10 Things to Do in Gustavia That You Shouldn't Miss

October 9, 2017 Misti Hsu

Red roofed buildings speckle the lush tropical landscape in Gustavia, St. Bart's tiny, relaxed Caribbean capital whose historic sites can be reached in one day of trekking around town. 17th century forts line the harbor, from Fort Karl in the north to Fort Gustaf with its lighthouse and cannons in the south. Near Fort Gustaf is the popular Shell Beach, where beachcombers rove for sparkling shells. The town's many duty-free boutiques call to shoppers while cozy cafes offer views over the harbor.
Restaurants in Gustavia

1. St. Jean Beach

St. Jean, St. Barthelemy
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 519 reviews

St. Jean Beach

The island's most popular beach, best known for its white sand Beaches and calm waters perfect for swimming and sailing.

Reviewed By Afsoon2016 - Boston, Massachusetts

We stayed on St Jean beach 3 times so far..its a beautiful beach ! walking distance form the local market and walking distance from Gustavia airport ...had an amazing experience each time ..there are hotels private villas for rent on St Jean Beach.

2. Shell Beach

Rue des Normands, Gustavia, St. Barthelemy
Excellent
49%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 634 reviews

Shell Beach

This beach is littered with shells for that perfect vacation memento.

Reviewed By EvanPSP - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This beach is a quick 10minute walk from downtown where the Ferries drop off. It’s a picturesque crescent shaped beach with beautiful views. The water is the perfect temperature. It’s not particularly crowded, but it is a lovely shell lined beach. The restaurant offers high end Mediterranean food, drinks and chaise lounges ($$$) But it’s a great place to spend the afternoon.

3. Colombier Beach

St. Barthelemy
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 397 reviews

Colombier Beach

Relax on this shady, isolated beach - after that 30 minute walk to get there from the main road, you'll need it.

Reviewed By FromSaoPaulo - Miami, Florida

Colombier is a beach that is part of a natural marine reserve. We went by boat, but you can also reach it on foot, if you enjoy hiking.
It is a secluded beach, with white sand and with hardly anyone on it. It's perfect for snorkeling or just swimming. Like paradise!!!

4. Grand Cul de Sac Beach

St. Barthelemy
Excellent
44%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 132 reviews

Grand Cul de Sac Beach

Reviewed By modny1 - New York City, New York

Spectacular beach with calm waters, not too many people. Great for a calm long distance swimming, scuba, kayaking and boarding. Marine life is absolutely abundant, easy to see huge turtles.

5. Piscines Naturelles

Grand Fond, St. Barthelemy
Excellent
84%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

Piscines Naturelles

Reviewed By CarsonsMommy - Durham, NC

Drive out to Grand Fond, park and hike about twenty minutes to the Blow Hole, the Washing Machine, and the Natural Pools! Wear good hiking shoes (keens, etc) as the trek can be rough and rocky in spots, and be sure to bring your camera!

6. Anse du Gouverneur

St. Barthelemy
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 278 reviews

Anse du Gouverneur

You won't find crowds at this beautiful beach, but you won't find shade either, so bring an umbrella.

Reviewed By Madyson B

We came in the afternoon after enjoying Shell Beach. By around 2pm the parking lot had several available spaces. We had no parking problems.
The drive down to the beach is gorgeous. The road is nice and the home beautiful.
The beach itself was our favorite. It was protected by the hills around it but still had some waves coming in. The beach was a good size and close proximity to the parking lot.
There aren't any restaurants or shops on the beach, so it's peaceful.
It's just a really convenient, gorgeous place to spend a few hours.

7. Anse de Grande Saline

St. Barthelemy
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 360 reviews

Anse de Grande Saline

Watch out prudes, this beach is not for the shy: nude sunbathing is the norm at this beach.

Reviewed By wokeup - New Jersey

Natural surroundings and topless along with nude sun bather, but who's complaining? Overall, great place to get that all over tan. Watch the sun though. My wife never needs sun screen and is now tan as a berry, but after a few days she put on bock, which I never seen her do before. That sun is a scorcher.

8. Fort Karl

Gustavia, St. Barthelemy
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 25 reviews

Fort Karl

Reviewed By teachers55 - Columbus, Ohio, USA

Climbing lots of stairs to reach the lookout spots was well worth the effort. We could see back into town as well as the gorgeous Shell Beach area. We think the sign identifying other Islands was wrecked by the hurricane, but it enough of it was there that we could see St Martin, St Kitts and Nevis as well as other distant Islands.

Villa Creole, St. Jean, St. Barthelemy +590 690 73-4573
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
100%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3 based on 1 reviews

This Art Gallery is managed by the association of Saint Barth artists. Founded in 2016 to promote local artists, it organizes Art Parties in 5 star hotels and Art Clubs in villas. 70 painters, photographers and designers are members, out of which 11 are showcased in the gallery.

Reviewed By Rogerio_uk - Klaipeda, Lithuania

A selection of small shops good enough to spend some time for shopping. Located by the beach is very easy to find.Rogerio, Thank you for your feed back. It seems though that you are giving an advice on the whole Villa Creole shopping center and not specifically on our Art Gallery.

10. Anse des Flamands

Flamands, Anse des Flamands, Saint Barthelemy, St. Barthelemy
Excellent
67%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 84 reviews

Anse des Flamands

Some sand, some surf, some sun, some shade: this beach has all the ingredients for a good time.

Reviewed By travelladynyc84 - New York City, New York

Perfect beach. Absolutely stunning. My husband and I scheduled an outdoor couples massage at the Cheval Blanc spa which was amazing and then we spent the day relaxing at Flamands. The water is crystal clear and just beautiful to look and swim in. It was an all around perfect day and I would highly recommend the spa at Cheval Blanc as well.

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