15 Best Things to Do in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands

If you’ve landed on the idyllic shores of St Thomas, chances are you plan to spend a good chunk of your trip at the beach. However, with its storied history, rich culture, and wild nature, there’s much more to do on this island than simply eat, relax, and repeat (though there’s certainly nothing wrong with that). Here are 15 ways to make the most out of a trip to the beating heart of the US Virgin Islands (USVI): our picks for the best things to do in St Thomas.

Shop on Main Street in Charlotte Amalie

Charlotte Amalie is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean, and its shops, tucked among colorful Danish colonial buildings on Main St, are a top draw. Most visitors head to places like AH Riise, which sells duty-free watches, jewelry, tobacco, and liquor. However, there are some more unusual spots that are likely better worth your time. Among the best is the Camille Pissarro Gallery, located in the childhood home of the famed Danish-French Impressionist, showcasing reproductions of his St Thomas scenes alongside works by contemporary USVI artists.

Swim at Magens Bay

Even though it’s one of the few beaches on St Thomas that demands an entry fee, a trip to Magens Bay is worth every penny. No other strip of sand in the USVI lies at the end of such a deep cove, giving Magens a stunning backdrop of emerald-green hills. With lifeguards, picnic tables, changing facilities, water sports, and restaurants, this spot has everything a family could need to spend an entire day enjoying the pearl-white sands.

Drink and Dine in Frenchtown

The island’s “Frenchies” – Huguenots who emigrated to St Thomas from St-Barths during the mid-19th century – first populated this community of brightly painted frame houses on the western side of Charlotte Amalie Harbor. Nowadays, this fishermen’s neighborhood has several good restaurants that overlook the water, including the seafood bistro Oceana. Additionally, craft beer can be found at Frenchtown Brewing (try the citrusy Hop Alley IPA) and a sprawling wine list at The Twisted Cork.

Take a Day Trip to Virgin Islands National Park

While St Thomas is heavily developed, two-thirds of neighboring St John is protected within the Virgin Islands National Park, providing a fantastic escape from the crowds. Popular half-day hikes include the Lind Point Trail, which leads from the ferry dock in Cruz Bay to the secluded Honeymoon Beach, and the Reef Bay Trail, traversing dense woodlands down to ancient petroglyphs and sugar-mill ruins. Smaller nature trails at Cinnamon Bay and Francis Bay are perfect for families with young children.

Explore USVI History at Fort Christian

This striking red-brick fort in Charlotte Amalie dates back to 1672. Originally used as a defense point for the Dano-Norwegian government during the colonial era, it now houses a small museum tackling the complex history of the Virgin Islands, from its earliest Indigenous residents to the slaves from West Africa who worked on sugar plantations. Visiting Fort Christian is vital for contextualizing your experience, especially if you take a guided tour.

Listen to Calypso Music

Calypso music is the vibrant soundtrack to life in the Virgin Islands. Many resorts hire bands to perform on set nights each week, including Bolongo Bay Beach Resort and the Ritz Carlton’s Coconut Cove. You can also find steel-pan groups performing in Frenchtown or Yacht Haven Grande. The best time to enjoy calypso, however, is during the month-long Carnival celebrations (typically in April or May) when artists compete for titles like Calypso Monarch or Best Junior Calypsonian.

Climb the “99 Steps”

Rising from Kongens Gade up past historic homes to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Charlotte Amalie Harbor, this step-street – or frigang, as the Danes called them – is one of the best free things to do on the island. Bougainvillea and hibiscus spill over wooden railings onto the path, providing an atmospheric walk with plenty of romantic photo opportunities. In case you’re wondering, the actual count is 103 steps, not 99.

Kayak the Mangrove Lagoon to Cas Cay

On the southeastern coast of St Thomas, the Cas Cay-Mangrove Lagoon Marine Reserve is an idyllic spot for a morning paddle. As you navigate through narrow mangrove alleys, keep an eye out for colorful birds such as the green-throated carib or red-billed tropicbird. Virgin Islands Ecotours runs kayaking trips through the Mangrove Lagoon that include snorkeling around a shipwreck and a short hike on the uninhabited Cas Cay. They also offer kayak and paddleboard rentals for a DIY adventure.

Take a Food Tour

At first glance, St Thomas may appear overrun with generic restaurants serving pizzas, burgers, and Caesar salads. This is often because traditional West Indian cuisine tends to be found further from the seafront and off the beaten path. If you want to discover local flavors, the guides at St Thomas Food Tours can introduce you to everything from rum cakes to conch fritters and callaloo on a 2.5-hour culinary excursion around Charlotte Amalie.

Charter a Boat to Explore Further Afield

Chartering a boat is one of the most popular activities on St Thomas, as it is the only practical way to explore outer islands and remote reefs. Typical itineraries revolve around snorkeling (possibly at Lovango Cay, Buck Island, or Little St James) or bar-hopping (for example, at White Bay on Jost Van Dyke or a floating restaurant like Pizza Pi). Most charters leave from marinas near Red Hook or Benner Bay on the East End of St Thomas, typically heading toward St John or the British Virgin Islands.

Get Cultured at Tillett Gardens

Far from the typical tourist circuit in the Anna’s Retreat sector is this colorful artists’ colony, which attracts the island’s creative thinkers for all sorts of artistic pursuits. It features a 150-seat theater, art galleries with painting classes, quirky coffee shops, and live reggae music on weekends. Nearby, make sure to check out Mango Tango, known for high-quality contemporary art exhibitions that far exceed those found in downtown Charlotte Amalie.

Enjoy Less Touristy Nightlife in Red Hook

If Charlotte Amalie comes alive during the day, it’s Red Hook that keeps the party going well into the night. This small port town in the East End attracts island residents after the cruise tourists depart for the evening, where you can enjoy rum and cokes at popular spots like the tiki-themed Duffy’s Love Shack, which bills itself as “the best parking lot bar in the world.” Additional late-night options include Tap & Still (for craft beer) and the Island Time Pub (for moonlit harbor views).

Snorkel with Sea Turtles at Brewers Bay

Tucked away behind the airport and in front of the University of the Virgin Islands, Brewers Bay has always attracted more locals than tourists. This low-key spot is perfect for tuning in to the island vibe, allowing you to enjoy a beer and a pate (fried pastries stuffed with meat) from one of the food trucks after spending time with the sea creatures.

See Where the Caribbean and Atlantic Meet

There’s a small strip of sand on the wild western tip of St Thomas where the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean converge. Known as Mermaid’s Chair, it stands out as one of the USVI’s best-kept secrets. This rare double-sided beach (best viewed at low tide) is accessible via a 1.3-mile (2km) hike that descends from The Preserve at Botany Bay, leading to spectacular viewpoints and quiet rocky coves. Good walking shoes are essential.

Take the Ferry to Water Island

Located just 15 minutes by ferry from St Thomas, tiny Water Island feels delightfully remote, boasting few shops or restaurants and only 200 permanent residents who get around in golf carts. Expect great hiking, biking, and kayaking, as well as three sandy beaches, the most famous of which, Honeymoon Beach, comes alive at lunchtime with thirsty day-trippers. The Virgin Islands Campground, featuring eco-friendly wood and canvas cottages, is one of the few glamping experiences in the Caribbean, making it a great reason to spend the night.