8 Best Things To Do In St. Thomas
Along with St. Croix, Water Island and St. John, St. Thomas makes up the U.S. Virgin Islands as one of the most popular destinations for visitors searching for sea, sand and sun.
Each beach is a little different, offering a wonderful balance of family-fun and nightlife activities. Pet stingrays at Coral World Ocean Park, or visit the coconut groves at Lindquist Beach. Rent a boat to each of the islands, and when you're done, explore shopping, dining and historical locations on the island. Here are eight of the best things to do in St. Thomas:
1. Coki Point
Coki Point Beach has expansive golden beaches that embrace its visitors as they enjoy beachside eateries and facilities, which include shops, bars and food carts. So, if you forget your sunblock, Coki Point has you covered.
Go snorkeling, kayaking or diving, and take the kids to explore along the reefs. Couples and singles will enjoy Coki Beach's nightlife and beach parties.
2. Coral World Ocean Park
Coral World Ocean Park spans five acres and features beautiful and child-friendly attractions: exotic aquariums, marine pools, an undersea observatory, a butterfly garden and natural trails. Children can safely touch and feed certain marine animals, including feeding stingrays, holding wild iguanas, petting sharks and swimming with sea lions.
3. Bluebeard's Beach
Want to enjoy a public beach that's not too public? Head over to Bluebeard's Beach, which offers crystalline waters, hotels, pools, restaurants and bars without the typical hubbub of commercialized public beaches.
Couples and families will enjoy the walkways that are adjacent to the waters, and Bluebeard's Beach is particularly popular for those who enjoy kayaking, windsurfing and kiteboarding.
4. Aqua Marine Dive Center
The Aqua Marine Dive Center is the sole dive center to be SSI approved in the US Virgin Islands, and it has one of the highest ratings on Trip Advisor. It's one of few to provide all PADI courses.
Tours are built around visitor interests, focusing on service and safety as visits are conducted from coral reefs to shipwrecks. Visitors can also experience turtle adventure tours and underwater fish tours.
5. Blackbeard's Castle
What's not to love about a castle settled on gorgeous and historical grounds, commonly referred to as "The Williamsburg of the Carribean?"
The national landmarks at Blackbeard's Castle date to the 1600s and visitors are free to roam the grounds or take a guided tour. Sites include Blackbeard's pools, Haagensen House, Hotel 1829, Skytborg Tower and Villa Notman.
6. Rent a Boat or Take a Charter
St. Thomas is a beautiful getaway, but why limit yourself to one island? St. Thomas is closely located to other U.S. and British Virgin Islands, where you can explore St. John's beautiful reefs off its pure sand shores or enjoy Virgin Gorda's baths.
You can also take a day trip with other boat charter companies who do the driving for you and offer their expertise as you island hop. Snorkel around St. John, enjoying drinks and lunch on board.
7. Shopping
There are no import taxes and all sales are duty free, which allows St. Thomas to offer substantial savings on jewelry and clothes with popular retailers on the island. Find jewelry that matches the turquoise seas or pure white sand beaches. Little Switzerland is a perfect place to get started, with over 30 shops available to peruse, and its jewelry shops include Tiffany & Co., Pandora, Omega, Cartier, Breitling, TAG Heuer and David Yurman.
You'll also want to check out Havensight Mall, which is adjacent to the cruise ship port. Downtown you'll find adorable galleries, jewelers and boutique clothing shops. Often considered the father or grandfather of impressionism, Camille Pissarro was born on the island in 1830. Peruse the Camille Pissarro Gallery on 14 Main Street, which once housed the family's dried goods business.
8. Lindquist Beach
Lindquist Beach is an extension of the bigger Smith Bay Park and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean with white sand and turquoise water. The beach staffs an on-duty lifeguard and has bathrooms. It's most popular for picnicking, where couples and families bring a lunch, eat at the picnic tables and enjoy the view.
For those celebrating a big occasion, sheds are available for rental for events and parties. Sunbathe, build sand castles and walk the shore. A feature unique to Lindquist Beach is its attractive coconut groves.
St. Thomas is the perfect home base to enjoy your getaway to the Virgin Islands. Experience a relaxing day at Coki Point or Lindquist Beach before charting a boat out to explore the surrounding U.S. and British Virgin Islands.
Back at home base, take advantage of substantial savings and shop downtown and around Little Switzerland. Take in the history of Blackbeard's Castle and pleasure in the beautiful surroundings complete with a butterfly garden — the perfect symbol of the transformative experience you'll have while in St. Thomas.