BELIZE DISTRICT
Why consider vacationing in Belize District?
Belize District is a district of the nation of Belize, with its district capital in the nation's largest city, Belize City. Also in Belize District are the towns of Hattieville, Ladyville, San Pedro Town, and Caye Caulker; the villages or Burrel Boom, Crooked Tree, Gales Point; and Rockstone Pond.
The Belize District also includes the Crooked Tree and the Money Bay WIldlife Sanctuaries, Belize National Zoo (30 miles west of Belize City), as well as the ancient Maya ruins of Altun Ha. Most of the Belize District is in the east central mainland of Belize; the Belize DIstrict also includes various off shore islands of Belize, including Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, St. George's Caye, and Goff Caye. Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are considered the Country of Belize tourism hubs. |
THINGS TO DO - Belize District
Top Attractions in Belize District
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Getting to Belize City
Most international visitors fly to the Phillip Goldson International Airport (code: PGIA), located just a few miles outside of Belize City. At the airport, it is easy to hail a taxi, arrange for a shuttle, or rent a vehicle. Belize City is located in the heart of the Belize District, with plenty of public transportation options to get in and around the region. |
Top Things To See & Do In Belize City
Some of the most popular attractions in Belize City include the historic Baron Bliss Lighthouse, the country’s Supreme Court, the beautiful St. John’s Cathedral, and the House of Culture. Another popular local attraction is the Museum of Belize. First built in 1857, the structure served as a prison until 2002, when it was transformed into a museum dedicated to showcasing the country’s heritage.
Visitors can enjoy an abundance of wildlife and pristine nature just a short drive from Belize City. Close by is the Crooked Tree wildlife sanctuary, as is the Belize Zoo, where visitors can marvel at both rescued animals and a rare collection of endangered native animals. In the river waters near Belize City, abundant opportunities abound to view playful manatees.
Also close to Belize is one of the country’s principal Mayan ruins, the former city of Altun Ha. There, visitors can explore the largest temple on the grounds, known today as “The Temple of the Masonry Altars”. This signature building is featured on the label of Belikin Beer, the popular Belizean brew favored by locals.
Some of the most popular attractions in Belize City include the historic Baron Bliss Lighthouse, the country’s Supreme Court, the beautiful St. John’s Cathedral, and the House of Culture. Another popular local attraction is the Museum of Belize. First built in 1857, the structure served as a prison until 2002, when it was transformed into a museum dedicated to showcasing the country’s heritage.
Visitors can enjoy an abundance of wildlife and pristine nature just a short drive from Belize City. Close by is the Crooked Tree wildlife sanctuary, as is the Belize Zoo, where visitors can marvel at both rescued animals and a rare collection of endangered native animals. In the river waters near Belize City, abundant opportunities abound to view playful manatees.
Also close to Belize is one of the country’s principal Mayan ruins, the former city of Altun Ha. There, visitors can explore the largest temple on the grounds, known today as “The Temple of the Masonry Altars”. This signature building is featured on the label of Belikin Beer, the popular Belizean brew favored by locals.
What To Eat & Drink In Belize District
Belize City is home to some of the most diverse culinary offerings in the entire country. Restaurants featuring Chinese, Lebanese, and local delicacies abound, and visitors can try Belizean specialties like fry jacks, meat pies, rice and beans and conch ceviche. One popular local non-alcoholic drink is the seaweed shake, made from a special blend of condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and seaweed. Optionally, you can add a shot of Belizean brandy or rum to your seaweed shake to spice things up. One very popular local cocktail is known as the Pantiripa (Panty Ripper), made from coconut, pineapple juice, grenadine, and local rum.
Where to Stay In the Belize District (Where to Stay)
Belize City is home to hundreds of hotels, including large prestigious chains like the Radisson and Princess. International seminars and conferences are also held in Belize City. For visitors seeking more intimate accommodations, properties like the Black Orchid Resort and Maruba Jungle Resort offer unique mud spa treatments and other tropical delights.
