Best Things to Do in St Thomas Locals Never Share

Our family genuinely planned a monumental trip to the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands, and honestly, it quickly seemed like our best getaway ever. Because of our tight schedules, our group faced a severe time crunch, making deciding between the famous three islands mostly a quick sort of logical accessibility check. 

After pouring over our initial research, we confidently assumed that picking the middle island in physical size would be our greatest place to stay. The beautiful St Thomas is remarkably centrally located right between Puerto Rico (which sits roughly 40 miles away) and nearby St John (merely 6 miles away). 

Measuring exactly 32 sq miles in total length, it possesses a significantly larger population than St Croix, which spans 84 sq miles. The simple fact that it currently has the largest main airport ultimately ended up choosing our final destination for us. We strongly wanted to make the absolute most of this stunning tropical paradise, so arriving there felt incredibly exciting. 

This particular island is probably the most touristy and highly populated cruise destination in the region; massive Cruise ships steadily dock in the deep harbor every day, bringing thousands of eager cruisers.

I absolutely fell in love with the majestic mountainous landscape. Anyone can drive end to end in roughly 45 minutes to an hour of actual driving, depending heavily on local traffic. I vividly remember looking out at the spectacular views of rolling hills, towering green mountains, and gentle swaying palm trees. The sheer beauty of the turquoise water and striking crystal-clear waters crashing against stunning beaches (plus many hidden beaches) are incredibly well known globally. 

Because the main capital, Charlotte Amalie, is heavily visited, the entire capital city feels remarkably bustling with energetic people. As you walk around, you will notice many retail stores and popular fast food chains just like you see in the states, alongside other highly familiar stores. Keep in mind that because passenger ships dictate local commerce, you might find places closing early on Friday and Saturday days. 

Finding a reliable guide to navigating the expansive USVI is essential because the beautiful islands have so much more magic to offer. As our family packed up, we ended genuinely loving the entire US Virgin Islands deeply. It was a truly beautiful trip that gave my family unforgettable experiences. 

Best Things to do in St Thomas

How Expensive is St. Thomas

While planning the ultimate itinerary, you will quickly realize the US Virgin Islands is not the cheapest destination, though our flights were surprisingly cheap even though we booked everything pretty late. 

We rented an AirBnB and stayed up in the mountains near Magen’s Bay, which initially felt like a terrible location for quick transit but ultimately offered the best scenery, sitting roughly 20 minutes from both Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie. 

We paid $1,100 for 7 nights, and while there might be cheaper options elsewhere, our apartment style rental was clean and spacious, yet overall nothing special at $157/night.

Our Car Rental for 8 days totaled $637, breaking down to $80/day for a basic economy car because of the late booking, so my biggest advice is to Book early for rentals. Despite driving a lot, your total mileage stays low since attractions are not far, which is a relief because Gas hovered around $4.30/gallon, with the cheapest pump hitting $4.09 during our trip in March 2022; unfortunately, gas just runs high on an island. 

Food is definitely not the cheapest expense either. Inside local grocery stores, a single pack of bacon costs $17. You might think I am joking, but Nope, bacon really is $17 and a standard box of cereal is $10. Dining out usually means spending $15-25/person at Mid-tier restaurants and $35-50/person at nicer restaurants, but my favorite Food hack to save some money on food is visiting the hot delis inside those grocery stores. They regularly cook up amazing fresh food, allowing you to fill a heavy to-go box with delicious chicken, rice, and vegetables for just $12-15, and since the portions are incredibly large, they are perfectly sharable.

Where I Stayed In St. Thomas

Finding a comfortable base in Charlotte Amalie was my top priority for this trip, and I seriously lucked out with my stay. From the second I walked into this small bed and breakfast, the two hotel owners made me feel genuinely welcomed with their excellent service and laser-focused attention to detail. 

It is a historic inn originally constructed in 1803, and you can literally feel your worries melt away as you relax by the refreshing plunge pool. This eco-friendly B&B only features five beautifully appointed rooms, and my specific suite had spacious rooms that offered gorgeous views of the harbor. 

