Things to Do in St. Martin: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
St. Martin is a small Caribbean island shared by two nations: the French side, Saint-Martin, and the Dutch side, Sint Maarten. In one trip you can watch jets skim Maho Beach, sunbathe at Orient Bay, eat French cuisine in Grand Case, shop duty-free on Philipsburg's Front Street and hop by boat to Anguilla or St. Barts.
This guide covers the best things to do in St. Martin, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in St. Martin
Maho Beach
Plane spotting.
Orient Bay
Beach.
Grand Case
Food capital.
Marigot
French market.
Philipsburg
Front Street.
Pinel Island
Snorkeling.
Loterie Farm
Zip lines.
Fort Louis
Views.
St. Martin in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Dutch side
Start in Philipsburg with Front Street's duty-free shops and the Courthouse, then relax on Great Bay beach. Lunch at a beach bar on the boardwalk. In the afternoon head to Maho Beach to watch big jets land just above your head at Princess Juliana Airport. In the evening dinner and sunset at Sunset Bar & Grill.
2Day 2 · French side
Visit Marigot with its waterfront market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, then climb to Fort Louis for views over the bay. Lunch on the Marigot marina. In the afternoon swim at Baie Rouge or Baie aux Prunes. In the evening dine at one of Grand Case's famous restaurants or at the casual lolos grilling ribs and lobster.
3Day 3 · Orient Bay
Spend the day at Orient Bay, the island's liveliest beach, with beach clubs and watersports. Lunch at a beach club. In the afternoon take the short ferry from Cul-de-Sac to Pinel Island for snorkeling in calm water. Return for a relaxed dinner on the French side.
St. Martin in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Adventure
Head to Loterie Farm on the slopes of Pic Paradis for zip lines through the forest and a swim in the pool cabana. Lunch at the Hidden Forest Café. In the afternoon visit the Butterfly Farm or Le Galion beach. In the evening catch the Harmony Night street party in Grand Case on Tuesdays in season.
5Day 5 · Anguilla
Take the ferry from Marigot to Anguilla, about 20 minutes away, for powdery beaches like Shoal Bay and Meads Bay. Lunch on the beach. Bring your passport and check entry rules. Return in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner back on St. Martin.
St. Martin in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · St. Barts
Day trip by ferry to St. Barts, with the chic harbor of Gustavia, Shell Beach and Saline beach. Lunch in Gustavia. Return in the evening for a farewell dinner in Grand Case.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Breakfast with croissants on the French side, shopping for guavaberry liqueur, spices and local art, and a final swim. Princess Juliana Airport has direct flights to North America and Europe, and taxis are the easiest way to reach it.
What to do in St. Martin on a weekend
Things to do in St. Martin on a weekend? Saturday: Philipsburg and Maho Beach. Sunday: Orient Bay and Pinel Island.
Carnival in spring and Heineken Regatta in March.
What to do in St. Martin in the evening
In the evening, Grand Case dinners and beach bars.
Maho sunsets.
St. Martin for couples
For couples, Grand Case dinners, Pinel Island and St. Barts.
St. Martin with kids
With kids, Pinel Island, Loterie Farm and calm beaches.
What to eat in St. Martin
Johnny cakes
Fried bread.
Lobster
Grand Case.
Ribs
Lolos.
French pastries
Marigot.
Guavaberry
Local liqueur.
Where to stay in St. Martin: best areas
Grand Case
Food.
Orient Bay
Beach.
Simpson Bay
Central.
Philipsburg
Shopping.
What to do in St. Martin when it rains
Things to do in St. Martin when it rains? Museums in Philipsburg, shopping and restaurants.
How much does a trip to St. Martin cost?
Expect $200–450 per night.
Practical tips for St. Martin
Best time to visit
December–April.
Getting around
Rental car, taxis and ferries.
Our practical tips
- Rent a car.
- US dollars and euros both used.
- Passport for Anguilla and St. Barts.
- Reef-safe sunscreen.
- Book Grand Case tables.
- Check cruise ship days.
Mistakes to avoid
- Hurricane season peak in September.
- Standing behind jets at Maho.
- Leaving valuables in cars.
- Traffic at rush hour.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in St. Martin?
Maho Beach, Orient Bay and Grand Case.
Is it two countries?
Yes, French and Dutch sides.
Can I visit St. Barts?
Yes, by ferry.
Best time to visit?
December to April.