Belize City is home to some of the most diverse culinary offerings in the entire country. Restaurants featuring Chinese, Lebanese, and local delicacies abound, and visitors can try Belizean specialties like fry jacks, meat pies, rice and beans and conch ceviche. One popular local non-alcoholic drink is the seaweed shake, made from a special blend of condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and seaweed. Optionally, you can add a shot of Belizean brandy or rum to your seaweed shake to spice things up. One very popular local cocktail is known as the Pantiripa (Panty Ripper), made from coconut, pineapple juice, grenadine, and local rum.
Where to Stay In the Belize District (Where to Stay)
Belize City is home to hundreds of hotels, including large prestigious chains like the Radisson and Princess. International seminars and conferences are also held in Belize City. For visitors seeking more intimate accommodations, properties like the Black Orchid Resort and Maruba Jungle Resort offer unique mud spa treatments and other tropical delights.
BELIZE MUSEUM
Belize Museum
Housed in the old prison, this museum has rotating exhibitions and an incredible stamp collection that make it worth a visit. Built more than 150 years ago by the British colonial government to house prisoners, the facility in central Belize City was closed down by the newly-independent government of Belize in 1992. Ten years later, the government of Belize renovated the building, converting it to the Belize Museum, now dedicated to exhibiting and documenting more than 3,000 years of history in the area.
Belize was once the heartland of the ancient Mayan Empire and today, visitors can see a rich assembly of Mayan ceremonial objects, carvings, paintings, and other cultural artifacts in the Belize Museum. The museum also has a number of important artifacts from the British colonial era, including Victorian-era stamps, postcards and a display about the loggers who once braved malaria and swamps in the country. There are also coin, insects, and locally-produced bottles on display. A tour of the museum also includes the chance to experience an authentic prison cell, as well as learn about the devastation that Hurricane Hattie wreaked on the nation in 1961. Probably the most evocative exhibition is on the botfly and how it uses decaying human flesh to feed its larvae. The museum also regularly conducts workshops and showcases temporary exhibitions.
Housed in the old prison, this museum has rotating exhibitions and an incredible stamp collection that make it worth a visit. Built more than 150 years ago by the British colonial government to house prisoners, the facility in central Belize City was closed down by the newly-independent government of Belize in 1992. Ten years later, the government of Belize renovated the building, converting it to the Belize Museum, now dedicated to exhibiting and documenting more than 3,000 years of history in the area.
Belize was once the heartland of the ancient Mayan Empire and today, visitors can see a rich assembly of Mayan ceremonial objects, carvings, paintings, and other cultural artifacts in the Belize Museum. The museum also has a number of important artifacts from the British colonial era, including Victorian-era stamps, postcards and a display about the loggers who once braved malaria and swamps in the country. There are also coin, insects, and locally-produced bottles on display. A tour of the museum also includes the chance to experience an authentic prison cell, as well as learn about the devastation that Hurricane Hattie wreaked on the nation in 1961. Probably the most evocative exhibition is on the botfly and how it uses decaying human flesh to feed its larvae. The museum also regularly conducts workshops and showcases temporary exhibitions.
BELIZE ZOO
Belize Zoo - Welcome to the best little zoo in the world!
Once upon a time, film producers specializing in documentaries about life in tropical forests chose Belize as their favorite destination. Critters now living in the Belize Zoo were once "stars" of these documentaries, but after film crews completed their projects, some of the animals had become so habituated to humans, they could no longer live in the wild. In 1983, film crew members plus Belize animal lovers carved out a zoo home for these animals and since then, animals who have been orphaned, rescued or rehabilitated enough to join the family have come to live here, too. It's fun to see this unique zoo and a visit is guaranteed to delight kids of all ages.
Once upon a time, film producers specializing in documentaries about life in tropical forests chose Belize as their favorite destination. Critters now living in the Belize Zoo were once "stars" of these documentaries, but after film crews completed their projects, some of the animals had become so habituated to humans, they could no longer live in the wild. In 1983, film crew members plus Belize animal lovers carved out a zoo home for these animals and since then, animals who have been orphaned, rescued or rehabilitated enough to join the family have come to live here, too. It's fun to see this unique zoo and a visit is guaranteed to delight kids of all ages.
