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There are an array of things to do in Caribbeans, with Philipsburg sharing quite a few of those!
Nestled on the sparkling shores of the Caribbean Sea, Philipsburg shines like a diamond in the sun, just waiting to be discovered.
Here, time slows down as you immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and savor the island’s natural beauty.
From white sand beaches to colorful boutiques and captivating historical sites, Philipsburg offers a world of endless possibilities to explore and enjoy.
So come, let the rhythm of the island wash over you, and discover all the wonderful things to do in Philipsburg.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Philipsburg:
1. Boardwalk
The Boardwalk is a popular waterfront area in Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk and admire views of the Caribbean Sea, watch the boats come in and out of the harbor, and enjoy the colorful buildings and street art.
There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars to explore along the way.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the colorful umbrellas that provide shade along the boardwalk, as well as the historical Courthouse building.
Insider travel tips: – The boardwalk can get crowded during peak tourist season, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
2. Great Bay Beach
Great Bay Beach is a stunning, two-mile long beach located in the heart of Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side of St.
Maarten.
What to see or do: Visitors can swim in the crystal-clear waters, sunbathe on the soft white sand, or enjoy water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
Great Bay Beach also offers a variety of beach bars and restaurants where visitors can grab a cold drink and a bite to eat.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take a stroll down the iconic Boardwalk, where you can find duty-free shopping and street vendors selling local crafts and souvenirs.
If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a majestic cruise ship pulling into the harbor.
Insider travel tips: – The beach can get crowded, especially when cruise ships are in port, so plan accordingly.
3. Front Street
Front Street is the main shopping street in Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side of St. Maarten.
What to see or do: Walk along Front Street to explore the numerous duty-free shops offering jewelry, watches, perfumes, designer clothes, electronics, and more. You can also find local souvenir shops and art galleries.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the historic courthouse, now converted into a colorful building with cafes and boutiques. The beach is just a stone’s throw away from Front Street.
Insider travel tips: – Do some bargaining to get a good deal on purchases.
4. Guana Bay Beach
Guana Bay Beach is a remote and pristine stretch of sand located on the eastern side of St. Maarten island, near Philipsburg.
What to see or do: This secluded haven is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. With its crystal-clear waters and soft sand, the beach is an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Take a dip in the ocean, snap photos of the panoramic views, or go for a long stroll along the shore.
Don’t miss: Be sure to explore the rugged landscapes and lush greenery that surround the beach. You might spot some sea turtles, iguanas, or other exotic wildlife in the area.
Insider travel tips: The beach is accessible by car, but be prepared for a bumpy road. Bring your own water, snacks, and sunscreen, as there are no facilities or amenities nearby.
The best time to visit is during the week, as it can get crowded on weekends. Keep an eye on the ocean conditions, as waves can be strong and dangerous at times.
5. Divi Little Bay Beach Resort
Divi Little Bay Beach Resort is a family-friendly beachfront resort in Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
It offers a range of accommodations, from studios to two-bedroom suites, and a variety of amenities for all ages.
What to see or do: – Soak up the sun on the resort’s private beach, which offers crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
Don’t miss: – The sunset at the resort’s beach bar, which offers happy hour specials and live music.
Insider travel tips: – Upgrade to a beachfront room for stunning views and easy access to the beach.
6. Philipsburg Courthouse
Historical courthouse located in Philipsburg, Montana.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the courthouse, which includes a restored courtroom on the second floor, as well as exhibits and artifacts related to the local history of Granite County.
Don’t miss: The beautiful stained glass windows in the courtroom, which depict various historical scenes.
Insider travel tips: Check for seasonal hours and guided tours. The courthouse is also available for event rentals such as weddings or conferences.
7. Fort Amsterdam
Fort Amsterdam is a historic fort located on a peninsula in Philipsburg, the capital city of Sint Maarten.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the remains of the fort and learn about its history as a strategic military base. The fort offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and Great Bay.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the cannons and other historic artifacts on display at the fort.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the fort as there is a fair amount of walking involved. Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun and heat.
If you can, visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.
8. Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit
A movie exhibit dedicated to the work of make-up and special effects artist, Nick Maley, also known as Yoda Guy for his contribution in creating the iconic movie character Yoda from Star Wars.
What to see or do: Admire the collection of original movie props, costumes, and special effects equipment used in numerous movies including the original Star Wars Trilogy and Superman 1 and 2.
