On St. Thomas you will find crystal clear waters, luscious greenery, incredible views, picturesque beaches, and colorful villages. The stunning little island located in the West Indies is truly a paradise.
When arriving in St. Thomas I was shocked at the beauty of the island. I was not expecting the mountains to contrast with the turquoise water or the views offered from all over the island.
St. Thomas is the most populated island in the US Virgin Islands and the most visited. Cruise ships dock here, and it is home to the largest airport out of the three main islands (St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix). The capital of the US Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie, located in St. Thomas is exciting and bustling with people.
This guide to St. Thomas, USVI will go over everything you need to know to have the best trip ever!
Where To Stay In St. Thomas
You have a few options for the best area of the island to stay. I spent my entire trip in Charlotte Amalie, which I loved, but if you are looking for a more secluded and quiet stay, check out Hull Bay.
Where I Stayed In St. Thomas
I was lucky enough to stay at the adorable At Home In The Tropics in Charlotte Amalie. My stay At Home In The Tropics was memorable not only because of the gorgeous views and excellent quality of the B&B but also because I felt so comfortable and truly welcomed. The attention to detail and the service of the two hotel owners was amazing – you could let your worries melt away while staying At Home In The Tropics.
At Home In The Tropics is a small B&B offering five beautifully appointed rooms. The historic inn, constructed in 1803, features a plunge pool, spacious rooms with incredible views, an outdoor deck, and breakfast served daily.
The eco-friendly B&B has an amazing breakfast and delicious coffee. The hotel serves homemade culinary delights every morning. The breakfast was one of my favorite things while staying there. Breakfast is included in your stay as well!
Make sure to book your stay early because At Home In The Tropics fills up! Check the latest rates here.
The Best Hotels In St. Thomas
I have organized these hotels into luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels so you can find exactly what you are looking for.
Luxury St. Thomas Hotels
- At Home In The Tropics – This is the perfect place to stay if you want a quiet stay in Charlotte Amalie. Situated on a hill, it offers incredible views, homemade breakfast, an outdoor pool, and spacious rooms.
- The Pink Palm Hotel – The Pink Palm Hotel is a boutique hotel in Charlotte Amalie. The adults-only hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, stylish room decor, a bar, and breakfast.
- The Ritz Carlton St Thomas – If you are looking for a big resort, the Ritz Carlton is the way to go. Best for families, The Ritz offers everything you need right there. It is perfect if you want the kind of vacation where you don’t have to leave the resort.
- The Hideaway – The Hideaway is located in Hull Bay and truly is a hideaway. With a series of cottages, villas, and estates, The Hideaway is perfect for families hosting weddings or big groups.
Mid-Range St. Thomas Hotels
- Emerald Beach Resort – This Resort is right by the airport and offers access to the beach, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and more. Perfect for families, it has everything you need.
- Flamboyan on the Bay Resort – Located by the world-renowned Magens Bay, Flamboyan on the Bay Resort is a great home base for your US Virgin Islands adventures. Enjoy incredible views, an outdoor pool, and spacious rooms at Flamboyan on the Bay Resort.
- Two Sandals – Two Sandals is a boutique hotel in the East End of St. Thomas, a quick ride to the popular town of Red Hook. Enjoy comfortable rooms, meals at the cafe, sea views, and more at Two Sandals.
Budget St. Thomas Hotels
- The Mafolie Hotel – This is a great budget option in Charlotte Amalie. It offers stunning views, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, a bar, and more.
- Galleon House Hotel – Located in Charlotte Amalie, this hotel offers budget-friendly accommodation and everything you need for a comfortable stay in St. Thomas.
What To Do In St. Thomas
1) Head To The Beach
There are plenty of beaches to choose from in St. Thomas, all of which are beautiful! These are my favorite…
Magens Bay Beach
Located on the Atlantic side of the island, Magens Bay Beach is perfect for families due to the swimming conditions. The beach is in a protected bay with mountains on each side, making Magens Bay absolutely stunning.
Magens Bay Beach is the most popular beach on St. Thomas, so if you want to avoid the crowds, you must be careful when you plan to visit. If there are cruise ships docked, avoid Magens Bay and opt for another beach. I went to Magens Bay for an early evening swim and the beach was pretty much empty.
While touristy, Magens Bay is a must-visit on St. Thomas; plan a good time to go, and you will love it.
Brewers Bay Beach
Brewers Bay Beach was one of my favorite beaches in St. Thomas. Located on the Caribbean side of the island, It is a quieter option. Brewers Bay is unique because it is next to the airport, and you can see planes coming in while swimming.
Brewers Bay is a great option for families as it is enclosed, so the water is calm.
