The dual nation island of St. Maarten/St. Martin attracts countless visitors and new residents every year due to its pristine beaches, unforgettable outdoor activities, delectable cuisine, world-class shopping and nightlife, and harmonious blend of Dutch and French influences.
Nestled amidst the aquamarine waters between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, this tropical paradise boasts an abundance of attractions and destinations, promising an unsurpassed blend of relaxation and adventure. With so many places to discover and activities to enjoy, creating an itinerary for St. Maarten/St. Martin can be a tricky task.
To help you out, we give you an insider’s guide to some of the best places to visit and things to do in St. Maarten/St. Martin.
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THINGS TO DO IN ST. MAARTEN
St. Maarten is perfect if you’re seeking a livelier atmosphere and a multicultural vibe with a strong Caribbean influence. The Dutch side of the island attracts sizable crowds each year with its festivals, events, and dazzling array of pubs and nightlife venues. Its capital, Philipsburg, is a major stop for many Caribbean cruises, welcoming thousands of passengers eager to explore its shops, beaches, historical sites, and cultural attractions.
All these contribute to creating a vibrant ambiance, where there’s always something new and exciting to discover.
Here are some of the best attractions and things to do in St. Maarten.
Indulge in some retail therapy
Rare finds, the latest styles, unbelievable bargains, and one-of-a-kind gifts await in St. Maarten. The island is filled with duty-free boutiques and markets where you can find everything including the hottest brands, unique local specialties, and everything in between.
The best part about shopping in St. Maarten is it’s all tax-free! While the Antillean Guilder is the official currency, Euros and US dollars are accepted by all businesses throughout the island.
In the city of Philipsburg, colorful colonial-style architecture and palm tree-lined avenues set the stage for a relaxing day of shopping. One of the best things to do in St. Maarten is to go shopping at the iconic Front Street, Philipsburg’s main shopping district. Priium tobacco, alcohol, electronics, unique Caribbean souvenirs, and the finest designer brands are all available here at duty-free prices. In addition to the shops, Front Street features several historical points of interest as well, like the pineapple-shaped courthouse clock tower, which dates back to the 1700s.
St. Maarten’s priier shopping destination for art enthusiasts is The Art Box Gallery, located near Simpson Bay. Founded by a local artist, the gallery features works from famous artists like Antoine Chapon, Francis Eck, and Sir Roland Richardson. A wide selection of handcrafted pieces with historical and cultural ties to St. Maarten are also sold at the gallery, which makes for excellent souvenirs.
Check out the nightlife
St. Maarten comes alive every night with its vast array of bars, casinos, pubs, and nightclubs featuring the hottest local artists and performers. There’s a delightful blend of indoor venues and open-air settings with gorgeous scenery, all with a lively atmosphere ideal for spending a night out in the Caribbean.
Here are a few must-visit nightlife venues for you to check out in St. Maarten.
The Red Piano
Billy Folly Road, Koolbaai, St. Maarten
The Red Piano is the place to be if you’re looking to catch a live music performance. The lounge is famous for hosting “Church on Monday,” a weekly event held on Mondays featuring the legendary blues and reggae band, “What the Funk.”
From Tuesday through Sunday, The Red Piano hosts all-request piano shows starring the best piano bar talents from all over the world.
Nowhere Special
Welfare Rd., Philipsburg, St. Maarten
This lively waterfront bar and restaurant in Philipsburg delights patrons with its delicious Caribbean fare. With its location right next to the Simpson Bay bridge, guests can enjoy spectacular views of superyachts sailing on the lagoon while savoring flavorful cuisine.
Nowhere Special hosts different live music events every night. Whether you’re into Caribbean steelpan, hip hop, reggae, karaoke, or old-school melodies, there’s an evening for every type of music lover!
XLounge
68 Welfare Road, 13 Plaza Del Lago, Simpson Bay, St. Maarten
XLounge is a top nightlife destination that combines the best elients of a casual restaurant and a dynamic sports bar.
It’s an excellent place for enjoying a sports-watching gathering with friends. Watch the game on their high-definition screens while ordering from their extensive list of cocktails, tequilas, whiskeys, and draft beers.
XLounge hosts a variety of special events every week like Monday Latin Nights and Karaoke Night Party. The venue can also be reserved for private events.
