I still get butterflies thinking about St. Barts. This tiny French Caribbean island stole my heart from the moment I landed on that wild airstrip, and I honestly haven’t stopped raving about it since. Every time I close my eyes, I can picture myself back at Shell Beach, watching the sun sink into the sea with sand between my toes and the sound of waves in my ears.
I’ve seen a lot of beautiful places in St. Barts, but nothing beats that first glimpse of Colombier Beach—this stunning curve of white sand that feels like it was made for postcards. The best part? You can only get there by boat or hiking down a trail, which makes it even more special. Let me show you the 12 spots that made me fall head over heels for this island.
Top Sights to See in St. Barts
Looking for the coolest things to do in St. Barts? Relax on the pristine sands of Anse des Flamands, soak up the sun at Colombier Beach, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Gouverneur Beach. Take in the breathtaking views at Grand Cul de Sac Beach for an unforgettable island experience. Whether you’re interested in relaxation, stunning beaches, or water activities, here are the top attractions to visit in St. Barts.
1. Anse des Flamands
Anse des Flamands is honestly the perfect beach if you want that quintessential Caribbean experience without the crazy crowds. I spent a whole afternoon here just watching the planes land at the nearby airport – it’s actually pretty cool how close they fly overhead. The beach stretches for over 600 meters, so you can definitely find your own little spot even during high season.
The water here is ridiculously calm most of the time, which makes it perfect for swimming or just floating around with a drink. I watched families with little kids having a blast in the shallow areas. Cheval Blanc St-Barth sits right on this beach, and their beach club La Cabane does killer lunch service if you’re feeling fancy. Expect to pay around $40-60 for entrees, but the grilled fish is actually worth it.
Best time to hit Flamands is early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t scorching. December through April gives you perfect weather, but honestly, this beach works year-round. The only downside? Parking can get tight during peak season, so get there early. The sunset views from here are absolutely insane – I’ve seen people literally stop mid-conversation to watch the sky turn pink and orange.
2. Colombier Beach
You can’t get to Colombier Beach without working for it, and that’s exactly what makes it special. I’ve done both hiking routes, and honestly, the trail from Flamands is way easier than the steep one from the top. It’s about a 30-minute walk through some pretty cool terrain where you’ll probably spot goats just chilling on the rocks.
The beach itself is this perfect crescent of white sand that feels completely untouched. No restaurants, no beach chairs, no nothing – just you, the ocean, and maybe a few other people who made the trek. I always pack a cooler with snacks and plenty of water because there’s literally no shade and no facilities. The snorkeling here is actually incredible, especially near the rocky areas where you can spot sea turtles.
Bosco Water Taxi runs boat trips here for around 200 euros if you don’t want to hike, but honestly, the walk is half the fun. Just wear good shoes – flip-flops won’t cut it on those rocky trails. The best part about Colombier is that even in peak season, you rarely see more than 20 people on the entire beach. It’s like having your own private slice of paradise.
3. Gouverneur Beach
Gouverneur Beach is where all the billionaires build their villas, and you can totally see why. The views from here are just ridiculous – you’re looking out over the Atlantic with hills rolling down to this perfect horseshoe bay. I love coming here in the morning when the light hits the water just right and everything looks like a postcard.
The beach has this wild, untouched vibe even though some of the most expensive real estate in the Caribbean sits right behind it. No beach bars or restaurants, which means you need to bring everything with you. The waves can get a bit bigger here than on the other side of the island, especially in the afternoon, but it’s still totally swimmable.
Parking is limited to maybe 20 spots, so definitely get there before 10am during high season. I’ve noticed the eastern end gets a bit crowded with naturist sunbathers, which is totally fine if that’s your thing. The snorkeling near the rocks on the left side is pretty good when the water’s calm. Just be aware that cell service can be spotty here, so don’t count on posting those Instagram shots right away.
