Pedro St James

Grand Cayman

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The island's oldest building, this Caribbean great house was built in 1780 by one of Cayman's founding families (with enslaved people doing the heavy lifting). Over the years the structure has served as jailhouse, courthouse and parliament building. It was here in 1831 that the decision was made in favor of a public vote for elected representatives. And here, in 1835, the Slavery Abolition Act was announced. Nowadays the house is fitted with antiques and reproductions to evoke the era.

In the theater a multimedia production recounts the history of the house, while the grounds are beautifully landscaped. A rum tasting spices things up. It's 4km west of Bodden Town proper.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Cemetery Beach

    Cemetery Beach

    9.68 MILES

    Ask a local where they like to spend a sunny day and they will likely direct you to this gorgeous strip of sand at the northern end of Seven Mile Beach…

  • Smith's Cove

    Smith's Cove

    6.63 MILES

    Easily one of the best snorkeling spots on Grand Cayman, this series of coves has shallow, calm water, pretty rock formations and a nice variety of sea…

  • Visitors Center at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, Grand Cayman, Cayman Island

    Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

    8.64 MILES

    Come here to see a veritable treasure trove of the island’s native species. A series of walking trails traverses the lovely landscaped gardens, which…

  • Leaning tree above calm turquoise sea, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, West Indies, Caribbean, Central America

    Seven Mile Beach

    8.31 MILES

    Although it’s really only about 5½ miles long, this gorgeous strand has flawless white sand and crystal-blue waters – it's just as pretty as a postcard…

  • Cayman Turtle Center

    Cayman Turtle Center

    11.35 MILES

    This is essentially a sea-turtle petting zoo. There are lots of turtles swimming in tanks, and guests are invited to handle the young ones (who are…

  • Starfish Point

    Starfish Point

    6.19 MILES

    Red-cushion sea stars dot this little patch of sand and sea, which can sometimes be crystal clear and sometimes murky and yellow, depending on what the…

  • Wreck of the 10 Sail Monument

    Wreck of the 10 Sail Monument

    13.38 MILES

    In 1794 a convoy of 10 British merchant ships wrecked on the reef off the East End. Local residents came to the aid of the convoy, rescuing all but eight…

  • Barkers National Park

    Barkers National Park

    9.87 MILES

    The first national park in the Caymans, Barkers combines low scrub, dense mangroves and long, sandy beaches. There are no amenities here, or even a sign…

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Nearby Grand Cayman attractions

1. Mission House

2.69 MILES

Two blocks west of Bodden Town’s compact center is one of the island’s oldest buildings, originally built in the 1800s. Destroyed by Hurricane Ivan, the…

2. Starfish Point

6.19 MILES

Red-cushion sea stars dot this little patch of sand and sea, which can sometimes be crystal clear and sometimes murky and yellow, depending on what the…

3. Cayman National Museum

6.35 MILES

The centerpiece of this small museum is the engaging 20-minute audiovisual presentation that provides an overview of the island's heritage. Natural and…

4. Ugland House

6.45 MILES

This nondescript five-story office building is the headquarters of international law firm Maples & Calder. It is also the registered address of more than…

5. Smith's Cove

6.63 MILES

Easily one of the best snorkeling spots on Grand Cayman, this series of coves has shallow, calm water, pretty rock formations and a nice variety of sea…

6. National Gallery of the Cayman Islands

6.72 MILES

This small-but-delightful museum offers a wonderful break from the sand and sun. The ground floor houses rotating exhibits, while the 2nd floor shows off…

7. Rum Point

7.37 MILES

Swinging in hammocks and snorkeling are the main activities at this quiet beach, although the Red Sail water-sports crew also has an outlet here. Take…

8. Governor’s Beach

7.88 MILES

Tucked between resorts, the tree-shaded parking lot here opens onto a sweet section of Seven Mile Beach that is rarely crowded. There's a reason they call…

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