San Fernando is the second-largest municipality in all of Trinidad and Tobago, and it can be found on the western coast of the larger and busier island of Trinidad. Formerly a borough, San Fernando Trinidad became a city in 1988, and its residents are proud of their city status. Most locals simply refer to their city as “Sando” for short, so you are likely to hear that name often when enjoying San Fernando vacations. As for the attractions in San Fernando Trinidad, there are enough to satisfy at least a few days, and since Trinidad and Tobago is so small, you can easily hit some beaches, do some fishing or hiking, or pursue a number of other fun-filled activities on the side when visiting San Fernando.

Topping the list of attractions in San Fernando Trinidad is San Fernando Hill, which rises from the heart of the city. This hill tops out at around 600 feet, and on it you will find a visitor center and a recreational area. The views make San Fernando Hill a major tourist attraction. The hill itself is special to locals, partly because of the fact that the city rests on its sides and the sides of Alexander Hill. On clear days atop San Fernando Hill, one can see the Northern Range of the island of Trinidad in the distance, not to mention the outline of nearby Venezuela. For those planning weddings in Trinidad and Tobago, San Fernando Hill is a popular south Trinidad destination for wedding photos. After heading up to the top of San Fernando Hill for a glance or for some exercise, you might consider doing some shopping during San Fernando vacations. The city is a shopping hub for southern Trinidad, and you’ll find two of the region’s largest shopping areas here—the Gulf City Mall and High Street.

While walking along High Street is a must at some point during San Fernando vacations, you might prefer a stroll along the Harris Promenade from time to time. Often referred to simply as The Promenade, Harris Promenade runs parallel to High Street but is often much less crowded. At The Promenade’s eastern side, you will find the Carnegie Free Library, which is another one of the top attractions in San Fernando Trinidad. This library was financed by Andrew Carnegie, who gifted the then borough some 2,500 pounds in 1911. The volumes that make up the collection of books at the Carnegie Free Library have something for everybody, and there are various children’s programs to take advantage of as well. To help you fulfill your cultural needs during a visit to San Fernando Trinidad, you can complement trips to the library with shows at the Naparima Bowl, which is the main San Fernando performing arts center. Various concerts, cultural shows, and music and art festivals take place at the Naparima Bowl, and it’s always worth seeing what’s on the schedule when you’re in town. Renovated after a 1977 fire and reopened to the public in 1990, the Naparima Bowl is air-conditioned and boasts an ample, 40-foot wide stage.

Trinidad & Tobago Map

San Fernando Trinidad can easily be reached by car or bus from the other major towns on the island of Trinidad, such as Port of Spain, Arima, and Chaguanas, and it’s certainly worth adding to your overall itinerary. When you’re not enjoying the attractions in San Fernando Trinidad, you can head out into the countryside on a number of day trips or organized tours, and since the sea is never far off, a fishing or sailing trip might just find itself on your agenda as well.