You’ve got your rental car, you’ve memorized your route, and now you’re arriving at a bustling area or a crowded beach. Don’t panic! Finding parking in Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten can be tricky, especially during high season or when cruise ships are in port, but with a few local tips, you can navigate Saint Martin like a pro.
Here is your guide to parking on both sides of the island:
Sint Maarten Parking (Dutch Side)
The Dutch side, being the commercial and cruise hub, has more structured, often paid, parking options.
1. Philipsburg (Shopping & Cruise Port)
Parking in the capital, especially when cruise ships are docked, requires planning.
| Spot | Location / Vibe | Price/Tip |
| Pondfill Road / Walter Nisbeth Road | The main thoroughfare running behind the shopping streets and Great Salt Pond. | Free & Plentiful. This is generally the best spot. Park here and walk 5–10 minutes into the center of Philipsburg. |
| Clem Labega Square | Centrally located near the Courthouse and the shopping district. | Paid Lot. Convenient, guarded, and recommended if you don’t want to walk far. Great for peace of mind. |
| Bobby’s Marina | Located near the cruise port and the start of the Boardwalk. | Paid Lot. Ideal if you plan to spend time at this end of the Boardwalk or use a water taxi. |
| Front/Back Street | Very difficult during the day. | Free (But Risky). After 6 PM, when businesses close, you may find street parking, but it’s generally discouraged due to congestion. |
2. Maho Beach (Plane Spotting)
The area around the airport runway is often a chaotic bottleneck, especially when large planes are due to land.
| Spot | Location / Vibe | Price/Tip |
| Maho Village/Casino Parking | Paid lots/garages are available behind the main strip of Maho Village (near the resorts). | Paid. Spend the small fee for a designated spot. It’s the most reliable option and a short, safe walk to the beach. |
| Sunset Beach Bar Area | Several small lots near the famous bar, often shared with nearby businesses. | Paid, or Free with Validation. Check if you can get your parking ticket validated (or free) by eating or drinking at one of the adjacent establishments. |
| The Main Road (Warning!) | DO NOT attempt to park on the main road (Airport Road) near the beach. It is illegal, causes major traffic jams, and you will likely be ticketed or towed. |
3. Simpson Bay (Nightlife & Restaurants)
Simpson Bay is long, busy, and packed with restaurants and bars, making parking at peak hours tough.
- Marinas: Look for parking near the Simpson Bay Marina or Yacht Club areas. There are often public spots available or small lots near restaurants.
- Kim Sha Beach: There is a designated parking lot here that serves the beach and several surrounding establishments.
- Hotels/Resorts: If you are dining at a resort restaurant, they usually have guest parking or may offer valet service.
Saint-Martin Parking (French Side)
The French side has fewer formal paid lots, relying more on finding street parking or large, informal, free lots.
1. Marigot (Market & Fort Louis)
The French capital is picturesque, but its narrow streets make midday parking a challenge, especially during the famous market days.
| Spot | Location / Vibe | Price/Tip |
| Galisbay Waterfront | The large, open parking lot along the waterfront near the Galisbay port. | Free & Recommended. This is the best long-term option. It’s a 5–10 minute walk to the market, Fort Louis, and the central shopping area. |
| Marina Fort Louis | A limited number of spaces near the marina. | Free (if lucky). These spots fill up extremely fast in the morning. |
| Fort Louis Base | Near the old subprefecture/Catholic Church at the bottom of the hill leading to the Fort. | Free. Great for accessing the fort and the immediate northern end of town. |
2. Grand Case (Culinary Capital)
Grand Case Boulevard, home to the famous Lolos and gourmet restaurants, is a narrow, one-way street. Parking here for dinner is the most notorious parking challenge on the island.
- Designated Lots: The easiest and smartest option is the dedicated parking lots off the main boulevard (often located near the salt pond/canal).
- Price: The large lot across from Calmos Cafe is free. Lots further down Boulevard de Grand Case charge a small fee (€5 or $5 USD).
- Street Parking: Yes, you will see cars parked bumper-to-bumper, often half on the sidewalk. Locals are experts at this. If you are comfortable parallel parking in tight spaces, you might find a free spot, but be prepared for very narrow margins, read the signs, and don’t block driveways.
- Arrive Early: For dinner, arrive by 6:00 PM (especially on a busy Friday or Saturday) to secure the best spots before the crowds descend.
3. Popular Beaches (Orient Bay, Friar’s Bay, Pinel Island Ferry)
- Orient Bay: There are large, sandy, designated parking areas for free near the various beach sections (e.g., near the nude section, or the village end).
- Friar’s Bay/Happy Bay: Friar’s Bay has a dedicated, free dirt lot. Park here for direct access to Friar’s Bay Beach or take the short hike over the hill to Happy Bay.
- Pinel Island Ferry: A dedicated, free parking lot is available near the ferry dock in Cul-de-Sac.
🛑 The SXM Strong Safety Checklist
Always keep these two tips in mind, regardless of the side of the island:
- Never Leave Valuables in the Car: This is the most important rule on any Caribbean island. Leave the glove box open and empty to show there is nothing to steal. A bag or wallet visible on a seat is an open invitation.
- Look for Attendants: If you see someone in a brightly colored vest directing cars or collecting a small fee, it’s worth the price. These are usually authorized attendants overseeing a semi-official lot, and their presence adds a layer of security.
