5 Best Sights in St. Martin and St. Maarten

This odd-sounding exhibit is actually a nonprofit museum run by Nick Maley, a movie-industry artist who was involved in the creation of Yoda and other icons. You can learn how the artist worked while enjoying the models and memorabilia on display—a must-see for Star Wars fans but of interest to most movie buffs. Maley is often on-hand and is happy to answer questions as time allows, and to autograph souvenirs for sale.

This bustling white-sand beach curves around Philipsburg just behind Front Street, making it easy to find. Here you'll find boutiques, eateries, a pleasant boardwalk, and rental chairs and umbrellas. Often busy with cruise-ship passengers, the beach is best west of Captain Hodge Pier or around Antoine Restaurant. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming; walking.

This eco-adventure park, designed so it would minimally impact the island's nature, offers 360-degree views of the island and adrenaline pumping rides. Nose around the Emilio Wilson museum and learn about the island's history before you take the chairlift all the way to the top of Sentry Hill to the sky explorer, a wooden deck from which you can enjoy the most incredible views of the island. Get a cold beverage at the Sky Bar and work up the nerve to go down the hill with either the Sentry Hill zipline, the schooner ride or--if you dare--the famous Flying Dutchman, also known as the steepest zipline in the world. After all the excitement, treat yourself to a nice lunch at Emilio's restaurant located on the property.

Hosting rotating cultural exhibits that address the history, industry, geology, and archaeology of the island, the museum contains artifacts ranging from Arawak pottery shards to objects salvaged from the wreck of HMS Proselyte. An interesting exhibit about hurricanes focuses on Hurricane Luis, which devastated the island in 1995. There is a good reference and video library as well.

Hosting rotating cultural exhibits that address the history, industry, geology, and archaeology of the island, the museum contains artifacts ranging from Arawak pottery shards to objects salvaged from the wreck of HMS Proselyte. An interesting exhibit about hurricanes focuses on Hurricane Luis, which devastated the island in 1995. There is a good reference and video library as well.