Things To Do
in San Fernando
San Fernando sits in southwestern Trinidad along the Gulf of Paria, about 18 miles south of Port of Spain. As the island's second-largest city, it's a lively commercial hub with a mix of markets, colonial heritage, and modern eateries. The waterfront lanes along Bay Street and the bustling Central Market give a taste of everyday Trinidadian life, from doubles stalls to spicy pelau.
With easy access to La Brea's natural wonders and southern beaches, San Fernando makes a convenient base for exploring the south of Trinidad.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the San Fernando Hill, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area. After taking in the scenery, head to the local market to discover fresh produce and handmade crafts, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. Grab a traditional breakfast of 'bake and shark' from a nearby stall to fuel your day ahead.
In the afternoon, delve into the history of San Fernando by visiting the San Fernando Public Library and the nearby St. Joseph's Convent, two iconic landmarks. Explore the local art scene at the San Fernando Arts Council, where you can view exhibitions featuring local artists. For lunch, indulge in authentic Caribbean cuisine at a popular local eatery, savoring dishes like callaloo and pelau.
As the sun sets, stroll along the San Fernando waterfront, enjoying the cool evening breeze and picturesque views. Stop by a local bar or café for a refreshing drink while mingling with locals and other travelers. End your day with live music at a nearby venue, immersing yourself in the lively Trinidadian culture.
Kick off your beach day with a visit to the beautiful Maracas Bay, where the soft sands and turquoise waters set the perfect scene. Try your hand at some water sports like jet skiing or paddleboarding before the afternoon sun heats up. Be sure to indulge in a famous 'shark and bake' from one of the beach vendors for a delicious mid-morning snack.
In the afternoon, continue enjoying the beach by relaxing under a palm tree or taking a swim in the warm Caribbean waters. If you're feeling adventurous, consider joining a snorkeling tour to explore the vibrant marine life just off the coast. As the day winds down, grab a refreshing coconut water to hydrate and cool off.
As the sun begins to set, take a leisurely stroll along the beach, watching the colors of the sky change over the water. Consider dining at a beachfront restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood while listening to the sound of waves crashing. Cap off your evening with a beach bonfire, sharing stories and laughter under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥪Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $12-25 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short trip) | $5-12 |
| ☕Coffee or small drink | $2-5 |
| 🏨One-night budget hotel | $40-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant food scene and markets
- Close access to natural attractions like Pitch Lake and Caroni Swamp
- Friendly, laid-back vibe and reasonable costs
- Good base for south Trinidad exploration
- Smaller nightlife compared to Port of Spain
- Public transport can be less reliable than private options
- Hot and humid climate requiring sun protection
- Distances to northern beaches require driving
- "Wha' gwan?" - What's going on?/How are you?
- "Tank yuh" - Thank you
- "Wey is di bathroom?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Pleease" - Please
- "Wah de price?" - What is the price?
- "Mi deh yah" - I am here / I'm staying here
- "How much it costs?" - How much does it cost?
Places to Visit in San Fernando
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic overlooks of the city, Gulf of Paria, and surrounding hills; ideal for sunrise and cityscape shots.
Edges of the pitch lake provide surreal landscapes and reflections for unique photography.
Sunset views along the southern coast with boats and fishing vessels creating silhouettes.
Colonial-era storefronts and colorful façades along the main commercial street offer characterful street photography.
Food in San Fernando
San Fernando Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
One-pot chicken and rice with coconut and pigeon peas; widely found in street stalls and home-cooked meals.
Must-Try!
Fried flatbread (bara) stuffed with curried chickpeas, often with chutneys; a quintessential street snack.
Plate of roti with curried meat or vegetables; a staple meal at roti shops and homes.
Creole leafy soup or side dish with okra and crab or saltfish; hearty and flavorful.
Fried dough sandwich (bake) with fried shark, usually with lettuce, tomato, and chutneys.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market with fresh produce, meats, spices, and a buzzing street-food scene.
Local market offering fruit, vegetables, and DIY snacks; great for sampling island produce.
Doubles, roti, bake-and-shark and other snacks found along Bay Street and High Street throughout the day.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a courteous hello and a handshake; addressing people as Sir or Madam is common in service settings.
Respect religious and family traditions; dress modestly when visiting churches or temples; avoid heavy political or racial debates in casual conversations.
Safety
Tipping in San Fernando
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, check if a service charge is included; if not, 10-15% is typical. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest TT$ or small tip is common.
Cash (TTD) is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common in most restaurants and shops in the city. US dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist-facing spots; ATMs are available. Mobile payments are increasingly available but not universal.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with plenty of sunshine; ideal for outdoor photography and city walks; carry water and sun protection.
Frequent afternoon showers and higher humidity; plan indoor visits or carry a compact rain jacket and waterproof gear.
San Fernando at Night
Hiking in San Fernando
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, easy paths around the lake edge offering surreal landscape photography.
Gentle to moderate hikes with city views, suitable for a half-day outing.
Mangrove boardwalk with birdwatching and wildlife viewing near the coast.
Airports
How to reach San Fernando by plane.
Main international gateway to Trinidad, about 25-40 minutes from San Fernando by car, with car rentals and taxi services.
Tobago's international airport; reachable by domestic flights from POS; longer trip if visiting Tobago.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly people of African and Indian descent, with mixed heritage and other communities.
Christian, Hindu, Muslim, and other faiths represented; cultural festivals are common.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A longstanding sport with local love; supports community leagues and regional matches.
Popular across clubs and schools; local matches and street football are common.
Popular in schools and community centers; pickup games occur in the evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Fernando.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options abound, including doubles with chickpeas, roti with aloo, callaloo, and dal-based dishes; ask for no fish sauce or meat stocks and verify curry preparations.