East End, St. Thomas
Turquoise bays, mountaintop views, 300 years of history, and a food and bar scene that runs from beach shacks to fine dining: St. Thomas packs a lot into 32 square miles. Most online guides are written for cruise passengers with six hours in port. This one is written for guests staying on island, with a car and the freedom to go early, stay late, and find the places day-trippers miss.
Here are the 25 best things to do in St. Thomas, USVI, organized by beaches, boat days, scenic drives, history, food, and family fun.
Quick Answer: The top things to do in St. Thomas are swimming at Magens Bay, snorkeling with sea turtles at Coki Point and Brewers Bay, taking a day trip to St. John, driving up to Mountain Top and Drake's Seat for the views, exploring historic Charlotte Amalie, and eating and drinking your way through Red Hook and Frenchtown.
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
Best Beaches and Snorkeling in St. Thomas
1. Swim at Magens Bay, St. Thomas's Most Famous Beach
Magens Bay's calm, horseshoe-shaped bay is ringed by green hills, and it regularly lands on lists of the world's best beaches. The sheltered water makes it one of the easiest swimming beaches in the Caribbean, with lifeguards, restrooms, a snack bar, and kayak and paddleboard rentals. Non-resident adults pay $7 for entry, kids under 12 get in free, and parking is $2 per vehicle.
Local tip: Magens is the island's top cruise-ship beach, and it gets busy from about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with fewer people early and late in the day. Staying on island means you can arrive at opening or come for a late-afternoon swim.
2. Relax at Lindquist Beach (Smith Bay Park)
If Magens is the postcard, Lindquist is the local favorite. This East End beach has pale, glass-clear water, soft sand, and views across to St. John. Recent upgrades include new picnic pavilions, better-maintained restrooms, and improved paths and parking. Go on a weekday morning and you may have it nearly to yourself. A small entrance fee helps protect the park.
3. Snorkel with Tropical Fish at Coki Point Beach
Coki is lively, loud, and full of fish. Writers who compare the island's beaches rank it first for the sheer number of tropical fish you can see in knee-deep water. Expect music, local food stalls, and gear rentals. It's a high-energy local scene, so come for the snorkeling rather than peace and quiet.
4. Learn to Snorkel at Secret Harbour
Tucked into a cove on the East End, Secret Harbour is ideal for beginners and kids. The water is very calm, the sand slopes in gently, and there's a restaurant just steps from the beach. Stay for sunset, which is one of the prettiest on the island.
5. Try Water Sports at Sapphire Beach
Sapphire Beach combines a long stretch of white sand with views of St. John and the British Virgin Islands. It has good snorkeling off the rocks, water-sport rentals, and a beach bar for an afternoon drink with your toes in the sand.
6. Spot Sea Turtles at Brewers Bay
Near the University of the Virgin Islands and the airport, Brewers Bay is a favorite for turtle sightings. It's known for sea turtles and for the food trucks nearby. Float quietly over the seagrass in the morning for your best chance to see one, and always give turtles plenty of space.
7. Soak Up Local Beach Vibes at Hull Bay
On the quieter North Shore, Hull Bay is where local fishermen launch their boats and surfers paddle out. It's known for its local atmosphere, and it gets surfable waves in the winter months. It's a great spot to see a more everyday side of island life.
8. Hike to Mermaid's Chair
For a real hidden gem, head to the far western tip of the island. Mermaid's Chair is a small strip of sand where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic meet. It's best seen at low tide, and you reach it on a 1.3-mile hike that starts at The Preserve at Botany Bay. Wear real walking shoes and bring plenty of water.
9. Escape to Water Island and Honeymoon Beach
Often called the "fourth Virgin Island," Water Island feels a world away from the rest of St. Thomas. A ferry runs roughly hourly from Crown Bay Marina. Once you arrive, you can rent a golf cart to visit a World War II–era fort and Honeymoon Beach. Pack a cooler and plan to spend the whole day.
Honeymoon Beach, Water Island
Boat Days and Island Hopping
10. Take a Catamaran Snorkel Sail
You haven't really seen the Virgin Islands until you've seen them from the water. Half-day catamaran trips head to spots like Turtle Cove at Buck Island for snorkeling with sea turtles, while full-day private charters let you hop between beaches at your own pace. Book early during peak season.
11. Spend a Day on St. John
St. John is a must-do day trip. Most of the island is Virgin Islands National Park, and it's home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. The passenger ferry from Red Hook takes about 20 minutes and costs $8.15 one way for non-resident adults. If you want to bring your rental car, car barges also run from Red Hook to Cruz Bay, costing about $50 one way or $65 round trip for a Jeep or similar vehicle.
Seasonal note: The ferry between Charlotte Amalie and Cruz Bay is suspended from August 30, 2026, and is scheduled to return on November 1, 2026. The Red Hook route is the most reliable year-round.
12. Island-Hop to the British Virgin Islands
Jost Van Dyke's beach bars, the giant boulders of The Baths on Virgin Gorda, and Norman Island's snorkel caves are all within day-trip range by ferry or charter. Bring your passport. The BVI is a separate country, so you'll clear customs on arrival.
13. Catch a Sunset Sail
Watching the sun set over Charlotte Amalie Harbor from the deck of a boat is one of the most memorable evenings on island. One popular option leaves from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove dock for a two-hour sunset sail around the harbor, with unlimited drinks and food. Check out all excursions here.
14. Paddle a Glowing Night Kayak Tour
For something different, guided LED night kayak tours light up the water beneath you after dark, so you can watch marine life move around the kayak. It's a good date-night option that most visitors never think of.
