# San Fernando

San Fernando is Trinidad's busy second city. It is built on hills including the most famous in Trinidad -- San Fernando Hill. San Fernando is very much a carnival city, experiencing a full build-up to its own wide assortment of competitions in Skinner Park as well as energetic parades. It is also known for the Pointe-a-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust near an oil refinery to the north of the San Fernando.

## Get in

An easy connection from Port of Spain, Chaguanas and other northern and central towns can be made via the Uriah Butler–Solomon Hochoy Highway.
From Port-of-Spain, a water taxi can be taken across the Gulf of Paria, and docks at the Water Taxi Terminal on Lady Hailes Avenue.
From the southwest, connections can be made via the S.S. Erin Road or the Southern Main Road and Mosquito Creek.
From the southeast, connections can be made via the Naparima-Mayaro Road to the Mon Repos roundabout.
Getting to San Fernando can also be done by boat. Boats can dock at the San Fernando Yacht Club.
Bus connections are available from City Gate in Port of Spain and other places via PTSC buses. Additionally, taxis and Maxi Taxis are available.

## Get around

Getting around on the island is very simple. There are mini vans for hire called Maxi Taxis, which carry passengers from various towns.
Regular taxis are also available at taxi stands.

## See

In San Fernando, there are plethora of things to see. This includes:
* San Fernando Hill. The massive hill in the middle of the city. (updated Jan 2025)
* Carnegie Library. Another option, although it is going through some renovations. (updated Jan 2025)
* Happy Corner Hotel and Bar. In business since the 1870s, could be a historical site you may want to see. (updated Jan 2025)
* 10.331-61.4521 Pointe-à-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust, ☏ +1 868 658-4200. M-F 8AM-5PM; Sa 10AM-4PM. A wetland habitat that is home to locally endangered wetland birds. The Trust's setting is unlikely, near an industrial area of the state-owned Petrotrin oil refinery, with flames spouting from flare stacks in the sky. However, in this seemingly inhospitable clime, wildfowl flourish amid such luxuriant vegetation as crape myrtle, flamboyant soursop, mango trees, and even black sage bushes said to be good for high blood pressure. You can only visit and see the grounds by appointment. Admission is $5, which includes a guided tour. (updated Jan 2025)

## Do

* Watch something at Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) or Naparima Bowl

## Buy

There are a few shopping areas in and around the San Fernando area. High street, the main shopping street in the second city, has a range of chain stores and one-off stores run by local businessmen. The largest mall in the Southland is the Gulf City Shopping Complex, tucked away in the suburban Gulf View area, accessible via the San Fernando By Pass route.

## Eat

Lots of restaurants around like Soong's Great Wall Restaurant, Jenny's Wok and Golden Dragon.
You must try their "black pudding". A Friday delicacy consisting of seasoned pig's blood stuffed in intestines and pre-cooked before it's fried in front of you. It may sound disgusting to many cultures but you should really try it before you knock it. It is absolutely delicious.
Another great restaurant in south Trinidad is Canton Palace which is located at Cross Crossing. They serve traditional Chinese and Cantonese style dishes. If pork is one of the meats you eat, you should try their char sue pork and their roasted pork. You could ask Michael, one of the chefs, to prepare your meals.

## Drink

"Sting" and "The Edge" night clubs are popular clubs for those who want to dance to a variety of music all night long. "Horace's", "Richie's" and the "Uncle Sam's" are cozier night spots for those who prefer a smaller crowd. Don't forget about Tree House or TGIF.

## Go next

* Chaguanas
* Couva
* Point Fortin