The Philipsburg Boardwalk — 1.5 Miles of Beachfront Caribbean Life
Great Bay's waterfront promenade with beach bars, restaurants, art, sports park, and cruise port access.
Why Go
The Philipsburg Boardwalk stretches 1.5 miles along the sandy shores of Great Bay Beach, creating a waterfront promenade that connects everything Philipsburg has to offer. Beach bars, restaurants serving Caribbean and international cuisine, the historic Courthouse, Walter Plantz Square, public art installations like the Under SXM sculptures, and the Boardwalk Sports Park all line this coastal walkway that runs from the cruise port to the eastern end of town.
The Experience
Walking the Boardwalk is the quintessential Philipsburg experience. Start at the cruise port end where the energy peaks with arriving visitors, then stroll east past beach bars with sand-level seating, restaurant terraces overlooking the bay, jewelry shops, and hotel pools. The Under SXM public art installations add cultural stops between drinks. The Boardwalk Sports Park provides fitness equipment and sports facilities for active visitors. Great Bay Beach runs alongside the entire length—step off the boardwalk and onto the sand at any point for a swim. The Dutch colonial Courthouse and Walter Plantz Square mark the historical center.
What to Try
Walk the full 1.5 miles end to end, stopping at bars and restaurants that catch your eye. Photograph the Under SXM public art sculptures. Use the Boardwalk Sports Park for a morning workout with bay views. Take a swim break at Great Bay Beach between shopping and dining stops.
Insider Tip
The western (cruise port) end is busiest during cruise ship days; the eastern end stays calmer. Early morning is best for joggers and fitness at the Sports Park. Sunset brings a different energy as the bars light up and evening dining begins. The Boardwalk connects to Front Street at multiple points via the steegjes (side alleys), making it easy to alternate between beach and shopping.
The Practical Stuff
Running 1.5 miles along Great Bay Beach, Philipsburg. Open 24 hours. Free access. Beach bars, restaurants, sports park, and art installations along the route. Nearest parking at Walter Plantz Square. Cruise port at the western end.
Pair It With
- Dutch Blonde Beach Bar & Restaurant Guide — Craft beer and beach food at a popular Boardwalk stop
- Thirsty Pirate — Pirate-themed bar with swings right on the Boardwalk