34 Best Things to Do in St Thomas (USVI)

👉 Jump to:Best Activities | Sites & Places | Museums & Culture | Bays & Beaches | Outdoor Adventures | Food & Drink

Salt, sun, and sand – some of the most sought-after things to do in St. Thomas, USVI. Why else would you escape to the Caribbean? Fortunately, we have an abundance of all three!

In St. Thomas, you`ll discover saline ocean activities like sailing, paddling, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Every day provides year-round warm weather. And let us not forget about our unbelievable beaches with their white sand, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees.

However, after living here for the past year, I’ve also learned to appreciate everything else this island offers beyond salt, sun and sand—qualities which are delightful in their own right. Delving deeper into the culture, attractions and sites has expanded my list of things to do in St. Thomas.

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34 Best Things to Do in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Magens Bay Beach

Bask in the sun along the USVI’s most renowned shoreline.

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Welcome to St. Thomas! Your initial task? Immersing your toes into the sand of our most stunning beach – I’m referring to Magens Bay – our very own slice of tropical paradise seen on every postcard mailed from the USVI’s.

Tropical flora and sea grape trees line the white sandy shore prior to immersing in the turquoise waters of the bay. Surrounded by lush green hills, the natural backdrop matches the splendor of the water. Additionally, you`ll find all the amenities required for a relaxing beach day like beach chairs, water sport rentals, a beach bar, restroom facilities, and even a nature path.

Charlotte Amalie

View historically significant buildings and structures reflecting Danish colonial architectural styles.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Charlotte Amalie is the largest municipality in the US Virgin Islands and one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean. Founded in 1671 by the Danish, the urban center has witnessed many alterations over the centuries.

Today, despite reconversion, historic structures dating back to the 1600s still line the streets. Main Street, particularly, contains jewelry shops presenting duty-free shopping for cruise ship passengers.

You can find additional details in my guide to the most popular activities in Charlotte Amalie.

🚶Take a Self-Led Walking Tour: To get some exercise and free entertainment, wander around town to view the colonial Danish architecture displayed throughout downtown Charlotte Amalie. Places of interest include Fort Christian, Frederick Lutheran Church, the St. Thomas Synagogue, Government Hill, Blackbeard’s Castle, Main Street, and Market Square.

Paradise Point

Ascend a mountainous peak in a cableway.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (340)-774-9809 | Website | Hours: Varies by cruise routine, call for extra details | Entrance: $25 grown-ups, $17 under 12, free under 5

Whether you’re staying a week or just a day, the Skyride to Paradise Point is at the top for things to do in St. Thomas. Literally. The view is incredible and one of the best in the Virgin Islands. Not to mention the exquisite steakhouse, PRIME, at its peak.

Water Island

Explore historic landmarks and a serene beach by motorized cart.

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Departing regularly from Crown Bay Harbour is a boat bringing visitors to what is often considered the 4th US Virgin Island: Water Island. Situated a brief distance from St. Thomas, the small island made my list of the prime locations to tour in the USVI. It is also an excellent day trip for adventurers and beach lovers.

The day is best enjoyed by renting transportation upon arrival where you can travel around the winding roadways to a WW2 Era fort and Honeymoon Beach.

For more, see my guide to what to do, where to lodge, and how to get to Water Island.

Coral World Ocean Park

Interact closely with rare ocean creatures in their natural environment.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (340)-775-1555 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: $29, adults, $17 children | 🐟 Sea Trek Helment Dive at Coral World

Coral World Ocean Park offers exceptional interactions with some astonishing marine life at the tip of Coki Point Beach. Playful dolphins, amiable sea lions, cool sea turtles, and elusive sharks all make appearances at the underwater aquarium and marine park as it descends below sea level. Visitors can even get up close and personal to sea life with a snorkeling tour of a nearby coral reef or a Sea Trek Helmet Dive.

Charter a Boat

Experience the city of St. Thomas from the perspective of a sailor.

