4/30/2026  Jomerglo

Exploring Alice Town, Bimini: Culture, History & Coastal Charm

INTRODUCTION

Alice Town is the main settlement on North Bimini and serves as the island's commercial, cultural, and tourism center. Stretching along Kings Highway beside the waterfront, the town is where many visitors begin exploring Bimini, with its collection of restaurants, marinas, hotels, shops, museums, and nearby beaches. As the island's largest community, Alice Town combines everyday local life with many of Bimini's best-known visitor attractions. 

Travelers search for Alice Town because it offers more than just a convenient place to stay. It provides easy access to Radio Beach, the Dolphin House Museum, the Bimini Museum, waterfront dining, fishing charters, dive operators, and ferry connections that link North and South Bimini. Whether visiting for a weekend, arriving on a cruise, or planning a longer stay, Alice Town is an ideal base for experiencing the wider island. 

For visitors planning a broader itinerary, this guide complements the Ultimate Bimini Travel Guide, which explores the island's beaches, marine attractions, accommodations, and travel planning in greater detail.

 WHERE IS ALICE TOWN?

Alice Town is located on North Bimini, one of the two principal islands that make up the Bimini district. Commercial flights typically arrive at South Bimini Airport, after which travelers take a short ferry ride across the channel to North Bimini, where Alice Town serves as the island's primary tourism hub. 

Its central location places visitors within walking distance of:

  • Hotels and guesthouses

  • Waterfront restaurants

  • Marinas

  • Radio Beach

  • Local shops

  • Museums

  • Charter boat operators

  • Ferry terminals

Because the town is relatively compact, many visitors explore it on foot or by golf cart.

WHY VISIT ALICE TOWN?

Alice Town provides a combination of local culture, waterfront scenery, and convenient access to many of Bimini's most popular attractions.

Reasons visitors choose Alice Town include:

  • Historic island atmosphere

  • Easy access to beaches

  • Waterfront restaurants

  • Local Bahamian culture

  • Fishing charters

  • Dive operators

  • Boutique accommodations

  • Shopping

  • Museums

  • Walking-friendly streets

Unlike larger resort areas, Alice Town offers opportunities to experience everyday island life while remaining close to many of Bimini's recreational activities.

HISTORY OF ALICE TOWN

Alice Town has long been the principal settlement of North Bimini and has played an important role in the island's maritime, fishing, and tourism industries. During the twentieth century, its harbor welcomed commercial vessels, fishing boats, and travelers arriving from Florida, helping establish Bimini as an internationally recognized sport-fishing destination. Ernest Hemingway's visits during the 1930s further contributed to Bimini's global reputation among anglers and writers. 

Today, many of the town's landmarks continue to reflect this maritime heritage. Visitors can explore historical sites, locally owned businesses, and museums that preserve stories of Bimini's development while showcasing the traditions that continue to shape the community.

THINGS TO DO IN ALICE TOWN

Although compact, Alice Town offers enough attractions to fill a full day or serve as a starting point for exploring the rest of Bimini.

Popular experiences include:

  • Walking Kings Highway

  • Visiting the Dolphin House Museum

  • Exploring the Bimini Museum

  • Relaxing at Radio Beach

  • Shopping for local crafts

  • Dining at waterfront restaurants

  • Booking fishing charters

  • Joining snorkeling excursions

  • Watching boats arrive at local marinas

  • Taking a guided walking tour

Many visitors combine these experiences with excursions to the SS Sapona Shipwreck, Bimini Road, or nearby cays.

DOLPHIN HOUSE MUSEUM

One of Alice Town's best-known attractions is the Dolphin House Museum, created by local historian and artist Ashley Saunders. Constructed using shells, sea glass, reclaimed materials, and locally sourced limestone, the building serves as both an artistic landmark and a tribute to Bimini's maritime heritage. It offers insight into the island's history, culture, and community traditions, making it one of the most distinctive cultural attractions in Bimini. 

