Exploring the Scenic Beauty of St. Barts: A Memorable Day Trip on Foot
Welcome to the enchanting island of St. Barts, a tropical paradise renowned for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. If you’re seeking an unforgettable day trip, exploring the wonders of this Caribbean gem on foot is a must. St Bart’s was the last stop on our 7 day Windstar cruise on the Wind Surf. At that point we had taken many cruise excursions and we had body surfed, tubbed on rivers, snorkeled the waters, paddle boarded and kayaked – so we were looking to do something different on St. Barts. And based on all the wonderful eating we did we wanted some exercise to boot!
We wandered along the charming cobblestone streets amazed by the amount of luxury yachts in the harbor and high end stores that lined the streets! We had a rough plan for our adventure to find some views, a beach and a lovely lunch.
History and local culture of St. Barts
St. Barts, officially known as Saint Barthélemy, is a small island in the Caribbean that has a rich and storied history. Originally inhabited by the Arawak and later by the Carib Indians, the island was discovered by Europeans in the 15th century. Christopher Columbus, who is credited with naming it after his brother, Bartolomeo, claimed the island for France in 1493. However, it remained largely uninhabited for several centuries, only gaining prominence in the 17th century when French settlers established a colony. The island has been a French territory ever since, which has significantly influenced its culture and language.
St Barts Anglican Church
The local culture of St. Barts is a vibrant blend of French and Caribbean influences. This unique mix is evident in the island’s architecture, cuisine, and festivals. During your visit, you may notice the charming colonial buildings adorned with bright colors and the unmistakable French flair. Local cuisine reflects this heritage, with delicious dishes that showcase fresh seafood, local produce, and French culinary techniques. The island also boasts a lively arts scene, with galleries and studios featuring works from both local and international artists.
Festivals and events play a crucial role in the cultural life of St. Barts. The island hosts various celebrations throughout the year, including the Carnival in February, which features parades, music, and dance. Additionally, the annual St. Barts Film Festival draws cinephiles from around the globe, showcasing a selection of films in a picturesque setting. Engaging with the local culture will deepen your appreciation of this enchanting destination and provide insights into the values and traditions that shape life on the island.
Benefits of exploring St. Barts on foot
Exploring St. Barts on foot offers an immersive experience that allows you to engage with the island’s natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere. Walking through the cobblestone streets, you can appreciate the stunning architecture, lush landscapes, and the welcoming spirit of the locals. Unlike other forms of transportation, walking encourages you to slow down and take in your surroundings, giving you the chance to discover hidden gems that you might otherwise overlook.
Another significant advantage of walking is the opportunity to connect with the local community. As you stroll along the waterfront or navigate through charming neighborhoods, you’ll have the chance to interact with residents, shop owners, and fellow travelers. These encounters can lead to meaningful conversations (in multiple languages!) and insights about the island’s culture, history, and hidden treasures. Additionally, you may stumble upon quaint cafes or artisanal shops that wouldn’t typically be highlighted in travel guides, enriching your experience in St. Barts.
Moreover, walking is an environmentally friendly way to explore the island. With the growing awareness of sustainable tourism, choosing to walk not only reduces your carbon footprint but also allows you to contribute positively to the local economy. Supporting small businesses, local artisans, and markets is essential for the community’s well-being. By opting for a walking adventure, you ensure that your footprints leave a lighter mark, enabling the island’s natural beauty to thrive for future generations to enjoy.
Planning your walking day trip to St. Barts
To make the most of your walking day trip in St. Barts, planning is key. Start by familiarizing yourself with the island’s layout, including popular neighborhoods, landmarks, and attractions. A detailed map or a reliable navigation app can be invaluable in helping you chart your course, we used Google Maps for our walking tour.
We visited in December, it was the dry season (from December to April), so all we really needed to plan out was walking shoes, water bottles, hats, sun screen and water shoes. If you are traveling during the rainy season make sure you are dressed appropriately! Obviously, staying hydrated and protected from the sun is vital for enjoying a full day of walking on any Caribbean island.
We took a tender to the port with a rough idea in mind of what we wanted to do but we remained flexible in case something caught our eye and we wanted to explore a little more. When you head to St. Barts embrace the spontaneity that a walking tour can provide and lead you to unexpected sites or adventures.
Walking around the harbor and ogling the yachts
One of the most picturesque starting points for your walking adventure in St. Barts is the harbor in Gustavia, the island’s capital. As you approach the harbor, you will be greeted by the sight of luxurious yachts bobbing gently on the turquoise waters, a testament to the island’s reputation as a playground for the rich and famous. Walking along the waterfront promenade, you can marvel at these magnificent vessels, each more impressive than the last. Since it was the holidays and approaching New Years, the amount of yachts were impressive. We were told by locals that the closer it gets to New Years Eve the more crowded the harbor gets.
Gustavia Harbor Yachts
In addition to the impressive yachts the number of high-end luxury shopping was crazy. This is not your typical Caribbean cruise port with tons of souvenir shops! Take in all the high-end luxury shopping with the laid back Caribbean vibe – while retail therapy is not my thing – nor is luxury shopping – I did take a lot of pictures of these impressive stores. Feel free to pop in on your walking tour if shopping is your thing! There are plenty from which to choose Hermes, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Valentino and more.