BABOON SANCTUARY
Baboon Sanctuary
The Baboon Sanctuary has been one of the most popular and successful conservation projects in Belize. One of the best aspects of this experience is the ability to get "up-close & personal" with a Howler Monkey troup. Founded in 1985, the Baboon Sanctuary is a co-operative effort between environmentalists (aided by the World Wildlife Fund under the auspices of the Audubon Society) and local creole landowners to save Central America's declining population of black howler monkeys, known as baboons in Belize. Apart from Belize, this sub-species is only found in the river lowlands of Guatemala and southern Mexico, where the rainforest has been shrinking at such a rate that extinction was becoming probable. A zoologist from the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Robert Horwich, initially signed an agreement with 16 local farmers along the Belize River; while still working their agricultural lands, the farmers pledged to follow a management plan that would help protect the howler monkeys. Today the Santuary has flourished to include a small museum, nature trails, bird tours, canoe and crocodile tours. There is also a jam factory and a Creole Cultural Center. Children really love this tour, because of the interaction with the monkeys.
The Baboon Sanctuary has been one of the most popular and successful conservation projects in Belize. One of the best aspects of this experience is the ability to get "up-close & personal" with a Howler Monkey troup. Founded in 1985, the Baboon Sanctuary is a co-operative effort between environmentalists (aided by the World Wildlife Fund under the auspices of the Audubon Society) and local creole landowners to save Central America's declining population of black howler monkeys, known as baboons in Belize. Apart from Belize, this sub-species is only found in the river lowlands of Guatemala and southern Mexico, where the rainforest has been shrinking at such a rate that extinction was becoming probable. A zoologist from the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Robert Horwich, initially signed an agreement with 16 local farmers along the Belize River; while still working their agricultural lands, the farmers pledged to follow a management plan that would help protect the howler monkeys. Today the Santuary has flourished to include a small museum, nature trails, bird tours, canoe and crocodile tours. There is also a jam factory and a Creole Cultural Center. Children really love this tour, because of the interaction with the monkeys.
BELIZE CITY
Belize City (Ft. George Area)
Fort George Area - Take a stroll through this breezy neighborhood with its ramshackle colonial homes and old wooden hotels.
Supreme Court of Belize - is one of three tiers of courts in Belize, the lower ones being the Magistrate's Courts and the Court of Appeal. It is a court of original jurisdiction in both civil and criminal cases as well as an appellate court. It is governed by the Supreme Court of Judicature Act (SCJA). The Supreme Court consists of three judges. The Supreme Court divides Belize into three districts, and holds four sessions per year in each district, for a total of twelve sessions.
St. John's (the Baptist) Cathedral - is the primary cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Belize. Based in Belize City, Belize, and built from 1812 to 1820 with bricks that had been used as ballast aboard ships, it was the first church to be built in the colony of British Honduras. Initially a parish church, St. John's Church became St. John's Cathedral in 1891, a few years after the Diocese of Belize had been erected. It has numerous alterations dating to more recent renovations. The exterior of the church is of brick; the interior is fitted out in mahogany and sapodilla. It is a historical landmark of Belize from the colonial influence of the country's past. Attached to the church is the oldest cemetery in the country, Yarborough Cemetery. It was built by the British using slave labour.
Baron Bliss Lighthouse - is a lighthouse in Belize City. Established in 1885, it has a focal plane of 16 m (52 ft) and is painted white and red. It is named after one of Belize's greatest benefactors, Baron Bliss, who is known to have never actually set foot on Belizean shores but was impressed with the people's warm hospitality. He was a sailor and fisherman who traveled the world aboard his yacht the "Sea King". On March 9, 1926, Baron Bliss died leaving instructions that he be buried in a granite tomb near the sea, enclosed with an iron fence with a lighthouse built nearby. This is why this monument was constructed (in remembrance of him) and also at the location where it stands today.
Fort George Area - Take a stroll through this breezy neighborhood with its ramshackle colonial homes and old wooden hotels.
Supreme Court of Belize - is one of three tiers of courts in Belize, the lower ones being the Magistrate's Courts and the Court of Appeal. It is a court of original jurisdiction in both civil and criminal cases as well as an appellate court. It is governed by the Supreme Court of Judicature Act (SCJA). The Supreme Court consists of three judges. The Supreme Court divides Belize into three districts, and holds four sessions per year in each district, for a total of twelve sessions.
