Exploring Tobago’s North Side Road: 22 Beautiful Stops to Discover
Planning a North Side Road day trip while in Tobago? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know and our suggested itinerary for the perfect North Side Road day trip.
If you’re looking for the most scenic drive in Tobago, the North Side Road is where adventure meets culture. Winding along the island’s rugged coastline, this route takes you through fishing villages, hidden beaches, lush rainforest, and some of the best viewpoints in Tobago. From the remarkable Silk Cotton Tree to the lively village of Castara and the laid-back charm of Parlatuvier, every bend in the road reveals something new.
In this guide, I’ll take you through 22 unmissable stops along North Side Road — including waterfalls, local food spots, cultural experiences, and postcard-worthy lookouts. Whether you’re planning a full road trip or just picking a few highlights, this itinerary has everything you need to make the most of your drive through Tobago’s north coast.
Interactive Map: Stops Along Tobago’s North Side Road
Save this map for your next Tobago road trip!
Know Before You Go
- Driving time: The full stretch from Moriah to Parlatuvier can be done in about an hour, but you’ll want to dedicate a full day (or even overnight) to stop and explore.
- Road conditions: Winding, narrow in sections, with blind corners — take your time. Lots of potholes, recommend doing this drive in an SUV or hiring a driver..
- Best time to go: Morning departure gives you plenty of daylight for multiple stops.
- Essentials to pack: Cash (many vendors don’t take cards), swimwear, towel, sunscreen, snacks, water, and your camera.
- Why it’s special: This road blends Tobago’s raw natural beauty with authentic village life.
How to Get to North Side Road
The North Side Road stretches along Tobago’s northern coastline, linking Castara, Englishman’s Bay, and Parlatuvier. How you get there depends on where you’re starting from:
- From the Airport / Crown Point – Drive east along the Claude Noel Highway toward Scarborough, then follow signs to Moriah and Castara. The journey takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- From Mount Irvine / Black Rock – Head north through Plymouth and continue inland toward Moriah where Arnos Vale Road turns into the North Side Road.
- From Scarborough (the capital) – Drive west toward Moriah, then follow the winding road into Castara. Expect about a 45-minute drive.
I recommend that you use the app Waze to navigate Tobago.
Tip: The road is narrow and winding in places, but the views make it worth the drive. Take your time, and pull over at lookouts when possible.
First Scenic Stops on the North Side Road
Before hitting the road for a day trip, I recommend grabbing coffee from One Cup and aloo pies from Kera’s Food Delight. Both are located in the Buccoo food court and open early.
Stop 1: King Peter’s Bay
King Peter’s Bay is a very remote and usually deserted bay with a 150m dark-sand beach. We always pass the sign on our North Side Road Trips and recently we decided to check it out. The beach is accessible via a 3-mile steep, narrow badly-deteriorating road.
The clear waters reflecting turquoise against the dark sand make this a very picturesque beach in my opinion. However, it is not recommended to swim here.
This stop is best explored with a local tour guide.
Stop 2: The Remarkable Silk Cotton Tree
This centuries-old Silk Cotton tree is one of the most impressive landmarks along the drive. With its towering roots and expansive branches, it’s a quick but unforgettable stop. I usually snap a few pictures as we are driving by but never actually stop and get out.
Castara Village Highlights
Castara is one of Tobago’s most vibrant villages, and you could easily spend half a day (or more) here. From food and culture to nature and sunsets, here are the must-see stops. This village is known as providing the best hospitality on the island.
Once you arrive in Castara, the road trip takes on a vibrant, cultural feel. Here are the must-do experiences:
Stop 3: Castara Bay Lookout
There are two lookout spots before reaching Castara. You will get the best view from the second lookout which is clearly identifiable by the Coca-Cola Selfie Spot signage.
This viewpoint gives you a bird’s-eye view of Castara village and its bay. A great spot to pause before heading into the village itself.
Stop 4: Breakfast at Caribbean Kitchen
If you are in need of breakfast or stayed the previous night in Castara, I highly recommend you visit Caribbean Kitchen. Start your morning with fresh, locally inspired breakfast dishes while overlooking Castara Bay.
Stop 5: Seine Fishing with the Locals
Watch (or even help) the fishermen pull in their nets — one of Tobago’s oldest traditions. A fantastic vantage point is from Caribbean Kitchen above the bay.
Stop 6: Castara Waterfall
Just a short walk from the village, through the field and a short walk in the forest, you will come across Castara waterfall. It is surrounded by lush greenery and makes for a refreshing dip. This is one of my favourite waterfall’s in all of Tobago.
Stop 7: Cane Juice & Souvenirs
In the parking lot by Castara Beach, you’ll often find a local vendor selling fresh cane juice, handmade crafts and island inspired clothing. A perfect way to support the community. Freshly pressed cane juice is a beloved Caribbean refreshment that is naturally sweet and slightly grassy.