Go on an outdoor adventure
St. Maarten’s colonial history and diverse tropical ecosysti blend seamlessly to create extraordinary outdoor adventures.
There’s a variety of ways to navigate the island’s hills, valleys, beaches, and natural wonders. You can explore at your own pace or join a Jeep/ATV tour to see some of the best spots on the island. For biking enthusiasts, many operators offer bike-guided tours allowing you to see the landscape from a unique perspective.
Among St. Maarten’s top outdoor destinations is Seaside Nature Park, a 30-acre park offering a range of recreational activities including camping, snorkeling, and hiking. One of the best things to do in St. Maarten is to go on a horseback riding trip at Seaside Nature Park’s Lucky Stables. They offer guided tours and trail rides that take riders through the network of trails winding throughout the island.
St. Maarten boasts many hiking trails for adventurers willing to go off the beaten path. Some trails can be challenging to find, but all trails are accessible, well-maintained, and offer incredible views of the island. Hiking to the natural pool tucked away between Guana Bay and Point Blanche is an experience you simply cannot miss. The moderate out-and-back 2.6 km hike takes you along the pristine, unspoiled coastline leading to a deep natural pool protected from the waves.
THINGS TO DO IN ST. MARTIN
St. Martin is a terrific choice if you’re after a more relaxed and laidback experience. If your idea of Caribbean paradise is uncrowded, sun-soaked sands with sparkling aquamarine waters, then this side of the island is perfect for you.
Many beaches in St. Martin are lined with upscale luxury resorts and high-end French designer boutiques and offer a variety of recreational activities like activities like snorkeling, diving, and boating.
Here’s a quick look at some of the must-visit beaches around the island.
- Grand Case Beach. The fishing town’s main beach is served by a diverse assortment of beachfront restaurants ranging from local sidewalk barbeque vendors to high-end fine dining bistros. The beach is well-known for its tranquil waters ideal for activities like swimming, diving, and snorkeling.
- Petite Plage. Located just south of Grand Case Beach, Petite Page (Little Beach) features a calmer atmosphere, perfect for those looking to spend a quiet, relaxing day at the beach.
- Happy Bay Beach. Another uncrowded beach close to Grand Case is Happy Bay Beach. There’s no road access – the beach is accessible via a ten-minute hike from Friar’s Bay, which is why it’s quiet and secluded most of the year. When March comes around, Happy Bay Beach transforms into a dazzling concert venue for the SXM Festival, St. Martin’s annual electronic music fest.
- Anse Marcel. Located on the far north of St. Martin, Anse Marcel boasts calm waters sheltered from swells and strong currents, which is why it’s so popular for families with young kids. Be sure to check out the Anse Marcel Beach Restaurant for delicious seafood and cocktails.
- Baie Rouge Beach. One of the most breathtaking beaches in St. Martin, Baie Rouge (which means “Red Bay”) is a north-facing beach known for its reddish sands, hence its name. Visitors can take in marvelous views of the island of Anguilla and Bird Bluff, a roost for seabirds. East of the beach is a series of rock archways known as the “Devil’s Hole,” a bucket list destination for avid snorkelers and divers.
Outdoor Destinations in St. Martin
St. Martin’s majestic landscapes, lush rainforests, and untouched coastlines make it a dream destination for outdoor lovers and nature enthusiasts of all ages. This side of the island is brimming with breathtaking locations where you can enjoy a wealth of recreational activities. If all you want to do is relax, sit back, and take in the captivating scenery, there are plenty of spots for that too!
Located in the heart of St. Martin’s lush tropical rainforest is Loterie Farm, a private nature reserve home to a diverse population of protected plant and animal species. Used as a sugar plantation in the 1800s, the 54-hectare sanctuary is by far the island’s most verdant destination: a stunning landscape with soaring mahoganies, bountiful fruit trees, tranquil streams, rock formations, and scenic trails leading to Pic Paradis, St. Martin’s highest point.
You can explore the farm on your own or join one of the many guided tours, which range from relaxing sunset walks to challenging eco hikes. Along the way, you’ll be able to learn interesting facts about the island’s local history, wildlife, and bush medicine from the farm’s expert guides.
