9 places to visit in St. Martin/St. Maarten

1. Orient Beach

Our most popular beach, Orient has it all, from watersports to skinny dipping. Whether you like it quiet or lively, an area to suit your tastes only requires a hand-in-hand walk along the shore with your loved one.

2. Maho Beach

World famous for its proximity to the airport, you can enjoy the beach scene with planes flying in just over your head, or watch them from the comfort of the open air Sunset Bar and Grille. They also offer a daily drink special (we won’t mention the details). Just go and see for yourself.

3. Happy Bay

A short hike over the hill next to Friar’s Bay, Happy Bay is secluded, serene, and quite beautiful. The beach is shared by a handful of boaters and uninhibited sun worshippers on weekdays, and is a favorite of locals on the weekends (please be mindful of families on the weekends).

4. Grand Case

Located on the French side and a stone’s throw from Orient Bay, Grand Case is the place for world-class restaurants, curio shops, and breathtaking sunsets. Take it all in with a walk down this narrow boulevard and dine at a lolo or gourmet restaurant. Grand Case epitomizes French village charm.

5. Fort Louis

Overlooking the French capital of Marigot and constructed in 1767 to protect against foreign invaders, this landmark offers a stunning view and is well worth the hike. Bring your camera.

6. Orient Village

Located behind Orient Beach, a group of restaurants surround a village square featuring entertainment and shopping expos on select nights. Gourmet cuisine and an old-world French atmosphere make for a relaxing and romantic dinner date.

7. Shopping in Philipsburg

Let’s face it guys, there is going to be a shopping day, and the best place for it is this Dutch capital city. There are shops galore due to the cruise ship port, and island apparel, jewelry, electronics, and hard-to-find libations are all readily available at deep discount prices. If your spouse wants to look over virtually everything, you can kick up your heels at a waterfront bar and people watch until she gets her fill.

8. Cupecoy Beach

This beach comes and goes with the tides, but this does not stop frequent visitors from making Cupecoy their daily destination. Surf pounding the cliffs of Cupecoy make for postcard-quality photos, but be mindful of the beach patrons when taking them (you will see why).

9. Dutch side nightlife

A drive down the main drag beginning at Maho and leading into Philipsburg offers virtually every type of cuisine and entertainment. Casinos, discos, and a piano bar, are among the many attractions designed to keep your motor running well into the night.

St. Martin also offers zip-lining, hiking, a butterfly farm, and smaller island day-trips (just to name a few). If you are not already addicted to a beach and want to get out and explore, most hotels have flyers, pamphlets and a staff who are eager to help you find new places of interest.