St. Thomas

Charlotte Amelie's historic center and waterfront boast some of the best preserved colonial-era buildings in the Caribbean. Founded in 1666 by Danish colonists, the old streets and Fort Christian are a must see if you're visiting the island. Particularly popular with cruise ship tourists during the day, a concentration of jewelry stores is found on and around Main street. The shops and restaurants in central Charlotte Amelie all tend to close up towards the early evening due to the daytime cruise passenger tourism focus here (most ships set sail in the evening toward the next cruise destination), so if you're looking for some nightlife take a taxi 30mins to Redhook in the east where they party 'till late. Looking for a day activity for the whole family? Coral World sea life center showcase an impressive array of local species, and also includes a unique Caribbean Reef Encounter experience which takes you under the waterline to view the bustling and vibrant coral reef below.

HOW TO GET TO ST. THOMAS

BEST PLACES TO VISIT ON ST. THOMAS

Charlotte Amalie - Located on St Thomas lies the largest city and capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Founded in 1666 as Taphus which means “Beer House” then renamed in 1691 after Charlotte Amalie of Hesse-Kassel, queen to King Christian V of Denmark-Norway. This deep-water port, once a haven for pirates, is now one of the busiest and most popular cruise-ship destinations in the Caribbean. Now referred to Downtown, Charlotte Amalie has a lot to admire. Take a stroll along the cobblestone streets to see the Danish colonial architecture, or the historic sites like the St Thomas Synagogue and Frederick Lutheran Church and don’t forget to make the most of the duty-free shopping.

Skyline Drive Overlook - For the best views of St Thomas head to Skyline Drive Overlook, offering stunning panoramic views of the harbour, Charlotte Amalie, Hassel and Water Island. Don’t forget to bring your camera.

Magen's Bay - Located on the North side of St Thomas lies the heart-shaped Magen’s Bay. This stunning white sandy beach stretching nearly a mile long has beautiful crystal clear calm waters making this beach the most popular tourist destination on the island. The beach has changing facilities, water-sports, food vendors, picnic tables, taxi stand and lifeguards.

Blackbeard's Castle - Located in Charlotte Amalie at the highest point, Government Hill, lies Blackbeard’s castle. Built-in 1679 this amazing site is now one of five National Historic Landmarks in the U.S Virgin Islands and offers a walking tour rich in history and beauty.

Coral World Ocean Park - This five-acre diverse ocean park located at Coki Point on St Thomas has been a top tourist attraction for over ten years.

Coral World Ocean Park has sea life attractions and activities to make this an enjoyable and educative day for everyone. They have exotic aquariums, outdoor marine pools, nature trails and a semi-submarine to experience the true beauty of the Caribbean underworld. For the more adventurous try one of their thrilling encounters with Sharks, Sea Lions, Turtles, Snuba or Sea Trek.

Lindquist Beach - Located at Smith Bay Park, this is one of the most beautiful pristine beaches on St Thomas. With sparkling turquoise waters, soft white sand and amazing views of St. John and the British Virgin Islands. If you're wanting to get away from the crowds to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, fantastic view, and gorgeous beach, then Lindquist Beach is just the place for you. It is also great for families, for there is plenty of shady areas that is a godsend if you have young kids. Don’t forget to pack some drinks and snacks for the day for there isn’t any shops or restaurants available. They do however have picnic tables, lifeguard, and bathroom facilities available.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN ST. THOMAS

Skyride to Paradise Point - Located 700ft. above the town of Charlotte Amalie is Skyride to Paradise Point. If you want the best view of St Thomas and the surrounding islands then visit Skyride to Paradise Point. This is a “must do" attraction in the Caribbean and was voted Best View 2009 & 2010. They are open daily, have a restaurant, observation deck to sit back, relax and enjoy this breathtaking view.

Virgin Islands Eco-Tours - Located on South East side of St Thomas across from the beautiful Mangrove Lagoon is Virgin Island Eco-Tours. They have several adventures to choose from, like their famous Kayak, Hike & Snorkel tours, or Stand Up Paddleboard in the Lagoon, the Bird Island at Sunset and the scary Night Kayak with Pirate & Ghost Stories. Voted the best Eco-Tourism and Kayak Tours adventure company on St Thomas you can expect to have an unforgettable experience that is fun for the whole family.

