Fort George

This old Trinidadian fortification, not to be mistaken with Tobago's Fort King George in Scarborough, gives tourists a sense of the island's colonial past. Former British Governor Brigadier-General Sir Thomas Hislop erected Fort George in 1804 to safeguard Port of Spain from any imagined military threats. The imposing fortification, however, never saw combat, and the military finally decommissioned it in 1846. The ornate wooden signal station, which stands in sharp contrast to the fort's original cannons and dungeons, is one of Fort George's most well-known features. Prince Kofi Nti, an Ashanti king from West Africa who moved to Trinidad in 1881, created this less threatening, even cute edifice in 1883.

While these structures are interesting to see, former visitors have noted that the fort's gardens and panoramic views make the trip worthwhile. You'll see Fort George's green cannons and the wide views of the Gulf of Paria, St. James, and Port of Spain as soon as you drive up the steep driveway to the property. You could even see the Venezuelan shore if you're lucky.

Although there are numerous picnic tables on the grounds of Fort George, there are no close food sellers; if you want to take advantage of this picturesque picnic area, bring a small snack or supper. There are also public facilities and a small visitor's center within the fort. There is no charge to tour Fort George, which is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. Previous visitors, however, suggest going in the late afternoon to catch a glimpse of one of Trinidad and Tobago's stunning sunsets from this unmatched vantage position.

Location: St. James, Trinidad