Pigeon Island

This 44-acre national landmark, easily accessible via land bridge, bears witness to the historic tug-of-war between the French and the British that flipped St. Lucia's ownership 14 times. Remnants of military buildings and rusty cannons are scattered about, and an interpretive center recounts the island's rich history. Climb to the lookout point atop the 18th-century Fort Rodney, or hike up Signal Peak, at 100 meters (330 feet), for views stretching across the island and over to neighboring Martinique. In spring, Pigeon Island becomes an idyllic stage for St. Lucia's renowned Jazz Festival.