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99 Steps

Between Hotel 1829 and Government House sits the foot of the famed, steep 99 Steps, a staircase built in the 1700s by the Danes to connect parts of the town. Ironically, there are actually 103 steps, all made of ballast bricks from Danish ships. They lead high to a hill above Charlotte Amalie and the stone remains of an old tower, now part of the Inn at Blackbeard's Castle complex. It is a huff and puff to the top, but well worth it for the views. There is no admission charge. More »

All Saints Episcopal Cathedral

This lovely old church, built in 1848 to commemorate the end of slavery in the Virgin Islands, was restored to its former glory in the years after Hurricane Marilyn destroyed the building in 1995. Georgian in style, it is built of native stone. The arched windows are lined with yellow bricks that arrived as ballast aboard merchant ships that stopped in St. Thomas. You are welcome to browse its hallowed halls or attend Sunday services. There is no admission charge. More »

Blackbeard's Tower

What is now called Blackbeard's Tower (or Castle) was originally built by the Dutch in 1679 as a vantage point for the Charlotte Amalie harbor below. It is the only fortified tower in the Caribbean and was recently put on the National Register of Historic Places. Although there is no confirmed evidence, legend has it that infamous pirate Blackbeard used this edifice for a lookout point and perhaps even a residence. More »

Bluebeard's Beach

Although it's home to the Ritz Carlton Club, Bluebeard's Beach is in a relatively isolated east side bay and thus usually quiet. It is a popular destination for snorkeling, laying under palm trees, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, with good restaurants and bars nearby as well. The public can access the beach by a road just past the resort's main entrance. More »

Bolongo Bay Beach

This picturesque crescent-shaped beach is a good balance for those who are torn between wanting a relaxing beach or one where watersport activities abound. Bolongo Beach is quiet and has coconut trees with hammocks for catching some ZZZs or reading a good book, but it also offers decent snorkeling along the rocks on the right side and has a watersports stand with kayaks, water bikes, and other sports equipment for rent. More »

Brewers Bay Beach

This spacious strand of sandy beach is protected from the easterly trade winds, which makes it a good bet on a blustery day. Located adjacent to the University of the Virgin Islands, this beach sees lots of locals sunning at the water's edge. Snorkeling is good along the rocks that fringe the far ends of the beach. While there are no bathrooms or other amenities, trucks that park along the road provide lunch, snacks and drinks. There is no admission charge. More »

Buck Island (diving)

This small island is a draw for visitors who want to marvel not only at the exotic fish and multicellular organisms found in the island's reef, but also the wreckage of the Cartenser Senior, a cargo vessel from WWI. The two most common dive sites here are Dive Flag Rock and Andres' Reef. The top of the reef starts at 30 feet and drops down to sand at 60-70 feet. The island is two miles south of St. Thomas, and there are many private boat charters to take visitors here. There are also many hiking and bird-watching opportunities available on the island. More »

Camille Pissarro Gallery

St. Thomas-born Impressionist artist Camille Pissarro set the stage for today's artists when he painted island scenes back in the 1800s. Today, shoppers can buy contemporary art painted by two dozen people with ties to St. Thomas at the gallery that bears his name. Located in the Main Street house where Pissarro was born, this gallery represents Jenine Wesselman, Sylvia Kahn, Lee Coplea, Jan Dunn, and others. Works are in oil, watercolor, gauche, rock, sculpture and prints. More »

Capella Reef (diving)

Situated about 2 1/2 miles south of St. Thomas, this dive site offers good water clarity. Although the southern side of Capella Island took a beating from Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the coral reef is on the road to recovery and still draws a lot of fish. More »

Cartanser Senior Wreck (diving)

This ship originally sank in Charlotte Amalie harbor but was moved near Buck Island Cove where it currently lies in three pieces on a sandy bottom. The maximum depth on this dive is 50 feet. More »

Carval Rock (diving)

A 300 foot length of rocks rising up from the water marks this site that was once fired upon by a passing ship captain who mistook it for another vessel. Expect to see a lot of sponges and sea fans as well as schools of tarpon and bait fish. The maximum depth here is 60 feet. This site is not for novices; dangerous currents are frequently present here. More »

Charlotte Amalie

The island's main town and the territory's capital, Charlotte Amalie was founded in 1666. Originally called Taphaus, or Tap House, it is now named after a Danish queen. The narrow streets often bustle with shoppers seeking duty-free bargains, visitors viewing the historic sites, and government workers and professionals heading for their offices. Walking is the only easy way to navigate through the car and foot congestion. Parking is a nightmare, but you can usually find a space at the large public lot adjacent to Fort Christian. Take a taxi from the Havensight cruise ship pier. Most merchants accept credit cards. More »

