Arguably St. Barths’ most renowned beach destination, this idyllic lagoon outside Le Sereno offers an endless array of tropical treasures—pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, expansive corral reefs, and stunning ocean scenery. Watersports are front and center in Grand Cul-de-Sac; on top of kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and snorkeling, it’s known as one of the world’s premier destinations for kite surfing.

Just a short hike from Grand Cul-de-Sac, Petit Cul-de-Sac offers some of the island’s most spectacular natural scenery. Take the elevated coastal trail—with views over wild goats, coral reefs, and glistening waters—and you’ll eventually reach the area’s stunning natural pools. Jump in or simply admire the view; either way, this is one of our most highly recommended spots on St. Barths.

You can’t go wrong with any beach on St. Barth, but Gouverneur is especially worth your visit. Located along the island’s southern shoreline, this secluded stretch of coast remains completely untouched and offers some of the finest scenery on the island: powder white sand, glimmering turquoise waters, steep cliffs, and beautiful outlooks.

Thanks to its remote location (accessible by car), visitors can enjoy this tropical paradise without the usual crowds of many other beaches.

A scenic hike to the northwestern tip of St. Barths will take you to Colombier, the island’s most secluded beach. Perfect for a day trip, this private paradise is everything the Caribbean is made out to be: stunningly beautiful, utterly relaxing, and irresistibly romantic.

The water is crystal clear, making it one of the finest snorkeling spots on the island. What’s under water is just as beautiful as what’s above!

Getting out on the water offers a whole new perspective on the beauty of St. Barths. Your options are endless at the island’s many marinas (Jicky Marine, for example)—fishing charters, rentals, jet skis, yachts, or scuba diving—but we especially recommend a sunset cruise on the catamaran, be it private or as a group.

It doesn’t get much better than a Caribbean sunset, a peaceful cruise, and a bottle of champagne…

From swimsuits to interior decor to jewelry to accessories, this charming area by the beach offers a wide variety of shopping gems, perfect for your tropical getaway.

Be sure to check out:

Filles des Iles

A hidden gem in St. Jean’s Villa Creole shopping plaza, this charming boutique has quickly become one of St. Barths’ most popular shopping destinations. Shoppers will find a fascinating snapshot of French fashion, including jewelry, perfume, sandals, ballerina shoes, and countless pieces to complete that perfect island look. Definitely worth a visit!

The capital of St. Barths shopping, Gustavia boasts a wide variety of both charming boutiques and world-renowned stores—like Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Bulgari. A can’t-miss recommendation:

Calypso

The first of dozens of stores throughout North America, this St. Barths original—started by famous designer Christiane Celle—is arguably the best-known shopping destination on the island. Women shoppers will love its Caribbean-inspired mix of exotic-yet-elegant luxury wear, featuring rich colors and fine textures. Perfect for your tropical getaway.

Whether to buy or simply watch, there’s no better place to witness the coastal delicacies of the Caribbean than the fish market in Gustavia.

Only the freshest seafood is on sale here, with local fishermen showcasing their sizeable catches from early morning—from mahi-mahi to tuna to wahoo to lobster. The fish usually runs out by 9am so get there early!

Despite its quick gentrification—compared to other Caribbean islands—St. Barts still boasts a thriving native culture. Perhaps the best example is the small fishing village of Corossol, known for its charming beach, thin streets, local vendors, and impressive shell museum (link to Inter Oceans Museum).

A great view into the traditional culture of “old” St. Barths.

Municipal Museum (Gustavia)

St. Barths has a truly unique history, a mix of Swedish and French influences that date back many centuries. Explore the island’s colorful past at Gustvia’s Municipal Museum, home to a fascinating array of exhibitions, portraits, photographs, and historic documents. You’ll also find displays of the island’s beautiful flowers, plants, and marine life.

Eden To Go (St Jean)

Planning a day trip or a picnic? Stop by Eden To Go for a great selection of take-away food, from pastries to sandwiches to produce. Freshly made, convenient, and delicious! You can also eat on site.

La Petite Colombe (Lorient)

For those with a soft spot for pastries and coffee, look no further than La Boulangerie in Lorient, the go-to breakfast bakery for island locals. Freshly baked each morning, its baguettes, croissants, and pain au chocolat are tasty reminders of the island’s deeply rooted French influences.

L’Arawak (Gustavia)

St. Barths also offers many casual eateries that are equally noteworthy. One of these must-visit spots is L’Arawak. Located in Gustavia’s Carré d’Or, this is the perfect place for a brunch-style lunch, a light and tapas dinner set to funmusic or to grab snacks and cocktails after a day of shopping in town.

Le Grain de Sel (Saline)

Escape the hottest part of the day with a casual lunch in the shaded gardens of Le Grain de Sel! Located just off the beach in Saline, this local favorite will hit the spot with its fresh, authentic Creole cuisine. Keep an eye out for the resident iguanas who may just join you for lunch!

Isoletta (Gustavia)

For a quick dinner or lunch to break up a day spent browsing the boutiques in Gustavia, a slice of pizza or foccacia at this corner eatery—the casual equivalent of acclaimed restaurant L’Isola—can be just what you need. Low benches and tables on the terrace make for a casually comfortable setting.

Bagatelle (Gustavia)

Anyone looking for a party will be more than satisfied with the vibrant scene at bagatelle, restaurant by day and club by night. A reproduction of Bagatelle in New York, the after-dinner gets lively over the weekend and during the holiday season—with loud music, dancing on tables, and partygoers popping champagne deep into the night.

Le Ti (Pointe Milou)

With weeknight cabarets and late nights of table-top dancing, food is a secondary attraction for this infamous party venue. As the night wears on the costumes come out and staff and patrons alike dress up to keep the party going. The ultimate night destination to see and be seen in St. Barths.