One of Loterie Farm’s most popular amenities is the Fly Zone, which takes visitors between towering 200-year-old mahogany and mango trees while traversing a series of cables, ropes, and suspended bridges. There’s also the Fly Zone Extrie for thrill seekers looking for a more pulse-pounding adventure. This high-flying tour allows you to traverse across the valley from tree to tree, well above the forest canopy.
Tintamarre Island
One of the most unique experiences you can enjoy is a visit to Tintamarre Island, an unspoiled natural haven two miles northeast of St. Martin. The island is around 15 minutes away via catamaran or motor boat. Keep an eye out for dolphins and humpback whales during your trip!
This pristine, uninhabited island presents the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. You can snorkel alongside stingrays and turtles and explore the lush sea bed beneath its crystalline waters. If you have diving cylinders, you can also explore a nearby shipwreck just off the beach.
Adventures abound on land as well. Make your way from the beach to explore the rinants of a railroad, an airfield, and a cotton plantation. There’s a network of small paths meandering leading to a rocky beach home to many species of fish.
You can reach Tintamarre Island by hiring a boat charter company.
Fort St. Louis
Visit the ruins of Fort St. Louis, an 18th-century French military post used to defend the Marigot settlient and its harbor warehouses from British and Dutch pirates. Interpretive panels detailing the fort’s history are scattered throughout the site.
If you have a vehicle, there’s a parking lot located a short walk from Fort St. Louis. But if you’re in the mood for a scenic hike, you can walk from the base of the fort to the top. The panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea alone are worth the journey!
Savor delicious cuisine at Grand Case
Nestled on the French side of St. Martin, Grand Case is a laidback town and one of the top places to visit on the island. Used as a port area from the 1700s to the 1800s, Grand Case offers something for everyone, from top-rated leisure hot and tranquil beaches to thrilling outdoor adventures.
Grand Case is a well-known dining destination in the Caribbean thanks to its array of restaurants offering delectable cuisine from around the world.
The town’s main street is home to an abundance of delectable fine-dining restaurants guaranteed to impress even the most discerning foodies.
Le Cottage
97 BD de Grand Case, 97150, St. Martin
Le Cottage treats diners to an exquisite French Caribbean dining experience in a cozy and intimate setting.
Among their standout offerings are traditional French onion soup, lobster ravioli, seared foie gras lasagna, and mushrooms and green asparagus risotto, all best enjoyed when paired with their curated wine list prepared by their in-house sommelier.
Rainbow Cafe
Boulevard de Grand Case #176, Grand Case, St. Martin
One of the best spots in St. Martin to sit back, relax, and soak in the scenery is Rainbow Café, an idyllic bohiian chic-style café nestled on the shores of Grand Case.
While waiting, rent a beach chair or a double bed lounger while watching yachts navigating the turquoise Caribbean waters, with the majestic Anguilla looming on the horizon. Enjoy the view with one of their signature cocktails, a French wine, or an ice-cold beer from their extensive drink selection.
Indulge in a hearty oceanfront feast while you’re serenaded by the rhythmic sounds of waves crashing on the shore. Tickle your taste buds with the café’s wide array of surefire palate pleasers including seafood, sandwiches, tapas, and sushi, all made with fresh, top-quality ingredients.
Sunset Café and Restaurant
21 Rue de La Petit Plage, Grant Case, 97150, St. Martin
Sitting right on the sands of Petit Plage, Sunset Café and Restaurant is the Grand Case Beach Club’s priier dining destination.
The café offers breakfast, lunch, and gourmet beach fare during the day and transforms into a romantic candlelit fine dining French bistro at sunset. Complienting their mouthwatering dishes are breathtaking views of Grand Case and the nearby island of Anguilla.
Go shopping in Marigot
Located on the west side of St. Martin, Marigot is an idyllic town and a perfect ibodiment of France in a tropical setting. Surrounded by Marigot Bay’s turquoise waters, the Creole capital oozes charm with its distinctive architecture, lively ambiance, and dazzling colors.
The best way to experience Marigot is by enjoying a stroll through its vibrant streets lined with colorful Creaole-style shops and buildings. Rue de la Republique, which curves around Marigot’s shoreline, is a must-visit spot for shopping and sightseeing. You’ll find the Le West Indies Shopping Mall here, along with a myriad of standalone boutiques, restaurants, and historic landmarks.
For more things to do in St. Maarten/St. Martin, check out our previous blogs.
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