The overall quality of Home In The Tropics is simply incredible, especially when you step onto the outdoor deck to take in more incredible views where a fantastic breakfast is served daily. In fact, the delicious coffee and the homemade culinary delights this boutique hotel serves every morning made waking up for breakfast one of my absolute favorite things about staying there. 

Since a hot Breakfast is fully included in your next stay, I highly recommend that you book early because this highly-rated B&B is so popular that At Home In The Tropics fills up extremely quickly.

The Best Hotels In St. Thomas

Luxury St. Thomas Hotels

At Home In The Tropics

Finding a quiet spot to stay in Charlotte Amalie led me straight up the hill to this gem. I absolutely loved waking up to the incredible views and a fresh homemade breakfast before lounging by the outdoor pool, resting easily in the highly spacious rooms.

The Pink Palm Hotel

Also located down in Charlotte Amalie, I highly recommend The Pink Palm Hotel. This gorgeous boutique hotel operates as an adults-only hotel that features a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, exceptionally stylish room decor, a lively bar, and a great morning breakfast.

The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas

If taking a tropical vacation with kids, The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is a stunning, large resort. Honestly, most families don’t even want to leave the gorgeous Ritz-Carlton resort property once they arrive!

Mid-Range St. Thomas Hotels

Emerald Beach Resort

Emerald Beach Resort is fantastic for families wanting direct beach access, close airport proximity, a modern fitness center, and a fun outdoor swimming pool.

Flamboyan on the Bay Resort

Flamboyan on the Bay Resort makes a perfect home base for your US Virgin Islands adventures near the world-renowned Magens Bay, boasting an outdoor pool, beautifully spacious rooms, and truly incredible views.

Two Sandals

Finally, on the East End of St. Thomas, Two Sandals is a lovely boutique hotel offering comfortable rooms, relaxing meals at their on-site cafe, and sweeping sea views, all just a quick ride to the popular town of Red Hook.

Budget St. Thomas Hotels

The Mafolie Hotel

As a great budget option in Charlotte Amalie, The Mafolie Hotel offers exceptional value and more, featuring an outdoor pool with stunning views, plus a highly convenient on-site restaurant and bar.

Galleon House Hotel

Located in the heart of Charlotte Amalie, the Galleon House Hotel offers everything you need for a comfortable stay, making this historic hotel the ultimate budgetfriendly accommodation in St Thomas.

What To Do In St. Thomas

If you are wondering what to do in St Thomas, this island blends adventure and charm perfectly, offering plenty of fun activities to fill your day with local culture and marine life.

For What To Do in St Thomas, my absolute top experiences include snorkeling at Turtle Cove, relaxing at Magens Bay, exploring historic Charlotte Amalie, securing sky-high views at Paradise Point, kayaking through mangroves, and shopping for duty-free treasures during your beach time in St Thomas.

Head To The Beach

One of the main things to do in St Thomas is to simply Hit the Beach, and with numerous stunning beaches, it is hard to choose a favorite because they are all spectacular. You have quite a few to choose from, including pretty large beaches with calm water and a lot of space to stretch out near the airport, like Brewer’s Bay and Lindbergh Bay. 

Directly north of the capital sits the famous Magen’s Bay, while the northeast and east side offer smaller beaches with beautiful water like Coki Beach and Sapphire Beach. In this territory, Beaches are all open to the public; even if a beach is part of a resort, you don’t have to stay there to access it. Plus, the beaches with resorts usually have beach chairs for rent, alongside bars and restaurants nearby so you can sip banana daiquiris and get a great tan.

To fully take in the island, Visit Mountain Top for Banana Daiquiris & Views, perched high above Magens Bay. Mountain Top remains one of the highest accessible points where you can taste the world’s first banana daiquiri and enjoy a cold drink while absorbing panoramic views of more than a dozen islands on the horizon, letting you browse local souvenirs and watch the sky meeting the sea in every direction.

