Grand Cayman, UK

Where to Eat and Drink

On Seven Mile Beach:
– Tillie’s (Palm Heights Hotel)
Perfect for a peaceful beach breakfast with smoothies, baked goods, and a standout breakfast burrito. The hotel also has a charming café and bakery offering fresh loaves and treats to go. Note: It is not as ideal for kids due to the calm, chic vibe.
– Bonny Moon
Lively and fun, this is a great place to kick off your trip with upbeat music, a DJ, and delicious tuna poke bowls. Casual and energetic.
– Coccoloba Bar (Kimpton Seafire)
Order the Painkiller cocktail served in a pineapple for two! Enjoy tropical drinks, small plates, and stunning views.

Off-the-Beach Eats (But Close)
– Heritage Kitchen
Authentic local eats in a laid-back setting (expect chickens wandering around!). A great walkable adventure from 7 Mile Beach—note a few rocky beach sections where we put our sandals back on. Don’t miss the fresh juices! Alcoholic beverages are also available.
– Peppers Bar & Grill
A go-to local favorite for BBQ and live music. Arrive early—this place fills up fast! Try the BBQ ribs and chicken!
– Bella Trattoria
Tucked in an unexpected spot, but well worth it for tasty Italian food and a break from seafood-heavy menus. Service was amazing!
– Gelato & Co.
Several locations across the island serve up some of the best gelato with unique flavors.
– Foster’s Grocery Store
Ideal for stocking up on essentials. Their hot bar and salad bar are perfect for a quick and healthy meal on the go (think Whole Foods).
– Caymana Bay
A modern shopping and dining hub with water features for kids and ferry access to other parts of the island. A fun afternoon outing, though less distinctly Cayman in feel.

East End Dining
– Kaibo
Great food, cocktails, and a fun beach setting. Nearby attractions include Starfish Point and Rum Point.
– Eastern Star Fish Fry
A hidden gem next to a gas station—walk through the bar to a beachside fish shack serving the day’s catch. Local, casual, and unforgettable. Order one of everything and share. My favorite meal of the trip!

What to Do

• Scuba Diving — Ocean Frontiers (East End): A full-service dive center with great staff! Daily trips, rental gear, and private guide options, it’s perfect for beginners and experienced divers alike. I dropped by and got a dive scheduled the next day. I opted for a private guide on the morning two-tank dive boat since I had not been in about 2 years. They refreshed me on key skills and made me feel very comfortable. They also have ginger cookies and oranges for you on the boat!

• East End Blow Holes: A quick but scenic roadside stop—worth a visit!

• National Gallery of the Cayman Islands: Located just off the Esterley Tibbetts Highway in Grand Cayman, this is a great indoor activity. The gallery showcases both local and international art, with rotating exhibitions. The first floor was filled with cool photos from back-in-the-day Grand Cayman, which I found most interesting.

• Cayman Turtle Center (West Bay): Great for families, but also interesting for adults. Interact with turtles up close, they have a large breeding pool with TONS of turtles, and you can even touch a baby one if you want. Or skip the center and snorkel with wild ones at Spotts Beach if this feels too touristy.

• Snorkeling — Spotts Beach A turtle haven! Swim out over the seagrass and you’re almost guaranteed a sighting. There is a current, but it is pretty shallow, and I could stand up most of the time. Just use your best judgment! Large parking lot near a cemetery and close to Cayman Islands Brewery for a post-swim drink.

• Snorkeling — Smith’s Barcadere A local favorite with calm waters and rocks for jumping – great for families to hang out at. If you want to snorkel, I would recommend going early when the shore is not filled with swimmers and rock jumpers.

• Snorkeling — Cheeseburger Reef Named for its proximity to Burger King on N Church St., but best accessed behind the Lobster Pot Restaurant. Go early (before 10 am) to avoid boat traffic and to park in the Lobster Pot parking lot (they do not open until 11:30 am)—a shallow reef filled with colorful fish.

Inside Scoop

Rent a Car: To truly explore the island’s diversity, from the luxury of 7 Mile Beach to the natural beauty of the East End. We thought we would only keep the car for a day, and ended up extending to 4 days!

Bring a Waterproof Bag: Perfect for beach days and boat trips.

Public Holiday Camping: Caymanians camp on public beaches during holidays. It’s fun to see the festivities, but expect crowded beaches—avoid if you’re seeking a quieter beach experience.

Next Time Goals
– Stay primarily on the East End for a slower, more local experience.
– Visit the Sister Islands (Little Cayman & Cayman Brac).