Scenic Drives and the Best Views on St. Thomas
15. Drive Up to Mountain Top
Mountain Top sits at the summit of St. Peter Mountain. It's the island's oldest and highest attraction, with a large duty-free shop, a bar known for banana daiquiris, and an observation deck looking over Magens Bay from 1,500 feet up. Pair it with Magens Bay for an easy North Shore day.
16. Stop at Drake's Seat
Drake's Seat is named for Sir Francis Drake, who is said to have used the spot to watch for enemy ships. The overlook was built in 1933 and is only minutes from Charlotte Amalie, with wide views of Magens Bay and the British Virgin Islands. Go in the morning, before the tour buses arrive, for the best photos.
17. Ride the Skyride to Paradise Point
This aerial tram climbs 700 feet above St. Thomas Harbor. At the top you'll find restaurants, souvenir shops, a new Skywalk, and a bar serving the famous Baileys Bushwacker. No reservation is needed; you can show up anytime during operating hours. Visitors report round-trip tickets costing around $30 per person. Check the schedule before you go, because hours follow the cruise calendar. Stay for dinner at PRIME, the steakhouse at the top, for sunset over the harbor.
History and Culture in Charlotte Amalie
18. Climb the 99 Steps and Visit Blackbeard's Castle
Charlotte Amalie's famous brick staircases were built from ship-ballast bricks in the Danish colonial era. Despite the name, the 99 Steps actually have 103 steps. At the top, Blackbeard's Castle offers gardens, pirate history, and harbor views.
19. Explore Fort Christian and Emancipation Garden
The red-walled Fort Christian is the oldest standing structure in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It dates back to 1680. Nearby is the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. Next door, Emancipation Garden marks the 1848 end of slavery in the Danish West Indies. It's an important place for understanding the island's history. US Virgin Islands
20. Shop Main Street and Vendors Plaza
Charlotte Amalie is famous for duty-free jewelry and watches, but look beyond the big stores. Vendors Plaza is an open-air market with stands run by locals, and it's also where you'll find the "I love STT" sign. Look for locally made art, spices, and hot sauces to bring home.
Food, Drinks, and Nightlife
21. Eat Like a Local
Skip the chain restaurants for at least a few meals. Island classics include fish and fungi, kallaloo stew, rice and whelks, handmade pates, and sweet dumb bread, all served at neighborhood eateries. A warm saltfish pate and a cold local juice is the ultimate island breakfast. US Virgin Islands
22. Dine Out in Red Hook
Red Hook, on the East End, has one of the island's best concentrations of restaurants and bars. XO Bistro offers a casual-but-upscale, Caribbean-inspired menu with a big wine list and daily happy hour. Classic hangouts like Duffy's Love Shack keep the energy going late.
23. Spend a Night Out in Frenchtown
Downtown Charlotte Amalie still has waterfront bars, but much of the nightlife has moved to Frenchtown's bars and restaurants. Start with a flight at Frenchtown Brewing, which has been making small-batch, tap-only beers since 2015, then stay for dinner in this historic fishing village.
24. Sip a Bushwacker at a Beach Bar
The Bushwacker is St. Thomas's signature drink: a frozen, milkshake-like mix of rum, Baileys, Kahlúa, and coconut cream. Order one somewhere with sand under your feet. Just remember it's much stronger than it tastes.
Family Fun
25. Meet Marine Life at Coral World Ocean Park
Right next to Coki Beach, Coral World lets kids see sharks, turtles, and rays up close. Its underwater observatory shows a coral reef while you stay dry, and add-on experiences include Sea Trek helmet dives and sea lion encounters. As of early 2026, general admission is $29 for adults and $17 for children ages 3 to 12, and kids under 3 get in free.
Tips for Getting Around St. Thomas
On St. Thomas, you drive on the left side of the road. Seat belts are required by law, shirts must be worn while driving, and it's illegal to talk on your cell phone while driving. Roads are steep and winding, so take your time and enjoy the views. A friendly "Good morning" goes a long way here as well. US Virgin Islands
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in St. Thomas
What is St. Thomas best known for?
St. Thomas is best known for Magens Bay Beach, duty-free shopping in historic Charlotte Amalie, great snorkeling, and easy access to St. John and the British Virgin Islands.
How many days do you need in St. Thomas?
Five to seven days is ideal. That's enough time for several beach days, a St. John day trip, a boat excursion, and a relaxed day exploring town, without feeling rushed.
Do I need a rental car in St. Thomas?
You don't strictly need one, but a rental car gives you the freedom to reach quieter beaches, scenic overlooks, and restaurants on your own schedule. Taxis are widely available but add up quickly across a week.
Do I need a passport to visit St. Thomas?
U.S. citizens don't need a passport to visit St. Thomas, since it's a U.S. territory. You will need one for day trips to the British Virgin Islands.
What is the best time of year to visit St. Thomas?
December through April is considered peak season for weather. Late spring and early summer bring lower rates and fewer crowds. Hurricane season runs from June through November, so travel insurance is a smart choice for those months.
What is the best beach in St. Thomas?
Magens Bay is the most famous, Lindquist Beach is the prettiest and quietest, Coki Point is best for snorkeling, and Secret Harbour is best for families and beginners.
Is the tap water safe to drink in St. Thomas?
Many properties rely on collected rainwater, so tap water isn't always drinkable, and it's worth asking your server whether they recommend bottled water. Check with your accommodations about their water system.
How do I get from St. Thomas to St. John?
Take the passenger ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay, which takes about 20 minutes, or bring your rental car on one of the car barges that also leave from Red Hook.
Plan Your St. Thomas Getaway
From sunrise swims at Magens Bay to sunset Bushwackers and Frenchtown dinners, there's no shortage of things to do in St. Thomas. The best way to experience all of it is from a home base that puts you close to the action. Book direct for the best rates and insider tips from hosts who know the island.