Stop 8: Castara Beach
A lively mix of locals and visitors, Castara Beach is perfect for swimming, liming, or just soaking up the atmosphere. Every Thursday night, a bonfire is hosted on the beach which is full of vibes. From here you can also catch a boat to explore secluded beaches that are accessible only by boat.
Stop 9: The Dirt Oven
On Castara Beach, you’ll find the village’s traditional clay oven where locals bake fresh bread. If you’re lucky, you can catch it in action. Everything we have tried here has been delicious, highly recommend!
Stop 10: Lunch at Cascreole
This family owned beachside spot serves hearty local food and BBQ with a view of the sea.
Stop 11: Sunset Over Castara Bay
End your Castara experience with a magical sunset. The colors over the bay are some of the best in Tobago.
Stop 12: Cocktails & Dinner at Caribbean Kitchen
Return to Caribbean Kitchen for dinner and drinks. The menu rotates every few days, keeping things fresh and exciting. This is also a great spot to view the sunset. I do recommend making a reservation here. If the hotel is busy, you may have trouble getting a table, especially at prime time.
Stops Between Villages
After exploring Castara, you can continue heading North to Parlatuvier. Along the way you will pass some of the healthiest and most beautiful cows/bulls you will see in your life. I love seeing them.
Stop 13: Little Englishman’s Bay
A quiet roadside pull-off that’s more of a photo opportunity than a swimming stop. It’s a quick detour worth making before you continue down the road, known as Little Englishman’s Bay.
Stop 14: Englishman’s Bay Lookout
This lookout is one of Tobago’s most famous — with sweeping views of the deep-blue bay surrounded by rainforest.
Stop 15: Englishman’s Bay Beach
Quiet and serene, this beach is a contrast to Castara’s liveliness. It’s perfect for a peaceful swim or time spent lounging with few crowds. The far right side of the beach offers a great snorkeling spot. Towards the middle of the beach you will find the infamous swing which is a focal point of many Tobago pictures.
Stop 16: Lunch & Souvenirs at Eula’s Restaurant
Right on Englishman’s Bay, Eula’s offers simple but tasty local food, ice cream and a chance to browse handmade souvenirs and crafts. Read our full review here.
Parlatuvier Village Highlights
Heading further along the road, you’ll reach Parlatuvier, another charming fishing village with its own set of highlights. Parlatuvier reminds me of Muskoka, Canada (if you know, you know). I absolutely love this village.
Stop 17: Parlatuvier Lookout
The perfect panoramic view over the bay and the village. In the distance you will see the very unique Royal Palm Forest. It mesmerizes me everytime.
Stop 18: Drinks at Glasgow’s Bar
A classic local bar perched on the cliff above the water. Order a cold beer or rum and lime like a local. You can easily spend an entire afternoon here enjoying one of the best views in Tobago. You can usually spot the sting rays around the jetty from here.
Stop 19: Parlatuvier Beach
A wide, sandy beach with (usually) calm waters, often quieter than Castara or Englishman’s Bay. I enjoy walking this beach, collecting sea glass and shells along the way. You can buy fresh fish from the local fisherman near the jetty.
Stop 20: Stingray Watching from the Jetty
You will often find stingrays gliding near the jetty. The fisherman process fish right above and the stingrays, a long with seabirds, love to feed on the remnants thrown back into the water.
Stop 21: Murals Throughout the Village
As you stroll around Parlatuvier, you’ll find colorful murals that give the village a creative, welcoming vibe.
Stop 22: Parlatuvier Waterfall
A tucked-away waterfall in the rainforest above the village. It’s less visited than Castara’s, which makes it feel extra special.
Accommodation Recommendations Along the Route
If you’d like to turn this road trip into a longer getaway, there are some amazing stays right along the North Side Road:
Exploring North Side Road Without a Car
While renting a car gives you the most flexibility, it’s not the only way to experience Tobago’s North Side Road.
- By Bus – The public bus runs along parts of the North Side Road, connecting villages like Castara, Englishman’s Bay, and Parlatuvier. It’s very affordable, but schedules can be limited, and service isn’t frequent.
- Private Driver/Taxi – For a more convenient option, you can hire a private driver for the day. Many drivers are also excellent guides who can share history, recommend stops, and even arrange meals along the way. This is a great choice if you want the freedom of a road trip without the hassle of driving yourself.
Tip: If you’re staying in Tobago for a while, ask your guesthouse or Airbnb host to recommend a reliable driver — they usually have trusted local contacts.
Top Tips for Your North Side Road Trip
- Carry cash for food, drinks, and souvenirs.
- Take your time — part of the joy is slowing down and enjoying the journey. You don’t have to see everything in one day. Let the day guide you.
- Plan for sunset — Castara or Parlatuvier both offer spectacular views if you are spending the night at near by accommodations.
- Head back in daylight so that it is easier to navigate the road.
- Save our Google Map for quick reference on your next Tobago road trip.
