St. Thomas is a mountain rising out of the sea, and that makes it one of the most photogenic islands in the Caribbean. Steep green hills drop straight into turquoise bays, and from the ridgetop roads you can see the harbor of Charlotte Amalie on one side and Magens Bay, St. John, and the British Virgin Islands on the other.
The best part is that most of the island's top viewpoints are just a short drive from each other. With a rental car and a free morning, you can see the entire island from above, stop for a banana daiquiri at the top of a mountain, and still make it to the beach by lunch.
This guide covers the best views in St. Thomas, a self-guided scenic drive, the best sunset spots, and tips for getting the perfect photo.
Quick Answer: The best views in St. Thomas are from Drake's Seat, overlooking Magens Bay and the British Virgin Islands; Mountain Top, about 1,500 feet up on St. Peter Mountain; the Skyline Drive overlook above Charlotte Amalie Harbor; and Paradise Point, reached by the Skyride. For a bird's-eye adventure, try the Tree Limin' Extreme zipline on St. Peter Mountain.
East End, St. Thomas
The Best Viewpoints in St. Thomas
1. Drake's Seat
Drake's Seat is the most famous lookout on St. Thomas, and one of the most photographed views in the Caribbean. From this roadside overlook high on the island's ridge, you'll see Magens Bay curving below you, the Northside coastline stretching east, and the British Virgin Islands on the horizon.
Legend says the English explorer Sir Francis Drake sat here in the late 1500s to watch for ships passing through the channel below. The stone seat itself was built in 1933, but the view is timeless. You'll often find a local man with a donkey in the parking area who has been posing for photos with visitors for years, in exchange for a small donation.
Where: Along the ridge above Charlotte Amalie, on the way to Magens Bay
Time needed: 10 to 15 minutes
Tip: Parking is limited to a small roadside pull-off, and cars move quickly around the curve. Park carefully and use the crosswalk to reach the seat. Visit early in the morning before the tour buses arrive, when the light over Magens Bay is at its best.
2. Skyline Drive Overlook
Skyline Drive is a section of Route 40 that runs along the crest of the island, and it's one of the most scenic roads on St. Thomas. A pull-off along the drive offers a sweeping view to the south over Charlotte Amalie, the harbor, Hassel Island, and Water Island. On cruise ship days, you'll see the giant ships lined up at the docks below, which makes for a striking photo.
Where: Route 40, a short drive from Drake's Seat
Time needed: 10 minutes
Tip: Combine Skyline Drive and Drake's Seat for two completely different views, the harbor to the south and Magens Bay to the north, just minutes apart.
3. Mountain Top
Perched about 1,500 feet up on St. Peter Mountain, Mountain Top has been one of the island's most popular attractions since the 1960s. The observation deck looks down over the entire Northside, with Magens Bay laid out beneath you and more than a dozen islands and cays on the horizon, including Hans Lollik, St. John, and the British Virgin Islands.
Mountain Top is also famous for its banana daiquiri, a frozen blend of rum, banana, and lime that's been served here for decades. Non-alcoholic versions are available for kids. You'll walk through a large duty-free shop to reach the deck, so it's also an easy place to pick up souvenirs.
Where: St. Peter Mountain Road
Time needed: 30 to 45 minutes
Tip: Go on a day with fewer cruise ships in port, or in the late afternoon, when the deck is quieter. Mountain Top is one of the highest points you can visit on St. Thomas, although the island's true summit is nearby Crown Mountain.
4. Paradise Point via the Skyride
If you'd rather let someone else do the driving, the Skyride to Paradise Point carries you about 700 feet above St. Thomas Harbor in a gondola, with views of Charlotte Amalie opening up as you climb. At the top, you'll find a sweeping panorama of the harbor, the cruise ships, and historic downtown. On clear days, you can see as far as St. Croix and the Spanish Virgin Islands.
Paradise Point also has a bar known for its Baileys Bushwacker, souvenir shops, a restaurant, and a Skywalk for even more dramatic views.
Where: Havensight, across from the cruise ship dock
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Tip: No reservations are needed. Visit in the late afternoon for golden-hour light, then stay for dinner at PRIME, the steakhouse at the top. Hours often follow the cruise ship schedule, so check before you go. The Skyride isn't wheelchair accessible, and there are stairs at the entrance.
5. Tree Limin' Extreme Zipline
For the most thrilling view on the island, fly over it. Tree Limin' Extreme is the only zipline tour on St. Thomas, set in the rainforest on St. Peter Mountain. The course includes six ziplines, two sky bridges, and eight aerial platforms, with speeds of up to 35 miles per hour and views of Magens Bay, St. John, and the British Virgin Islands as you zip from tree to tree. It ends with the Yo-Yo, a forward-and-backward zipline that's the only one of its kind in the Caribbean.
Where: St. Peter Mountain, near Mountain Top
Time needed: About 2 to 3 hours
Tip: Zipliners must be at least 5 years old and meet height and weight requirements, so check the details when booking. Pair it with a banana daiquiri at Mountain Top afterward.
6. Blackbeard's Castle and the 99 Steps
For views with a side of history, climb the 99 Steps in downtown Charlotte Amalie. The brick staircases were built by the Danes in the 1700s, and despite the name, there are actually 103 steps. At the top, Blackbeard's Castle offers gardens, pools, and panoramic views over the harbor, along with the historic Skytsborg Tower, built in 1679.
Where: Government Hill, downtown Charlotte Amalie
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and go in the morning before the midday heat. Learn more in our Things to Do in Charlotte Amalie guide.
