transportation from the airport, Taxi services and even made restaurant reservations!
- On Site Chef: If you want, the team can arrange for private dinners, daily breakfasts and more. We decided to do have a dinner there one of the night paired with some special wine and WOW- easily one of the most romantic and fun nights there. The kids went to sleep early ( perk of staying at a spot like this) and we in the open air living room. A dream!
Viceroy St Lucia- Best Luxury Hotel in St Lucia
The Viceroy St Lucia has earned the spot of my FAVOURITE HOTEL ON THIS PLANET! I knew from looking at photos that it would be beautiful but I was actually blown away. Our short (we stayed 2 nights) but very sweet time there was worth the moving and shuffling to this side of the island
It feels like an episode of White Lotus without the potential murder looming. It’s in a picture perfect spot directly between the Pitons. The resort features spacious accommodations with private plunge pools, and its the perfect blend of luxury and family inclusivity.
Why we loved it for the kids: They have the V Team Kids Club, open soccer fields and the staff go above and beyond to make your kids feel special. The kids club itself features treasure hunts, arts and crafts, archery, coconut bowling, and sandcastle building.
It’s definitely a splurge with the kids though so if you are looking to go back to St Lucia for a romantic trip or a special milestone vacation, THIS IS THE PLACE!
Fond Eco Resort – Best Priced Hotel in St Lucia
Fond Doux Eco Resort is a boutique eco-luxury retreat nestled within a 250-year-old working cocoa plantation in Soufrière, St. Lucia. Set amidst 135 acres of lush rainforest, this 19th-century estate offers a tranquil and immersive experience, combining natural beauty with rich cultural heritage.
They have chocolate tours on site, rum tastings, an on site restaurant and a great location! We stayed here for 1 night before our flight and would 100% stay here again for an affordable hotel option on the island. It does have a new pool opening up next year ( which is nice because there is no direct beach access)
Windjammer Landing- The Best All Inclusive in St Lucia for Families
This resort in St. Lucia is a hillside Mediterranean-style retreat with stunning views and a private white-sand beach. It’s one of the resorts that is sprawling and has everything you need ( restaurants, spa, water activities) so you don’t have to leave. I would definitely consider it a boutique all inclusive as the restaurants and vibe of the spot do not feel all inclusive AT ALL! We didn’t stay there but had dinner there one night ( it is RIGHT beside Villa C’est La Vie)
The Jacquot Fun Club keeps younger guests entertained with cultural activities, beach games, and nighttime events like movie nights and puppet shows. They also have mini lounge chairs around their main pool, rooms with some kitchenettes and a great beach for swimming
The Best Restaurants in St Lucia
Dining in St. Lucia is a vibrant experience that blends Caribbean flavors with international influences, serving up a variety of options that highlight fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and bold spices. Food here is as much a part of the culture as the music and scenery, and trying local dishes like jerk chicken, roti, or green fig and saltfish is a must. It’s tempting to stay at the hotel where it’s close and convenient but trying a few spots really made us fall in love with the island more!
Mango Tree restaurant
- The Mango Tree- This is not considered a “kid friendly” restaurant but we brought our kids here for an early dinner and we are glad we didn’t miss out on this. The views from here are MAYBE THE BEST ON THE ISLAND! Even if you just come for a cocktail hour drink, I couldn’t recommend it more
- Brigands Hideaway– This rustic restaurant offers authentic St. Lucian dishes like jerk chicken, curry goat, and fresh seafood, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients. This is the real deal kind of St Lucia restaurant and great for an upscale local option!
- The Pink Plantation House –Set in a historic plantation house surrounded by lush gardens, this restaurant serves refined Creole and international cuisine, complemented by sweeping views over Castries. It’s an ideal spot for brunch or lunch, offering a serene atmosphere and a glimpse into St. Lucia’s colonial past
- The Naked Fisherman– Situated on Smugglers Cove beach, this was one of our favourite visits on the island!! It’s open air, beach front grill specializes in amazing fish dishes, cool cocktails and the vibe of the spot is amazing. We liked this place because it was trendy yet the kids could still enjoy themselves at the beach. One of the nicest beaches too!
- The Coal Pot: Located near the Castries Harbour, The Coal Pot offers a relaxed dining experience with a menu featuring fresh seafood and Caribbean specialties. Its proximity to the water and welcoming staff make it a great choice for families seeking a casual yet flavorful meal
The Naked Fisherman
The Best Things to do in St Lucia with Kids
St. Lucia turned out to be such a pleasant surprise for our family in terms of activities. With our 3- and 6-year-olds, beach days were an easy favorite, thanks to the warm and calm waters ( seriously the water was so warm).
