Let’s be honest, traveling with kids, especially to a beach destination, is more of an expedition than a holiday. Forget the stress-free luxury you see on postcards; we’re talking about finding the perfect blend of safety, accessibility, and, yes, a decent beach bar for the adults.
We started traveling to Saint Martin with our kids when our oldest was just eight months old, and over the years, we’ve returned countless times with both of our growing boys. Having navigated every one of the island’s 37 main beaches, we’ve learned exactly what separates a good beach day from a chaotic one.
So, what are our non-negotiable priorities when we’re beach-hopping on Saint Martin with the family?
The Beach Vibe: Soft Sand & Calm Water. For sandcastles, gentle play, and your peace of mind, we prioritize soft, powdery sand and, most importantly, shallow, reef-protected water that keeps the waves gentle and safe.
Clean Amenities. Accessible and clean restrooms are non-negotiable. Plus, the adults deserve a good beach bar, and it’s handy to have a proper place to clean up or just hang out off the sand for a little while.
Stress-Free Parking & Access. A chaotic parking situation can derail a beach day before it even begins. Our top picks offer easy, secure, and close-by parking—because nobody wants to haul a cooler and two toddlers a quarter-mile down a busy road. Be sure to check out our tips on how to navigate the island and how to find the best parking spots in Saint Martin.
Close Proximity. Whether you’re staying steps from your resort door or just a short drive away, easy access is key, especially when you have to haul all the ‘gear’ or navigate naptime for the little ones.
Taking these priorities into account, here is our definitive list of the best beaches for families in Saint Martin. Click on a beach or scroll below to get more information!
Best Beaches in Saint Martin for Families with Kids
Grand Case Beach (Baie de Grand Case)
Location: French Side (Northwest Coast)
The Water & Sand: Why It’s Kid-Friendly
Grand Case Beach is often cited as having some of the calmest water on the entire island. This bay is naturally protected, meaning you get minimal waves and a shallow entry—perfect for younger kids who are building confidence or for adults who just want a relaxing float. The sand here is soft and welcoming, making it a comfortable spot for hours of play.
The Famous Grand Case Boulevard
We’ve always loved Grand Case. The short Boulevard de Grand Case runs parallel to the beach and is lined with incredible world-class restaurants, quaint boutique shops, several fantastic Lolos (outdoor local barbecues), and some outstanding beach bars. Having all of these literally steps from the sand means that grabbing lunch or a drink is quick and easy — a huge win for parents!
Parking & Logistics: Insider Tips
Parking in Grand Case can be challenging if you aren’t familiar with the area. The easiest and most reliable option is the large, free parking lot located directly across from Calmos Cafe. Alternatively, you can usually find parallel parking during the day along the narrow Boulevard de Grand Case, but be sure to pay close attention to any no-parking signs and avoid blocking private driveways.
Where to Stay in Grand Case
We have stayed directly on the beach and a very short walk from it, which is definitely easier with kids who are a bit older. While there are several boutique hotels along Grand Case Beach, many of them prefer couples to families with kids.
My suggestion is to find a local rental on Airbnb with dedicated parking, or stay at the fantastic Grand Case Beach Club. It has all the amenities you will ever need, and you will be on arguably the best and most secluded part of Grand Case Beach: Le Petite Plage, a local favorite.
Orient Beach
Location: French Side (Northeast Coast)
The Water & Sand: Something For Everyone
Orient Beach is the island’s most famous and expansive beach, often nicknamed the “Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean.” Located on the Atlantic side, it is typically windier than Grand Case, and the waves can be choppy at the northern end. However, the areas directly in front of the main beach clubs are generally shallower for a long distance from shore, providing plenty of safe space for younger children to play and splash near the water’s edge. The sand is soft, white powder perfect for building sandcastles.
Amenities & Dining: Full-Service Beach Clubs
This beach is a bustling resort village, offering full-service amenities that busy families appreciate. A line of chic beach clubs (Kontiki, Orange Fever, Coco Beach, Le String Beach, etc.) provides comfortable loungers, clean restrooms, and a wide variety of dining options, often with kid-friendly menus. If your family wants action, you’ll find every water sport imaginable here, including paddleboarding, jet skis, and banana boats, making it an ideal choice for an all-day excursion.
Parking & Logistics: Lots of Options
Parking is relatively easy here compared to Grand Case. Simply drive into the Orient Bay Village area where you will find ample, free sandy lots near the various beach clubs. Just pull in and grab a spot near the location you plan to stay in for the day!
Family Note: The Nudist Area
The southernmost end of Orient Beach, beyond the beach clubs, is a clothing-optional area. If this is a concern for your family, simply stay on the northern or central sections of the beach where the major beach clubs are located. While topless sunbathing is common on all French-side beaches, full-body nudity is confined to the far end.