Magens Bay Beach

Located on the north side facing the Atlantic side of the island, the most popular and absolutely stunning Magens Bay Beach is a beautiful heart-shaped bay and horseshoe-shaped beach framed by lush emerald hills and mountains. 

Surrounded and protected, this bay is situated as a 1 mile long, one-mile stretch and long stretch of white sand and sand with soft sands meeting crystal-clear waters. Its swimmable water and calm water conditions make swimming for families perfect, easily a perfect place among the most famous beaches in the Caribbean and a true tropical paradise holding some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. 

Relax on Magens Bay Beach, because Magens Bay is ideal to Spend the Day or spend the afternoon discovering peaceful ways to spend your time by relaxing, lounging under a palm tree or swaying palm trees, paddling the shallows, or enjoying a drink at the beach bar. 

While there is a $5 entrance fee or sometimes a fee to enter of $7/person, it is completely worth it for the picnic tables, restrooms, showers, concessions, and chair and umbrella rentals alongside a bar and restaurant for a frozen cocktail and bite to eat. 

PRO TIP: check the cruise ship schedules to beat the crowds and avoid the crowds; you must be careful to plan your visit when cruise ships are docked, or opt for another beach, though we went for an early evening swim when it was pretty much empty. Though highly touristy, it is a mustvisit you will well love as a popular spot with plenty of space to spread out. 

Furthermore, Visit Water Island, a tiny laid-back Water Island and often-overlooked island. This little 492-acre island has a population of less than 200, making the fourth US Virgin Island, Water Island, a quiet place. 

Take a short ferry from Charlotte Amalie—specifically the Water Island Ferry that departs every hour from Crown Bay Marina for a 10-minute ferry ride—and it can easily be explored in an afternoon. With no taxis and no hotels, it is a nice place to spend the afternoon getting a golf cart rental for the day to get around the island and get around, but since golf carts for rent often sell out, a reservation is recommended. 

You will see lots of boats pull up to the harbor for lunch at a restaurant (there are only 2 restaurants here). You can explore Fort Segarra from WW2 which was never finished but remains a fun thing to do, swim at Honeymoon Beach, eat at Dinghy’s Beach Bar or Heidi’s Honeymoon Grill for the best fish tacos, and snorkel at Limestone Bay before heading back on the ferry. 

Explore the Pirates Treasure Museum

To dive into the swashbuckling history of the Caribbean, you should Explore the Pirates Treasure Museum. It is one of the best St Thomas Virgin Islands activities for families and history buffs wanting a Magens Bay Beachbreak from the sun. 

The Pirates Museum features interactive exhibits where Kids and adults can try navigating a virtual ship for a fun, educational experience. You will discover true stories of real-life privateers and famous pirates who sailed these waters when St Thomas was among the top lairs of pirates during the golden age of piracy. 

Viewing the salvaged treasures, authentic treasures, and artifacts from shipwrecks offers a fascinating history lesson about the Virgin Islands and oceans around the world. Since the museum is primarily open on cruise ship days, be sure to check their website or call for hours to catch all these amazing stories about pirates.

Brewers Bay Beach

Brewers Bay Beach is my absolute favorite of the beaches in St Thomas. Located on the Caribbean side of the island, it is a much quieter option. What makes Brewers Bay so unique is that it is located right next to the airport, allowing you to see planes taking off while you are swimming. Because the water is enclosed and calm, Brewers Bay is an excellent option for families. You might spot an occasional food truck, but dont count on guaranteed food or drinks at Brewers Bay.

Lindquist Beach

Lindquist Beach is beautifully located on the eastern part of St Thomas along the Atlantic side. If you are staying in the Red Hook area, Lindquist is a great beach to visit because the water is incredibly warm and clear; I actually saw sea turtles swimming nearby! 

I quickly noticed there wasnt much shade, so definitely bring a beach umbrella if possible. There is a 7 dollar fee to enter, and the Lindquist parking lot has plenty of spaces.