BIMINI MUSEUM

Located opposite the Bimini Craft Centre, the Bimini Museum preserves the history of the islands through photographs, artifacts, documents, and exhibits highlighting Bimini's development and notable residents, including Ernest Hemingway. Managed by the Bimini Historical Society, it provides valuable historical context for visitors interested in learning more about the community beyond its beaches and marine attractions. 

BIMINI WALKING TOUR

A guided walking tour of Alice Town introduces visitors to several of the community's most significant landmarks, including the Bimini Museum, Bimini Craft Centre, Bimini War Memorial & Heroes Park, and the Dolphin House. This experience offers a deeper understanding of the town's history, architecture, and local culture while showcasing many of its key points of interest. 

BIMINI ARCH MONUMENT

Near the Public Dock stands the Bimini Arch Monument, originally constructed in 1935 to commemorate the centenary of the modern settlement of Bimini. Often referred to as the "Gateway to The Bahamas," the monument is an important historical landmark and a popular stop for visitors exploring Alice Town on foot. 

 RADIO BEACH

Just a short walk from the center of Alice Town, Radio Beach is the community's best-known public beach and one of the most visited coastal areas in Bimini. Its calm, shallow turquoise water and soft white sand make it popular with families, cruise passengers, and visitors staying in nearby hotels and guesthouses. Restaurants, beach bars, golf cart rentals, and marina facilities are all within easy walking distance, making it one of the most convenient beaches on North Bimini. 

Visitors commonly enjoy:

  • Swimming

  • Paddleboarding

  • Beach relaxation

  • Snorkeling near shore

  • Sunset photography

  • Waterfront dining

Because of its location beside Alice Town, Radio Beach is often included in walking tours and day itineraries for first-time visitors.

RESTAURANTS & LOCAL DINING

Alice Town is the culinary center of North Bimini, offering a mix of locally owned restaurants, waterfront cafés, marina dining, and casual takeaways. Fresh seafood remains the highlight of many menus, with daily catches prepared using traditional Bahamian recipes alongside international favorites. 

Popular menu items include:

  • Fresh conch salad

  • Cracked conch

  • Fried snapper

  • Grilled lobster (seasonal)

  • Grouper fingers

  • Bahamian stew fish

  • Peas and rice

  • Johnnycake

  • Bimini Bread

Many restaurants overlook the harbor, allowing visitors to watch fishing boats and yachts arrive throughout the day.

 SHOPPING IN ALICE TOWN

Although small, Alice Town offers several opportunities to shop for authentic Bahamian products and locally made souvenirs.

Visitors can browse for:

  • Handmade crafts

  • Straw products

  • Bahamian artwork

  • Sea glass creations

  • Island apparel

  • Local spices

  • Souvenirs

  • Fishing accessories

  • Beachwear

One of the longest-established retailers is The Chic Store, a local institution serving both residents and visitors for decades. The nearby Bimini Craft Centre also showcases work by local artisans. 

MARINAS & WATERFRONT

Alice Town's waterfront reflects Bimini's longstanding connection to boating and sport fishing. Several marinas accommodate private yachts, fishing vessels, dive boats, and excursion operators, making the harbor one of the busiest areas on the island. 

Waterfront activities include:

  • Charter departures

  • Yacht docking

  • Sunset walks

  • Waterfront dining

  • Sightseeing

  • Photography

The harbor also serves as a gathering place where visitors can experience everyday island life while watching fishing boats return with the day's catch.

FISHING & DIVE CHARTERS

Many of Bimini's fishing and diving operators are based in or near Alice Town, providing easy access to offshore reefs, wrecks, blue-water fishing grounds, and nearby cays.

