St. Thomas packs more into 32 square miles than most Caribbean islands manage in ten times the space. World-class beaches, duty-free shopping, a legitimate food scene, and enough snorkeling to fill a week — all without needing a passport if you're American. Whether you're stepping off a cruise ship for six hours or staying for a full week, here's everything worth doing.
Beaches
1. Magens Bay Beach
Consistently ranked among the world's top ten beaches. A mile-long crescent of calm, turquoise water sheltered by green hills. The water is almost always flat — perfect for families and nervous swimmers. Beach chairs and snorkel gear rent on-site. Go early to beat the cruise crowds. $5 entry fee is the best money you'll spend on the island.
2. Coki Beach
The best shore snorkeling on St. Thomas — wade in and you're surrounded by fish within 30 feet. Blue tang, sergeant majors, parrotfish, and the occasional sea turtle. Right next to Coral World Ocean Park. It gets crowded on cruise days, but the underwater life makes it worth the company. Bring your own gear or rent on the beach. Read our full USVI snorkeling guide.
3. Sapphire Beach
A long stretch of white sand with good snorkeling on the eastern reef and kayak/paddleboard rentals on the beach. Less crowded than Magens Bay, with a more local feel. The beach bar serves drinks and basic food. Sunday afternoons bring live music and a relaxed party atmosphere.
4. Lindquist Beach (Smith Bay Park)
The locals' favorite. A protected beach with calm water, sea grape shade trees, and far fewer people than Magens Bay. No vendors, no jet skis, no noise. Just sand, water, and quiet. $2 entry, limited parking — go on a weekday for near-private conditions.
Water Activities
5. Snorkeling at Buck Island
A small uninhabited island just off St. Thomas with some of the clearest water in the USVI. Half-day boat tours include snorkel gear, drinks, and usually a beach stop. The reef is healthy and full of life — better than most shore snorkeling. Not to be confused with Buck Island near St. Croix (which has its own national monument). Best snorkeling tours for beginners.
6. Sunset Sailing
Catamaran cruises leave Charlotte Amalie harbor in the late afternoon, sailing past the harbor islands as the sun drops behind the hills. Most include open bar and appetizers. The best way to end a day on St. Thomas — the colors over the water are exceptional. Book at least a day ahead during peak season.
7. Kayaking Mangrove Lagoon
Guided kayak tours through the mangrove lagoon on the southeast shore. Quiet water, bird life, and a snorkel stop at a protected reef. Good for beginners and families. A nice change from beach-and-snorkel if you want something different. Kayaking guide for beginners.
8. Jet Ski Tour
Guided jet ski tours run along the coast and out to small islands. You drive your own machine with a guide leading the group. Most tours include a snorkel stop. High energy, good views, and a different perspective on the coastline. Book through a licensed operator — the island requires guided tours, no solo jet ski rentals.
Browse all St. Thomas water tours
See St. Thomas Tours →Sightseeing & Culture
9. Skyride to Paradise Point
A tramway from the cruise port area up 700 feet to Paradise Point. The panoramic view of Charlotte Amalie harbor with cruise ships, sailboats, and the surrounding islands is the signature St. Thomas photo op. There's a bar and small shops at the top. Go in the late afternoon for the best light and a drink with the view.
10. Charlotte Amalie Historic District
The old Danish colonial capital. Cobblestone alleys, 18th-century warehouses converted into shops, and Fort Christian (the oldest standing structure in the USVI, built 1672). Main Street and Back Street are lined with duty-free shops — jewelry, watches, liquor, and perfume at 20-50% below mainland prices. The 99 Steps (actually 103) lead up to Blackbeard's Castle for another harbor view.
11. Coral World Ocean Park
A marine park next to Coki Beach with an underwater observatory, touch pools, sea lion encounters, and a shark tank. The SNUBA and sea trek helmet diving experiences let you walk on the ocean floor without scuba certification. Good for families, especially on days when the snorkeling conditions aren't perfect.
12. Mountain Top
The highest accessible point on St. Thomas at 2,100 feet. Famous for its banana daiquiris and the view — on a clear day you can see over 20 islands. A tourist stop, yes, but the vista is genuinely spectacular. Combine with a Magens Bay beach day since it's on the same road.