Take a Stroll Down Main Street

When you decide to Shop in Charlotte Amalie’s Historic District, you will easily find the best shopping in the capital of the Virgin Islands. I absolutely loved visiting this picturesque street in Charlotte Amalie early in the morning before the shops opened, just to admire the unique doors and colorful buildings reflecting classic Danish architecture. 

As you take a stroll down Main Street, you are greeted by one of the most vibrant shopping scenes in the Caribbean, overflowing with gorgeous cobblestone alleys and pastel colonial buildings. 

Since the USVI has no sales tax, you can explore the shops for duty-free jewelry, aromatic spices, and beautiful handmade crafts without ever getting bored. Even if you are not looking for jewelry, you will find plenty of other shops selling fantastic St Thomas souvenirs. 

While Shopping in Historic Charlotte Amalie, make sure to wander through the Palm Passage Retail Mall or visit the Vendors Plaza, an open-air market with vibrant stands run by locals where you can snap a photo with the famous I love STT sign. Beyond retail therapy, you can explore historic gems and historic sites nestled among the historic buildings, including Fort Christian (the oldest structure in the USVI), the renowned Hotel 1829, and the 99 Steps, a steep stairway originally built by the Danes in the 1700s.

Fort Christian

Visiting Fort Christian is one of my favorite things to do in Charlotte Amalie. Built in the late 1600s and named for the Danish King Christian V, it is an impressive building with rich history. You have the opportunity to learn more history of the Virgin Islands as you tour the dungeons, living quarters, the chapel, and other historic areas. 

I highly recommend you Tour this bright, red fortress initially constructed by the Danes from 1672-1680 for King Christian V of Denmark. It served as an administrative center, the home of the governor, a place of worship, and by 1874, both a prison and police station. 

Today, the fort operates as a museum and National Historic Landmark where you can take a guided tour or self-guided tour through the different rooms and cells. Entrance is $10 for non-locals, and you can visit Monday-Friday.

99 Steps

To truly appreciate the history of the capital, you must Walk the 99 Steps. Because navigating the island pre-car was not easy, the Danes constructed these ingenious step-streets to help get around the mountainous streets and steep hills. 

Built in the 1800s to make navigating the treacherous terrain of St Thomas much easier, this iconic section features about 99 steps constructed from heavy bricks brought directly from Denmark. These steps, originally brought over as ship ballast, form one long stairway that leads you up the hill from the lower street, completely surrounded by lush tropical plants. 

It remains one of the most recognizable places on the island today. Once you climb the 99 steps and finally reach the top, you are immediately greeted with incredible views overlooking Charlotte Amalie Harbor, and from there, you can take even more stairs up to explore the historic Blackbeard’s Castle.

Explore Charlotte Amalie

To Explore Charlotte Amalie is to experience the Danish capital of the US Virgin Islands, founded in 1672 and the best place to learn about the past. 

I had a fantastic time wandering this beautiful city. When you Explore the Capital City on the southern coast of St Thomas, nearby the airport, its history unfolds; originally named in 1681 after the Queen of Denmark, Amalia, the name was misspelled on a map. The harbor town later acquired a reputation as a safe haven for pirates, boasting tales of Blackbeard and a Bluebeard connection. 

Walking the boardwalk along the coast, you will find a palm tree-lined road filled with shops, restaurants, and shopping streets containing a pretty overwhelming number of jewelry stores. 

I know you can buy things cheaper here and often get a free drink or free gift just for walking in. Beyond shopping, there are numerous historic points of interest forming an easy, self-guided walking tour. You can look directly south off the coast to see Hassel Island, a small, historic island. 

You can take a tour with the St Thomas Historical Trust by taking a quick boat over to tour the ruins and early 1900s fortifications. If you explore on your own, a small ferry can take you over to this protected area where only a handful of people live on the island. It is a great option for a day trip to learn more local history.