⛵ Browse the Premier Boat Excursions on St. Thomas

You haven’t fully enjoyed St. Thomas if you’re not boarding a boat at minimum once. Luckly for you, your choices are endless with daily charters departing from Red Hook, Crown Bay Marina, or Charlotte Amalie Harbor.

Popular stops for boat rentals include Buck Island’s Turtle and Shipwreck Coves for snorkeling and Water Island’s Honeymoon Beach to refresh your rum drink. Or you might even head over into the waters of Virgin Islands National Park for a chance to swim with sea turtles in Maho Bay.

Wherever you go, getting on the water is among the coolest things to do in St. Thomas.

Snorkel a Coral Reef

Explore pristine marine environments.

🤿 View the Top Snorkel Tours in St. Thomas

One of the great things about snorkeling adventures in St. Thomas is the ability to practically do it anywhere – whether from a boat or even directly from the beach with a companion. Popular snorkeling tour destinations via watercraft include Turtle Cove, Christmas Cove, Lovango Cay, and Maho Bay. As for self-guided beach snorkeling, I suggest heading to Lindquist Beach, Sapphire Beach, or Brewers Bay on St. Thomas, and Trunk Bay Beach on St. John.

🤿 Equipment for Snorkeling When Traveling: Every beach day on St. Thomas transforms into an adventurous day when you bring necessary snorkeling gear. We suggest this handy traveling set to discover an entire underwater world of prospects.

St. Thomas Sites & Attractions

Mountain Top

Sip a world-famous banana cocktail with an epic view.

📍 Location | Phone: (340)-774-2400 | Site | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Free entry

The finest vantage point in the US Virgin Islands is atop St. Peter Mountain. Often called simply Mountain Top, the scenery provides full 360 ° views of St. Thomas while overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, St. John, St. Croix, the British Virgin Islands, and the Spanish Virgin Islands ( Vieques and Culebra, Puerto Rico). While exploring the magnificent vistas and gift shop, be sure to savor a delicious banana daiquiri!

Botanical Gardens

Breathe in the scent of exotic flora.

💐 Tropical gardens | Botanical sites

Both of the botanical gardens in St. Thomas are equally interesting and relaxing options for visitors looking to escape into nature. Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden and Plantation Crown and Hawk Botanical Garden showcase exotic tropical flora amongst tranquil settings. Wandering through these gardens provides a meditative experience and opportunity to restore one`s spirit amidst lush surroundings.

Duty-free Shopping

Shop without paying tax until the deadline.

🛍️ Main Street Shopping | Havensight Shopping | Crown Bay Shopping Center | Yacht Haven Grande Shopping | Hours: vary depending on cruise schedule

All the US Virgin Islands offer duty-free shopping so do not be confused by the large number of jewelry stores lining Main Street in Charlotte Amalie. Mainly catering to cruise ships, other shopping districts include the Havensight Cruise Ship Dock and Mall, Crown Bay Center, and Yacht Haven Grande.

Red Hook

Interact with a weathered group of sailors.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Red Hook is the main village on the East End of St. Thomas. The seaside community brings together boaters from times past with modern mariners; aged sailboats drift nearby luxury megayachts, and relaxed inns nestle alongside high-end eateries. Ferries to St. John depart regularly and private boat charters leave each morning and afternoon. Water taxis to the British Virgin Islands usually dock in Red Hook as well.

• Open Monuments Day – On the second weekend of September annually, the doors of significant structures, monuments, and private homes are opened freely to the public to celebrate the city’s rich history)
  

  Drake’s Seat

  Capture a picture at the famed overlook.

  

  📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 | Entrance: Free | 👀 Picturesque St. Thomas Island Tour

  The iconic photograph of Magens Bay Beach was captured from Drake`s Seat. Trust me when I say the scene is every bit as stunning in person as in the images. Plus, more incredible views unfold beyond the bay of St. John and the British Virgin Islands, with clear lines of sight to Jost Van Dyke and Tortola.

