The Best Things to See and Do in St. Thomas

"Deep dive without getting wet at this spectacular marine park. The enormous aquarium is home to living coral reef tanks teeming with colorful fish and sea life. Outdoor attractions include a pool of stingrays, another fullof turtles and another full of baby sharks, which can also be viewed from below through the tank's glass bottom. There's also a touch poolwith baby lobster and hermit crabs."

"Blackbeard's Castle and the 99 Steps Yo, ho, ho and oh, my! Up on Government Hill, this watchtower, built circa 1678, isknown as Blackbeard's Castleandis literally the stuff of legends. Although it's open for debate whether the notoriouspirate ever used the five-story tower as a lookout, one thing is for certain: Its views are tops. Nearby the flower-lined 99 Steps (technically there are 103), built in the 18th century of ship-ballast brick, lead from historic Kongens Quarter to some more terrific views of the island."

"One of the island's best lookouts, Drake's Seat offers a panoramic view of Magens Bay and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands to the east. The site is named for Sir Francis Drake, who is said to have kept watch over the harbor from this vantage point. (WasDrake benevolently watching over his own fleet or looking for ships to plunder? The answerwill depend on whether you subscribe to theBritish's regard of himas a celebrated explorer or toothers' belief that he was a brutal privateer.)"

"This intimate synagogue, built in 1833, is considered the oldest U.S. in continuous use (a hundred families still worship here). Visit the National Historic Landmark to find mahoganypews, ornatedomes, and scrolls that survived a fire. The most famous feature is the sandfloor, whichsymbolizes the Jews'journeyacross the desert to find the Promised Land."

"Explore Historic Hassel Island Once a peninsula connected to mainland St. Thomas, Hassel Island became an island when the Danish government, the colonial power running things in the Virgin Islands at the time, separated the two, the better to improve water circulation through St. Thomas harbor and stop the spread of cholera and malaria. These uncommon beginnings to its status as an “island” are par to the course of Hassel Island’s entire history, though. For a small landmass (135 acres), Hassel has seen more than its fair share of wars, pirates, one rather infamous murder, and various other notable historic events. History buff that I am, of course, I’m fascinated by Hassel Island, especially since it wasn’t until about 10 years ago that any effort was ever made to make its historical treasures accessible to the public! The National Park Service administers Hassel Island these days, so you’ll want to get with them to gain access to the island, as well as info/maps on hiking trails to the various historic points of interest. Active excursions combining kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling in and around Hassel Island can also be arranged via Virgin Islands Ecotours."

"Constructed in 1867 as the meeting place for the Danish Colonial Council, Government House is used today as theoffice forthe governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Several works by Impressionist master Camille Pissarro, a native of St. Thomas, is one highlight of a visit. The building, open to the public on weekdays, is a five-minute walk from the center of historic Charlotte Amalie."

"Hull Bay Beach—on the north shore of St. Thomas, west of Magens Bay—has the wave action surfers crave. When there's a northern swell, the beach is considered the best surf spot on the island. The rest of the time you'll find snorkelers, local families, and fishing boats bobbing out in the bay. The beach bar is a popular island spot."

"Quiet, hiddenbeaches that once defined the Caribbeanare still favored by discriminating travelers. Serene and blessed with a few basic facilities (including parking, restrooms, and changing areas, as well food trucks), Brewers Bay Beach offers visitors an easily accessed, languid, sweeping shore. It's an ideal spot forgrabbing a towel, relaxing, and watching the sun set. With shallow, calm, clear, and reef-protected waters, the beach is popular with families, who can enjoy the gentle surf. Snorkeling is also popular, and the beach is home to stingray and turtle communities. Despite its secludedfeel, Brewers Bay Beach is located near the University of the Virgin Islands campus and Cyril E. King International Airport."

"Small and picturesque Coki Beach is a favorite for its soft white sand and calm, crystal-clear water. While there's only limited shade here, umbrellas are available for rent, as are beach chairs, Jet Skis, diving and snorkeling equipment, and floats. Several snorkeling and dive sites nearby include a rocky reef near shore. Beachside eateries serve up picnic-table fare including burgers, sandwiches, and local dishes. The beach can get crowded when cruise ships are in port, so ask at your hotel whether there are ships dockingthat day before planning a visit."