Mullet Bay Beach
Location: Dutch Side (Southwest Coast)
The Water & Sand: The Perfect Caribbean Cove
Mullet Bay is the quintessential Caribbean postcard scene: a wide crescent of powdery white sand with stunning, crystal-clear turquoise water. Due to its orientation on the Caribbean Sea side of the island, the water is typically very calm and offers a gentle, rock-free entry, which is ideal for toddlers and new swimmers building water confidence. The rocky edges on the south end of the cove are a fantastic spot for easy, rewarding snorkeling for older children and beginners.
🚨 Important note(!): While seldom, there are days when the waves at Mullet Bay Beach can get big and choppy. If this is the case when you arrive, I highly recommend hitting another beach that day to keep the kids safe.
Amenities & Dining: Laid-Back Local Vibe
This beach offers a more local feel compared to Orient Bay. The south end is the main area for amenities, featuring a couple of popular local beach bars, like Rosie’s and Da Waterhole, which serve cold drinks and family-friendly food (including famous BBQ). You can easily rent chairs and umbrellas here. Kalatua Beach Restaurant is a bit further north and slightly more upscale. The entire beach is spacious, providing a nice contrast between the more social, amenity-filled south end and the more tranquil, natural north end.
Parking & Logistics: Easy Access & Nearby Thrills
Mullet Bay is one of the island’s most convenient beaches to access. There is a large, free parking lot just a short walk from the sand. Basic restrooms and changing facilities are available, usually provided by the beach bars if you are renting chairs. An added bonus is its proximity to Maho Beach; you can easily visit Maho for a quick plane-spotting thrill and then move to Mullet Bay for a relaxing swim.
Proximity to Maho Beach
Mullet Bay is only a few minutes from Maho Beach (where airplanes fly over your head), making them a great pairing for a family day out. You can spend the morning watching the famous airplane landings at Maho, and then escape to the calm, beautiful waters of Mullet Bay for the rest of the day — a perfect balance of excitement and relaxation!
Friar’s Bay Beach
Location: French Side (Northwest Coast)
The Water & Sand: A French Retreat
Friar’s Bay is widely considered one of the best family-friendly beaches due to its natural protection. The bay is surrounded by hills, which shield it from strong winds and swells, and it faces the Anguilla Channel, resulting in calm, crystal-clear water with a gentle slope perfect for swimmers of all experience levels, especially children. The beach features powdery soft sand, though you should watch out for some scattered shells and stones in places. The overall atmosphere is tranquil and safe, making it an excellent spot for families to relax.
Amenities & Dining: Local & Family-Oriented
This beach strikes a great balance between natural beauty and convenience. It is home to a few casual beach bars and restaurants — such as Kali’s Beach Bar and Friar’s Bay Beach Café — where you can rent chairs and umbrellas, enjoy drinks (with and without alcohol), and grab lunch. Friar’s Bay is a popular spot for locals on weekends and holidays, giving it a warm, authentic community feel.
Parking & Logistics: Access to Hidden Gem
Ample parking is available near the beach and along the access road. One of the best reasons to visit Friar’s Bay is its walking path to the secluded Happy Bay Beach. The trail is about a 15-minute walk over the hill on the north end of the beach, offering an added mini-adventure for families with older kids seeking an even more remote experience. Happy Bay Beach is often frequented by naturists, so keep that in mind with small kids.
Le Galion Beach (Baby Beach)
Location: French Side (East Coast, near Orient Bay)
The Water & Sand: The Ultimate “Baby Beach”
Affectionately nicknamed “Baby Beach,” Le Galion is the ultimate safe haven for families with very young children. A natural barrier reef surrounds the bay, creating a vast, shallow lagoon with virtually no waves or currents. You can walk 20 to 30 yards into the water and still only reach your shins, making it incredibly safe for toddlers and non-swimmers. The sand is soft and white/golden, and the low-key atmosphere makes it a popular spot for local families to gather.
Amenities & Dining: Natural and Low-Key
The charm of Le Galion is its natural, undeveloped state, making it a stark contrast to the lively Orient Bay nearby. You won’t find many amenities, if any. We recommend taking advantage of the quiet atmosphere by packing your own picnic and beach essentials to enjoy a relaxing, unspoiled day.
🚨 Important note(!): There are no beach bars or bathrooms, as of last check. Orient Beach is your best option for bathrooms and other amenities, a short three-minute drive away.
Parking & Logistics: Simple and Direct
Le Galion is easy to access and navigate. Located just south of Orient Bay, you simply turn right on Rue du Coconut Grove and continue to the end of the road. You will find a free parking area right next to the beach. The shallow, reef-protected waters also make this an excellent spot for kids to try beginner water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking.
