St. Martin and St. Maarten
We’ve compiled the best of the best in St. Martin and St. Maarten - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Baie Orientale
The beach is as vibrant as ever (wider even, with more sand to enjoy now than in years past). Many consider this the island's most...
The beach is as vibrant as ever (wider even, with more sand to enjoy now than in years past). Many consider this the island's most beautiful beach, with 2 miles (3 km) of champagne sand, underwater marine reserve, a variety of water sports, and trendy beach clubs. At its southern end, "naturists" enjoy the Club Orient area's clothing-optional policy, limited by regulation to that portion of the beach only. (Topless sunbathing is allowed on the entire beach.) Naturally, cameras are forbidden and may be confiscated. Plan to spend the day at one of the clubs; each bar has different color umbrellas, and most boast excellent restaurants and lively entertainment. To get here from Marigot, take the main road north past Grand Case, past the French side Aéroport de L'Espérance, and watch for the left turn. Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets; water sports. Best for: nudists; partiers; swimming; walking; windsurfing.
Baie Orientale, n/a St. Martin, 97150, St. Martin -
2. Cupecoy Beach
Near the Dutch-French border, this highly picturesque area of sandstone cliffs, white sand, and shoreline caves is actually a string of small beaches that come...
Near the Dutch-French border, this highly picturesque area of sandstone cliffs, white sand, and shoreline caves is actually a string of small beaches that come and go according to the whims of the sea. The surf can be rough, and it's a steep walk down to parts of the beach. Despite some "no nudity" signs at the neighboring Shore Pointe condos, this beach has been "clothing optional" for decades—but wait until you're on the beach itself before disrobing. Friendly "Dany's Beach Bar," located at the top of the stairs to the beach, serves all kinds of drinks and snacks, and sometimes fresh Caribbean spiny lobster. It's also a superb place for meeting people who gather here from around the world. Amenities: food, drink; chair and umbrella rentals. Best for: relaxation; sunsets.
Cupecoy, n/a St. Maarten, St. Maarten -
3. Ilet Pinel
BeachA protected nature reserve, this kid-friendly island is a five-minute ferry ride from French Cul de Sac ($7 per person round-trip). The ferry...
A protected nature reserve, this kid-friendly island is a five-minute ferry ride from French Cul de Sac ($7 per person round-trip). The ferry runs every half hour from mid-morning until 4 pm. The water is clear and shallow, and the shore is sheltered. Snorkelers can swim a trail between both coasts of this pencil-shaped speck in the ocean. You can rent equipment on the island or in the parking lot before you board the ferry for about $12. Two beach clubs offer lunch: Karibuni (closed September) has the freshest fish, great salads, tapas, and drinks—try the frozen mojito and homemade ice cream. Yellow Beach has more of a party vibe with cocktail tables in the water. Chairs and umbrellas can be rented for $25 for two. Amenities: food and drink; parking. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.
Ilet Pinel, n/a St. Martin, 97150, St. Martin -
4. Little Bay
Despite its occasional use by snorkelers, divers, kayakers, and boating enthusiasts, Little Bay isn't usually crowded. It does boast panoramic views of neighboring islands St....
Despite its occasional use by snorkelers, divers, kayakers, and boating enthusiasts, Little Bay isn't usually crowded. It does boast panoramic views of neighboring islands St. Eustatius (Statia) and Saba, and arriving and departing cruise ships. The beach is on the same peninsula as Fort Amsterdam and accessible via the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, and most beachgoers are hotel guests. Amenities: food and drink at the resort; parking; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.
Little Bay Rd., Little Bay, n/a St. Maarten, St. Maarten -
5. Loterie Farm
Almost halfway up the road to Pic Paradis is a peaceful 150-acre private nature preserve, opened to the public in 1999 by American expat B....