Blackbeard’s Castle

Above the famous 99 Steps stands Blackbeards Castle, a Danish watchtower originally built in the 1600s. It is only open seasonally, so always check dates and times on their website because the views are stunning. To See Blackbeard’s Tower is to dive into the pirate history of Charlotte Amalie; you should go see this structure erected in 1679 to protect the harbor. 

While it is a National Historic Landmark, there is historical debate if Blackbeard actually used the tower. When functioning, there was a $15 entry fee or $27 with a rum tasting, but it has been closed since Hurricane Irma with no official reopen date. I just snapped a picture from an open area near the top of the gate since it remains closed for repairs.

Frederick Lutheran Church

Founded in 1666, the Frederick Lutheran Church is the oldest church in St Thomas and the oldest Lutheran church in the Americas. Remarkably, the Frederick Lutheran Church still holds services today. It is a very easy walk from Main Street and makes for an easy stop while you are exploring Charlotte Amalie.

Coral World

Visiting Coral World Ocean Park is undoubtedly one of the most popular things to do in St Thomas with kids, where you can comfortably spend up to a few hours enjoying tons of activities. 

You can book here for thrilling marine encounters like a dolphin swim, sea lion swim, dolphin encounter, sea lion encounter, shark encounter, or even choose to kayak with the dolphins. They also offer an exciting Snuba tour, which is a brilliant mix between snorkeling and scuba diving. 

If you prefer to stay dry, just wander around the park to see the touch tank, shark pool, critter corners, wild iguanas, and engaging wildlife presentations, or grab a bite at the concessions, relax by the bar, and browse the gift shop. 

The park connects right to Coki Beach, giving you convenient access to a great beach café, water sports rentals, and chair rentals. However, the most unique things to do and my personal favorite unique thing to do is the SeaTrek Walk. 

For this Sea Trek activity at Coral World, you start at the Undersea Observatory where a guide helps you with a special helmet. It feels heavy until you go underwater; they place it on your head as you climb a ladder down under the surface. You walk along an underwater trail using a handrail to hold onto so you don’t float back up to the surface. The helmet keeps your face and hair dry, making it perfect for people who don’t like to get their head wet or never learned to swim. 

Down there, you will see parrotfish, colorful tropical fish, crabs, and maybe even a passing turtle, plus you can actually hold a sea urchin alongside other sea urchins. They take professional photos and videos that you can purchase afterward, and honestly, I loved it.

Drake’s Seat

When traveling around the island on foot or horseback became extremely tiresome, Arthur Fairchild built Drake’s Seat as a good place to stop and rest. Today, if you Take a drive around St Thomas stopping at the overlooks for beautiful views and photo opportunities, you will run into this scenic overlook atop the mountain and can easily pull off the road to take in the view. 

Located on a busy road, you must be careful and aware of your surroundings; you can just pull off the road at this quick place to snap some pictures or get a photo at this random stop along the road where a parking lot and a restaurant are no longer open. 

I advise you to Avoid the handrails and touching the wood platform because I got a cut on my finger from a nail sticking out; in fact, avoid the platform entirely since the view is actually better from the street. 

To Go to the Drake’s Seat Viewpoint is to Visit Drake’s Seat, where Sir Francis Drake supposedly watched for enemy ships. Drakes Seat offers sweeping views of Magens Bay Beach and Magens Bay above the Atlantic side of St Thomas, plus views of islands like the British Virgin Islands on the horizon. 

It is highly touristy with plenty of photo bombers, but it is a great viewpoint to Go to a Viewpoint for Sunset because there are many places in St Thomas offering a view of the island at sunset, but the view of Magen’s Bay from Drake’s Seat is unmatched. 

Another great spot to enjoy the view is Mountain Top on St Peters Mountain, the highest point in St Thomas. Here, you can sip the famous Banana Daquiri at the bar in the back that sells drinks, or get a banana daiquiri while doing souvenir shopping in their very large gift shop and souvenir store to buy a souvenir from St Thomas. 

