Welcome to the Caribbean! St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands is the perfect destination for a serene, Caribbean escape paradise packed with vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and unforgettable adventures. This island paradise is home to tons of stunning beaches, historic towns, and activities that will make you want to stay forever. Whether you're seeking a laid-back beach day or an exhilarating outdoor excursion, this island will have you feeling relaxed and inspired. Once you land at the airport, taxis are easily accessible from the airport, making it super easy to get around. Keep in mind, a lot of taxis only accept cash, so we advise bringing cash for the ride! As you take a winding trip up the hillsides to your resort, you'll enjoy beautiful views along the way. INSIDER TIP: Most taxi drivers know a ton about the island. Ask them for the inside scoop on all the best local recommendations. Once you're settled at your resort, let the exploring begin! Here are some of the top things to do in St. Thomas for an adventure you'll never forget. Top Attractions and Activities in St. Thomas Coki Beach Coki Beach is a great option to experience white sand, turquoise water, snorkeling, diving, and more! This beach is conveniently located near Margaritaville Vacation Club – St. Thomas, and a complimentary shuttle from the resort makes getting here easy. INSIDER TIP: Bring cash to rent beach chairs and umbrellas for the full tropical experience. Magens Bay Beach If you're looking for a more remote tropical paradise and serene beach experience, head out to Magen's Bay. Located along the north coast of St. Thomas, Magen's Bay is known for its calm waters and beautiful views, and is the island's most popular beach destination. INSIDER TIP: If you bring a bottle of water or wine with you, bury it in the sand to keep it cool while you walk around and explore–locals swear by this trick! Coral World Ocean Park For a fun and educational stop, Coral World Ocean Park is a perfect mix of adventure and education. You can get up close with marine life, walk through underwater tunnels, and even swim with sea lions. It's fantastic for families, those interested in marine life, or anyone wanting a break from the beach. Sapphire Beach Located on the east end of St. Thomas, Sapphire Beach is another crowd favorite on the island. With the beautiful contrast between the soft, white sand and the dark sapphire blue and turquoise waters, this beach is nothing short of picturesque. TIP: The reefs here are great for snorkeling! Outdoor Adventures and Excursions Paradise Point Tramway For amazing views, we recommend taking the Paradise Point Tramway to see all of Historic Downtown Charlotte Amalie and the sweeping harbor. On a really clear day, you can see all the way to Puerto Rico and St. Croix. INSIDER TIP: Take the tram right before sunset when the colors over the harbor are incredible. Snorkeling Spots The reefs around St. Thomas are full of life. Coki Beach and Sapphire Beach are popular spots, but if you're looking for something quieter, head over to Secret Harbor. You'll find plenty of tropical fish and sea turtles around. Some locals even recommend bringing an underwater camera—it's totally worth it! Hiking Trails St. Thomas has a few hiking trails, each offering its own unique view of the island. The Mermaid's Chair Trail near Charlotte Amalie is highly rated on AllTrails at 4.7 stars. Hikers will enjoy the adventure of this moderately challenging trail, and get some pretty amazing photo ops along the way. Other highly rated trails include Magens Bay Beach trail and Harbor Walk. Kayaking Tours If you're up for an adventure, book a kayaking tour. One highly rated tour company is Virgin Islands Ecotours. For an even more unique experience, try a night tour. Night Kayak offers night tours with clear-bottom kayaks equipped with LED lights to illuminate the water as you paddle. Watching the fish and underwater life moving beneath the kayak is simply magical! Jeep Rentals for Exploration For those who want to explore the island independently, renting a Jeep, such as one from L&L Jeep Rental, Inc., is a great way to discover St. Thomas' hidden gems. The hilly, winding roads make for a thrilling ride, and you can make as many stops as you want along the coast or venture to secluded beaches. Champagne Sunset Sail A must-do excursion is the Champagne Sunset Sail. This cruise departs from Margaritaville Vacation Club – St. Thomas and is the perfect evening activity for winding down after a day of adventure. Sip champagne on a catamaran while you watch the sun set over the island for a truly memorable night in St. Thomas that is both luxurious and relaxing. Cultural and Historical Experiences St. Thomas Historical Trust Museum For the history buffs, the St. Thomas Historical Trust Museum is a must-see spot. The museum protects and preserves the history and culture of St. Thomas. Here, you can explore the cultural roots of the island, see artifacts that showcase the island's journey from the past to today, and learn about the decades of preservation efforts and the deep history of the island. Visit to Fort Christian As one of