Almost halfway up the road to Pic Paradis is a peaceful 150-acre private nature preserve, opened to the public in 1999 by American expat B. J. Welch. There are trail maps, so you can hike on your own or hire a guide. Marked trails traverse native forest with tamarind, gum, mango, and mahogany trees—the same as it was hundreds of years ago. You might well see some wild vervet monkeys, now rather common here. The Jungle Pool is a lovely tropical garden with a large pool and Jacuzzi area plus lounge chairs, great music, roaming iguanas, and chic tented cabanas with a St. Barth–meets–Wet 'n' Wild atmosphere. A delicious, healthy lunch or dinner can be had poolside, and if you are brave—and over 4 feet 5 inches tall—you can try soaring over trees on one of the longest ziplines in the western hemisphere. (There is a milder version, but people love the more extreme one.) On Sundays you can enjoy music, played by a dj in the tree booth. Called "TreeJ" this wild party by the pool is from 1pm to 5pm on Sundays, and is has more of an adults vibe. If the festive pool area is not your thing, head to the Jungle Room for a tasty lunch, great ambience, tapas, and strong cocktails.
103 rte. de Pic du Paradis, Rambaud, n/a St. Martin, 97150, St. Martin0590-87–86–16Sight Details
Hiking €10, zipline €40–€60, cabanas from €85, and day beds at €25 Rate Includes: Cabana reservation recommended -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Mullet Bay Beach
Many believe that this mile-long, powdery white-sand beach behind the Mullet Bay Golf Course is the island's best. You can rent umbrellas and chairs here....
Many believe that this mile-long, powdery white-sand beach behind the Mullet Bay Golf Course is the island's best. You can rent umbrellas and chairs here. Swimmers like it because the water is usually calm. Be cautious here; undertow can be challenging. Always swim with others nearby, since there are no lifeguards. The comparatively calm cove at the south end is good for kids. Listen for the "whispering pebbles" as the waves wash up. Beach bars serve lunch and cold drinks. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: families; snorkeling; swimming.
Mullet Bay, n/a St. Maarten, St. Maarten -
7. Simpson Bay Beach
This half-moon stretch of white sand on the island's Caribbean side is a hidden gem. It's mostly surrounded by private residences, with no big resorts,...
This half-moon stretch of white sand on the island's Caribbean side is a hidden gem. It's mostly surrounded by private residences, with no big resorts, few Jet Skiers, and no crowds. It's just you, the sand, and the water (along with one funky beach bar, Karakter, at the beach's northern end, to provide some chairs and nourishment). The beach is sometimes a bit noisy when planes depart nearby. To find the beach, follow the signs southeast of the airport to Mary's Boon and the Horny Toad guesthouses. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.
Simpson Bay, n/a St. Maarten, St. Maarten -
8. The Carousel
After riding this beautiful restored Italian carousel in the heart of Simpson Bay, kids of all ages can enjoy dozens of flavors of homemade gelato,...
After riding this beautiful restored Italian carousel in the heart of Simpson Bay, kids of all ages can enjoy dozens of flavors of homemade gelato, an engaging photo exhibit of famous people eating ice cream, and a carousel museum with great souvenirs.
60 Welfare Rd., Cole Bay, n/a St. Maarten, St. Maarten721-544–3112Sight Details
Rate Includes: $2, Mon.–Thurs. 2–10:30, Fri.–Sun. 2–11 -
9. Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit
This odd-sounding exhibit is actually a nonprofit museum run by Nick Maley, a movie-industry artist who was involved in the creation of Yoda and other...
This odd-sounding exhibit is actually a nonprofit museum run by Nick Maley, a movie-industry artist who was involved in the creation of Yoda and other icons. You can learn how the artist worked while enjoying the models and memorabilia on display—a must-see for Star Wars fans but of interest to most movie buffs. Maley is often on-hand and is happy to answer questions as time allows, and to autograph souvenirs for sale.
