Sint Maarten, the Dutch side of the half-Dutch, half-French Caribbean island, acts as a vibrant gateway for travellers, with its capital, Philipsburg, known for its cruise port and duty-free shopping on historic Front Street. Visitors often fear being confined to the pier or needing costly tours, but the island’s small size allows for a wealth of experiences just a short drive away. This guide highlights ten must-see attractions, including stunning viewpoints and serene beaches, all reachable within 15 to 30 minutes from Philipsburg, ensuring you can effortlessly explore this two-nation paradise without any admission fees.
There is arguably no Caribbean beach more famous than Maho, and for good reason. It is renowned worldwide for its proximity to the Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) runway, where massive jets descend so low they appear to be skimming the heads of sunbathers. It provides one of the most unique and exciting photo opportunities anywhere in the world and has become a pilgrimage site for aviation enthusiasts. This thrilling activity is an experience that appeals to almost every traveller. Since the beach is situated immediately adjacent to the airport, the drive from Philipsburg is remarkably short, typically taking less than twenty minutes, even with moderate traffic.
To ensure you catch the biggest arrivals, it is highly recommended to check the published flight schedules, often displayed at the nearby Sunset Beach Bar, before setting out. It is important to remember that safety is paramount, and one should adhere strictly to all posted warnings, particularly regarding jet blast from departing aircraft, which can be dangerously powerful.
A perfect antidote to the chaotic energy of Maho Beach is the nearby Mullet Bay Beach. This gorgeous, expansive crescent of soft white sand and remarkably calm, shallow turquoise waters stands in stark contrast to its frenetic neighbour. It is the quintessential Caribbean postcard, offering natural shade from palm trees and gentle waves ideal for swimming and novice snorkellers.
The beauty of Mullet Bay is its convenient pairing with Maho: after the high-octane excitement of watching jets, one can simply walk a short distance down the coast to enjoy an afternoon of tranquil relaxation. Because it sits on the same western peninsula, the overall drive time from Philipsburg remains negligible, making it an excellent dual destination for a half-day excursion. Its quiet, local atmosphere and pristine public access make it a preferred spot for those seeking an authentic beach day away from the largest crowds and commercial pressures.
For a breathtaking, publicly accessible vista, the scenic lookout at the peak of Cole Bay Hill is an essential stop. Easily reachable via the main road that connects Philipsburg to the western side of the island, this elevated location offers one of the most expansive and stunning panoramic views in Sint Maarten. From this vantage point, visitors can look down upon the vast Simpson Bay Lagoon, a turquoise expanse dotted with hundreds of boats and luxury yachts.
To the west, the view encompasses the entire Princess Juliana International Airport, allowing observers to watch the incoming air traffic from a safe, elevated distance. Further out, the coastline curves beautifully towards the sea, providing spectacular photography opportunities across the island's landscape, the sparkling Caribbean Sea, and the distant French side. This public viewpoint is ideal for a quick stop to capture the island's scope and beauty.
Located on the scenic peninsula that defines the western edge of Great Bay, Fort Amsterdam is one of the most historically important sites on Sint Maarten. As the first Dutch military installation in the Caribbean, established in 1631, its weathered ruins tell a vital story of colonial rivalry and strategic importance. The short drive to the site is quickly rewarded with stunning vantage points that offer strategic, high-ground views over the harbour entrance and the continuous parade of cruise ships arriving in Philipsburg.
Beyond its historical significance as a public ruin, the fort is also designated as a natural protected area, serving as a vital nesting ground for brown pelicans, adding a layer of wildlife interest to the visit. It provides a quiet, reflective alternative to the bustle of the capital's streets, accessible in mere minutes and offering a tangible connection to the island’s rich past.
Leaving the commercial bustle of Philipsburg behind, a straightforward 20-to-25-minute drive eastward takes you to the serene and publicly accessible shores of Dawn Beach. Located near the picturesque Oyster Pond area, this beach is one of the island’s most beautiful coastal stretches and is literally where the sun first touches Sint Maarten. As its name implies, it offers spectacular sunrise views, often framed by the distant silhouette of the French island of Saint Barthélemy, creating a stunning backdrop. The beach itself features soft, golden sand and beautiful, clear water, though caution should be exercised as the currents can sometimes be stronger than those on the western side.
Dawn Beach provides a wonderful contrast to the more crowded western beaches, offering a peaceful, remote feel that is easily achieved within a short drive. The public access points ensure that every visitor can enjoy the natural beauty of this eastern gem, whether for an early morning walk or a tranquil afternoon by the sea.
