Dawn Beach

Imagine yourself basking under the golden rays of the St. Maarten sun, looking out at the calm ocean, with a Pina Colada in hand sitting at Dawn Beach.  Located on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, Dawn Beach is a semi-secluded white sandy quarter Moon shaped beach you will find on the way to Oyster Pond.  The beach is now the home of the Westin hotel that was built along its shores several years ago after the family owned beach bar called Scavengers, was turned to rubble in the aftermath of hurricane Omar. If you are staying at the Westin, the hotel has direct access to the beach.  If you are staying in the Dawn Beach area or are driving from somewhere else, there are several spots along the main road where you may park, including several restaurants which have access as well.

Although it faces out into the Atlantic, the water at Dawn Beach is relatively calm and the sand is smooth, perfect for building a majestic sandcastle or simply tanning in the sun. Tourists staying at nearby hotels and guest houses often take snorkel gear to go explore the shallow and close by reefs that are home to various fish and sea life. Many sailboats are often seen braving across the sea and can be spotted on the horizon. As if this is not enough, the spectacular view of the neighboring island is in sight. St. Barths is so nearby and on most days the weather is so clear you are able to see the little houses located on its hillside.

In the event that you are interested in having lunch or dinner at Dawn Beach, there are several restaurants and stores located toward the North end of Dawn Beach.  Most notable are Mr. Buzzby’s Beach Bar located ON the beach, Island Pizza, and Daniel’s By The Sea, serving lunch and dinner daily, and others, they also have restrooms and showers for patrons, along with plenty of parking.

Ultimately, for the truly motivated and hard-core vacationers, Dawn Beach was named Dawn Beach for a reason – it’s probably the best beach to watch the Sunrise out of the sea.  If you are willing to be there as early as 5:45 AM, you will be treated to one of the most spectacular sunrises in the Northeast Caribbean.  And chances are you will have most of the beach to yourself.

Dawn Beach is a great way to spend the day and a great family beach if you want to escape the big crowds found at Orient Beach or in Mullet Bay.  Don’t forget to take along your cameras for a few memorable snaps!

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