- The Northern District - comprising Corozal District and Orange Walk District; the Supreme Court sits at the Court House in Corozal Town.
- The Central District - comprising Belize District and Cayo District; the Supreme Court sits at the Court House in Belize City.
- The Southern District - comprising Stann Creek District and Toledo District; the Supreme Court sits at the Court House in Dangriga.
St. John's (the Baptist) Cathedral - is the primary cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Belize. Based in Belize City, Belize, and built from 1812 to 1820 with bricks that had been used as ballast aboard ships, it was the first church to be built in the colony of British Honduras. Initially a parish church, St. John's Church became St. John's Cathedral in 1891, a few years after the Diocese of Belize had been erected. It has numerous alterations dating to more recent renovations. The exterior of the church is of brick; the interior is fitted out in mahogany and sapodilla. It is a historical landmark of Belize from the colonial influence of the country's past. Attached to the church is the oldest cemetery in the country, Yarborough Cemetery. It was built by the British using slave labour.
Baron Bliss Lighthouse - is a lighthouse in Belize City. Established in 1885, it has a focal plane of 16 m (52 ft) and is painted white and red. It is named after one of Belize's greatest benefactors, Baron Bliss, who is known to have never actually set foot on Belizean shores but was impressed with the people's warm hospitality. He was a sailor and fisherman who traveled the world aboard his yacht the "Sea King". On March 9, 1926, Baron Bliss died leaving instructions that he be buried in a granite tomb near the sea, enclosed with an iron fence with a lighthouse built nearby. This is why this monument was constructed (in remembrance of him) and also at the location where it stands today.
BELIZE HOUSE OF CULTURE
Belize House of Culture
This gracious mansion at the end of Regent Street is one of Belize City's most important political and historical landmarks. For over 150 years, it was the seat of colonial government and private residence for a series of Superintendents, Lieutenant Governors and Governor's sent from Great Britain, and the first Governor General of an independent Belize.
This gracious mansion at the end of Regent Street is one of Belize City's most important political and historical landmarks. For over 150 years, it was the seat of colonial government and private residence for a series of Superintendents, Lieutenant Governors and Governor's sent from Great Britain, and the first Governor General of an independent Belize.
OLD BELIZE & CUCUMBER BEACH
Old Belize & Cucumber Beach
Old Belize offers an unforgettable experience that will surely provide an excellent orientation for the country and people of Belize. Go for a meal, and stay for the beach, boats, waterslide, and zip line. This entertainment center is located a few miles down the Western Highway from Belize City and features a historical heritage tour and museum.
The fascinating culture and intriguing history of Belize are beautifully intertwined and are as colorful as the strategically woven ribbons on a maypole. At the foundation are all the events and people that shaped this country in pursuit of personal and colonial freedom. The history of Belize spans from the Maya, the indigenous people, who occupied the territory, to a coastal settlement comprised of ex-pirates in search of mahogany, to the migration of cultures who have all been a part of creating a dazzling inter-racial society that includes six major ethnic groups who among them speak eight different languages.
Old Belize adventure prides itself in being able to rekindle the flavor of the past while providing an atmosphere where history, fun and great food makes for an unforgettable experience.
Old Belize offers an unforgettable experience that will surely provide an excellent orientation for the country and people of Belize. Go for a meal, and stay for the beach, boats, waterslide, and zip line. This entertainment center is located a few miles down the Western Highway from Belize City and features a historical heritage tour and museum.
The fascinating culture and intriguing history of Belize are beautifully intertwined and are as colorful as the strategically woven ribbons on a maypole. At the foundation are all the events and people that shaped this country in pursuit of personal and colonial freedom. The history of Belize spans from the Maya, the indigenous people, who occupied the territory, to a coastal settlement comprised of ex-pirates in search of mahogany, to the migration of cultures who have all been a part of creating a dazzling inter-racial society that includes six major ethnic groups who among them speak eight different languages.
Old Belize adventure prides itself in being able to rekindle the flavor of the past while providing an atmosphere where history, fun and great food makes for an unforgettable experience.