There is the occasional food truck, but don’t count on food and drinks at Brewers Bay.
Lindquist Beach
Lindquist is located on the eastern part of St. Thomas, on the Atlantic side. If you are staying in the Red Hook area, Lindquist is a great beach to visit. The water is warm and clear, and we saw sea turtles!
I noticed there wasn’t much shade, so bring a beach umbrella if possible.
There is a $7 fee to get into Lindquist, and the parking lot has plenty of spaces.
2) Explore Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie was founded in 1672 by the Danish and it is the capital of the US Virgin Islands. Charlotte Amalie is the best place to learn about the US Virgin Island’s past. I had an amazing time in this beautiful city.
Blackbeard’s Castle
Above the 99 Steps sits Blackbeard’s Castle, a Danish watch tower built in the 1600s. The Castle is open seasonally, so make sure you check the dates and times on the website. The views from Blackbeard’s Castle are stunning.
Fort Christian
Fort Christian was one of my favorite things to do in Charlotte Amalie. Built in the late 1600s and named after Danish King Christian V., it is an impressive building with a lot of history.
While at the Fort, you will have the chance to learn more about the history of the Virgin Islands and tour the dungeons, living quarters, chapel, and more.
Frederick Lutheran Church
Founded in 1666, Frederick Lutheran Church is the oldest church on St. Thomas and the oldest Lutheran church in the Americas. The Frederick Lutheran Church still holds services today and is an easy walk from Main Street. It is an easy stop while exploring Charlotte Amalie.
Take a Stroll Down Main Street
While Main Street isn’t the best for shopping, it is a picturesque street with colorful buildings and Danish architecture.
Most of the shops on Main Street are jewelry shops, as USVI has no sales tax. Unless you are looking for jewelry, you may get a bit bored. I loved visiting Main Street in the morning before the shops opened to admire the unique doors and colorful buildings.
99 Steps
Built in the 1800s by the Danes, the 99 steps were constructed with bricks brought from Denmark. They were built to make navigating the treacherous terrain in St. Thomas easier. Once you reach the top of the 99 Steps, you will be greeted with incredible views of Charlotte Amalie Harbor.
3) Go To The Lookouts
The US Virgin Islands are known for their views. The hilltops and dramatic coastline make for unforgettable sights. You will find that wherever you are on the island, you will most likely have a lovely view, but these St. Thomas lookouts are worth a visit.
Drake’s Seat
Drake’s Seat offers views of Magens Bay Beach and other islands on the Atlantic side of St. Thomas. It is not touristy, so you can take plenty of photos without being photographed by photo bombers.
Located on a busy road, you must be careful at Drake’s Seat and aware of your surroundings. Avoid the handrails and touching any wood on the platform; I cut my finger on a nail sticking out. You could just avoid the platform altogether; the view is better from the street.
Charlotte Amalie Lookout
The Charlotte Amalie Lookout is right next to Drake’s Seat. You can see Charlotte Amalie, the Charlotte Amalie Harbor, the Caribbean Sea, and nearby Islands from here.
Paradise Point
Paradise Point is the most touristy lookout as it is next to where the cruise ships dock, but with that said it is still worth a visit. You will take the Skyride up to the top of Paradise Point and be welcomed with incredible views, a restaurant, souvenir shops, and a bar.
The Skyride costs around $25 per person, but the view is amazing. Make sure to check the website for the hours.
4) Take A Day Trip To St. John
St. John is known for its nature, as the Virgin Islands National Park covers 60% of the island. The quiet St. John is home to fantastic beaches, amazing snorkeling, and exciting hiking.
St. John is only a 20-minute ferry ride from Red Hook on the island’s eastern side and a 45-minute ferry ride from Charlotte Amalie. Both ferries dock at Cruz Bay in St. John.
Trunk Bay Beach
Trunk Bay was my favorite beach in the USVI. Known to be one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, It is a 0.3-mile beach that offers incredible snorkeling, turquoise water, and white sand.
You can find a grab-and-go cafe and a bar where you can order Pina Coladas, Banana Daiquiris, Bushwackers, and more. At Trunk Bay Beach, you can also access outdoor showers, a bathroom, and changing rooms.
The entrance fee at Trunk Bay is $7.
Go Hiking
There is no shortage of hiking on St. John. Home to the USVI National Park, the island has 30 hiking trails.
If you don’t have a car and want a shorter hike I recommend the Lind Point Trail. The start of the trail is an easy walk from the ferry terminal at Cruz Bay and it’s only 2.3 miles. On the Lind Point Trail, you will stumble upon hidden beaches such as Salomons Bay Beach and Honeymoon Beach.
