Gustavia blends St Barts’ Swedish heritage with Caribbean flair, its pastel harbourfront lined with designer boutiques and cafés. For history and panoramas, hike Rue des Dinzey to Fort Karl, where 18th-century Swedish cannons and the ruins of a bottle-shaped lighthouse overlook Shell Beach and the marina. History lingers in every detail: from the ruins of the fort to the Wall House Museum’s island artefacts, Gustavia rewards slow exploration. Across the bay, the Gustavia Lighthouse offers a quieter escape. Locals and visitors often bring sunset picnics here, watching yachts navigate the harbour mouth. Time your visit for the monthly open-air market on Rue du Général de Gaulle, where straw hats and spices spill onto cobblestones.

Better known as the “Red Church”, the Church of St. Simon and Helena was built in 1910 by a Polish noble to commemorate the death of his two children – the tower’s three bells are named after him and the dead children.

Spanning over 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park and Preserve is the largest municipal park in the United States, offering a vast array of outdoor activities for all ages and skill levels. The park’s extensive trail system invites visitors to explore by hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. For breathtaking panoramic views, visitors can drive up Summit Road to Dobbins Lookout, where sweeping vistas of the Phoenix Valley await, or continue to Gila Lookout for stunning views of the Gila River Valley. Keep in mind that the road is shared with cyclists and hikers, and includes steep sections and sharp, blind curves—so it’s important to adhere to the 25 mph speed limit for everyone's safety.