19a Front St., Philipsburg, n/a St. Maarten, St. Maarten721-542–4009 -
10. Anse Heureuse
BeachNot many people know about this romantic, hidden gem. Happy Bay has powdery sand, gorgeous luxury villas, and stunning views of Anguilla. The...
Not many people know about this romantic, hidden gem. Happy Bay has powdery sand, gorgeous luxury villas, and stunning views of Anguilla. The snorkeling is also good. To get here, turn left on the rather rutted dead-end road to Baie des Péres (Friar's Bay). The beach itself is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the last beach bar. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming; walking.
Happy Bay, n/a St. Martin, 97150, St. Martin -
11. Baie de Grand Case
Along this skinny stripe of a beach bordering the culinary village of Grand Case, the old-style gingerbread architecture sometimes peeps out between the bustling restaurants...
Along this skinny stripe of a beach bordering the culinary village of Grand Case, the old-style gingerbread architecture sometimes peeps out between the bustling restaurants and boutiques. The sea is usually quite calm, and there are tons of fun lunch options from bistros to beachside grills (called lolos). Several of the restaurants rent chairs and umbrellas; some include their use for lunch patrons. The main street, nicknamed "Restaurant Row" is where some of the best restaurants on the island can be found. In between there is a bit of shopping—for beach necessities but also for handicrafts and beach couture. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.
Grand Case, n/a St. Martin, 97150, St. Martin -
12. Baie des Pères
This quiet, occasionally rocky cove close to Marigot has beach grills and bars, with chaises and umbrellas, usually calm waters, and a lovely view of...
This quiet, occasionally rocky cove close to Marigot has beach grills and bars, with chaises and umbrellas, usually calm waters, and a lovely view of Anguilla. 978 Beach Lounge, open daily for lunch and (weather permitting) dinner, has a cool jazzy vibe. It's the best place to be on the full moon, with music, dancing, and a bonfire, but you can get lunch, beach chairs, and umbrellas anytime. Friar's Bay Beach Café is a French bistro on the sand, open from breakfast to sunset. To get to the beach, take National Road 7 from Marigot, go toward Grand Case to the Morne Valois hill, and turn left on the dead-end road at the sign. Note the last 200 yards of road to the beach is dirt and quite bumpy. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: partiers; swimming; walking.
Anse des Pères, n/a St. Martin, 97150, St. Martin -
13. Baie Longue
Though it extends over the French Lowlands, from the cliff at La Samanna to La Pointe des Canniers, the island's longest beach has no facilities...
Though it extends over the French Lowlands, from the cliff at La Samanna to La Pointe des Canniers, the island's longest beach has no facilities or vendors. It's a great place for a romantic walk, but be aware that getting here isn't as easy as it once was since you must now pass through Lowlands security. Note that the beach faces westward and can get very hot; there's no shade from trees, either. This beach is on the leeward, less breezy side of the island. To get here, take National Road 7 south of Marigot. Baie Longue Road is the first entrance to the beach. It's worth a splurge for lunch or a sunset cocktail at the elegant La Samanna. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; walking. Note: beach faces westward and can get very hot; there's no shade from trees, either. This beach is on the leeward, less breezy side of the island.
Baie Longue, n/a St. Martin, 97150, St. Martin -
14. Baie Rouge
Here you can bask with millionaires renting big-ticket villas in the "neighborhood" of Terres Basses---the French lowlands. The gorgeous beach and its salt ponds make...
Here you can bask with millionaires renting big-ticket villas in the "neighborhood" of Terres Basses---the French lowlands. The gorgeous beach and its salt ponds make up a nature preserve, site of the oldest habitation in the Caribbean. This area is widely thought to have the best snorkeling on the island. You can swim the crystal waters along the point and explore a swim-through cave, but beware: the water can be rough. There is a sign and a right turn after you leave Baie Nettlé. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.
Baie Rouge, n/a St. Martin, 97150, St. Martin -
15. Dawn Beach
True to its name, this is a great place to be at sunrise with your camera. Located on the Atlantic side of Oyster Pond, just...