Just step out on the balcony at this touristy spot for a great view over Charlotte Amalie and Bluebeard’s Tower (or tour the historic Bluebeard’s Castle later). If you look closely from these heights, the largest island in the BVI, Tortola, is visible from the north coast of the USVI. 

The British Virgin Islands make an easy day trip somewhere nearby; you can catch a ferry from Charlotte Amalie, book a private excursion, or use many companies that run ferries to connect through Tortola, making the trip a quick 50 minutes by boat. Most people visiting the British Virgin Islands head to the location of The Baths, famous for its giant boulders on the beach, and The Caves, a series of tunnels and rooms created by the boulders that separate two of the parks featuring gorgeous beaches. 

A crucial Travel Tip: while you don’t need it in the USVI as part of the US, make sure you have it with you and bring your passport when visiting the BVI. Let’s not forget Paradise Point—another attraction where you can take a skyride tram to an overlook for $25/person.

Paradise Point

To Ride the Skyride up to Paradise Point is an excellent way to start your day with a view 700 feet above Charlotte Amalie. This iconic Skyride to Paradise Point is a scenic gondola and tram ride featuring cable cars suspended over the island that smoothly glides up the hillside. 

The ride takes about 10 minutes, offering sweeping vistas of turquoise waters, majestic cruise ships in the bay, and lush green mountain slopes, with incredible views stretching to Puerto Rico and St Croix on clear days. As the most touristy lookout located right next to where the cruise ships dock, it is still worth a visit. 

When you take the Skyride to the top of Paradise Point, you are welcomed by amazing scenic views of St Thomas from a breezy deck. Here, you can enjoy the restaurant, browse the souvenir shops, or visit the bar on the Skywalk. I highly recommend sipping their signature Bushwacker—the famous Bailey’s Bushwacker—and soaking up the view or choosing to grab lunch at the restaurant. 

The Skyride to Paradise Point costs around 25 dollars per person, and since the view is fantastic, it is a must-do. Just remember that the Skyride is generally open on most cruise ship days, so check their website for exact hours before visiting.

Take A Day Trip To St. John

One of the best things to do in St Thomas is to Take a Day Trip to the surrounding islands. If you have the time, visiting St John is an absolute must, as there are quite a few places to explore. St John is well known for its pristine nature because the Virgin Islands National Park covers 60 percent of the island, making it a quiet home to fantastic beaches, excellent snorkeling, and exciting hiking. 

The Ferry Ride to St John is a breeze; you can take a 20minute ferry ride from Red Hook on the eastern side of the islands, or a 45minute ferry ride from Charlotte Amalie, and both ferries dock directly in Cruz Bay. This St John island is the 3rd smallest of the US Virgin Islands, but it packs a punch since 2/3rds of the island operates as a National Park filled with beautiful areas. 

You can catch a regular people ferry or a car ferry for a quick 20 or 30 minute boat ride, making a day trip to St John well worth doing with your time. As the home of the Virgin Islands National Park, this laid-back, undeveloped island near St Thomas truly feels like the most beautiful spot in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Just remember the ferry ride from Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay takes 45 minutes, while it is only 20 minutes from Red Hook to Cruz Bay. Once you arrive, the snorkeling is amazing, and you will find loads of stunning beaches where you could spend your whole day just exploring this island.

Trunk Bay Beach

Trunk Bay is my absolute favorite beach in the US Virgin Islands, globally known as one of the world most beautiful beaches. This 03mile beach offers incredible snorkeling in clear turquoise water bordered by soft white sand. There is a convenient grabandgo cafe and a lively bar where you can order fantastic drinks like Pina Coladas, Banana Daiquiris, Bushwackers, and more. 

Trunk Bay Beach also provides excellent access to outdoor showers, a large bathroom, and clean changing rooms. The only catch is the entrance fee at Trunk Bay, which currently costs 7 dollars.