You can also take photos with life-size replicas of famous movie characters like Yoda, Darth Vader, Alien, Predator, and more.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to meet Nick Maley himself, who can share insider stories about working on movies and answer any questions you have about the movie-making process.
Also, make sure to watch the short documentary about the making of Yoda which includes interviews with the original cast and crew of Star Wars.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during the morning or early afternoon to avoid crowds.
9. Cole Bay Hill
Scenic hill in Cole Bay with panoramic views of the surroundings and the Caribbean sea.
What to see or do: Enjoy a leisurely hike up the hill and take in the stunning views of the island. You can see the Simpson Bay Lagoon and the famous Princess Juliana International Airport from the top.
There are also several restaurants and bars located on the hill where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Don’t miss: Watching the planes fly overhead and land at the airport. The hill is a prime spot for plane spotting, as it is directly in the flight path.
Bring a camera to capture the incredible sight.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes for the hike, as parts of the road up can be steep. Visit in the morning or evening for the best lighting and avoid midday sun.
Also, be aware of traffic when crossing the road to get to the hill.
10. Guavaberry Emporium
The Guavaberry Emporium is a unique shop in Philipsburg, St. Maarten that specializes in all things guavaberry.
What to see or do: Visitors can browse through a wide range of guavaberry products including liqueur, hot sauce, jam, and soap.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to try the guavaberry colada. It’s a customer favorite that combines the unique flavor of guavaberry with the classic taste of a piña colada.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to ask the friendly staff about the history and cultural significance of guavaberry on the island. And if you’re looking for a unique souvenir, the guavaberry liqueur makes a great gift to take home.
11. St Maarten Zoo
St Maarten Zoo is a wildlife park located near Philipsburg in St Maarten that houses animals from around the world.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the park and observe over 200 animals including monkeys, parrots, tigers, iguanas, and much more. A guided tour is also available for those who want to learn more about the animals’ habitats, diet, and behavior.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the bird show which features a variety of bird species, including parrots and macaws.
Also, make sure to check out the reptile exhibit where you can get up close and personal with different kinds of snakes and lizards.
Insider travel tips: – The zoo offers a great experience for families with children.
12. Kim Sha Beach
Kim Sha Beach is a popular beach located on the western end of Philipsburg in St. Maarten.
What to see or do: This beautiful beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
The beach is also home to several beach bars and restaurants serving delicious food and drinks.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take a stroll on the beach during sunset and enjoy the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
The beach is also a great spot for people-watching and checking out the fancy yachts that dock nearby.
Insider travel tips: – The beach can get crowded during peak tourist season, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a good spot.
13. Paradise Peak
Luxury cruise ship offering day trips and private charters from Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
What to see or do: Enjoy stunning views of the Caribbean sea and the island’s coastline while lounging on the ship’s spacious deck. Take a dip in the onboard pool or relax at the bar while savoring delicious food and drinks.
Customize your itinerary for a private charter excursion, including exploring secluded beaches, snorkeling, and sightseeing.
Don’t miss: The ship’s incredible sunset cruise, offering a spectacular view of the sun setting over the Caribbean sea.
Insider travel tips: Book early, as the cruise is popular with visitors seeking a luxurious and relaxing day on the water. Upgrade to the luxury package for top-tier amenities and personalized service.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect against the bright Caribbean sun.
14. St Maarten Museum
St. Maarten Museum located in Philipsburg, the capital of St.
Maarten.
What to see or do: The museum offers a comprehensive history of the island of St. Maarten, which combines Dutch and French culture.
Visitors can explore various exhibitions and displays that narrate the story of the island’s history, including the indigenous population, colonization, slavery, and the modern-day developments.
The displays include vintage photographs, maps, artifacts, and traditional costumes, offering visitors a glimpse into the local culture and traditions of St.
Maarten.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the outdoor courtyard, where visitors can find a genuine plantation-style house, a slave bell, and authentic sugarcane press.
Insider travel tips: For visitors looking for a more immersive experience, the museum offers guided tours that visitors can book in advance.
15. Emilio Wilson Park
Emilio Wilson Park is a serene green space nestled in the hills of Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through lush vegetation and admire the scenic views of the town and harbor.
Visit the restored plantation house, where you can learn about the history of the island’s enslaved population and the legacy of its colonial past.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to take a guided tour of the park and plantation house. You’ll get an in-depth look at the history of St.
Maarten and the significance of Emilio Wilson Park to the island.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen and bug spray. The park can get hot and humid, so it’s important to stay hydrated.
Check the park’s website for tour times and prices, and consider making a reservation in advance to ensure availability.