What to do in Phillipsburg?

We'll be in Phillipsburg in a couple of weeks. We plan on just taking the water taxi over to town and hanging out. Any suggestions on places to check out? We've been many times, just looking for something new to see. We usually do a little shopping, have a drink and maybe an ice cream somewhere and then go play on the beach. That's all fine. But I've never really been a fan of St. Martin because of what we do. But we are traveling with extended family, ranging in age from 3 to 70, and this is just what they want to do. So any restaurant or shop or anything else you recommend right in town?

We'll be in Phillipsburg in a couple of weeks. We plan on just taking the water taxi over to town and hanging out. Any suggestions on places to check out? We've been many times, just looking for something new to see. We usually do a little shopping, have a drink and maybe an ice cream somewhere and then go play on the beach. That's all fine. But I've never really been a fan of St. Martin because of what we do. But we are traveling with extended family, ranging in age from 3 to 70, and this is just what they want to do. So any restaurant or shop or anything else you recommend right in town?

If I follow, then, you're stuck in Philipsburg with a group and will end up playing on the beach?

I like the 'playing on the beach' as I have concerns about the water quality in Great Bay.

I just recommended the St. Maarten Museum.

Grab your ice cream at McDonalds and get free WiFi.

There is the Yoda Guy place.

I think just the Water Taxi is a nice diversion, and a great photo-op, both ways.

There are several Casinos in town.

For restaurants, what type/style of food might you be considering? Burgers and beer or Lobster and French wine?

And then the shopping! We have many recommendations, depending, but I recommend going right now and measuring your tables for new Tablecloths. Put the measurements with your cruise documents. We currently shop with Mr Tablecloth at the Holland House Beach Hotel. Booze across the street at Ocean Jewelers.

gary

We'll be in Phillipsburg in a couple of weeks. We plan on just taking the water taxi over to town and hanging out. Any suggestions on places to check out? We've been many times, just looking for something new to see. We usually do a little shopping, have a drink and maybe an ice cream somewhere and then go play on the beach. That's all fine. But I've never really been a fan of St. Martin because of what we do. But we are traveling with extended family, ranging in age from 3 to 70, and this is just what they want to do. So any restaurant or shop or anything else you recommend right in town?

You sound like you are setting yourself up to not enjoy St. Maarten once again. If you don't enjoy Phillipsburg and that is what it sounds like, then head somewhere else. Do some research and find something that you and your party will enjoy. Personally I think Grand Case has plenty to occupy a group like yours like boutique shopping, 2 beaches, many restaurants and beach bars, snorkelling trips, scuba trips and even an underwater semi submersible and a perfumery where you can make your own perfume.

A simple day would be to taxi to Le Galion and spend 1/2 a day there and the rest at the butterfly farm which is a five minute walk away.

I would NOT recommend taking a 3 year old into the water at Great Bay and if the child is not yours then please notify the parents of the pollution concerns at this beach.

 

A simple day would be to taxi to Le Galion and spend 1/2 a day there and the rest at the butterfly farm which is a five minute walk away.

 

What is there to do at LE Galion? how far/much in a taxi?

What is there to do at LE Galion? how far/much in a taxi?

Le Galion is adjacent to Orient, so the taxi cost should be (about) the same:

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I would allow 45 minutes going, 30 minutes on the return and hope for quicker trip. Obviously that's after you are in the taxi. A return from le Galion has been known to be problematic, so make arrangements, either with your driver or the beach vendor.

Le Galion currently offers Tropical Wave:

gary

What is there to do at LE Galion? how far/much in a taxi?

It's known for being a calm and shallow rustic beach and for kite surfing. There is one beach bar/restaurant open now through November I believe every day but Mondays. You can rent chairs and umbrellas and there are restroom facilities at the restaurant.

Tell me more about water quality concerns at Great Bay? It looks lovely from photos.