Go Hiking

There is absolutely no shortage of hiking on St John, as it is Home to the USVI National Park island featuring over 30 different hiking trails. If you dont have a car and want a shorter hike, I highly recommend the Lind Point Trail, which offers an easy walk from the start of the trail near the ferry terminal in Cruz Bay. Spanning about 23 miles, the Lind Point Trail lets you stumble upon stunning hidden beaches like Salomons Bay Beach and Honeymoon Beach. 

Alternatively, if you are looking for one of the best hikes near St Thomas, you should Hike the Mermaid’s Chair Trail. This specific hike takes you down a private road through a private community, but do not worry because all beaches have public access. 

The trail is fairly long and mostly downhill, eventually leading to a unique beach where a sandy beach and sand bar physically connects to another section of land. You can carefully explore the other section by pushing through the brush to find a rocky beach with small tide pools; it is easy to miss, but it makes for an incredibly fun hike.

Breakfast & Brunch In St. Thomas

For a great breakfast or a quick coffee, I love hitting Stir It Up Coffee, an aesthetically pleasing cafe and grab-and-go restaurant located in the eastern part of Charlotte Amalie that serves healthy and delicious food like their famous Breakfast Burrito. 

Another local favorite in Charlotte Amalie for brunch, lunch, and fresh pastries is Barefoot Buddha, known for brewing Virgin Island Coffee Roasters beans for an excellent coffee. Over in Red Hook, you must visit Lattes In Paradise for their delicious homemade pastries, warm handcrafted coffee, and unique specialty lattes.

Dinner In St. Thomas

If you want the best food on the island, book a fine dining experience at Blue Eleven to enjoy modern Caribbean cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. For a relaxing environment and delectable seafood like an amazing crab cake, I highly recommend the high-end seafood restaurant called Oceana Restaurant & Bistro. 

If you crave pasta, head to Main Street to find Virgilio’s, a popular Italian joint featuring gorgeous artwork inside the restaurant painted by the famous Colombian artist, Fernando Botero. Finally, over in Red Hook, The Easterly offers a cool bohemian vibe along with amazing and unique cocktails.

Bars In St. Thomas

For a fun night out in St. Thomas, grabbing a drink at a stylish bar is a must. The best place to try it is XO Bistro, which serves fantastic cuisine alongside exceptional cocktails. Alternatively, if you prefer an authentic ale house experience, visit the Leatherback Brewing Company to enjoy an ice-cold, refreshing Caribbean-crafted beer.

Best Tours To Take In St. Thomas

Taking food tours like the Charlotte Amalie Food Tour helps you discover local food at local joints, and mingling with fellow travellers and the people you meet is one of my favorite things to do while travelling because of the cultural things you learn. To experience the nature on St. Thomas, you must Do a Snorkeling Tour or a guided snorkeling tour since Snorkeling is a must-do activity in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The USVI holds the best reefs and spots for scuba diving and fantastic snorkeling. 

My top recommendation is to Snorkel at Turtle Cove near Turtle Cove and nearby Buck Island for an unforgettable glimpse into the underwater world of St Thomas. You can enjoy guided catamaran excursions over clear waters where green sea turtles smoothly glide through seagrass beds while colorful fish rapidly dart around intricate coral formations. It is a relaxing, scenic sail to the best snorkeling spots in the Virgin Islands to see beautiful sea life. 

Since there are so many amazing places to snorkel in St Thomas, you should book a snorkel tour or a general Snorkeling Tour. The most popular tours in St Thomas include the Half-day luxury catamaran turtle snorkel (which has almost all 5-star reviews), the Small Group Sea Turtle Tour where sea turtle sightings guaranteed, or the budget-friendly option, Snorkeling with Sea Turtles. 

Another incredible adventure is a mangrove kayaking tour like the Mangrove Kayaking Tour to see biologically diverse ecosystems and unique geological formations. To Kayak Through the Mangrove Lagoon, head to the Mangrove Lagoon on the southeast side of St Thomas, a protected area and nesting site for different birds. It is a quiet, serene place where you can rent kayaks or paddle boards to float through the mangroves and take in the wildlife. 