"Twisted Cork Café, St. Thomas Owners Bryan Lewis and Eric Gaspard recently opened the Twisted Cork Café, a wine-focused restaurant located in the historic Frenchtown district of Charlotte Amalie. The neighborhood, which isbusy with cruise passengers during the day, slows down to a more mellow island speed in the evenings. Daily specials, which often feature just-caught fish and produce from an on-site garden, are recommended."

"Thefriendly vibe at Delly Deck makes island eateryan ideal spot for celebrating special occasions or just grabbing breakfast or lunch with friends and family. Considered by locals to be a landmark (it's been around for 40years!), Delly Deck has a solid breakfast menu, witha range of omelet choices and standard but tasty lunch selections such assandwiches, wraps, salads, and burgers. Cocktails—frozen and not—as well as beer and wine are on offer, though you probably can't get into too much trouble before the 4 p.m. closing time."

"Duffy’s calls itself a “bar that serves great food.” Itsbrand of fruity tropical cocktails (some served in ceramic skulls) and casual fare seems somehow perfect for a relaxing Caribbean vacation. The restaurant claims to have hosted “pirates, debutantes, nerds, and rock stars.” From the outside, Duffy's looks unassuming, but inside the colorful tiki bar decor features standard elements, such asbamboo-pole siding, spruced up with maritime mementos from around the Caribbean."

"Great local eats on St. Thomas Because it’s a major cruise port there are plenty of tacky restaurants on St. Thomas, but it doesn’t take a lot of effort to get under the skin of the island and find places where the locals eat. One such restaurant, Gladys’ Cafe, serves up traditional Caribbean fare and is known as one of the best on the island. Skip the a la carte menu and instead get one of the lunch plates including curried chicken or goat served with red beans and rice, mac and cheese and fried plantains."

"Battle tacky souvenirs for the original banana daiquiri Sometimes you have to be a tourist to enjoy the great pleasures that travel offers. That’s why a visit to Mountain Top on St. Thomas is a must-do activity for any visitor. In 1949, a British restaurateur began a mission to develop the best Caribbean libation. He finally settled on the now-famous banana daiquiri, which he first mixed on St. Thomas. The drink is still served up daily using the original ingredients at Mountain Top, an emporium of souvenirs and kitsch. Just walk through the mountains of t-shirts to enjoy both the drink and, honestly, one of the best views on the island."

"A local favorite for breakfast and lunch, this little spot in the heart of downtown Charlotte Amalie excels in quickie meals with major flavor. There's an excellent array of sandwiches and traditional regional dishes, including conch fritters and fish & chips. The fish is caught by Jen's husband daily."

"Whether you prefer oil paintings or pastels, photography or wood carvings, metalwork or ornamental items, you'll find excellent locally made samples at this large gallery in Charlotte Amalie. The wood pieces by Avelino Samuel are particularly attractive. The painted calabashes by Daniel Mead are unique to the region. Prices run the gamut, too, so there's something for every budget."

"Modest in keeping with the sometimes understated influence of its namesake, the Camille Pissarro Gallery is a rare treat in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. One of the original French Impressionist painters, Pissarro was born on the islandin 1830. The gallery is located in his childhood home, the loft section of a merchant's building at 14 Main Street. Several of Pissarro's Caribbean-inspired works are on display at the gallery, along with thosefrom about two dozen other artists, including Jenine Wesselman and Sylvia Kahn."

"Native Arts and Crafts Cooperative Formerly the headquarters of the U.S. District Court in these parts, the low-slung brick building on the central waterfront now houses the island's best handicrafts display. Themaze features150 artisans selling everything from handmade dolls and quilts to note cards and wooden serving items. There are also food vendors on site."

"It makes every best beach list again and again, so it shouldn't be surprising if you feel like you've seen photos before of this sugar-sand beach. The cove is bordered by lines of pretty palm trees, and the crystal-clear waters are serene and perfect for swimming. In addition to lifeguards, showers and bathrooms, there are many concession stands for food and items like flippers, paddleboards, kayaks and beach chairs and umbrellas. There's an entrance fee."