Alice Town near Fort Lauderdale FL

Alice Town is nestled in North Bimini, the westernmost district of the Bahamas, just 50 miles off the coast from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

This small, vibrant town is historically known as the fishing capital of the Bahamas due to its rich marine biodiversity. It's an exquisite gem for travelers seeking a picturesque tropical setting but with an adventurous twist; thanks to its thriving local culture, variegated seascapes, uninterrupted expanses of azure waters, and meticulously preserved heritage. Alice Town not only seduces visitors with its natural beauty but also entices them with tales of its captivating past and an atmosphere that's simply unique.

Degree deep into Alice Town's history, it was established in the early 20th century and is named for Alice Weech, the first Postmistress of Bimini. Its geographical proximity to the U.S. not only greatly influenced its culture but also played a pivotal role during the Prohibition era. The town became an important commodities supply base for rum-runners who used to transport alcohol to the states covertly. Alice Town's historical texture, therefore, offers an exuberant blend of Bahamian customs, American cultural influences, and intriguing tales of yesteryears that will fascinate history enthusiasts.

One of Alice Town's significant highlights is the Bimini Museum, preserving invaluable relics reflecting the town's past. Here, you can immerse yourself in vestiges related to its deep-sea fishing heritage, encounter Ernest Hemingway keepsakes, and discover artifacts from the Prohibition era. Nurturing its maritime legacy, Alice Town's marinas are another prominent attraction, where sport fishing enthusiasts can pursue big game fish species in the surrounding warm, tropical waters. For nature aficionados, the Great Mangrove is an ecological marvel at the outskirts of the town where you can explore hundreds of bird species, nurse sharks, and other extraordinary marine life. For a twist of thrill, there’s the SS Sapona, a concrete-hulled cargo steamship that met a shipwreck near Bimini during a hurricane and now serves as a popular site for divers and snorkelers.

While exploring Alice Town, one cannot omit a visit to the Compleat Angler Hotel, a graceful blend of history and architecture, where literature legend, Ernest Hemingway resided while penning parts of his novel, “To Have and Have Not.” The energetic local culture is best experienced through the locally-owned shops, marketplaces, and eateries that offer native crafts and cuisine. The famous ‘Bimini Bread’ is a must-try local delicacy that you won't soon forget, along with the fresh seafood that defines the Bimini culinary scene.

A trip to Alice Town isn't merely a casual visit but an immersive exploration of cognizant living, irrevocable history, and unspoiled natural beauty. It's the allure of warm sandy beaches, the thrill of sport fishing in its crystal-clear waters, the taste of distinctively savory cuisine, and the charm of a preserved heritage. Alice Town offers an enriching multifaceted experience, reason enough for those who seek more than just a typical tropical destination.