4. Grand Cul de Sac Beach
Grand Cul de Sac is basically heaven for anyone who’s into water sports. The whole beach wraps around this massive lagoon where the water stays shallow for like hundreds of feet offshore. I watched kitesurfers absolutely killing it here – the wind conditions are apparently perfect most afternoons.
The coral reef keeps the waves super gentle, which makes this spot ideal if you’re traveling with kids. I saw families just letting their toddlers splash around without any worry. You can rent paddleboards and kayaks right on the beach, though expect to pay around $40-50 for a half-day rental.
Le Barthélemy Hotel sits right on the lagoon and does excellent beachside dining – their fish tacos are actually amazing and run about $28. The whole area has this super chill, family-friendly vibe during the day, then transforms into this romantic dinner spot at sunset. Sea turtles hang out in the seagrass beds here, so bring a snorkel mask. I’ve spotted them almost every time I’ve visited, usually in the early morning or late afternoon.
5. Gustavia
Gustavia is where you go to see and be seen, but it’s actually way more fun than it sounds. The harbor is constantly packed with these insane superyachts – I spent an hour just walking around trying to figure out who owns what. The shopping here is pretty wild too, with everything from Hermès to Louis Vuitton crammed into these cute little colonial buildings.
Restaurant prices are absolutely bonkers – I paid $60 for a burger at one place – but the quality is actually incredible. Le Select is this old-school bar where locals hang out, and their rum punches are dangerously good. It’s one of the few spots where you can grab a drink for under $15.
The town really comes alive at sunset when all the restaurants fill up with this mix of yacht crews, villa guests, and locals. Hotel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf has these crazy harbor views if you want to splurge on dinner. I always book the 6pm seating because the 8:30pm one is usually adults-only and super formal. The whole place has this laid-back luxury vibe that somehow doesn’t feel pretentious.
6. Piscines Naturelles
Piscines Naturelles is this completely wild landscape that looks like you’re on another planet. The Atlantic has been pounding these volcanic rocks for centuries, carving out these perfect natural swimming pools. I hiked the trail from Grand Fond – it’s about 30 minutes through some pretty rugged terrain.
The rock formations here are absolutely insane, and watching the waves crash just feet away while you’re swimming in these calm pools is pretty surreal. The water in the pools stays surprisingly warm since it gets heated by the sun all day. Just be super careful about the waves – I’ve seen them occasionally wash over the barriers during rough weather.
Photography here is incredible, especially in the morning when the light hits the spray from the crashing waves. Wear real shoes for the hike – the rocks are sharp and slippery in spots. I always bring tons of water because there’s zero shade once you’re out there. This spot gives you a totally different perspective on St. Barts beyond the perfect beaches – it’s raw and wild and honestly pretty humbling.
7. Saint Barthelemy Natural Reserve
The Saint Barthélemy Natural Reserve covers almost 3,000 acres and gives you a chance to see what the island looked like before all the development. The hiking trails here wind through native vegetation where you might spot the St. Barth’s anole lizard – it only exists here, which is pretty cool.
I love the coastal sections where you can watch frigatebirds soaring overhead while you’re walking along these dramatic cliffs. The trail from Colombier Beach into the reserve is probably the best route – it takes you through different ecosystems and ends at some secluded coves that most people never see.
The dry season from December to April is definitely the best time for hiking here since the trails are clearer and wildlife viewing is better. Pack plenty of water and sunscreen because shade is limited on the exposed coastal paths. I always see way more birds and lizards in the early morning before it gets too hot. The untouched beauty here is a perfect contrast to the manicured beaches and fancy resorts elsewhere on the island.
8. Saint Jean Beach
Saint Jean is basically the social hub of St. Barts, and it’s actually a blast. The beach gets divided by the famous Eden Rock hotel sitting on this rocky outcrop right in the middle. The western side is where Nikki Beach throws their legendary champagne-spraying parties – it’s totally over the top but honestly pretty fun if you’re in the mood.
