Alice Town

The King's Highway

The King's Highway is Alice Town's main artery, a narrow road lined with restaurants, bars, gift shops, and dive operators that runs the length of the settlement. Walking its length takes visitors past the Bimini Big Game Club, local watering holes, and colorful buildings that capture the island's easygoing character.

A parallel route called Queen's Highway runs along the opposite shore, creating a loop that allows exploration of both the protected harbor side and the open Atlantic beaches within easy walking distance.

Hemingway's Bimini

Ernest Hemingway made Alice Town his base from 1935 to 1937, drawn by the blue marlin and tuna that patrol the Gulf Stream just offshore. He stayed at the Blue Marlin Hotel, later known as the Compleat Angler, where he worked on "To Have and Have Not" and gathered material for "Islands in the Stream."

Beyond fishing, Hemingway became a local legend for setting up a boxing ring and challenging islanders to sparring matches. His presence helped establish Bimini's reputation as a destination for adventurous sportsmen, a legacy that continues at the fishing tournaments held throughout the year.

Marinas and Fishing Heritage

The Bimini Big Game Club anchors Alice Town's fishing heritage, its marina and resort complex serving as headquarters for anglers targeting marlin, tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi in the deep waters just offshore. Founded in 1936 by Nassau entrepreneur Neville Stuart, the club began as a formal dining establishment and evolved into the center of Bimini's sport fishing culture.

Today, multiple marinas along the Alice Town waterfront offer fuel, slips, and services for visiting yachts, making this the primary boating hub for the Bimini chain. The crossing from Florida takes just three to four hours, putting Alice Town's docks within easy range of South Florida boaters.

Bars, Restaurants, and Island Life

Alice Town's waterfront bars are institutions in themselves, from the historic watering holes where Hemingway drank to modern beach bars serving Goombay Smashes and cold Kalik beer. The culinary focus is local seafood — conch prepared every way imaginable, fresh grouper, and lobster in season.

By day, the pace is slow, with visitors exploring shops, arranging fishing charters, or heading to Radio Beach for swimming. By night, the King's Highway comes alive with music and the relaxed social scene that defines Bahamian out island culture.

Getting there

Alice Town is reached via ferry from South Bimini Airport, where flights arrive from Florida and Nassau. The high-speed Balearia ferry from Fort Lauderdale docks at Resorts World Bimini, from which Alice Town is a short taxi or golf cart ride. By private yacht, marinas along the Alice Town waterfront offer slips, fuel, and customs clearance for vessels arriving from the United States.

Frequently asked questions

Where did Hemingway stay in Bimini?

Ernest Hemingway stayed at the Blue Marlin Hotel (later called the Compleat Angler) in Alice Town from 1935 to 1937. He fished for marlin and tuna while writing "To Have and Have Not" and gathering material for "Islands in the Stream."

What is there to do in Alice Town?

Alice Town offers waterfront bars and restaurants, the historic Bimini Big Game Club, fishing charters for marlin and tuna, access to Radio Beach for swimming, and boat trips to Bimini Road for snorkeling. The King's Highway is ideal for exploring on foot or by golf cart.

Is Alice Town the capital of Bimini?

Yes, Alice Town serves as the capital and main settlement of the Bimini district. Most hotels, restaurants, marinas, and tourist services are concentrated here on North Bimini.