Day Trips
13. Day Trip to St. John
A 20-minute ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay, St. John. Two-thirds of the island is national park — pristine beaches, hiking trails, and the best snorkeling in the USVI. Trunk Bay's underwater trail is the headline, but Honeymoon Beach and Waterlemon Cay are less crowded and equally beautiful. Rent a Jeep in Cruz Bay or take a safari taxi to the beaches. Island comparison guide.
14. Full-Day Boat Tour
Full-day catamaran or powerboat tours hit multiple snorkel spots, a beach stop, and usually include lunch and open bar. Some go to the British Virgin Islands (passport required), others stay within USVI waters. The best way to see multiple islands in one day without logistics. Best shore excursions guide.
15. Water Island
The "fourth Virgin Island" — a 5-minute ferry ride from Crown Bay Marina. Honeymoon Beach is the draw: calm water, a beach bar, hammocks, and almost no crowds. The island has no cars (mostly golf carts), and the whole vibe is a gear slower than St. Thomas. A local secret that's worth the short detour.
Food & Drink
16. Frenchtown
A small waterfront neighborhood with the best restaurants on St. Thomas. Originally settled by French Huguenots from St. Barths. The restaurants here serve fresh seafood, Caribbean-French fusion, and craft cocktails at half the price of the resort restaurants. Walk the marina, pick a spot, eat well.
17. Red Hook
The east end marina village with casual bars, pizza joints, and waterfront dining. Duffy's Love Shack is the famous spot — kitschy tiki bar with strong drinks. The area around the St. John ferry dock has a strip of restaurants that stay lively into the evening. The closest thing to nightlife on the island outside of Charlotte Amalie.
18. Local Food: Pates and Johnnycakes
Pates (PAH-tays) are fried turnovers filled with saltfish, chicken, or beef — the USVI's signature street food. Johnnycakes are fried cornmeal bread, crispy outside and soft inside. Find both at roadside stands and bakeries across the island. The Market Square area in Charlotte Amalie has reliable options. Also try conch fritters, fungi (cornmeal and okra), and kallaloo soup.
Hidden Gems
19. Brewers Bay
Near the airport, used mostly by locals and university students. Not as pretty as Magens Bay, but free, uncrowded, and excellent for watching planes land low overhead. Sea turtles feed on the sea grass here — snorkel the edges at high tide for a chance to swim with them. No facilities except a few picnic tables.
20. Drake's Seat
A roadside overlook where Sir Francis Drake supposedly watched for ships in the passage between the islands. The view of Magens Bay from above is stunning and free. A quick stop on the way to or from Magens Bay — just pull over, snap the photo, and appreciate what you're about to swim in.
Getting around St. Thomas
Taxis are shared safari-style open-air trucks with fixed per-person rates by zone ($8-15). They're the easiest option for cruise passengers. Rental cars work for multi-day stays — drive on the left (British-style) in American-made cars. Uber doesn't operate on St. Thomas. The ferry to St. John runs every hour from Red Hook ($7.50 each way).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in St. Thomas?
Top activities include Magens Bay Beach, snorkeling at Coki Beach, the Skyride to Paradise Point, shopping in Charlotte Amalie, boat tours to Buck Island and St. John, Coral World Ocean Park, and sunset sailing. Most visitors combine beach time with one activity per day.
How many days do you need in St. Thomas?
Three to four days covers the highlights — beaches, a boat tour, shopping, and a day trip to St. John. Cruise passengers typically get 6-8 hours, which is enough for one beach and one activity. A full week lets you explore every corner at a relaxed pace.
Is St. Thomas good for cruise passengers?
Yes — St. Thomas is one of the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean. The port is walking distance to Charlotte Amalie shopping, taxis to beaches take 15-20 minutes, and dozens of shore excursions run on cruise-ship schedules. Book in advance during peak season.
What is St. Thomas known for?
St. Thomas is known for duty-free shopping in Charlotte Amalie, some of the Caribbean's best beaches (especially Magens Bay), excellent snorkeling, and being a major cruise port. It's also a U.S. territory — no passport required for American travelers.
Is St. Thomas expensive?
St. Thomas is moderately expensive. Restaurant meals run $15-40, beach chairs cost $20-30/day at popular spots, and taxi fares are fixed by zone ($8-15 per person). Duty-free shopping on jewelry, liquor, and perfume can save 20-50% versus mainland prices. Budget travelers do well with beach days (free) and local food.