St. Thomas

Travel Guide
Blackbeard\'s Castle showing a coastal town and landscape views
Sandy beaches, spectacular scenery, exciting watersports, duty-free shopping and colonial monuments make this one of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ liveliest destinations.

The Caribbean island of St. Thomas presents a blend of history, nature, shopping, recreation and relaxation. Jungle-covered hills roll down to picturesque bays with white-sand beaches and turquoise water. Colonial-era architecture stands in busy shopping districts. 

St. Thomas’ one major town is picturesque Charlotte Amalie. Wander the narrow lanes to see Danish, Dutch, French and Spanish-built houses, many now hosting cafés and shops. Climb the 99 Steps, an 18th-century staircase near Blackbeard’s Castle and Fort Christian, built in the 1600s as a Danish stronghold. 

Beyond Charlotte Amalie, scenic roads wind through wooded hills to views of the island’s magnificent coastlines. Go to animated Frenchtown, a village renowned for its restaurants, taverns, nightclubs and Creole-speaking residents. Enjoy a scenic cable car ride from Havensight to Paradise Point and marvel at the views of Charlotte Amalie Harbor.

Over 40 beaches decorate St. Thomas’ coastline, all within a 25-minute drive from Charlotte Amalie. Relax at Magens Bay or the lively resorts of Lindberg Bay and Morningstar. Go fishing, sailing and scuba diving at Red Hook and snorkeling and windsurfing at Sapphire Beach. Discover myriad marine life at Coral World Ocean Park near Coki Beach. Watch planes land at the island airport while you swim in the calm waters of Brewers Bay Beach.

The area is famous for discounted and tax-free shopping, too. Clothing, electronics, jewelry and perfume stores line the streets of Charlotte Amalie, most notably Dronningens Gade (Main Street) and Vendors Plaza. Find more shops and malls at the main ports, Crown Bay and Havensight. 

St. Thomas, the second largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is located in the Caribbean Sea east of Puerto Rico. Many visitors arrive by cruise ship or fly to Cyril E. King Airport and then get around via rented car. The U.S. Virgin Islands benefit from year-round warm temperatures, although hurricanes are possible between June and November. Combine your vacation with daytrips to the beaches of neighboring Water Island and St. John.

Where to stay in St. Thomas

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Green Cay Plantation

Though Green Cay Plantation might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Bolongo Bay and Bluebeards Beach.

Green Cay Plantation
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Rosendal

3.5/5(26 area reviews)

While Rosendal might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Magens Bay Beach and Mahogany Run Golf Course.

Rosendal
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Bellevue

While Bellevue might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Havensight Mall and Morningstar Beach.

Bellevue
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Havensight

If you're spending some time in Havensight, Havensight Mall and Frenchman's Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Havensight
Windward Passage Hotel
Windward Passage Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Veterans Drive Charlotte Amali, Po Box 640, St. Thomas, St. Thomas
The price is ¥34,384 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥34,384
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.6/10 (1,629 reviews)
"Staff is nice and helpful"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Windward Passage Hotel
Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham - St. Thomas
Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham - St. Thomas
4 out of 5
6080 Estate Smith Bay, St. Thomas
The price is ¥67,952 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥67,952
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,273 reviews)
"Loved how big the rooms were. The main pool was quiet and staff were so friendly. I also loved having the stray kitties around!"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham - St. Thomas
Hilltop Villas at Bluebeard's Castle by Capital Vacations
Hilltop Villas at Bluebeard's Castle by Capital Vacations
3 out of 5
1331 Estate Taarneberg, Bluebeard Loop, St. Thomas, St. Thomas
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,105 reviews)
"Beautiful property with beautiful views. Food was great. Excellent location with a short drive to anywhere on the island."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Hilltop Villas at Bluebeard's Castle by Capital Vacations
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Secret Harbour Beach Resort
Secret Harbour Beach Resort
4 out of 5
6280 Estate Nazareth, St. Thomas, St. Thomas
Stay at this beach aparthotel in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,142 reviews)
"My stay at Secret Harbor Resort was an unforgettable experience that exceeded all expectations. From the breathtaking natural beauty to the impeccable eservice. Secret Harbor Resort is the perfect destination for those seeking luxury, tranquility and beauty morning view. Each morning, I awoke to ..."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Secret Harbour Beach Resort
Hilltop Villas at Bluebeard's Castle by Capital Vacations
Hilltop Villas at Bluebeard's Castle by Capital Vacations
3 out of 5
1331 Estate Taarneberg, Bluebeard Loop, St. Thomas, St. Thomas
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,105 reviews)
"Beautiful property with beautiful views. Food was great. Excellent location with a short drive to anywhere on the island."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Hilltop Villas at Bluebeard's Castle by Capital Vacations
Castle Villas at Bluebeard's by Capital Vacations
Castle Villas at Bluebeard's by Capital Vacations
2.5 out of 5
1331 Estate Taarneberg, St. Thomas, Bluebeard Loop, St. Thomas, Taarneberg
Stay at this aparthotel in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (725 reviews)
"Had a fantastic 16 day work trip and staying at Bluebeard's was the perfect choice."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024

Castle Villas at Bluebeard's by Capital Vacations
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of St. Thomas

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
214
" "5 - Excellent 48.41628959276018%
4 - Good
171
" "4 - Good 38.68778280542986%
3 - Okay
43
" "3 - Okay 9.728506787330316%
2 - Disappointing
10
" "2 - Disappointing 2.262443438914027%
1 - Terrible
4
" "1 - Terrible 0.9049773755656109%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Apr 27, 2020

If you rent a vehicle be aware that street signs are a rare sight.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 1, 2020

I loved the resort but the rest of the island needs to recover from the hurricane a few years ago

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Feb 28, 2020

Keep in mind the airport is under construction and is causing major delays at their customs line, it took us 3 hours to get through, it was not pleasant.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 24, 2020

Just awesome and looking forward to visiting again.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Feb 18, 2020

The locals on St Thomas are so incredibly friendly; they understand that visitors from the mainland are mainly tourists, but are helpful, and cheerful too.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Feb 14, 2020

It is a beautiful Island. seems like they are rebuilding in some areas. one of my favorite places to vacations I love the beaches

Cities near St. Thomas