Where To Dine In St. Thomas
Breakfast & Brunch In St. Thomas
- Stir It Up Coffee – Located on the eastern side of Charlotte Amalie you will find a lovely coffee shop that serves homemade pastries and handcrafted coffee. The aesthetically pleasing cafe is a grab and go type restaurant and has plenty of seating for you if you are looking to sit and relax.
- Virgin Island Coffee Roasters – Also located in the eastern part of Charlotte Amalie, The Virgin Island Coffee Roasters serves mainly coffee and specialty lattes. It is perfect if you are looking for a quick coffee.
- Lattes In Paradise – Located in Red Hook, Lattes In Paradise serves amazing coffee, pastries, breakfast, brunch and lunch. The local favorite has something for everyone.
- Barefoot Buddha – Barefoot Buddha focuses on providing the community with healthy and delicious food. You can order lunch, breakfast, and coffee at Barefoot Buddha, I loved the Breakfast Burrito.
Dinner In St. Thomas
- Blue Eleven – Blue Eleven serves modern Caribbean cuisine. At the high end, you will find some of the best food on the island. Blue Eleven only uses locally sourced ingredients and takes time in preparing each dish. If you are looking for a fine dining experience keep Blue Eleven in mind.
- Oceana Restaurant & Bistro – Another lovely fine dining option on St. Thomas, Oceana Restaurant & Bistro serves delectable seafood in a relaxing environment. Make sure you try the crab cake!
- Virgilio’s – Located right off Main Street you will find a popular Italian joint called Virgilio’s. While the food is delicious, what was unique about it was the artwork inside of the restaurant. I even recognized a painting by the Colombian artist, Fernando Botero.
- The Easterly – Located in Red Hook, The Easterly is a high-end restaurant that serves seafood. The Easterly has a bohemian vibe and is known for its amazing and unique cocktails.
Bars In St. Thomas
- Leatherback Brewing Company – The Leatherback Brewing Company has everything related to Caribbean-crafted beer. Although it is served all over the island, the best place to try it is at their ale house in St. Thomas.
- XO Bistro – XO Bistro in St. Thomas is known for its fabulous cocktails and food. Perfect for a night out, XO Bistro is a stylish bar that will not disappoint.
Best Tours To Take In St. Thomas
Tours can be one of the most memorable things you do on a trip. The people you meet and the things you learn on a tour can make your vacation special. These are the best tours to take in St. Thomas.
- Do a Snorkeling Tour – The USVI is known for its amazing snorkeling and scuba diving. There is no better way to see all of the best reefs and spots than doing a guided snorkeling tour.
- Mangrove Kayaking Tour – This mangrove kayaking tour is perfect for anyone who is interested in seeing more of the nature on St. Thomas. You will be able to see unique geological formations and biologically diverse ecosystems while on this tour.
- Charlotte Amalie Food Tour – One of my favorite things to do while travelling is food tours because of the people you meet and the local food you get to try. On this Charlotte Amalie Food Tour you will visit local joints and get to know fellow travellers doing it!
Getting To and Around St. Thomas
The Charlotte Amalie Airport is the biggest airport in the USVI, so unless you are visiting via a cruise you will most likely be flying right into St.Thomas. You can find flights from Spirit, Cape Air, Delta, American and United. There are direct flights from New York, Orlando, Newark, Baltimore, Atlanta, Miami, Philadelphia, Boston, Charlotte, Detroit, Chicago and Fort Lauderdale to St. Thomas.
The cheapest route to fly is from Miami, Orlando, or Fort Lauderdale to St.Thomas via Spirit.
The airport is conveniently located in Charlotte Amalie, and Main Street is only about 15 minutes away.
There is no Uber or Lyft in the USVI, so you will have to rent a car or take a taxi. Although taxis can sometimes be unreliable and overpriced, I found that they were easy to find and pretty inexpensive for the Caribbean, so don’t worry too much about transportation.
Best Time Of Year To Visit St. Thomas
The best time to visit St. Thomas is winter and spring (December – May). There will be sunshine and, of course, warm weather.
Avoid visiting St. Thomas in the summer and fall. These months can get hot, and it is hurricane season, so you will likely experience a bit of rain.
The Ultimate Guide To St. Thomas Wrap Up
St. Thomas has quickly become one of my favorite islands in the Caribbean. Its luscious greenery, crystal clear waters, and incredible views make it an unforgettable destination.
I hope this ultimate guide to St. Thomas inspires you to plan an amazing Caribbean vacation. If you have anything to add or have any questions, please leave a comment.
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We Are Travel Girls Ambassador Daisy MacLellan
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