Looking for the best things to do in St Barts? From enjoying the island’s most beautiful beaches or hiking along its coast to upscale shopping and dancing the night away, I’ve rounded up the top things to do in St Barts that you won’t want to miss!
If you are someone who likes to spend their vacations lounging on a pristine white-sand beach, soaking up the sun, St Barts is likely to be at the top of your list.
With its gorgeous landscapes and scenic views to its fine dining and luxury hotels, the island has become well-known as a favorite escape of jet-setters around the world.
If you’re planning a getaway to St Barts but don’t know where to begin or what things to do in St Barts, this comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about visiting this stunning part of the Caribbean.
Here’s the Ultimate Guide to St Barts!
About St Barts
Saint Barthélemy, popularly known as St Barts, is a small, volcanic island that is a French overseas territory and is French-speaking (although English is widely spoken as well!).
This travel hot spot is known for its beautiful villas, designer boutiques, chic restaurants, and glamorous crowds. But along with its glitz and glamour, St Barts boasts incredible natural beauty from white sand beaches lined with tropical palm trees to calm blue waters with abundant reefs and colorful fish.
Where is St Barts?
This tiny gem is located in the French West Indies with a prime position in the gorgeous Caribbean Sea. Gustavia, the only harbor on the island, serves as its capital city. Though small in size, the island packs a significant punch of charm and beauty! In terms of neighboring islands, it can be found 21.7 miles to the southeast of St Martin. And just 25 miles away from St Barts is the island of Anguilla, which is located to the north of St. Martin.
How to Get to St Barts
There are a number of ways to get to St Barts but flying is by far the easiest and most common mode of transportation. From the US, most people fly into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on St Martin, which has direct flights from Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, and New York.
From there, you can hop on a small plane over to St Barts! There are two local airlines offering flights (St Barth Commuter and WinAir) and the flight takes just about 10 minutes.
The Best Time to Visit St Barts
St. Barts pretty much has a pleasant climate all year, apart from its hurricane season… but there are definitely pros and cons to visiting during each season — let’s break it down!
Winter (Late November – February): While much of the US is cold or covered in snow, the weather in St Barts is perfect. Pair that with time off for the holidays, and many people opt to head to the Caribbean for a warm getaway. This time is considered peak season for the island and you can expect lots of crowds, high hotel rates, and restaurant reservations need to be made well in advance.
Spring (March – May): With temperatures in the 70s – 80s, the weather is still ideal for a beach vacation with these months still being in the “high season’ but the crowds are more manageable than the winter holidays. The island also hosts several events in the springtime like a film festival and several sailing regattas.
Summer (June – August): June typically sees sunny and hot days with over 13 hours of daylight making it still an ideal time to visit. July and August are both more firmly in the hurricane season for the Caribbean but often still enjoy beautiful weather with little to no crowds. If you wanted to plan a last minute trip, this could be a great time to check out the weather forecast for the island and head there during the low season!
Fall (September – early November): This is considered the off season for the island as the weather is unpredictable with the possibility of hurricanes. Many hotels, restaurants and other businesses close down during these months for maintenance.
I visited the island during mid-June and had an incredible time. The weather was warm and beautiful, and I found the island to be the perfect amount of crowded — meaning it was still buzzy and lively but not too crowded to pop into a restaurant for dinner, with everything still open for the season!
Sargassum Season
Something else to consider is the sargassum season. Sargassum is a type of brown seaweed that gathers into large floating masses and has become an issue in the Caribbean. The seaweed blooms from April to August with some years worse than others. While I visited the island in June, I noticed some sargassum in the sea around the island but all the most popular beaches were pristine and sargassum free. However, I did hear that some of the beaches were closed for swimming in July due to sargassum. The best months to avoid any seaweed around the island would be November – March!
How Many Days to Spend in St Barts
Given the array of things to do in St Barts, you should plan to spend at least 3 days in St Barts to really take advantage of everything it has to offer. However, an additional couple of days to unwind by the beach and enjoy some more downtime definitely wouldn’t be a bad idea! In my opinion, the more days you have to spend in St Barts, the more fun things you can do while still allowing for plenty of relaxing beach time.
I recently spent a week in St Barts and it was the perfect amount of time for me as I really got to explore the island and enjoy lots of chill time. Coming from southern California, getting to St Barts was a bit of a trek and a whole week spent in paradise really made it worth the trip all the way over there!
How to Get Around St Barts
There are no public transport services in St. Barts, nor an Uber service. And except in the main town of Gustavia, the other parts of St Barts are not walkable. So, the main modes of transportation are taxis, car rentals, private drivers, and scooters.
On the island, you can’t just hail a passing taxi; you need to call them in advance and book a ride. Also, the taxis can be very expensive, so the best option is to rent a car in St Barts before arriving.
