St Thomas US Virgin Islands Travel Guide
For a brief but impactful taste of St. Thomas. Explore Main Street for duty-free shopping, browsing jewelry, electronics, and local goods. Grab a quick local bite, trying a pate or a johnnycake from a street vendor. Walk the historic 99 Steps for panoramic views of the harbor. Visit Fort Christian for a glimpse into Danish history. Then, take the Skyride to Paradise Point for breathtaking elevated views of Charlotte Amalie harbor and surrounding islands. Enjoy a beverage at the top. Head to Frenchtown for fresh fish dinner. Return to the airport or your accommodation for departure.
This short visit captures the island's essence.
A short but sweet escape to St. Thomas.
Arrive at STT, check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring Charlotte Amalie's historic sites (shopping, 99 Steps, St. Thomas Synagogue). Late afternoon, take the Skyride to Paradise Point for sunset views and dinner at Prime.
Morning at Magenthe Cove of Beach for swimming and relaxation in its calm waters. Enjoy the beautiful scenery. In the afternoon, visit Coral World Ocean Park on Coki Point for marine encounters and snorkeling. Dinner in Red Hook, known for its lively restaurants and bars.
Take an early morning ferry from Red Hook to St. John (Cruz Bay). Spend the morning at Trunk Bay, famous for its underwater snorkel trail. Enjoy lunch in Cruz Bay, exploring the small town. Return to St. Thomas for departure.
Consider a shorter trip to Water Island. Relax at Honeymoon Beach, rent a golf cart to explore the island's roads and scenic spots, including Fort Segarra. Enjoy a noon meal at a beach bar.
This itinerary balances relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration over seven days.
Arrival, Charlotte Amalie, Magenthe Bay of, Drake's Seat, Paradise Point.
East End, Marine Park, St. John immersion (National Park, Trunk Bay, Annaberg).
Boat excursion, relaxation day (Lindquist Beach, Frenchtown), departure.
Tailor your itinerary to your specific passions.
Dedicate a full day to discovering downtown Charlotte Amalie. Visit the 99 Steps, Fort Christian, the St. Thomas Synagogue, Government House, and Emancipation Garden. Consider a guided walking tour.
Spend evenings dining in Frenchtown for newly caught seafood and French-Caribbean fusion. Seek out local 'takeaway food shops' and street food vendors for authentic, affordable Virgin Islands cuisine. Explore local markets.
Dedicate multiple days to snorkeling or scuba diving excursions. Experience Tree Limin' Extreme Zipline Park. Explore hiking trails at Magens Bay Preserve or on St. John. Try kayaking, paddleboarding, or deep-sea fishing.
Spend ample time at Magens Bay Beach for its calm, shallow waters. Coral World Ocean Park for interactive marine encounters. The Skyride to Paradise Point for scenic views. A St. John day trip to Trunk Bay.
Explore Charlotte Amalie's historic district, focusing on Danish colonial architecture. Visit local art galleries like Gallery St. Thomas and Mango Tango Art Gallery. Experience the distinct charm of The french languagetown's architecture.
Visit the historic St. Thomas Synagogue for its unique architecture and serene atmosphere. Seek out beachside yoga classes. Indulge in spa and wellness treatments at luxury resorts. Spend time on quieter beaches for meditation.
Explore Red Hook's bars and live music venues.
Downtown Charlotte Amalie for duty-free finds.
Private boat charters for island hopping and snorkeling.
St. Thomas caters to various budgets. Plan your trip to align with your financial comfort.
Stay in guesthouses or budget vacation rentals with kitchen access, specifically in local neighborhoods. Mainly use safari taxis for transport and walk in walkable areas. Cook most meals from groceries.
Choose a mix of comfortable mid-range hotels, resorts, or well-appointed vacation rentals. Look for properties with amenities like a pool or beach access. Enjoy a mix of relaxed to mid-range restaurants.
Stay at high-end resorts or luxurious private villas with concierge services. Look for properties with private beach access, multiple pools, and fine dining. Arrange private airport transfers and use private taxis.
Visit between high and low seasons (June-August) or low season (September-November) for better rates on accommodation and flights. Take advantage of happy hour deals at restaurants and bars.
Use safari taxis for efficiency and cost-effectiveness on main routes. Reserve regular taxis for long journeys or late nights. Consider walking in walkable areas to minimize transport costs.
For stays of a month or more, renting a vacation villa or apartment with a kitchen is highly recommended for budget purposes, space, and local immersion.
Consider accommodations in residential areas like Peterborg or parts of the East End for a more authentic experience.
Your visit can be enhanced by considering St. Thomas's seasonal characteristics.
Winter (Dec-May) is high season, ideal for beach weather with lower humidity and less rain. Summer (June-Aug) is shoulder season, with increased heat/humidity but fewer crowds and better prices. It is good for activities on the water before hurricane peak.
Plan your trip around St. Thomas Carnival (late April/the Beginning of may) for an unrivaled opportunity to dive into local celebrations. Transfer Day (March 31) features local events commemorating the islands' transfer from Denmark to the U.S.
The low season (September-November) offers a quieter atmosphere with the fewest tourists. Enjoy substantially reduced costs on accommodation and flights. Be flexible with plans for weather disruptions in the hurricane season.
Shoulder seasons (late spring/early fall, excluding peak hurricane risk) often present a balance of good weather and fewer crowds, with moderate pricing. Many attractions and businesses remain fully operational.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the most popular activity typically from August to October. Monitor official weather reports and advisories. Consider travel insurance that includes hurricane coverage for peace of mind.
Highly recommended for every season to cover unforeseen events, especially during hurricane season. Read policies carefully.
Stay informed through official U.S. The Virgin islands archipelago government and tourism websites for any local advisories or changes.
