The Luxurious Gem of the French Caribbean. Explore 11 attractions across the island.
St. Barts packs an extraordinary amount of beauty into fewer than ten square miles. Start in Gustavia, the pocket-sized capital that wraps around one of the prettiest natural harbors in the Caribbean - during high season the megayachts anchored here rival anything you would see in Monaco.
Walk along Rue de la République past Swedish-era stone warehouses that now house Cartier and Hermès boutiques, then climb to the ruins of Fort Karl for a sunset view over the harbor that costs nothing except the short uphill effort. Shell Beach, just around the corner from the harbor, is a small crescent of crushed shells where you can swim and then dry off over cocktails at Shellona, one of several beach restaurants right on the sand. The real star beaches are elsewhere on the island.
Colombier Beach, on the northwest tip, is reachable only by a 25-minute hike from the trailhead at the end of the road past Flamands, or by boat - the trail drops through dry scrub with views of neighboring islands before revealing a protected cove with gin-clear water and excellent snorkeling along the rocky edges. Gouverneur Beach, on the south coast, is framed by steep green hills and has no commercial development at all - bring your own water and shade, and arrive by mid-morning for parking. Saline Beach, the favorite of longtime visitors, requires a short walk through salt ponds and sea grape trees before opening onto a wide stretch of golden sand with reliable waves for bodysurfing.
For a different perspective on the island, rent a car and drive the vertiginous roads that connect the hilltop neighborhoods - the descent into St. Jean from the airport side is legendary, passing directly over the tiny runway where small planes seem close enough to touch. The Tuesday and Friday morning market at Marigot in nearby St. Martin (reachable by ferry from Gustavia) is worth a half-day trip for spices, tropical produce, and Creole prepared foods, but on St. Barts itself the shopping leans decidedly upscale, with Ligne St. Barth producing island-made skincare products using local ingredients like roucou oil and green papaya.
A 25-minute trail from the end of the road past Flamands descends through dry tropical scrub to a secluded cove with pristine snorkeling. No facilities exist at the beach, so bring water, snorkel gear, and sun protection. The trail is rocky but manageable in sturdy sandals.
The short runway at Gustaf III Airport ends directly at St. Jean Beach. Small propeller planes pass dramatically low over sunbathers on approach. The eastern end of the beach near Eden Rock offers the best vantage point - and the phenomenon is far more charming than the similar scene at Maho Beach in St. Maarten.
The rocky headlands on either side of Gouverneur Beach shelter colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and occasional spotted eagle rays. The southern exposure means calm conditions most of the year. This beach has zero development and limited parking, keeping crowds manageable even in peak season.
A short climb above Gustavia harbor leads to the remains of an 18th-century Swedish fortification with panoramic views. Bring your own sundowner - there are no vendors - and watch the harbor lights come on as the sky turns pink over neighboring Saba and St. Eustatius.
This uninhabited rocky island north of St. Barts is a popular boat excursion destination with excellent snorkeling in deep blue water. Several charter operators in Gustavia offer half-day trips that include lunch and open bar on board. The volcanic rock formations above water are dramatic.
Walk past the salt ponds and through a corridor of sea grape trees to reach this wide, undeveloped beach on the southern coast. A gentle shore break makes it ideal for bodysurfing. The far eastern end tends to be clothing-optional. No facilities, no vendors - just sand, surf, and solitude.
The tiny harbor capital blends Swedish colonial history with French luxury shopping. Browse high-end boutiques on Rue de la République, visit the Wall House Museum for island history, and linger at Le Select bar - the laid-back gathering spot that inspired Jimmy Buffett's Cheeseburger in Paradise.
The most secluded beach on St Barths, accessible only by boat or a 30-minute hillside trail from Flamands. The pristine white-sand cove with crystal-clear snorkeling and no development is often called the island's best-kept secret.
The picturesque capital with a natural deep-water harbor lined with luxury yachts, red-roofed Swedish colonial buildings, and upscale boutiques. Named after King Gustav III of Sweden who once owned the island.
A dramatic crescent of golden sand framed by green hills, with no buildings in sight. Reached by a steep road from Gustavia, this south-facing beach offers calm swimming conditions and striking beauty.
The ruins of an 18th-century Swedish fort perched on the hill above Gustavia's Shell Beach. A short climb leads to panoramic views of the harbor, the town's red rooftops, and the islands of Saba and St Eustatius on the horizon.
A shallow lagoon protected by a coral reef on the island's northeast coast, ideal for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. The calm turquoise waters and surrounding nature reserve make it a haven for water sports and wildlife.
A long, wild beach behind the island's historic salt ponds, reached by a short trail through sand dunes. Minimal development, no shade structures, and powerful Atlantic waves give it an untamed, natural character.
Piscines Naturelles Grand Fond is a nature attraction on St. Barthélemy. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that St. Barthélemy is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Gustavia Lighthouse is a nature attraction on St. Barthélemy. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that St. Barthélemy is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
St Barth Excursions Yacht Charter is a nature attraction on St. Barthélemy. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that St. Barthélemy is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Spirit of St Barth is a nature attraction on St. Barthélemy. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that St. Barthélemy is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Wander Route Coastal Trail is a nature attraction located near Wandelroute Point Blanche naar Guana Bay on the island of St. Barthélemy. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that St. Barthélemy is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting. Well-regarded by visitors with a 4.4-star average from 26 reviews.
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