If you ever think about vacation spots in Nigeria, Bayelsa does not come to mind. Though small and often seen only through the lens of oil and politics, there is more to the state than just oil. Located in the South South, it is one of Nigeria’s youngest states and also one of its most resource-rich.

Over the past few years, the presence of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has also transformed Yenagoa, giving the city a more modern and organised feel. Thanks to the board’s world-class headquarters complex, which has changed the skyline, with conference halls, hotels, and training facilities that attract both business and leisure visitors. This has helped open up the city, improving infrastructure and supporting a growing hospitality scene.

Now, the state contributes significantly to the country’s economy, but beyond the pipeline and offshore rigs, the state has beautiful places and natural attractions and cultural landmarks worth visiting and exploring. So, if you ever find yourself in need of visiting new places and having new adventures, here are five places that capture the real Bayelsa you should consider.

1. Oxbow Lake Pavilion 

If there is one place everyone in Yenagoa knows, it is Oxbow Lake. The lake is a hangout spot, a mini tourist site, and a community space rolled into one. Weekends are the best time to visit; families come for boat rides, couples sit by the water, and food vendors line the walkways.

The Bayelsa State Tourism Board has been improving the area with better seating, lighting, and small food courts, making it one of the most relaxed public spaces in the city. Here, you can relax, embrace culture in both the food and habitat.

2. Peace Park 

Peace Park sits right in the middle of Yenagoa and serves as the city’s main public recreation space. It is simple but well-maintained, with trees, benches, and open lawns. People come here to walk, sit, talk, or just breathe. On weekends, it turns into a mini festival ground, with children playing, vendors selling snacks, and live music floating in the air. It might not be fancy, but it feels real, and that is its charm. Imagine those scenes in Hollywood movies where the actors visit a park; that is what Peace Park gives you, that vibe.

3. Swali Market Waterfront 

Swali Market is where you see the real energy of Yenagoa. It sits on the edge of the Nun River, and the waterfront is always busy, boats docking, traders shouting prices, and the smell of roasted fish in the air. You can buy almost anything here: seafood, fabrics, spices, and local crafts. It is chaotic but alive, and it shows how deeply connected Bayelsa’s economy is to its rivers and trade routes. This place gives you another adventure entirely.

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4. Ijaw House 

Ijaw House is more than a building; it is a symbol of who the people are. It is the cultural and intellectual centre of Bayelsa, hosting exhibitions, book readings, policy meetings, and art displays. The walls tell stories of resistance, history, and pride, everything that defines the Ijaw nation. If you visit during a festival, you will see traditional dances, music, and colourful outfits that make you understand Bayelsa beyond the headlines.

5. The Nun River

The Nun River is one of Bayelsa’s greatest natural features. It flows through several communities and connects to smaller creeks that define life in the state. Standing by the river at sunset, you understand why Bayelsa is called the “Glory of All Lands.” The water glows gold, the air cools, and everything slows down. For locals, the river is not just scenery; it is livelihood, history, and memory. Here, you get to see water in another light and not always the oil-polluted water you see on social media and headlines.

Although Bayelsa is still growing into its identity as a tourist destination. The oil rigs might dominate the skyline, but beneath that industrial layer lies a state full of quiet experiences, good food, and great places to explore.

Although Bayelsa is still growing into its identity as a tourist destination. The oil rigs might dominate the skyline, but beneath that industrial layer lies a state full of quiet experiences, good food, and great places to explore. And if you truly want to feel the city’s pulse, do not leave without trying its legendary seafood, fresh fish, prawns, and periwinkles cooked right by the water. It is one of the best parts of Bayelsa life and a flavour you will not forget in a hurry.

Cynthia Nwanonyiri