A quick tip is to rent a small car because the roads can be narrow and winding! Renting a Moke (a type of electric low-speed vehicle) is another popular way to get around the island.
Things to do in St Barts
If you can peel yourself away from your hotel, you may be wondering: what are the best things to do in St Barts? So, let’s dive in!
Relax at the beach
St Barts is a gorgeous Caribbean island with some of the world’s best beaches… so hitting the beach is definitely one of the best things to do in St Barts! From secluded white sand beaches that can only be reached by boat to bustling coves lined with lively beach clubs, the island has a wide range of options for you to check out. So which are the best beaches in St Barts?
- St Jean Beach: As one of the most iconic beaches on St Barts, St Jean is a must visit (at least once!). Home to the glitzy Eden Rock and buzzy Nikki Beach, this beach is one of the more lively and popular on the island. It’s also next to the airport runway so you can watch the little planes take off as you’re sipping on a cocktail!
- Shell Beach: Just a short walk from downtown Gustavia, Shell Beach isn’t like the other sandy beaches of St Barts… it’s made up of little shells! This little cove has beautiful blue water — perfect for a refreshing dip after exploring Gustavia.
- Saline Beach: Often called the island’s most beautiful beach (or even one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!), Saline lives up to its reputation. Fine white sand lines the beach that opens up to a cove with some of the bluest water you’ve ever seen! Saline Beach has more of a hidden gem feel and you won’t find any restaurants or beach clubs here.
- Gouverneur Beach: Much like Saline Beach, Gouverneur Beach is known for its golden sand, turquoise waters, and lack of development (no shops or restaurants here either!). This idyllic cove is perfect for spending an afternoon under the Caribbean sun or floating in the sea.
Shopping in Gustavia
Gustavia, the capital of St Barts, is a shopper’s paradise. In Gustavia, you’ll be able to find whatever it is that you’re searching for, whether it be luxury apparel and accessories, stylish homewares, fine jewelry, one-of-a-kind artwork, skin care products, or maybe something completely different.
Rent a Moke to Explore the Island
A favorite rent-a-car option on the island is the Moke. In St. Barts, you can rent a Moke and cruise the island in comfort and style. It’s an open-air mini-jeep that fits right in with the island’s carefree vibe thanks to its vibrant colors and quirky design.
Our group rented a white Moke and loved that we could just hop in with our beach gear and find a place for a swim or hike. Taxis around the island are quite pricey so having a rental car is essential and the Moke was the perfect whip for us. Definitely a fun and unique way to get to your next adventure!
Hike to Colombier Beach
If you are looking for thrill-seeking things to do in St Barts, a hike to the Colombier beach won’t leave you disappointed. The hike to Anse de Combier, one of St. Barths’ most stunning beaches, is an experience to remember since it offers unique vantage points and viewpoints of the island’s jewel-toned shoreline.
This was hands down my favorite beach on the island and something you can’t miss seeing! The water is unbelievably blue and the beach is the perfect spot to have a little picnic.
Sunday at Nikki Beach
Sunday lunch at Nikki Beach is one of the most unforgettable things to do in St Barts. On Sundays, Nikki Beach throws its biggest party of the week, complete with dancing, a saxophonist, champagne showers, and plenty of other surprises. Who doesn’t love daytime parties, especially when you can take a refreshing dip in the sea in between drinks?
See the Turtles at Grand Cul de Sac Beach
If you are a sea turtle lover like me, you will definitely enjoy the spectacular Grand Cul de Sac Beach. It makes up a haven for nature lovers protected by a coral reef barrier, making it the ideal beach for snorkeling near the reefs or along the rocks while spotting turtles.
Hike to the Natural Pools
Apart from its magnificent beaches, St. Barts is also home to beautiful natural pools that are typically unknown to tourists. You can reach the natural pools, a stunningly beautiful, untouched area with crystal-clear blue water and a breathtaking vista of the sea by taking a 25 minute hike from the Grand Frond beach.
Enjoy Dinner Out on the Town
Enjoying a gastronomic dinner out is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in St Barts. St Barts is praised by foodies from around the globe for its French cuisine as well as its international dining options. From Asian to Italian and often featuring premium ingredients like truffles and caviar, St Barts will satisfy any gourmet lover’s dreams!
Dance the Night Away
St. Barts has a buzzy nightlife scene and is rife with chic bars and clubs. It’s easy to have a good time on this picturesque Caribbean island, whether you’re looking for a cocktail bar with breathtaking sunset views or a luxury nightclub to dance the night away!
Watch Sunset at the Christopher Hotel
The Christopher Hotel is home to the island’s most picturesque vantage point for watching the sunset over the ocean. Simply drive up to the entrance of the hotel, tell the front desk that you are there to get some drinks, and the valet will kindly park your car for you. At this luxurious hotel, you can take in the breathtaking view of the ocean against the backdrop of a picturesque sunset.