For a slightly more rugged and secluded experience away from the main tourist routes, Cay Bay Beach offers a genuine taste of the island's natural coastline. Situated southwest of Philipsburg, the drive takes only about 15 to 20 minutes, steering clear of the main city traffic. This location is steeped in history, often serving as an early landing spot for ships, and its quiet nature allows for great reflection on the island’s past.
The beach area, while featuring some sand, is primarily known for its rocky outcrops and scenic, undeveloped character, providing a stark contrast to the perfectly manicured tourist strips. It is an excellent public spot for photography, beachcombing, and watching the waves crash against the rocks. Crucially, Cay Bay is purely natural and public, perfect for those who appreciate unspoiled views and seek a moment of quiet contemplation away from the crowds, all within a remarkably short distance of the capital.
A scenic 20-to-25-minute drive from Philipsburg, crossing the island’s central divide via the Cole Bay area, brings you to Marigot, the capital of the French side. Marigot exudes a distinctly European atmosphere, characterised by its colourful pastel buildings, narrow streets, and an overall chic aesthetic.
The town is best experienced on market days, typically Wednesday and Saturday mornings, when the harbour-side square comes alive with vendors selling local spices, fresh produce, Creole crafts, and seafood. This public market is a feast for the senses and an authentic cultural experience.
A stroll along the waterfront is mandatory, and stopping at one of the excellent French bakeries for a fresh croissant or pastry is an essential part of the experience. It provides a wonderful cultural juxtaposition to the Dutch capital, and the short journey makes it ideal for a vibrant morning visit.
Towering above Marigot harbour, Fort Louis offers the best panoramic views on the French side and is an easy accompaniment to any visit to the town below. A short, well-maintained set of stairs leads up the hillside to the ruins of this 18th-century fortress, which once defended the bay against invaders. The climb is invigorating but brief, and the reward is spectacular.
From the ramparts, one can survey Marigot Bay, the extensive Simpson Bay Lagoon, and the clear outlines of nearby islands like Anguilla. As a publicly accessible historical site, the fort is open for exploration during daylight hours. The quick access from the town and the dramatic photographic opportunities make Fort Louis an absolute must for history enthusiasts and view-seekers alike, proving that the island's history is as striking as its natural beauty.
Though a slightly longer drive—about 30 to 35 minutes—Grand Case is indispensable and warrants the extra few minutes of driving time. It has rightfully earned the title of the "Culinary Capital of the Caribbean", boasting an impressive concentration of world-class restaurants, spanning high-end French gastronomy and relaxed beachfront dining. The entire village's seafront is essentially a public thoroughfare and beach. The village’s main street transforms into an epicurean destination every evening.
For an authentic and more casual experience, visitors must try one of the numerous local lolos. These are small, open-air, family-run restaurants serving up mouth-watering, flame-grilled Caribbean barbecue—ribs, chicken, and fresh fish—often accompanied by classic sides like rice and peas, and plantain. Grand Case offers a perfect setting for a memorable lunch or dinner, providing a sophisticated culinary anchor for the French side of your itinerary.
Located on the northeastern shore, Orient Bay Beach is one of the island's longest and most celebrated stretches of sand, easily reachable with a 20-to-25-minute drive from Philipsburg. Often dubbed the "St. Tropez of the Caribbean", it buzzes with energy and activity. The beach is a vast, public space, though it is lined with chic beach clubs offering rental services for water sports like parasailing and jet skiing, as well as comfortable loungers.
Whether you seek the lively atmosphere of a beach party near the main bars or a secluded spot for sunbathing on a quieter patch of sand, Orient Bay caters to all tastes. Its sheer size and vitality make it the definitive Caribbean beach experience to round out your visit, offering miles of publicly accessible shoreline.
Sint Maarten’s unique geography ensures that you are never far from an adventure, and that the vast majority of its finest sights are publicly available for all to enjoy. From the hair-raising excitement of Maho Beach to the historical solitude of Fort Amsterdam and the architectural landmarks in Philipsburg, the island’s best attractions are clustered together, allowing for incredible itinerary flexibility.
The ease and speed of accessing these diverse, predominantly public sites from your base in Philipsburg is the key to unlocking the island's potential. To truly maximise your short time, ensuring you can hit all ten of these distinct locations at your convenience, rent a car from Final Rentals today. It offers the freedom and flexibility necessary to complete your comprehensive island tour on your own schedule. Start planning your quick drives now!
