St. Maarten / St. Martin Travel Guide: Beaches, Restaurants, Shopping & Things to Do
St. Maarten / St. Martin is one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive destinations, combining two countries, two cultures, and an impressive mix of beaches, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and outdoor adventures on one island. French Saint-Martin occupies the north, while Dutch Sint Maarten lies to the south, giving visitors two very different Caribbean experiences within just 37 square miles.
The French side is known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants, and European influence, while the Dutch side offers lively resorts, casinos, beach bars, nightlife, and some of the Caribbean’s best duty-free shopping. Connecting the two is Simpson Bay Lagoon, the largest lagoon in the Caribbean, surrounded by marinas, waterfront restaurants, and some of the world’s most impressive superyachts.
With 37 beaches to discover, St. Maarten / St. Martin is an ideal destination for beach lovers. Spend the day at a lively beach club, find a quiet stretch of white sand, snorkel in clear Caribbean waters, or watch planes fly low over famous Maho Beach. Away from the shore, popular things to do include sailing, scuba diving, jet skiing, hiking, zip-lining, and boat trips to nearby islands.
Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten, is one of the island’s main centers for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Its colorful streets and beachfront boardwalk are home to boutiques, restaurants, and historic attractions, including the St. Maarten Museum and the That Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit, created by Star Wars special-effects artist Nick Maley. Across the island in Marigot, the French capital offers waterfront cafés, local markets, boutiques, and a distinctly European Caribbean atmosphere.
Shopping is another major reason to visit St. Maarten. Philipsburg’s Front Street is particularly well known for duty-free jewelry, watches, fashion, liquor, electronics, and souvenirs, while Marigot combines independent boutiques with markets selling local food, crafts, and Caribbean products.
Food is equally central to the St. Martin experience. Often called the culinary capital of the Caribbean, the island has a remarkably diverse restaurant scene shaped by French, Dutch, Caribbean, and international influences. From casual beach bars and traditional lolos to waterfront restaurants and fine dining, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, Caribbean flavors, French cuisine, and creative international dishes throughout the island.
Use our St. Maarten / St. Martin travel guide to discover the best beaches, restaurants, shopping, attractions, and things to do, plus expert recommendations to help you plan your Caribbean vacation.