Beaches on St. Martin offer seclusion and privacy. The hotels frequently have their own stretch of beach. Palm trees or cliffs frame the island's beaches. Part of the island's beaches, such as an area of Orient Beach, is reserved for naturists, though topless sunbathing bathing is acceptable on most beaches.
French culture is evident in the island's foods. Restaurants offer multi-course meals, featuring seafood and shellfish, often combined with Caribbean flavor. Shacks on the beach feature authentic Caribbean cooking for little money.
The island's open air Marigot Market offers tropical foods, spices, arts and crafts. Paradise Peak is the highest point on the island, with two observation decks that overlook the tropical rainforest.
Crossing into St. Maaten, the Dutch side of the island, is easy, and oftentimes tourists cross the border without realizing. St Maaten is known more for commerce and cruise ports.
St. Martin offers sunny and warm weather year-round. The average temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, with an average rainfall of 45 inches. Rain happen mostly in late summer and early fall.