Finally, deciding to escape this cold for a taste of tropical beauty more than my usual guide covering Best Things to do in Grand Marais Minnesota will fit travelers wanting uncrowded spots. The ferry runs regularly from Red Hook, St Thomas, serving as one incredibly easy way to find amazing beaches located just 30 minutes away.

With Island-Hopping excursions making it the best day trip, you can Hop aboard a catamaran or choose local ferry transport into neighboring St John. Go add snorkeling and hiking trails to your itinerary, as two-thirds of the island is protected by Virgin Islands National Park. There is nothing like the pristine, unspoiled water of Trunk Bay for a true Caribbean experience, drawing me back to St John year after year.

Getting To and Around St. Thomas

If you arrive via a cruise or decide to fly directly from the states or other islands, reaching this island is easy because the Charlotte Amalie Airport is the biggest in the USVI. It is an airport conveniently located in Charlotte Amalie, just 15 minutes from Main Street. 

When flying right into St.Thomas, major airlines like Spirit, Cape Air, Delta, American, and United offer direct flights from New York, Orlando, Newark, Baltimore, Atlanta, Miami, Philadelphia, Boston, Charlotte, Detroit, Chicago, and Fort Lauderdale. 

Coming from Florida, taking a direct flight from Orlando takes just three hours and is often the cheapest route to St. Thomas. While Peak season spans December through March making prices higher at that time, we went in February and found surprisingly cheap flights; even with a standard baggage fee, our two tickets were under $300 out of Orlando. 

Once at the airport, transportation requires planning because there is no Uber or Lyft in the USVI. You can easily find a taxi that is relatively inexpensive for the Caribbean and easy to find, but for ultimate freedom, I recommend you rent a car, even though some warn local cabs can be unreliable and overpriced. 

Best Time Of Year To Visit St. Thomas

You should generally Avoid visiting St. Thomas during the summer and fall if you dislike hot weather and heavy rain, as the fall months bring the dreaded hurricane season spanning from June through November. 

Instead, the best time to visit St. Thomas falls during the winter and spring, specifically from December – May, when you are guaranteed gorgeous sunshine and comfortable warm weather. Many consider the absolute best time to visit St Thomas to be between April and June before the summer months become the hottest, but keep in mind that the December-March window is the peak season and naturally the busiest. 

When mapping out a trip to the US Virgin Islands, navigating the rainy season and regular hurricane season requires some flexibility because of the unpredictable rain. However, we went during February, and while we experienced a few brief rainy moments, it was never a total rainy day; the climate remained beautifully sunny, perfectly warm, and hovered right around 80º usually.

Faq

Does St. Thomas have a nightlife?

My personal favorite Island nightlife in St. Thomas is a delicious mix of colorful energy and beachy ease. I love sipping rum punch under twinkle lights in Frenchtown or catching a DJ set in Red Hook, meaning there is no wrong way to spend your time here.

What not to miss on St. Thomas?

If you are wondering what to do, start with its top experiences on St. Thomas, from snorkeling at Turtle Cove to relaxing at Magens Bay. The island blends historic charm and adventure through exploring Charlotte Amalie for shopping duty-free treasures, kayaking mangroves, or finding sky-high views at Paradise Point.

Is there a pink beach in St. Thomas?

My ultimate beachlife spot in St Thomas is Lovely Lindquist Beach, one of my favorite places for a peaceful afternoon in the sun. It is part of Smith Bay Park and famous for light pink sand and calm water; as a natural preserve among hidden beaches, it lacks beach bars and restaurants, requiring a BYO picnic on the beach.

Why is jewelry so cheap in St. Thomas?

Duty-Free and Tax-Free Shopping makes jewelry purchases incredibly cheap in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The government does not charge sales tax, allowing visitors a tax advantage to save 15-30% compared to mainland prices, creating compelling reasons to buy here.