Popular excursions include:

  • Deep-sea fishing

  • Bonefishing

  • Reef fishing

  • Shark diving

  • Snorkeling tours

  • Dolphin encounters

  • SS Sapona excursions

  • Bimini Road tours

These trips depart from local marinas and cater to both beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

WHERE TO STAY

Alice Town provides a convenient base for visitors wishing to stay close to restaurants, beaches, and marinas. Accommodation options include:

  • Boutique hotels

  • Waterfront inns

  • Fishing lodges

  • Vacation rentals

  • Marina resorts

  • Guesthouses

Many properties are within walking distance of Radio Beach, the Dolphin House Museum, restaurants, and charter operators.

GETTING AROUND ALICE TOWN

Because Alice Town is compact, many attractions can be explored without a car.

Popular transportation options include:

  • Walking

  • Golf carts

  • Bicycles

  • Local taxis

Golf carts are the preferred choice for visitors wanting to explore beyond Alice Town into Bailey Town, North Bimini beaches, and nearby attractions. 

 TRAVELER PLANNING INFORMATION

Best Time to Visit

Alice Town welcomes visitors year-round. The drier months from December through April are particularly popular for boating, fishing, beach activities, and sightseeing. Warmer temperatures and occasional tropical weather are more common during summer and early autumn. 

Family Suitability

Alice Town is well suited to families thanks to:

  • Walkable streets

  • Calm beaches

  • Museums

  • Waterfront parks

  • Boat excursions

  • Casual restaurants

Accessibility

Most of Kings Highway is relatively flat and easy to navigate, though some older buildings, docks, and beaches may have limited accessibility.

Budget

Visitors can tailor their experience to different budgets, with options ranging from locally owned guesthouses and cafés to marina resorts and organized excursions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Alice Town known for?

Alice Town is known as the main settlement on North Bimini, offering waterfront dining, local shops, marinas, museums, and easy access to Radio Beach and fishing charters. 

Where is Alice Town located?

Alice Town is located on North Bimini in the Bimini district of The Bahamas. 

Can you walk around Alice Town?

Yes. Most attractions, restaurants, beaches, and shops are within walking distance, while golf carts are available for exploring farther north.

Is Alice Town good for cruise visitors?

Yes. Many cruise passengers visit Alice Town for beaches, shopping, museums, dining, and sightseeing because of its proximity to the cruise facilities. 

Are there beaches in Alice Town?

Yes. Radio Beach is located just minutes from the town center and is one of the most popular public beaches in Bimini. 

How much time should you spend in Alice Town?

Most visitors can explore the town in half a day, while a full day allows time to enjoy museums, beaches, shopping, dining, and a boat excursion.

EXPLORE MORE BIMINI GUIDES

Continue planning your trip with these related resources:

LOCAL & DESTINATION CONTEXT

Alice Town is the cultural and commercial heart of North Bimini, linking visitors to nearby communities such as Bailey Town, coastal attractions including Radio Beach, and marine experiences throughout the Bimini islands. As the principal tourism hub, it connects travelers with fishing, diving, boating, museums, local businesses, and the wider network of Out Islands that make up The Bahamas.

 CONCLUSION

Alice Town offers an excellent introduction to Bimini through its blend of local history, waterfront scenery, Bahamian culture, and marine recreation. Whether you're visiting for a few hours or staying several days, the town provides easy access to beaches, museums, restaurants, marinas, and charter excursions while serving as the ideal starting point for exploring the rest of the island.

For a broader overview of beaches, accommodations, transportation, and island experiences, continue with the Ultimate Bimini Travel Guide and explore the related attraction guides and directory listings.

Alice Town, North Bimini, Bailey Town, Kings Highway, Radio Beach, Dolphin House Museum, Bimini Museum, Bimini Craft Centre, Bimini Arch Monument, Bimini Big Game Club, marinas, fishing charters, dive operators, waterfront restaurants, golf cart rentals, snorkeling, scuba diving, sport fishing, boating, beaches, Bahamas Out Islands, South Bimini Airport, ferry, cruise visitors, shopping, Bahamian culture

Updated as of August 2026.