True to its name, this is a great place to be at sunrise with your camera. Located on the Atlantic side of Oyster Pond, just south of the French border, it's a first-class beach for sunning and snorkeling, but the winds and rough water mean only strong swimmers should attempt to take a dip (there are no lifeguards). It's not usually crowded, and there are some good restaurants in the area. Locals often fish here in early mornings or evenings—as do brown pelicans. To find the beach, follow the signs to Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Big Fish Restaurant, or Coral Beach Club. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: snorkeling (particularly at the northern end); sunrise.
Dawn Beach, n/a St. Maarten, St. Maarten -
16. Fort Louis
Though not much remains of the structure itself, Fort Louis, completed by the French in 1789, is great fun if you want to climb the...
Though not much remains of the structure itself, Fort Louis, completed by the French in 1789, is great fun if you want to climb the 92 steps to the top for the wonderful views of the island and neighboring Anguilla. On Wednesday and Saturday there is a market in the square at the bottom.
Marigot, n/a St. Martin, 97150, St. Martin -
17. Great Bay
This bustling white-sand beach curves around Philipsburg just behind Front Street, making it easy to find. Here you'll find boutiques, eateries, a pleasant boardwalk, and...
This bustling white-sand beach curves around Philipsburg just behind Front Street, making it easy to find. Here you'll find boutiques, eateries, a pleasant boardwalk, and rental chairs and umbrellas. Often busy with cruise-ship passengers, the beach is best west of Captain Hodge Pier or around Antoine Restaurant. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming; walking.
Philipsburg, n/a St. Maarten, St. Maarten -
18. Le Gallon
A coral reef borders this quiet, naturally well-protected beach, part of the French side's nature reserve. The water is calm, clear, and quite shallow, so...
A coral reef borders this quiet, naturally well-protected beach, part of the French side's nature reserve. The water is calm, clear, and quite shallow, so it's a paradise for young kids. Kiteboarders and windsurfers like the trade winds at the far end of the beach and will find the beach satisfactory if they don't need those "services." On Sunday there still may be some groups picnicking and partying, but during the week Le Galion is a rather desolate place better avoided. Amenities: parking. Best for: small children; swimming; windsurfing.
Quartier d'Orléans, n/a St. Martin, 97150, St. Martin -
19. Maho Beach
People flock to the island's most famous beach to see dramatically low plane landings to Princess Juliana; they seem to pass just above your head....
People flock to the island's most famous beach to see dramatically low plane landings to Princess Juliana; they seem to pass just above your head. Be careful; the planes are loud and cause strong wind. Standing under the jet blast directly behind the plane can be dangerous and is not advised. Alternatively, you can watch from a more comfortable distance at one of two bars on either side of the beach or at the nearby Sonesta Ocean Point or Sunset Bar and Grill. Amenities: food and drink Best for: walking; windsurfing
Maho Reef, n/a St. Maarten, St. Maarten -
20. Rainforest Adventures St. Maarten
This eco-adventure park, designed so it would minimally impact the island's nature, offers 360-degree views of the island and adrenaline pumping rides. Nose around the...
This eco-adventure park, designed so it would minimally impact the island's nature, offers 360-degree views of the island and adrenaline pumping rides. Nose around the Emilio Wilson museum and learn about the island's history before you take the chairlift all the way to the top of Sentry Hill to the sky explorer, a wooden deck from which you can enjoy the most incredible views of the island. Get a cold beverage at the Sky Bar and work up the nerve to go down the hill with either the Sentry Hill zipline, the schooner ride or--if you dare--the famous Flying Dutchman, also known as the steepest zipline in the world. After all the excitement, treat yourself to a nice lunch at Emilio's restaurant located on the property.
59 L.B. Scott Rd., Philipsburg, n/a St. Maarten, St. Maarten721-543--1135Sight Details
Rate Includes: From $52, Closed Fri.
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