Gateway to the US Virgin Islands. Explore 20 attractions across the island.
St. Thomas packs more variety into its 32 square miles than most Caribbean islands three times its size. Start in Charlotte Amalie, where the historic waterfront district is a maze of Danish-era alleys and arcades now filled with jewelry shops, galleries, and duty-free stores. Walk the 99 Steps - actually 103 steps built from the ballast bricks of 18th-century Danish trading ships - up to Blackbeard's Castle, a stone watchtower dating to 1679 that offers sweeping views of the harbor and cruise ships below. Fort Christian, the oldest standing structure in the US Virgin Islands (built 1672), anchors the eastern end of the waterfront and houses a small museum of Taino artifacts and colonial-era exhibits.
From downtown, drive the winding road up to Mountain Top, the island's highest accessible point at 2,100 feet, where you can sip what they claim is the world's best banana daiquiri while looking out over Magens Bay and the British Virgin Islands on the horizon. Magens Bay itself is the beach that made St. Thomas famous - a heart-shaped bay rimmed with coconut palms and calm, shallow water that is ideal for families. There is a $5 entrance fee, and the beach has lifeguards, changing rooms, and a snack bar.
For better snorkeling, skip Magens and head to Coki Beach on the northeast side, next to Coral World Ocean Park. The reef starts just 20 feet from shore, and you will see sergeant majors, blue tang, and the occasional sea turtle without even trying. Coral World itself is a compact marine park where you can walk through an undersea observatory, feed sharks, and do a Sea Trek helmet dive on the ocean floor - a great option for non-divers who want to experience reef life up close.
On the east end, Secret Harbour and Sapphire Beach are quieter alternatives with excellent snorkeling and fewer crowds. For a half-day adventure, take the Red Hook ferry to nearby Water Island or catch a taxi boat to Christmas Cove at Great St. James, a protected anchorage where you can snorkel among tarpon and rays in glass-clear water. The St. Thomas Skyride, a cable car that runs from the cruise ship dock to Paradise Point 700 feet above, offers another panoramic viewpoint and a bar at the top.
History buffs should not miss the Haagensen House and the 1829 Hotel, both restored Danish colonial homes open for tours, or the synagogue on Crystal Gade - the second oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, with a sand floor that commemorates the Jewish exodus through the desert.
The reef at Coki Beach starts just yards from shore, making it the island's most accessible snorkeling. Expect to see blue tang, parrotfish, sergeant majors, and the occasional sea turtle. Gear rentals are available on the sand for around $10. Arrive early to secure parking and a beach chair.
Climb the historic 103 brick steps (yes, they miscounted) through Charlotte Amalie's hillside to reach a 17th-century watchtower with panoramic harbor views. The short climb takes about 15 minutes and connects to other hilltop historic sites including Haagensen House.
This marine park on the northeast shore features an undersea observatory, touch pools, and the unique Sea Trek experience - a helmet dive that lets you walk the ocean floor without scuba certification. Tickets run about $23 for adults. Great for families and non-divers.
Consistently ranked among the world's top beaches, this heart-shaped bay offers calm, shallow water, lifeguards, and excellent facilities. The $5 entry fee is worth it for the maintained grounds and coconut-palm shade. Best visited on non-cruise-ship days for a quieter experience.
A cable car whisks you 700 feet above the cruise ship dock to a panoramic overlook with views spanning Charlotte Amalie harbor, Hassel Island, and Water Island. There is a bar and restaurant at the top. Round-trip tickets cost about $25 for adults.
Guided eco-tours from the east end paddle through mangroves to Cas Cay, a small island with tidal pools, a blowhole, and healthy coral. Virgin Islands Ecotours runs the most popular trips, lasting about 2.5 hours and costing around $80 per person.
The historic waterfront district offers some of the best duty-free shopping in the Caribbean. US residents can bring back up to $1,600 in goods tax-free. Dronningens Gade and the surrounding alleys house hundreds of stores selling jewelry, perfume, and electronics at significant discounts.
Charter a taxi boat from Red Hook to this protected cove at Great St. James Island. The water is crystal clear, and the snorkeling reveals tarpon, rays, and coral gardens. Many boat charters include a stop at Pizza Pi, a floating pizza restaurant anchored in the cove.
Marine park with 5 acres of activities such as a touch pool, undersea observatory tower & aquariums.
Gondola rides 700 ft. up to an observation area with scenic views of the bay & a restaurant/bar.
Polished rooms, most with beach access, in a casual seafront resort with an outdoor pool & dining.
Parking is available at this popular lookout point with panoramic views of Magens Bay & the islands.
Charlotte Amalie Overlook is a nature attraction on St. Thomas. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that St. Thomas is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Hull Bay Beach is a nature attraction on St. Thomas. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that St. Thomas is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Cruz Bay Visitor Center is a nature attraction on St. Thomas. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that St. Thomas is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Fort Christian is a historical site on St. Thomas. This historic site reflects the rich cultural heritage and storied past of St. Thomas. It offers a glimpse into the events and traditions that have shaped the island over centuries.
Home base for a lively zip-line attraction in the rainforest with island views & multiple platforms.
Pirates Treasure Museum is a cultural attraction on St. Thomas. Visitors can experience the vibrant local culture and artistic traditions of St. Thomas at this destination. It is a window into the creative spirit and community life of the island.
Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden is a nature attraction on St. Thomas. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that St. Thomas is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Long brick staircase leading up a hill to a 17th-century watchtower known as Blackbeard's Castle.
Find hotels, restaurants, and bookable experiences on our full island page.