  The British Virgin Islands

  Voyage between islands to an entirely different nation.

  

  📍 An online mapping tool permitting users to navigate street views and locate points of interest.

  We’ve already mentioned the BVIs numerous times, so now it’s time to actually plan a trip there! Water transportation departs from Red Hook daily to bring visitors to the iconic beach bar, Soggy Dollar, on Jost Van Dyke. Additional boats head to Tortola and Virgin Gorda to explore the beautiful beaches, lively villages, and wild beach bars scattered throughout.

  Cruz Bay, St John

  Settle in for happy hour.

  

  📍 Google Maps street view | Organization website

  A short boat ride from Red Hook is the tiny beach village of Cruz Bay on St. John. Although technically not situated on St. Thomas, it is incredibly practical to venture across Pilsbury Sound for a few hours to enjoy a rum punch (or five) at one of the numerous beach bars during their happy hour specials. Just be cautious, the final ferry returning to St. Thomas departs at 11 PM and you’d regret missing it!

  While considering St. John, check my list of activities to engage in at St. John, USVI!

  St. Thomas Museums & Culture

  Market Square

  Purchase freshly harvested items at the Saturday outdoor marketplace.

  

  📍 Mapping website | Hours of operation: 5 am – 8 am only on Saturdays

  Every Saturday morning at dawn, local farmers and fishermen gather at the historic Market Square to sell their fresh produce and fresh catch. It’s early, especially after a late night at the beach bar, but if you can do it you’ll be treated with the best cultural experience on the island, delectable fruit, and freshly caught fish.

  French Heritage Museum

  Learn the origins of the local fishing community.

  

  📍 Google Maps | Phone: (340)-714-2583 | Website | Hours: Visit by appointment only

  Local fishermen in St. Thomas date back hundreds of years after arriving on the island from the neighboring French Caribbean territory of St. Barthelemy. Since then, the French descendants have been fishing and farming the land of St. Thomas for centuries. Their story of how they came to be on the island is quite interesting as highlighted at the French Heritage Museum located in St. Thomas.

  St. Thomas Pirates Treasure Museum

  Immerse yourself in pirate culture at this St. Thomas museum.

  

  Google Maps | Phone: (340) 775-9575 | Website | Hours: Vary by Cruise Schedule | Entrance: $16 adults, $12 under 13, Free under 6

  The Museum of Pirate Artefacts is a novel exploration of actual shipwreck artifacts from worldwide locations. These include weaponry like firearms and swords to trinkets like coins and personal possessions of well-known pirates. People of all ages will enjoy the hands-on exhibits as they discover how the items on display were recovered and their historical importance to the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean as a whole.

  Bays & Beaches in St. Thomas

  Lindquist Beach

  Peaceful beach site on the East End with breathtaking ocean views.

  

  📍 Google Maps pin | Website link | Entrance: $2 for parking; $5 per nonresident

  One of the few East End beaches free from big resort affiliation, this stretch of sand sees quieter crowds. And that relaxed setting is what draws many visitors. The pristine coastline is nestled between turquoise waters and palm-lined greenery. Restroom facilities, picnic tables, and lounge chairs can be found on site.

  🏖️Top Beaches in St. Thomas: We love Lindquist Beach. But don’t forget about all the other beautiful beaches St. Thomas has to offer!

  Sapphire Beach

  A popular stretch of sand situated near Red Hook attracts many visitors.

  

  📍 Google Maps | Website | Free parking in the resort parking area

  This beach connected to one of the busiest seaside resorts on the island offers many perks along with its high crowd levels. It provides lots of things to do and conveniences due to its amenities.

  You’ll find watersport rentals like snorkeling equipment and paddleboards available, as well as a beachside bar with live music and a delicious on-site eatery. The attached marina is home to some of the best boat excursions in St. Thomas. In addition, the property offers incredible views of the neighboring small islands.

