Name a landmark for New York City.  I bet you said “the Statue of Liberty.” When you ask people to name a landmark for St. Lucia, they’ll say “the Pitons Mountains.”
 
If you’re in St. Lucia, you’ve got to see the Piton Mountains.  Not only are they the most photographed landmark on the island, but they’re also a breathtaking sight to see.  Just imagine two lush, green peaks towering over the blue ocean.  It’s something you really have to see for yourself.
 
If you’re an adventure-seeker and a seasoned hiker, then you can hike the mountains, too.  However, if you’re a beginner, you might want to just stay on the ground and take some pictures.  It’s just as beautiful below as it is on top!

While you’re in St. Lucia, plan on spending some time at Soufriere.
 
Once you arrive, you can explore the botanical gardens and see mesmerizing waterfalls cascading into the waters below.  Take a tour of the Diamond Botanical Gardens and Waterfall, and you’ll hike along easy paths lined with lush gardens.  Eventually, you’ll come to a bubbling spring where you can take a dip.
 
Once you reach the base of the Diamond Waterfall, slip on your bathing suit and soak in the cool, refreshing mineral springs.  What a perfect way to spend a day!

Every year, the St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival turns up the island beats.  The country’s most popular event hosts thousands in quaint, rustic village settings like Port Castries and Pigeon Island National Landmark.  The 13-day festival has featured artists such as R. Kelly, Ojays, The Jacksons, Tito Puente Jr. and several more.
 
If you’re ready for a taste of the real St. Lucia, head to the Summertime Carnival.  Here, the streets come alive with colorful parades, steel drum competitions and lots of street dancing.  If you want to make sure not to miss the St. Lucia Summertime Carnival, make sure you’ll be visiting during the month of July.  It’s a month-long celebration, so any time that month would be the perfect time to visit.

When it comes to souvenirs, we believe in shopping local – and often! And some of our favorite island items are the colorfully painted masks from the local woodcarver Zaka.  You can find his Technicolor totems in gift shops across the island but if you’re in Soufriere, stop by his Zaka Café for the largest selection of masks (made from recycled wood and old telephone poles), starting at just $20.  Other tried-and-true souvenir sources: In Castries, we head to the main market for straw baskets and spices; and Batik fabrics, where you can watch artisans make tropical-printed fabrics and buy island-inspired clothing to take home.  Searching for a designer bauble at duty-free pricing? Check out the jewelry shops in the arcade at Point Seraphine, also in Castries.