7. Magens Bay Discovery Nature Trail Overlook
For a view you earn, hike the Discovery Nature Trail through the Magens Bay Watershed Preserve. A wooden overlook platform along the trail offers one of the best views of the bay. Start at the upper trailhead on Magens Bay Road and hike down to the beach, then cool off with a swim. See our Magens Bay Beach Guide for details.
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Tip: Bring water, bug spray, and sturdy shoes.
Northside, St. Thomas
Self-Guided Scenic Drive: See the Whole Island from Above
This easy half-day route links the island's best viewpoints and ends at the beach. Allow 3 to 4 hours with stops, and use GPS, since island roads are winding and signs can be easy to miss.
Start in Charlotte Amalie. Head up into the hills toward Skyline Drive (Route 40).
Skyline Drive overlook. Pull over for the classic view of the harbor, town, and Water Island.
Drake's Seat. Just minutes away, switch to the Northside view of Magens Bay and the British Virgin Islands.
Mountain Top. Continue west along the ridge on St. Peter Mountain Road to Mountain Top for the island's best panorama and a banana daiquiri.
Tree Limin' Extreme Zipline (optional). If you've booked a tour, it's right nearby on St. Peter Mountain.
Magens Bay or Hull Bay. Wind your way down the mountain to the Northside for an afternoon swim. Choose Magens Bay for a full-service beach or Hull Bay for a local vibe, and stay for an early dinner at Fish Bar.
Driving tips:
Drive on the left, take curves slowly, and use a low gear on steep downhill stretches.
Only stop at marked pull-offs, never on a blind curve.
Mornings on cruise ship days can be busy on the main routes, so start early.
A quick double tap of the horn is a common "thank you" when someone lets you in.
Dining with a View
Some of the best views on the island come with a table and a menu:
PRIME at Paradise Point: Steaks and seafood 700 feet above the harbor, with sunset views and the lights of town after dark.
SeaSalt at Sapphire Beach: Rooftop dining with panoramic views across the water to St. John and the surrounding islands.
Lionfish at Point Pleasant Resort: Asian-Caribbean cuisine at the top of the hill on the East End, with some of the best ocean views on the island.
Sugarcane Grille: Hillside Caribbean dining at the Bunker Hill Hotel, overlooking Charlotte Amalie Harbor.
See our Best Restaurants in St. Thomas guide for more.
Sunset at Peterborg, St. Thomas
Best Sunset Spots in St. Thomas
Lindbergh Bay: Watch the sun set from the deck at Emerald Beach Bar, with planes taking off over the bay.
Secret Harbour: Stay after a beach day for dinner and sunset at Sunset Grille on a calm East End cove.
Bolongo Bay: Mim's Seaside Bistro and Iggie's are right on the sand on the Southside.
Paradise Point: Ride the Skyride up for golden-hour views over the harbor.
On the water: Sunset sails leave from Marriott's Frenchman's Cove and cruise around Charlotte Amalie Harbor.
For more sunset drinks, see our Best Beach Bars in St. Thomas guide.
Photography Tips for St. Thomas Views
Shoot the Northside in the morning. Views over Magens Bay from Drake's Seat and Mountain Top are brightest in the morning, when the sun is behind you.
Shoot the harbor in the afternoon. Paradise Point and Skyline Drive glow in late-afternoon light, and the lights of town look magical at dusk.
Watch the weather. Tropical showers pass quickly. If a cloud rolls in, wait a few minutes, and you might even get a rainbow.
Check the cruise schedule. Some photographers love ships in the harbor, and others prefer an empty bay. Plan accordingly.
Bring a polarizing filter. It cuts glare on the water and makes the turquoise colors pop.
Stay safe. Never stand in the road for a photo, and watch for traffic when crossing to viewpoints.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Views in St. Thomas
Where is the best view in St. Thomas?
Drake's Seat, overlooking Magens Bay and the British Virgin Islands, and Mountain Top, about 1,500 feet up on St. Peter Mountain, are the most famous views on St. Thomas. Paradise Point and the Skyline Drive overlook offer the best views of Charlotte Amalie Harbor.
What is Drake's Seat in St. Thomas?
Drake's Seat is a scenic overlook on the ridge above Charlotte Amalie with views of Magens Bay and the British Virgin Islands. Legend says Sir Francis Drake watched for ships from this spot in the late 1500s.
Is Mountain Top in St. Thomas worth visiting?
Yes. Mountain Top has one of the best panoramic views on the island, overlooking Magens Bay and more than a dozen islands, and it's famous for its banana daiquiris. Visit on a quieter day or in the late afternoon for the best experience.
What is the highest point in St. Thomas?
Crown Mountain is the highest point on St. Thomas, at about 1,555 feet. Mountain Top, on nearby St. Peter Mountain, is one of the highest points visitors can easily reach, at about 1,500 feet.
Can you see the British Virgin Islands from St. Thomas?
Yes. On clear days, you can see the British Virgin Islands from Drake's Seat, Mountain Top, and many points along the Northside and East End.
How much time do I need for a scenic drive in St. Thomas?
Allow 3 to 4 hours to drive to Skyline Drive, Drake's Seat, and Mountain Top with stops, then continue down to Magens Bay or Hull Bay for the afternoon.
Is there a zipline in St. Thomas?
Yes. Tree Limin' Extreme on St. Peter Mountain is the only zipline tour on St. Thomas, with six ziplines, two sky bridges, and views of Magens Bay, St. John, and the British Virgin Islands.
