Taking up 40 percent of the island of St. Martin and with a population of around 58,000, this territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands packs a whole lot of fun, flavor, and personality into a petite package. Whereas French St. Martin leans elegant and relaxed, the multicultural, largely English-speaking Dutch side offers its share of quiet corners, but also a livelier menu of casinos, nightlife, beach bars, waterfront dining – along some of the most photographed aircraft landings in the world (more about that later). And by the way, the currency is the U.S. dollar. Here are the standout experiences that make Sint Maarten swell:
Philipsburg: Shopping, Nightlife, and Beaches
The capital (pop. around 1,900) sits on a narrow strip between the Great Salt Pond and Great Bay and sports a friendly, festive vibe, especially when cruise ships are in port. In addition to Pondfill, the Dutch side´s main artery (and the only road with traffic lights), Philipsburg has two main streets—straightforwardly called Front Street and Back Street—packed with colorful boutiques, galleries, and street murals, as well as duty-free and jewelry shops, cafés, and ice-cream parlors. Down Street, by contrast, is quieter and more historical, lined with old wooden houses. For many, though, the real star is the Great Bay Boardwalk. This long pedestrian promenade runs beside the beach, lined with restaurants and bars where you can dip your toes in the sand while ordering fresh seafood or a cold Guavaberry cocktail (the island’s signature liqueur). It’s great for a beach day, a casual stroll, or people-watching as the sunset turns the water golden, and runs alongside Great Bay Beach, perfect for sunning and swimming.
Other notable Philipsburg attractions include the Sint Maarten Heritage Foundation and Museum between Front Street and the Boardwalk, the 232-year-old clapboard Philipsburg Courthouse off Front Street, and Front Street´s Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit of film props and memorabilia (especially when it comes to the Star Wars franchise; it was started by a designer for the films – and yes, he created Yoda), And a short drive from downtown, you´ll find the ruins of Fort Amsterdam, built by the Dutch in 1631; Fort William, which the British put up in 1801; Parrotte Ville Bird Park; and Rockland Estate Rainforest Adventures, with ziplines, a tube slide, and rainforest canopy tours.
And beyond the bustle of the boardwalk, Great Bay Beach itself is a beautiful sweep of bright blue water and soft sand. Calm, accessible, and dotted with beach chairs and umbrellas, it’s ideal for easygoing swimming. Just over the peninsula is Little Bay Beach, quieter and more intimate. With gentle waves, snorkeling spots, and views of Fort Amsterdam perched above, it’s a serene alternative to the busier beaches.
Maho Beach and Princess Juliana International Airport
If there’s one iconic image of Sint Maarten that travels the world, it’s airplanes grazing low over Maho Beach as they land at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). This is one of the few places on earth where you can float in the water or stand on the sand and have a jet roar overhead just seconds before touchdown. Bars like Sunset Bar & Grill even post arrival schedules and play music as planes fly in. Whether you’re an aviation geek or just enjoy a bit of a thrill to go with clear blue water and soft white sand, Maho is a must.
Simpson Bay: Water Sports, Nightlife, Dining, and a Laid-Back Marina Scene
Centered around a beautiful lagoon and backed by a long stretch of beach with plenty of water sports, this area 40 minutes from Philipsburg is packed with restaurants, cafés, and bars offering everything from Caribbean barbecue to French bistros and sushi. The nightlife is lively but easygoing: beach bars, rum shacks, rooftop lounges, and even floating restaurants. This is also where you’ll find many of the island’s casinos, making it the ideal spot if you want a little Las Vegas flavor in the Caribbean. The Simpson Bay Bridge area and the Pelican Key neighborhood add marinas, boutique hotels, and sunset-happy terraces—perfect for a relaxing dinner overlooking mega-yachts and sailboats.
Cupecoy Beach: Cliffs, Coves, and Sunset Magic
On the western edge of the Dutch side, this strand offers something different from the wide sandy stretches elsewhere: dramatic limestone cliffs, pocket coves, and warm golden colors that glow at sunset. The beach shifts with the seasons—sometimes wide and sandy, sometimes more rugged—but always atmospheric. As you can imagine, it’s a popular photoshoot spot, a romantic hideaway, and one of the best sunset-viewing locations on the island. Several nearby resorts and condo buldings overlook the cliffs, giving the area an upscale but relaxed feel.
Food on the Dutch side is wonderfully eclectic: Dutch-Caribbean fusion, Creole dishes, fresh grilled fish, barbecued ribs, and international cuisine. Poplar local staples include johnny cakes (fried or baked cornmeal pancakes), callaloo soup (based on a leaf similar to spinach, with meat and seafood often added), crab backs (crab shells stuffed with seasoned crab meat, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices and baked), and souse (tangy pickled pork or chicken seasoned with vinegar, lime juice, spice, and served cold). Plenty of delectable Dutch cheese, of course. And it goes without saying there are myriad ways to enjoy all this abundance, from humble street stalls to fine-dining restaurants.
And one of the island’s proudest traditions is Guavaberry liqueur, made from local berries, rum, and spices. Visitors can stop by the Guavaberry Emporium in Philipsburg to sample different varieties or bring a bottle home.
More info: VisitStMaarten.com.
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