Fort St. Catherine (St. George Parish): This fort -- with its tunnels, cannons, and ramparts -- towers over the beach where the shipwrecked crew of the Sea Venture first came ashore in 1609 (becoming Bermuda's first settlers). The fort was completed in 1614, and extensive rebuilding and remodeling continued until the 19th century. The audiovisual presentation on St. George's defense system helps you better understand what you're seeing.

Scaur Hill Fort Park (Sandys Parish): Fort Scaur and Fort St. Catherine were part of a ring of fortifications that surrounded Bermuda. Built by the British navy, the fort was supposed to protect the Royal Naval Dockyard from an attack that never materialized. During World War II, U.S. Marines were billeted nearby. Overlooking Great Sound, the fort offers views of some of the island's most dramatic scenery.

St. Peter's Church (St. George Parish): This is the oldest Anglican house of worship in the Western Hemisphere. At one time virtually everyone who died on Bermuda was buried here, from governors to criminals. To the west of the church lies the graveyard of slaves. This is the site of the original church, which colonists built in 1612. A hurricane destroyed the church in 1712, but some parts of the interior survived. It was rebuilt on the same site in 1713.

Verdmont (Smith's Parish): This 1770s mansion is on property once owned by William Sayle, founder and first governor of South Carolina. Filled with portraits, antiques, and china, the house offers a rare glimpse into a long-faded life of old-fashioned style and grace. Resembling a small English manor house, it's the finest historic home in Bermuda.