Parking

Looking for some advice on parking in two areas. I've only been to St. Maarten for 1 day on a cruise but we're now coming for a week in March so looking for some parking tips. We're staying in the Pelican key area and have a rental to drive around the island. Keep in mind we'll have a 2 year old and a 6 year old with us as well.

Philipsburg - If we are going into Philipsburg to spend the day shopping and at the beach along the boardwalk, where is the best place to park?

Maho Beach - If we're going to Sunset Beach Bar and to spend some time at Maho beach where is the best place to park?

Thanks!

In phillipsburg we go to the pay lot across from police station or along salt pond for free.
In maho we park in lot next to SSBB. Show receipt from SSBB and it's free.

There is also a pay lot in town as you head towards the cruise ship pier. It is beyond the Greenhouse and near Chesterfield's restaurant. The free lot across from the Salt Pond fills early and stays filled. There is parking along the road if you can find a space.

We like the pay lot at Bobbys Marina, head of town. Very short walk to boardwalk, restaurants and shopping. Have seldom found the lot full.

We also park at the lot at Bobby's Marina.

Especially with the kids Bobby’s Marina is a good spot. The walkway from there to the boardwalk is fairly smooth so you can actually push a stroller. Do yourself a big favor and stay away from the free lot along the salt pond. It is a long walk with kids - we did it and deeply regretted it.

For P'burg, I might have a tendency to drop off one person with the kids in the middle of town, and then the other person park at Bobby's. Then head toward Bobby's, so you end up there at the end.

For Sunset, yes, just park there by SSBB and buy something, and your parking will be free. Theoretically you MIGHT find some free parking over by Maho, but no way the walk with two kids is worth it.

And another vote for Bobby's Marina.

Agree with all of he above. And, don't leave anything of value in the car. Nothing. It's crazy where some cars get broken into here even in the middle of the day.

GREAT point, Sammy. I forgot the original poster had only been to SXM on cruises.


VegasCanadian_-- Huhm, did they move Vegas to Canada when I wasn't watching?? Anyway, PLEASE take heed what Sammy said. Do not EVER leave ANYTHING in your car on SXM, not at ANY time, at ANY place, for ANY length of time..

Yes, my rental car guy told us not to even leave a bag of garbage, or the will steal it.

Hmmmm...i must find that lot near Bobby's Marina,,,I just dont recall seeing the marina. Any tips on where it is or easy directions. The lot downtown back a few rows was packed and we just kept going around in circles....frustrating, lol

Meg,

Are you familiar with Chesterfields Restaurant? That’s my landmark when looking for both breakfast and parking.

Just past the gas station, after you go over the speed bump, turn right into the lot. The gate and ticket machine do not work, so pull up to the guard house and they will give you a handwritten ticket. $1 per hour.

Ditto on Bobby's Marina....very convenient, blus if u eat at Greenhouse, they will validate your ticket

Where is parking at SSBB? Do you drive past bar and through opening at curve in road?

Yes.

Not worth the grief of parking along the airport fence...usually under water anyway. As mentioned validated parking is a no brainer. If we are going just to hand out and watch planes land and tourists get sandblasted we sometimes bring a small cooler/towels and sit on the sand (assuming there IS sand). Just buy a couple of $4 beers at the middle bar and get your ticket validated

boucharda--if you're going to buy drinks anyway, why not just sit in a chair at the bar?