St. Barts continues to be a popular dream vacation destination, a picture-perfect venue that caters to outdoor enthusiasts, sunseekers and avid travelers from around the globe. The area encompasses just about eight square miles, but you will need more than a few days to enjoy everything that this Caribbean destination has to offer. St. Barts has been described as one of the most unusual of the French West Indies islands because it has such a vibrant mix of natural sites, cultural venues and great restaurants. Wealthy Americans, celebrities and other well-heeled travelers make their way to St. Barts year after year to enjoy the beautiful beaches, shop at the designer boutiques, spend the afternoon yachting and to explore some of the charming towns and cities scattered around the area.

You’ll find several small cities and famous places located around this small island. Gustavia is a small harbor shaped like a horseshoe, and once served as a trading center. This small town is now home to several waterfront shops and restaurants and has maintained much of its simplistic charm. It is also a fine example of the opulent lifestyle many St. Barts residents and visitors enjoy. You can walk through this small town to see the Swedish-era buildings, spend an afternoon on a boat around the port, or stroll through some of the old libraries and museums. Gustavai is surrounded by unspoiled landscapes and some of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

Make your way to Saint-Jean, one of the centrally-located neighborhoods on St. Barts, to explore the luxury hotels, villas and dine at some of the island’s finest restaurants. This scenic area is perfect for romantic getaways or a quiet escape.

Whether you’re interested in a day of wildlife viewing, yachting, shopping or just soaking up some sun on the white sands, you’ll find plenty of fun, unique and interesting activities to enjoy in St. Barts. Get up early to enjoy the sunrise, relax by the shores all day to enjoy the paradise-like ocean views, and spend the evening dining at one of the upscale dining venues during your trip. The multi-colored tropical plants, land creatures, breathtaking vistas and calm waters make this island a perfect destination for a Caribbean escape.

St. Barts Weather and Best Time to Visit

The cool trade winds and year-round sunshine make St. Barts an attractive destination to visit year round. Average annual temperatures tend to stay in the low 80s during the day and the mid-70s at night. The temperatures don’t change much from season to season, so for many travelers, it feels like summer any time of year. St. Barts does have a hurricane season, which typically runs only from September through the end of October. You’ll find that many local restaurants, shops and other businesses close down entirely during these two months. If you are flying t St. Barts during hurricane season, it’s generally a good idea to check weather information up to your time of departure.

Peak season in St. Barts runs from the middle of December through the middle of April. This is when most people from colder climates head to the French Caribbean islands to enjoy an escape from the cold weather. The island is also fairly crowded during the holiday season. If you are looking for the most affordable rates on hotels, villas and condo properties, avoid booking during the month of February when rates for accommodations are at their highest.

Experience St. Barts

In order to make the most of your St. Barts experience, you will need to book transportation in advance or drive a rental car. You can get to most parts of the islands within 20 minutes, but it may take some time to adapt to the wide roads and traffic here. There are only two gas stations on the island and these are closed on Sundays. You’ll find one near the airport and another in Lorient. If you prefer not to drive a car, you can catch a cab at one of two taxi stations on the island. One of these is at the airport, and the other one is in Gustavia.

St. Barts is home to fourteen white sandy beaches, and most of these stay relatively uncrowded – even during peak season. All of the beaches in St. Bart are open to the public and there is no admission fee to enter. There are no nudist beaches on the island. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include:

• Grand Cul de Sac

• St. Jean

• Corossol

• Petit Cul de Sac

• Shell Beach

• Gouverneur

• Saline

• Colombier

Some of the beaches are only accessible by boat or by taking a short hike down a scenic path. Others are easily accessible from some of the hotels and resorts in the area. If you’re looking for a quiet and secluded beach, head to Marigot or Lorient. Both of these small, family-friendly destinations are perfect for relaxing with a book, soaking up some sunshine or enjoying a picnic. Toiny beach is especially popular for surfers, but is not an idyllic beach destination for swimming. One of the most calm and relaxing beach destinations is Petit Cul de Sac beach.