Top five things you must do while you're in Hope Town.

If your idea of paradise involves pastel-colored cottages, golf carts instead of cars, and the only traffic jam being a family of chickens crossing the road, then Hope Town on Elbow Cay is your next obsession.

Located in the stunning Abaco Islands, Hope Town is a "car-free" sanctuary that feels like a time capsule of Bahamian history, wrapped in a bright, tropical bow. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a month, here is the curated list of things you simply cannot miss.

1. Climb the Iconic Elbow Reef Lighthouse

You haven’t truly "seen" Hope Town until you’ve climbed the 101 steps of its candy-striped lighthouse. Built in 1863, it is the last manually operated, kerosene-fueled lighthouse in the world.

• The View: From the top, you get a 360° panorama of the Sea of Abaco and the Atlantic Ocean.

• The History: Check out the brass mechanism that must be hand-cranked every two hours by a dedicated lightkeeper to keep the beam rotating.

• Pro Tip: It’s free to climb, but donations to the Elbow Reef Lighthouse Society help keep this relic shining.

2. Find Bliss at Tahiti Beach

Located at the southern tip of Elbow Cay, Tahiti Beach is famous for its shallow, crystal-clear sandbar that emerges at low tide.

• The Vibe: It’s the perfect spot for "beaching" (yes, it’s a verb here). You can walk hundreds of yards out into the water and still only be waist-deep.

• Thirsty Cuda: Look for the floating bar that anchors nearby—it’s the best way to get a cold Kalik or a rum punch delivered to you while you’re standing in the ocean.

3. Wander the "Settlement"

The town itself is a maze of narrow, pedestrian-only paths lined with white picket fences and blooming bougainvillea.

• Wyannie Malone Historical Museum: Stop here to learn about the Luayans, the pirates, and the Loyalists who founded the town.

• Shopping: Visit Hope Town Canvas for high-end bags made from recycled sails or Ebb Tide for local art and souvenirs.

4. Rent a Golf Cart or Bike

Since cars aren't allowed in the main settlement, golf carts are the primary mode of transport for exploring the rest of the 8-mile-long island.

• Island Trek: Take your cart south to explore hidden Atlantic-side beaches like Garbanzo Beach (great for surfing) or to grab a bite at the southern resorts.

• Warning: Book your cart well in advance! During peak seasons, they are more in demand than gold.

5. Eat, Drink, and Be Bahamian

Hope Town punches way above its weight class when it comes to dining.

• Cap’n Jack’s: The quintessential harbor-front spot. Go for the conch fritters; stay for the Tuesday night Bingo or karaoke.

• Firefly Sunset Resort: As the name suggests, this is the place for a sunset cocktail. Order the "Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka" and watch the sky turn pink over the Sea of Abaco.

• Hope Town Inn & Marina: Take the free ferry across the harbor to enjoy a poolside lunch and views of the lighthouse.