Hermes Luxury Shopping
Dior Luxury Shopping
We captured many photographs as we walked around the harbor. The stunning views of the yachts against the backdrop of the azure sky and the lush hillside make for picture-perfect snapshots. As you linger along the waterfront, you may also catch sight of local fishermen bringing in their daily catch, providing a glimpse into the island’s traditional way of life. This blend of luxury and authenticity encapsulates the spirit of St. Barts, making the harbor a must-visit spot during your walking tour.
The sculpture garden at Hôtel de la Collectivité
We made our way around the harbor to the Hôtel de la Collectivité, where we found a hidden gem: the sculpture garden. This serene space is an open-air gallery featuring a collection of contemporary sculptures by both local and international artists.
Hotel De La Collective
The sculpture garden is an ideal spot to take a break from your walking tour since it is mostly in the shade. Find a bench to sit and soak in the tranquil surroundings, allowing the peaceful atmosphere to recharge your spirit – (helpful tip there is also a public restroom behind the hotel!!).
Sculpture Garden
Scenic vistas at Fort Karl
After visiting the sculpture garden, we set our sights on Fort Karl, a historical site that promises breathtaking views and a glimpse into the island’s past. We did however get distracted by signs directing us to Fort Oscar – and while there is a fort there and it’s old and in tact- it is off limits to the public as it houses the police station. We did find a good view near by with a board walk so the climb up was still worth it!
View near Fort Oscar
After we got our bearings we made our way over to Fort Karl. Note there is no fort left but it offers 360 degree views of the surrounding islands and the harbor at St. Barts. Fort Karl was originally built by the French to protect the harbor from pirates and invaders. Note that the climb is up some stone stairs, it is steep and not for people with mobility issues. If you can manage the rugged path the effort is well worth it. The panoramic vistas that await you at the top are nothing short of spectacular.
Harbor view from Fort Karl – a stop on our day trip to St. Barts
Once you reach Fort Karl, take a moment to absorb the stunning scenery that stretches before you. From this vantage point, you can see the harbor dotted with yachts, the colorful rooftops of Gustavia, and the surrounding hillsides adorned with tropical vegetation. It’s a photographer’s paradise, so be sure to capture the beauty of the landscape.
Dave with a View of Shell Beach from Fort Karl
Informational plaques provide context about the fort’s history and its role in the defense of St. Barts. There are also plaques that point out in the view the names of the various islands. From this high perspective it’s amazing at how close St. Kitts/Nevis and St. Maarten are. You also get a gorgeous overhead view of Shell Beach which is where we went next.
Swimming at Shell Beach
After soaking in the sights from Fort Karl, we made our way down to Shell Beach, a hidden gem which offered us a refreshing escape.
Shell Beach is renowned for its unique shoreline, where soft, white sand is interspersed with an abundance of seashells (this is where packing water shoes pays off). The beach is relatively secluded but can get crowded. Be forewarned that there is very little shade on this beach. There are umbrellas and loungers for rent, but they were all reserved far in advance – so keep that in mind when you are planning ahead.
Shell Beach from the water
You’ll also see more luxury yachts moored off the beach with all of their water toys – they are a site to see. The swimming conditions at Shell Beach were ideal for us, with calm waters perfect for our leisurely swim. All we really did here was enjoy the scenery and floated around. The water is calm so there is no real body surfing to be had.
Finding a spot for lunch
After a relaxing swim at Shell Beach, it was time to refuel with a delicious lunch. Fortunately, St. Barts is home to a plethora of dining options that cater to a variety of tastes and budgets. As you walk back toward Gustavia, keep an eye out for charming beachfront restaurants and cozy cafes that beckon with tantalizing aromas and inviting atmospheres. Whether you prefer fresh seafood, French cuisine, or local Caribbean dishes, you’ll find something to satisfy your appetite.
We did ask an American tourist we met where to eat, as she is a frequent visitor of St. Barts, but when we went there we found the menu to be too “American” and the staff wasn’t really welcoming. So we ventured out and found a hole in the wall “Fish Corner“. The menu was small but our tempura shrimp and Tuna Tacos with guacamole, avocado, cilantro, sesame oil and a lime whipped cream sauce were amazing. And to top it off they made an excellent refreshing margarita! There’s plenty of restaurants from which to choose as you walk along the harbor making your way back to the docks.
Conclusion: A St. Barts day trip – an unforgettable adventure by foot
Our day trip to St. Barts was a lovely experience, offering a unique blend of breathtaking scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture. Exploring the island on foot allowed us to engage with its charm on a deeper level, uncovering hidden gems and creating lasting memories – oh and Dave got to practice his French. From the picturesque harbor and luxurious yachts to the serene sculpture garden and stunning vistas at Fort Karl, each moment spent wandering the island added to our journey.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or on your first adventure, walking through the scenic beauty of St. Barts offers a unique perspective that will leave a lasting impression. Next time you find yourself in the Caribbean, make sure to take the time to explore this enchanting island on foot, and create your own unforgettable story.