Where to Stay in St Barts
Looking for the best hotels in St Barts? From lavish hotels to expansive villas, there’s no shortage of lux lodging options on the island. I’ll break down the top hotels options so you can decide what’s best for your stay!
You’ll feel like you’ve escaped to your own private paradise at Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, a luxurious retreat set on the edge of a tranquil lagoon. The bright and airy rooms embody the laid-back vibe of island living, while the decor and furniture pay homage to St Bart’s stunning scenery.
Hotel Le Toiny is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious hotels in St Barts, with spacious and airy private villas, each with its own infinity-edge pool. If you enjoy privacy with spacious rooms, this is the one for you.
The lavish Christopher St. Barth’s strikes a fine line between metropolitan elegance, modern French design, and laid-back island ambiance. The rooms are immense and have a charming, rustic feel, with a modern twist and plenty of modern, elegant touches. This hotel may lack a beach, but the impressive infinity pool more than makes up for the absence of a beach.
Cheval Blanc is a luxurious hotel with a dreamy beachfront location. Because the hotel has such a long stretch of direct beachfront on Anse des Flamands, it is perfect for honeymooners and other couples who want a quiet place to stay.
Eden Rock has a trendy and glamorous vibe, and it’s located right by the stunning turquoise waters of St. Jean Bay. All of the rooms have been thoughtfully created, and each one has its own special flair.
Le Sereno is an intimate, family-run St Barts Beach hotel located on the Grand Cul de Sac lagoon. If unwinding is at the top of your priority list, this is the ideal location for you to experience the tranquility and laid-back atmosphere.
Where to Dine in St Barts
Looking for the best restaurants in St Barts? There’s no shortage of incredible food with an emphasis on fine dining and a fun flair!
Orega is known for its delectable bite-sized cuisine. Elegantly prepared dishes with an Asian twist on classic French dishes are the hallmark of this restaurant. Orega’s dishes are beautifully presented in addition to being incredibly delicious!
The food of Bonito St Barts, one of the island’s most acclaimed restaurants, has earned rave reviews from food critics around the globe. This traditional and expansive colonial home features an open kitchen with a contemporary take on exotic flavors and is adorned with forms and colors that are both soft and bold.
Shellona is a beachfront restaurant where you can enjoy a delectable lunch while watching the sunset while sipping on a cool cocktail. It has the beach club vibe and serves delicious food, while live music and DJs make you forget the time of day.
Dishes at L’Isola are created with only the finest ingredients, all of which are imported directly from Italy, and the restaurant takes pride in serving food that is both authentic and truly Italian. The minute you walk inside this restaurant, you’ll be hit with a wave of Italian aromas.
Located inside Le Barthélemy Hotel, the restaurant serves dishes that are inspired by the cuisine of the South of France as well as the Mediterranean. You can also have a culinary experience that is uniquely curated for you by reserving a seat at an Amis Experience Table.
Le Toiny Restaurant, perched on a hill above Anse de Toiny with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea, captures the spirit of a tropical paradise. If you are looking for a fine dining experience in St Barts, Le Toiny restaurant should be at the top of your list.
Located in Gustavia’s harbor, La Guérite features classic Mediterranean dishes and chic decor. With locations in St Barts, Cannes, and D Maris Bay, this small but well-established restaurant chain caters to an international crowd.
The fine dining restaurant at the Cheval Blanc hotel offers elevated Caribbean fare with incredible sea views. The highlights for our group were the fresh seafood options and the extensive wine list!
Originally out of St Tropez, this beachy restaurant is located in Gustavia along the harbor where diners can go from enjoying dinner to dancing on tables. That’s right, La Petite Plage turns from restaurant to club and is open until 2am!
Tips for Visiting St Barts
- St Bart’s is a French-speaking island with a distinctly European flair, but English is also widely spoken so don’t worry if you don’t speak fluent French!
- The island uses the Euro for most of its pricing; however, the dollar is also often accepted as well.
- Renting a car in St Barts allows you to travel around the island at your own pace, taking advantage of the many wonderful beaches, restaurants, hikes and shopping. However, if you plan to enjoy some cocktails at night, make sure to take a taxi and book this with your hotel in advance.
- It can get quite hot so bring plenty of sunscreen and plan to do any hikes in the morning so you don’t get caught in the midday heat. Also, there are mosquitos on the island so it’s a good idea to pack some bug spray if you tend to get lots of bites (like me!).
Now you know all of the best things to do in St Barts, you can start planning your island getaway! Grab your passport, load up your suitcase with swimsuits, and get ready for some fun in the sun.
St Barts Style Inspiration
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