Yet on the opposite side of things we had so many adventurous options at our finger tips that were doable with the littles! Between getting messy in the warm, muddy volcano baths to learning about how chocolate is made, there was no shortage of things to do in St Lucia.
La Soufriere Drive-In Volcano
Visit Sulphur Springs, the world’s only drive-in volcano, located near Soufrière. You can actually drive right up to the steaming crater, making it super accessible for families with young kids. Our children (ages 3 and 6) were fascinated by the bubbling pools and the dramatic landscape—it felt like walking on another planet!
Don’t miss the mud baths just down the hill, where you can slather yourselves in warm volcanic mud and rinse off in the natural hot springs. It’s messy, fun, and surprisingly relaxing for all ages.
Toraille Waterfall
Our tour did the volcano and waterfall in one and we loved it!
After getting all muddy, we made our way over to the Toraille waterfall to wash off. This waterfall cascades approximately 50 feet into a serene plunge pool and is dreamy.
The walk there is a well-maintained path through a lush botanical garden leads directly to the base of the waterfall. This easy walk makes it suitable for families with young children and takes no more than 5 minutes to reach.
Do a Chocolate Tour One of the best things to do in St Lucia with kids
St. Lucia has a rich history in cocoa cultivation and their beans have been referred to as the “Champagne of Chocolate”. They are actually the biggest exporter of chocolate to the Hersey factory
You can get hands on at the Rabot Estate with a chocolate making class or do a tour. The “Bean to Bar” tour is both educational and delicious—learn how cacao is grown, harvested, and turned into rich St. Lucian chocolate. This is the tour we did and it was the perfect length of time
See St Lucia from the Water with a Catamaran Tour
One of our favourite days from our trip! We did a tour that combined a catamaran ( taking us right into Soufriere and giving us those perfect Piton views). We then had a bus to the Volcano Mud Bath and Waterfall combined. We ended the day with snorkeling and passed through Marigot Bay.
The kids had a blast too and loved dancing on the boat! We had lunch on board and it was such a well rounded experience!
Tet Paul Nature Trail and Petit Piton Trail Hike
While a lot of people do the Tet Pau Nature Trail, we opted for the Petit Piton Trail because the base of it was in our hotel and free. The Tet Pau Nature Trail is $10 USD per person.
With that said, both are the same distance at 45 minutes round trip and moderate. There were a few steeper patches ( pictured below) where we carried the kids, the rest of the hike was easy peasy.
When we reached the top, we got a full on rainbow and it was honestly emotional because it was THAT beautiful
Visit Pigeon Island
Visit Pigeon Island known for its panoramic views and cultural significance, Pigeon Island is a must-
visit destination that captures the essence of St. Lucia’s History and natural allure.
It is made up of a bunch of beach bars and shack style eateries that serve local dishes. It’s a great way to see the St Lucian culture and have a no fuss meal. Plus, the beach there is local so you can hang there for a swim session!
Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay is one of the island’s most picturesque and serene harbors, often described as a “hurricane hole” due to its naturally sheltered location. Surrounded by lush green hills and lined with charming marinas, restaurants, and boutique resorts, it’s a favorite among sailors.
What we loved about it for kids though is that you can take a short little ferry across the water to the beach area. The small beach area once across is shallow and has some activities you can do- kayaking, paddleboarding or seeing the pelicans!
Looking to book your flight? I always book mine with Cheap O Air
What To Know Before Visiting St Lucia
- You need to fill out a form before you arrive and depart. You can fill it out 72 Hours in Advance and it will save you major time at the Airport
- The airport is not big- especially the departure area. I would not get there too early as there is limited food and beverage options ( and when we were there it was SUPER busy with barely any seats)
- Expect to pay $$$ prices at the well known restaurants. Getting some snacks and drinks from a grocery store is a good idea. St Lucia is not a cheap island
- Drivers sit on the right hand side of the car!
- Everyone speaks English there so it’s very easy to talk to the locals, guides etc
- The best season to visit is November to April but even then ( we visited in March) you can expect some afternoon showers given it’s unique landscape. We also heard from some people that the summer months have kind of morphed into the same type of climate as the high season. You likely can find great rates during off season!
I hope you enjoyed this St Lucia travel guide and make your way to this stunning island! I can’t wait to return and spend more time there!!
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