  Hull Bay Beach

  Bob with the boats at this Northside bay.

  

  📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance is free along the road

  A true local’s beach. Hull Bay is a favorite amongst residents and fishermen alike. However, one should not assume it welcomes only some, for all are free to enjoy this uniquely scenic bay. Small patches of coral reefs provide snorkeling opportunities for seeing underwater life; the characteristic surf that wraps around the peninsula is made for riding waves; local fishermen clink bottles together at the nearby beach bar after long days on the sea. Or, relax with a view by pulling up a seat at one of the best beaches in the USVI.

  Coki Point Beach

  Spend an entire day exploring Coki Beach.

  

  📍 Google Maps link | Website link | Free parking along the road

  Spending a day at Coki Beach is one of the best activities to do in St. Thomas with all the options surrounding the area. Begin your day at Coral World Ocean Park before making your way to Coki Beach Dive Center for an introductory scuba experience to explore the colorful reefs just offshore (no prior experience required). After attempting a dive, stroll through the local vendors and stop by one of the numerous rum bars jamming with live music.

  Brewers Bay Beach

  Have an encounter with a sea turtle while snorkeling at a local favorite beach location.

  

  📚 Strip District Mini Guide 📚
  Best Area to Stay for Centrally Located Accommodations
  Google Map

  All people wish to see a sea turtle. All people want to swim with a sea turtle. However, for some unclear reason, Brewers Bay on the West End of St. Thomas is often overlooked when searching for this experience. But trust me, this is the ideal location to go snorkeling with sea turtles in all of the USVI. While the ocean is unpredictable, you`re nearly certain to come across a sea turtle or ten only feet from shore.

  Outdoor Adventures

  Scuba Diving

  Discover underwater coral formations and sunken vessels.

  

  📍 Google Maps link | Phone: (340)-777-3483 | Red Hook Dive Center link | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Sundays

  St. Thomas presents scuba diving opportunities for divers of all levels of experience and backgrounds. Uncertified divers can participate in a Discover Scuba Course with Coki Beach Dive Center. Certified divers can select from the many dive excursions on the island to visit popular dive sites like Cow & Calf Rock, Cartanza Señora, or the Ledges of Little St. James. Our top selections for dive excursions include Red Hook Dive Center and Aqua Marine Dive Center.

  🏴‍☠️ Stop By! As the diver trip leader for Red Hook Dive Center, let me know if you read this article and would like to join me on my boat.

  Virgin Islands National Park, St. John

  Explore old forest roads leading to secluded beaches.

  

  📍 Google Maps | Phone: (340)-776-6201 | Website | Visitor Center Hours: 8:15 am – 1:30 pm Monday – Friday | 🌴 Browse Outdoor Experiences in Virgin Islands National Park

  Despite being located on another island, a visit to Virgin Islands National Park for the full day is exceedingly simple directly from St. Thomas. Board the ferry at Red Hook and take a taxi upon arrival to Cruz Bay to anywhere within the National Park.

  Some of the best trails & sites include Rams Head, Reef Bay Trail, and the Annaberg Plantation Ruins. Maho Bay, Trunk Bay Beach, Cinnamon Bay, and Salt Pond Beach are amongst the most scenic beaches in the Virgin Islands.

  John Brewers Rock

  Ascend the premier hiking trail on St. Thomas.

  

  📍 An online mapping tool permitting users to navigate street views and locate points of interest.

  Hiking trails are few all over St. Thomas, but there are a few truly worth your time and effort. My beloved is John Brewers Rock. The trailhead is just throughout the street from the sugar mill ruins next to Brewers Bay. It takes about an hour to hike the rocky surface area but as soon as at the best, you’ll be handled to scenic sights of H2o Island, Vieques, Culebra, St. Croix, and on a crystal clear working day, mainland Puerto Rico.