the oldest buildings on the island, Fort Christian is a well-preserved historical site worth visiting. Originally built by the Danish, it's a neat spot to learn about the colonial history of St. Thomas while taking in views of the bustling harbor. St. Thomas Synagogue The St. Thomas Synagogue is an iconic landmark that holds both cultural and historical significance. As one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere, this site is a unique part of the island's history that you won't find anywhere else. Discover Historic Downtown Charlotte Amalie Take a taxi down to Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas, to walk through the bustling downtown area. With its colorful buildings and cobblestone streets, downtown Charlotte Amalie immerses you into the island's history. This is a great place for shopping, great views of the city, as well as historic tours and information about the island. Don't forget your camera because the photo ops are endless! Island Hopping and Day Trips Day Trip to St. John One of the best parts of St. Thomas is its proximity to other beautiful islands. You can hop on a ferry to St. John for the day, where you can visit the preserved Virgin Islands National Park, which boasts many pristine beaches and lush trails. Visit Nearby Cays and Islets For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider visiting nearby cays and islets. Many tours, such as ones from Virgin Islands Daysailing, offer day trips to smaller islands where you can enjoy secluded beaches, picnic spots, and a quieter side of the Caribbean. Shopping and Dining in St. Thomas Duty-Free Shopping St. Thomas is a duty-free zone, making it a top destination for shopping. Whether you're looking for jewelry, clothing, or island-inspired souvenirs, the shops in Charlotte Amalie have it all. I recommend exploring the local markets, where you'll find unique crafts and artwork. Local Cuisine and Popular Restaurants Sampling local food is a must when you're in St. Thomas. From fresh seafood to Caribbean-style BBQ, you'll find a variety of flavors. Some of our favorite spots include Gladys' Café for Caribbean dishes and Oceana for a fancier meal with an ocean view. Beachfront Cafes and Bars The beach bars and cafes in St. Thomas are perfect for unwinding with a drink in hand. Sapphire Beach has a great bar right by the water, and the live music adds to the island vibe. It's a great way to relax and enjoy the sunset after a day of exploring. Where to stay in St. Thomas St. Thomas offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are three notable resorts to consider for your stay, each offering unique amenities and experiences: Club Wyndham Elysian Beach Resort Limetree Beach Resort by Club Wyndham Margaritaville Vacation Club – St. Thomas Club Wyndham Elysian Beach Resort Nestled on the island's East End, Club Wyndham Elysian Beach Resort provides a tranquil escape among a yacht-filled cove. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a swimming pool, hot tub, and on-site dining options. The resort's proximity to Red Hook makes it convenient for exploring local attractions and accessing the ferry to St. John. Limetree Beach Resort by Club Wyndham Located on the southern coast, Limetree Beach Resort offers a secluded beachfront experience. The resort features an outdoor pool, fitness center, and two on-site restaurants. Its serene setting is ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat, while still being a short drive from Charlotte Amalie and other island attractions. Margaritaville Vacation Club – St. Thomas Situated near Coki Beach, Margaritaville Vacation Club – St. Thomas captures the laid-back spirit of the Caribbean. Guests can relax in spacious suites, enjoy multiple dining options, and take advantage of the resort's proximity to popular snorkeling spots. The vibrant atmosphere and convenient location make it a favorite among travelers. Tips for Planning Your St. Thomas Visit Best Time to Visit The best time to visit St. Thomas is between December and April when the weather is at its peak. You'll enjoy sunny days, warm waters, and fewer chances of rain. Recommended Length of Stay For a well-rounded experience, I'd recommend spending at least 4-5 days on the island. This gives you enough time to enjoy the main attractions without feeling rushed and leaves room for a bit of downtime and plenty of time to relax on the beach. Transportation Options on the Island Taxis are widely available and convenient for getting around, though renting a car or Jeep gives you the freedom to explore the island on your own schedule. Ready to Experience St. Thomas? St. Thomas is a destination that has it all—from relaxing beach days to action-packed adventures. No matter what type of traveler you are, this island paradise will capture your heart and leave you with memories for a lifetime. So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable experience in the Caribbean! To see more content from this #TravelTakeover, check out the “Highlights” section from our Instagram. Get 20% off a vacation to St. Thomas when you sign up for Insider Extras. For more travel guides to top destinations, explore our Stories section.