Tree Limin Extreme - Home of the Virgin Islands First Zip Line is Tree Limin Extreme, one of the ultimate Caribbean experiences. Tree Limin Extreme is located on St Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands. Here you can have an adventure of a lifetime flying over 6 ziplines, two sky bridges, acres of the wild jungle while witnessing the most incredible views. Tree Limin Extreme pride themselves on upholding the highest regard for safety which is why all their guides have had extensive training including CPR & First Aid. Please note reservations are required.

Kayak in the Dark - This unique experience is one of the only nocturnal adventures out there. Located at Frenchman’s Reef & Frenchman’s Cove Resort on St Thomas is Kayak in the Dark. Their kayaks have been customized with clear bottoms and LED lights giving you a window into the sea. Suitable for all ages and running tours seven nights a week, come explore the ocean after the sun goes down. Now also running SUP night tours too.

Mountain Top - Situated on the highest point of St. Thomas atop St. Peter Mountain is The World-Famous Mountain Top.

Best known for its famous and amazingly delicious banana daiquiri made with the Virgin Islands very own “Cruzan Rum”. It is claimed that the Banana Daiquiri was invented at this very bar 50 years ago by an English sea captain.

The views are incredible here and can be enjoyed on their large observation deck giving you a panoramic view of Magen’s Bay, St. John and the British Virgin Islands.

They also have the Caribbean’s largest duty-free gift shop and while shopping you can taste some of the many different types of rum available for purchase.

BEST PLACES TO EAT & DRINK ON ST. THOMAS

Daylight Bakery & Diamond Barrel - A great little locals spot to start your day with some tasty Caribbean island treats and friendly atmosphere. The Daylight Bakery & Diamond Barrel is located on the edge of downtown and has an assortment of delicious homemade baked goods from their guava tarts, sugar cakes or the coconut sweetened dum bread to fried corned beef, sausages and salt fish. Open daily from 6:00 am to 6 pm.

Glady’s Café - Located down a small alley in the historic buildings at Royal Dane Mall on St Thomas, US Virgin Islands is the always friendly Glady’s Café. A great place for breakfast or lunch serving a mix of the traditional Caribbean and American dishes all with that unique Glady’s twist. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of her special hot sauce on your way out, a great gift or just savor it yourself. Open daily from 7:00am to 5:00pm.

Amalia Café - Located in the heart of Charlotte Amalia, on the cobblestone Palm Passage in St Thomas is the delightful Spanish Restaurant Amalia Café. Serving a selection of delicious Spanish favorites, tapas and daily specials, and don’t forget the best Sangria on the island!

It is the perfect place for lunch or dinner with a friendly relaxing setting, voted the number one restaurant in St Thomas on Tripadvisor.

The Tap & Still Redhook - For a fun American style pub with delicious burgers and cheap drinks The Tap & Still Redhook is the place to be. Located at the American Yacht Harbour in Redhook on St.Thomas, open daily from 11am and happy hour from 4pm. 

ST. THOMAS NIGHTLIFE

St Thomas has a vast array of good bars and restaurants to choose from. You can enjoy the night while dancing, bar hopping, maybe some Karaoke, but most importantly their huge selection of delicious rum concoctions! Most bars and clubs play a mixture of the Caribbean and American music and feature live bands and DJ’s. You can also see some great live acts performing at the Reichhold Center, Pistarckle Theatre and Tillett Gardens. Happy hour is very popular and can be enjoyed daily at most bars and restaurants on the island. The best areas to go out in St Thomas are Havensight, Red Hook, Frenchtown and Charlotte Amalie.

Havensight is located along the harbour only 2 kilometers from Charlotte Amalie. With many good bars and restaurants, you can find all types of music, live bands and watch live sports shown on big screens. Try Virgin’s Heaven, The Dog House Pub, Shipwreck or Starz nightclub to dance the night away.

Red Hook is the place to be if you want to party, with several bars and restaurants within walking distance of each other making it a perfect spot to go bar hopping. Duffy’s Love Shack is one not to be missed known for their award-winning hand-crafted cocktails, good food and party atmosphere. Be sure to stop by for happy hour!

Frenchtown is another good place to go out with some great restaurants and small bars. Try Win mill 2.o, known as the best sport bar in Frenchtown or head to Iggies Beach Bar known as the best beach bar on the island! Charlotte Amalie is the heart of the city and has some great restaurants to dine at like the The Twisted Cork Café or Greenhouse Bar & Restaurant, however, it is not so safe after dark due to high muggings in the area. It is recommended to stick to the big resort bars and restaurants.