St. Jean Beach, St. Barts
Perhaps the most popular beach on St. Barts, St. Jean Beach offers beautiful white sand, inviting aqua-colored waters, hotels, private villas and beach bars. This mile-long crescent-shaped beach is defined by the Eden Rock peninsula which splits the beach into two parts.
Location: Almost smack-dab in the center of St. Barts, St. Jean Beach lies on the northern shore along the D209 coastal road, near the hub of the island’s two lobes.
The sole runway of the island’s Gustaf III Airport ends right at the beach, inviting visitors to step off the plane and walk down to have a drink by the waves.
Why it's unique: The close proximity to the island airport means beachgoing here also gives you front-row seats to some dramatic takeoffs and landings.
Best for: sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and beachfront dining or simply soaking up the bustling ambiance.
Accessibility: You can park in the public lot by the airport and follow a footpath to its western end, or park at the beach’s eastern end by the Nikki Beach restaurant.
Amenities: From watersports and beach chair and gear rentals to ready access to restaurants, bars, and shops, St. Jean Beach is one of the island’s most amenity-rich beaches.
Restaurants Nearby: The dining scene along St. Jean Beach ranks among its chief attractions. Excellent eateries right on the beach include Nao Beach Bar & Restaurant, Nikki Beach, Pearl Beach, Sand Bar and GypSea.
© JEANNE LE MENN
The lauded Sand Bar at Eden Rock features a menu overseen by world-famous chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Other excellent restaurants just a short walk inland from the beach include Le Piment, Papillon Ivre and Zion.
Activities: Enjoy swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and windsurfing on one of the most popular beaches of St. Barts. It is also worth visiting for an elevated beach dining experience or watching the tiny planes landing.
Know Before You Go: Access to St. Jean Beach is free. Since it’s the most visited beach on the island, it’s a good idea to grab a good spot on the sand early.
WIMCO Insider Tip: The waters on the eastern side of the beach are somewhat calmer and more child-friendly, while surfing is better on the western end past the airport runway.
Villas Near St. Jean Beach
Along with hotels, luxury private villa rentals offer outstanding accommodations close to St. Jean Beach. Several luxurious villas are located steps down to the beach including Crystal Dream, Villa Sous la Falaise and Villa Le Moulin. Villas with breathtaking views were built on the bowl-shaped hillside overlooking the beach.
St. Jean Beach Photos & Videos
Hotels on St Jean Beach
St Jean beach is home to three small hotels, each with less than 40 rooms; Eden Rock Hotel, Les Islets de La Plage hotel, and Pearl Beach hotel. Just up the hill from the beach, and well within walking distance lie Tropical Hotel and Le Village St Barth Hotel. The
reservations desk at WIMCO Villas can secure reservations at any of these hotels on St Jean beach.