  Zipline – St. Thomas

  Glide swiftly through the tropical rainforest.

  

  📍 Google Maps | Phone: (340)-777-9477 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Saturday | 🌴 Book a Ziplining Tour

  What would a trip to a tropical location be without participating in a zipline tour? Similarly, St. Thomas offers such an excursion where participants starting near a mountain summit will enjoy the experience as they traverse the tropical forest with the scenic Caribbean beauty serving as the backdrop.

  Mermaid’s Chair

  Take a stroll to a secluded beach on the West End.

  

  📍 Google Maps

  One of the best free activities in St. Thomas involves hiking to Mermaid`s Chair. Situated at the very western end of the island, Mermaid`s Chair provides a secluded beach, scenic views, and climbable rock formations. The hike takes approximately 3 hours total, so be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and any beach items you may need!

  Virgin Islands Ecotours

  Canoe through a mangrove lagoon on a guided tour.

  

  📍 Google Maps | Phone: (340)-779-2155 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 10 pm daily | 🛶 Guided Mangrove and Coral Kayaking Tour

  Found in tropical environments, mangrove forests work together with coral reefs and seagrass beds to ensure thriving marine habitats. Virgin Islands Ecotours offers kayaking trips into the largest mangrove lagoon in the USVI. Paddlers of all experience levels will gain more understanding about the crucial species while hoping to catch a glimpse of unusual tropical wildlife.

  Food & Drink

  Frenchtown Brewing Company

  Quench your thirst during an intimate beer tasting.

  

• The Reykjavik Folk Festival is a three-day musical event held in early March that celebrates Icelandic folk music with various folk artists throughout its program.

The owners of the Frenchtown Brewing Company provide a tasting of beers in a unique way. Upon arrival, you will sit with the owners as they introduce each beverage they have available, share the background stories, and explain how brewing is done. Their hours are very restricted so be certain to phone in advance on the planned day and schedule an appointment!

Stir It Up Coffee Shop & Bakery

Savor a freshly baked pastry.

📍 Located at this address, you can reach the establishment by phone at (340)-642-9972. Their hours of operation are 6:30 am – 2 pm Monday through Friday, 7 am – 2 pm on Saturdays, and 8 am – 12 pm on Sundays.

Every Sunday, we can be found waiting in line at Stir It Up to get one of their delicious, freshly baked croissants. Flavors range from almond and chocolate to strawberry and cheese. It`s best to arrive early before they sell out!

Brooks Bar

Local cuisine can be enjoyed at an eatery that is integral to the island culture.

• Map of Dubrovnik hotels and surrounding neighborhoods

Brooks Bar near Magens Bay has been a longtime staple for locals and visitors alike on the island. This is where community members and travelers congregate after lengthy days spent working or swimming, enjoying delicious cuisine, chilled beverages, and a quintessentially Caribbean atmosphere.

The Easterly

Upscale Caribbean restaurant in Red Hook.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (340)-714-1000 | Website | Hours of operation: 5 pm – 11 pm daily

One of the top restaurants on St. Thomas is The Easterly in Red Hook. Centering around freshly caught seafood with Caribbean influence, the dishes encapsulate the essence they aim to portray. We’d suggest investing an evening enjoying their unique cocktail selection and distinctive island atmosphere.

Side Street Pub

Cozy outdoor seating in a Charlotte Amalie alley.

• Best Romantic Dining:Stou Fred in Parikia.

After climbing the 99 staircases to Blackbeard’s Castle on your guided stroll through Charlotte Amalie, be certain to pay a visit to Side Street Pub upon your descent. This novel eatery is nestled in an alley within the Historic District with plenty of cold beverages to refresh yourself after the sweat-inducing endeavor you just undertook.

🏝️ Wait, before leaving... be sure to bookmark all my St. Thomas travel guides!

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Have you decided which of the things to do in St. Thomas you intend to try on your next visit!? Let me know in a comment below!