It has been 6 long years since I have visited my favorite island. Traveling soon with 2 newbies and want to take them to different beaches. What are the favorite beaches on the Dutch side that rent chairs and umbrellas? Where do you park for each beach? Thanks so much for the info.

Mullet (parking lot) and Simpson Bay at Karakter Beach Bar (parking is more complicated- just somewhere along the small street) ...

Number 1 to me would be Mullet. You can bring your own cooler with drinks, food, etc, or go to Rosie's and get ribs/chicken/fries/drinks, etc. You pay about $15 for two chairs and an umbrella. Parking is easy, just make sure you don't get yourself parked in. Second would be Simpson Bay beach, which would be either Mary's Boon, Karakter or El Zafiro. For any of those, if you buy food and drink there, you don't pay for the chairs. For any of those, again, there is parking for the restaurant. Usually not a big problem, except possibly for Karakter, if it's really busy and you don't get there until late. Third to me would be Philipsburg beach, which has tons of places to eat and rent chairs and umbrellas, etc. Parking would probably be at the Greenhouse, paying $1 to $2 per hour and a decent walk to the beach.

Mullet is and has always been my favorite - chairs and umbrellas available as well as Rosie’s and DaLeos beach bars. There’s also El Zafiro Beach on White Sands Road. Free chairs and umbrellas with food and drink purchase but it does sometimes get crowded with boat excursion guests.

Mullet for sure.

Cupecoy isn't always swimmable when the seas are high, but there's nothing like watching the waves crash on the beautiful sandstone cliffs. There are 4 beach coves that come and go. 2 chairs and an umbrella are $20 and Dany makes great ribs and chicken; lobster and snapper can be ordered in advance. There's a cool bar, tables and chairs where you can eat, and in Jan/Feb you can join in the Lemon Drops ceremony around sunset. Clothing optional. The entrance is just before the Porto Cupecoy roudabout on the left.