6 Best Sights in St. Maarten, St. Martin and St. Maarten

Many believe that this mile-long, powdery-white-sand beach behind the Mullet Bay Golf Course is the island's best. Though the undertow can make swimming a challenge at times, there's a cove at the south end that's calm enough for kids, and it's a good spot for snorkeling. Listen for the "whispering pebbles" as the waves wash up. Beach bars serve lunch and cold drinks, and you can rent chairs and umbrellas.

This half-moon stretch of white sand on the island's Caribbean side is a gem, despite occasional noise from planes at the airport in the nearby Maho area. It's surrounded mostly by private residences, with no big resorts or crowds and few Jet Skiers, so it's just you, the sand, and the water. One funky beach bar, Karakter, at the northern end provides chairs and nourishment. To find the beach, follow the signs southeast of the airport to Mary's Boon and the Horny Toad guesthouses.

A must-see for movie buffs, especially Star Wars fans, this nonprofit museum is run by Nick Maley, a film-industry artist who was involved in the creation of Yoda and other iconic characters. You'll learn how he worked while enjoying displays of models and memorabilia, and Maley is often on-hand to answer questions and autograph souvenirs that are for sale.

This bustling white-sand beach curves around Philipsburg just behind Front Street. Here you'll find boutiques, eateries, and a pleasant boardwalk, as well as places to rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Often busy with cruise-ship passengers, the beach is best west of Captain Hodge Pier or around Antoine Restaurant.

In addition to 360-degree island views, this eco-adventure park has adrenaline-rush rides. Nose around the Emilio Wilson museum to learn about island history before taking the Sky Explorer chairlift up Sentry Hill, where there's a wooden observation deck . Get a cold beverage at the Sky Bar, and work up the nerve to go down the hill via the Schooner Ride (featuring inner tubes that slide along a special track), the Sentry Hill zip line, or—if you really dare—the famous Flying Dutchman, reputed to be the world's steepest zip line. After all the excitement, treat yourself to a nice lunch at Emilio's, the award-winning on-site restaurant.

In addition to rotating exhibits that highlight island history, industry, geology, and archaeology, this museum displays artifacts that range from Arawak pottery shards to objects salvaged from the wreck of the HMS Proselyte. One interesting exhibit focuses on hurricanes. The gift shop has a small but nicely curated selection of items, including framed maps and other works.