The eastern side is way more chill and family-friendly, with calm water that’s perfect for swimming. Watching the tiny planes land at the airport right next to the beach never gets old – they come in so low you feel like you could touch them. Eden Rock’s Sand Bar restaurant does incredible food, but expect to pay around $75-150 for dinner.
This beach has the best infrastructure on the island – tons of restaurants, water sports rentals, and actual bathrooms. Nikki Beach charges around $80 for a single sunbed, which is pretty crazy, but their rosé selection is admittedly amazing. I always love the energy here during high season when it’s packed with this international crowd of yacht people and villa guests.
9. Saline Beach
Saline Beach is hands down one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and that’s not just me being dramatic. You have to walk about 10 minutes over sand dunes to reach it, which keeps the crowds down and adds to the whole adventure vibe. The beach stretches for almost half a mile of perfect white sand backed by rolling dunes.
The eastern end is clothing-optional, which is totally normal here – everyone’s super respectful about it. The water is this incredible shade of turquoise that changes throughout the day. I love coming here in the late afternoon when the sun starts getting lower and the whole beach takes on this golden glow.
There are absolutely no facilities, so bring everything you need – water, snacks, umbrellas, the works. Recent visitors mentioned some sargassum seaweed issues during certain times of year, especially after storms, but the local crews do their best to clean it up quickly. The lack of development is exactly what makes this place special – it feels completely wild and untouched.
10. Shell Beach
Shell Beach is this perfect little cove that’s literally covered in tiny shells – hence the name. It’s only about a 10-minute walk from Gustavia, which makes it super convenient if you’re shopping or grabbing lunch in town. The shells crunch under your feet when you walk, but they’re actually pretty comfortable to lie on.
Shellona restaurant sits right on the beach and does excellent Mediterranean food with a Greek twist. Their grilled squid is incredible, and the sunset views from their terrace are absolutely perfect. Expect to pay around $30-50 for lunch, and definitely book ahead during high season because it gets packed.
The rocky outcroppings create these natural swimming areas where the water stays calm and clear. I’ve seen tons of colorful fish darting around the rocks, so definitely bring a snorkel mask. This is one of the best sunset spots on the island – the west-facing position means you get those incredible pink and orange skies every evening. The combination of convenient location, great restaurant, and stunning sunsets makes this my go-to spot for a perfect afternoon.
11. Toiny Coast
Toiny Coast is where St. Barts shows its wild side. This is the Atlantic-facing shore where serious waves roll in year-round, making it the island’s premier surf spot. I love watching the surfers tackle these consistently good waves – it’s way more exciting than the calm lagoons on the other side.
The coastal hiking trail here offers some of the most dramatic views on the island. You’re walking along these rugged cliffs with the full power of the Atlantic crashing below. The natural pool tucked among the rocks provides a calm swimming spot when the surf is too rough, though you need to time it right with the tides.
Le Toiny Beach Club does refined dining right on this wild coastline, which feels pretty surreal. Their shuttles take you down to their private beach section where you can actually swim safely. The contrast between the elegant restaurant and the raw power of the ocean is pretty incredible. Best time to visit is during surf season from November to March when the waves are most impressive, but honestly, this coast is dramatic year-round.
12. Lorient Beach
Lorient Beach is where the locals hang out, and that’s exactly why I love it. This beach has a totally different vibe from the high-profile spots – it’s more laid-back and family-friendly. The eastern end has a reef that creates this natural swimming pool, perfect for kids or anyone who wants super calm water.
The center of the beach gets small, consistent waves that are ideal for beginner surfers or bodyboarding. I’ve seen lots of local families teaching their kids to surf here on weekend mornings. The sea grape trees provide actual natural shade, which is pretty rare on St. Barts beaches.
La Petite Colombe bakery is just a short walk away and does amazing fresh pastries – perfect for a beach picnic breakfast. There’s also a small grocery store across the street where you can grab snacks and drinks. Sunday afternoons here give you a real taste of local island life when families gather for weekend beach time. The whole scene feels authentic and unpretentious, which is refreshing after some of the more glamorous spots on the island.
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