Top Things to Do on a Family Trip to Orient Beach, St. Maarten

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Jet Ski Rentals, La Playa Resort, and $6 French Baguettes – A Perfect Beach Day!

We just spent the perfect beach day in Saint Maarten, and if you’re looking for a family-friendly spot that blends adventure, food, and ocean views—you need to add Orient Beach to your list.

Special thanks to St Maarten Tourism and some local businesses featured in this post for supplying some activities and restaurants to review. All opinions are my own.

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Watch our St. Maarten family beach day come to life…

Table of Contents

Why Orient Beach is Perfect for Families

From jet skiing for the first time, spotting sting rays in the water, jumping off trampolines into the sea, and ordering beach-side cocktails…

To eating $6 French baguettes right on the sand—a day at this beautiful beach will check every box.

Below I am dropping all the details to make the most of a day trip here, along with nearby food and activities to make some great memories….

See my top Maho Beach plane-spotting tips.

Parking for Orient Beach

This beach on the French side of St. Martin is lively, scenic, and packed with fun. Even if you’re not staying directly in the area, it’s absolutely worth the drive over for a full beach day.

We parked right along the street (free public parking was easy to find in mid-June), walked down a short path through the bar and restaurant area at the end of the road (outside La Playa Resort – more on that below), and were immediately greeted by the most inviting stretch of sand and turquoise water.

Renting Beach Chairs – A Good Idea

We rented beach chairs from La Playa Orient Beach Resort, one of the more beautiful and convenient spots right along the shore. I had toured La Playa earlier in the week and was invited back to enjoy their beach setup, which came with:

Comfortable lounge chairs
Full food + drink service (real glass ware!)
Access to water sports just steps away
Clean restrooms

Beach chair rentals were around $30 for two chairs, and you get them for the whole day—including waiter service right to your seat. Total luxury if you ask me!

Jet Skiing with Bikini Watersports

Located just a short walk down the beach from La Playa, Bikini Watersports offers jet ski rentals, paddleboards, parasailing, and this wild inflatable trampoline you can launch yourself off of into the water.

Here’s what to know if it’s your first time jet skiing (like it was for my husband and son!):

Reserve online before. I booked and paid online, which made things easy. I reserved the night before, but slow season was just beginning so judge accordingly!
You don’t need a license. They’ll walk you through safety instructions and ocean boundaries.
Go slow through the swim zone. Then pick up speed once you’re in open water.
Two people per jet ski. I stayed back while my husband and son went out together.
Wear a waterproof watch. You don’t want to keep checking your phone for time.

My son (six years old, about 55 lbs) had been talking about jet skiing for weeks, and once they hit the water, it was all smiles. They were laughing, splashing, and flying over the waves—and they got totally hooked. Even though I booked an hour, they came back after 30 minutes just to go back out again.

Don’t miss this hack for finding top-rated family hotels on Google Maps.

Meanwhile, I kicked back on the beach with a drink from La Playa and soaked in some much-needed mom R&R.

Other Fun Activities at Orient Beach

This is one of the most activity-packed, family-friendly beaches we’ve visited in the Caribbean.

If jet skis aren’t your thing (or you want more!), there’s still plenty to do…

Paddleboard rentals.
Snorkeling—my husband saw sting rays just offshore.
A huge inflatable trampoline you can jump off into the ocean.
Beachside massage tents.
Swimming-friendly waves great for kids.

Quick Places to Eat Near Orient Beach

Let’s talk food—because you know I always am.

There are lots of great restaurants along Orient Beach if you want a full sit-down meal, but if you’re looking for quick, delicious food you can take to the beach, here’s your move…

Good Morning Café

A charming French-style café just a short walk or drive from the beach.

Here’s what we loved at Good Morning Cafe:

$6 French baguette sandwiches (YES, six dollars – and they are so fresh! Take them to go for dinner later, because this shop closes early.)
Eggs and breakfast items like quiche and croque monsieur sandwich (pictured below, topped with an egg) if you’re fueling up in the morning.
Coffee — even iced for us typical Americans!

See my detailed breakfast menu review with recommendations for Good Morning Cafe.

Roasty’s

After your beach day, swing by Roasty’s for a casual lunch or sweet gelato break.

Just a few minutes walk from Orient Beach, it’s a great spot for overstuffed sandwiches, burgers, and refreshing gelato—perfect for families looking to cool down and refuel.

Dreaming of a beachfront escape in St. Maarten? Check out my full Holland House Hotel in St. Maarten review—right on the Dutch side in Philipsburg, this stylish boutique stay has ocean views, a lively boardwalk, and serious beach vibes.

More Popular Restaurants Near Orient Beach

Here’s a list of popular spots in the area if you want to explore more local flavors:

Yellow Sub

Beach bar & casual eats
What to get: Burgers, baguette sandwiches, cold beers

Bikini Beach Restaurant

Right next to the watersports rentals
What to get: Grilled fish, salads, cocktails with a view

Kontiki Beach

Chic beach club atmosphere
What to get: Tuna tataki, sushi rolls, mojitos

Good Morning Café (as mentioned)

French-style café
What to get: $6 baguettes, omelets, croissants

La Playa Restaurant

Attached to the beach resort
What to get: Fresh seafood, cocktails delivered to your chair

Bonus Foodie Tip

Orient Beach is just 3 miles from the popular Lolos and restaurants at Grand Case. We had a wonderful dinner that I can’t recommend enough on another night at Ocean 82 – where they have giant lobsters and ocean-side dining.

Final Thoughts

This day was everything I love in one: family memories, good food, and a little adrenaline. Orient Beach made it easy to have it all in one place—and we’ll definitely be back.

If you’re planning a family trip to Saint Martin, don’t skip this spot. Bring sunscreen, a waterproof watch, and an appetite. You’ll thank me later.

Looking for a beach day on the Dutch side of the island? Check out the beach chair rental package at Holland House Hotel in Philipsburg. It’s right near a bunch of restaurants and bars on the promenade!

Can’t Wait to Hear About Your Trip!

When you snap photos in St Maarten, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @sipbitego!

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