Coki Beach

A smallish beach on the north coast, Coki Beach is often crowded with snorkelers and sunbathers taking a tour with their fellow cruise ship passengers. When the crowds leave, the locals come out to snorkel and Scuba the pretty reef. This beach has lots of amenities. You will find changing rooms, bathrooms, water sports equipment rentals, and a snack bar. While the beach is pretty and the locals friendly, this is one place where it pays to leave your valuables at home. Thefts have taken place. There is no admission charge. More »

Compass Point Marina

Boaters here are from all points on the globe. This is the place to see some nice vessels up close and perhaps have a friendly chat with their captains. (The old sea salts who dock here permanently are particularly good for a story or two!) Additionally, there are lots of shopping opportunities around the marina in the village of Compass Point. More »

Compass Point Pond

After the pond was cut off from the sea by the construction of a road, much of the wildlife died or had to move elsewhere. Fortunately, in 1992, the government stepped in and designated the pond a marine reserve and wildlife sanctuary. It was reopened to the sea, and water levels in the pond were restored. Shortly afterwards, fish and crabs--and subsequently birds--began to repopulate the area. Today it is a popular birding site. More »

Congo Cay (diving)

This cay lies three miles northeast of St. John. At the western end of Congo Cay, this dive site offers a long sand chute as well as pinnacles and canyons down to about 80 feet. The site also has large undersea boulders and lava archways that can rise up 30 feet below the surface! Expect a lot of fish; if you are lucky you might even see a dolphin or shark here. More »

Coral World

A visit to this 4.5-acre marine park and observatory can be an all-day event. While the underwater observatory gives visitors a 'stay-dry' chance to view the marine life, many of the exhibits invite participation. Children especially enjoy the touch pool, where they can handle marine creatures such as sea stars and conchs. This attraction also offers active tours that take participants out on boats, under water and up into the air on a parasail. Admission is USD18 for adults and USD9 for children 12 and under. More »

Cow & Calf (diving)

Legend has it that the rocks that push above the water's surface here were once mistaken by a sailor as migrating humpback whales, a cow, and her calf, and thus the name of this dive site. Typical depth ranges from 25-40 feet but, there are many tunnels, archways, and overhangs that provide nooks and crannies for sea creatures to inhabit, and, better yet, for divers to explore. More »

Cowpet Bay Beach

Palm trees line the clear waters of Cowpet Bay Beach, a tranquil getaway that has been favorably developed; the nearby restaurants, bars, and shops do not overwhelm the area but enhance visitors' time there. Many frequenters of St. Thomas pick this beach spot as one of their favorites. There is a central sandy area of the beach for swimming and rocks along the sides that make for good snorkeling. More »

Crown Bay Marina

This upscale marina offers full yacht services, digital satellite TV, a hair salon, telecommunications center, massage therapist, spa, high speed Internet, luxurious restaurants, shops, and bars to suit all of your opulent island and yachting needs. The marina itself is a 5-acre, 99-slip full-service facility that can hold vessels from 25 to 200 feet with drafts up to 15 feet. More »

Crown House

This three-story West Indian house was built in the 18th-century and inhabited by Peter von Scholten, a former harbor master turned governor. In 1822, he moved to Christiansted, St. Croix, capital of the Virgin Islands at the time. The house is now a private residence. More »

Dorothea Bay Beach

Dorothea Bay Beach isn't the typical sandy beach and good snorkeling site like many others on St. Thomas; instead, come to this scarcely populated beach to think, dream, and be alone with the beautiful, lush surroundings as waves crash onto the rocks. More »

Drake's Seat

One of the island's best view points, Drake's Seat affords a panoramic picture of Magens Bay and the United States and British Virgin Islands strung out to the east. A popular stop on round-the-island taxi tours, this place can get crowded. If you visit in the late afternoon, the light is especially entrancing. Legend has it that 16th-century explorer Sir Francis Drake kept watch on his fleet from this vantage point, marked by a seat across the road from the parking area. There is no admission charge. More »

Emancipation Garden

This small city park commemorates the 1848 emancipation of this former Danish colony's slaves, which actually happened in St. Croix. The park features a gazebo, where you will often hear lunchtime concerts, and where the government holds events. Note the bust of Danish King Christian V and a scaled-down replica of Philadelphia's famous Liberty Bell. A Vendor's Plaza is set up on the south side of the park, where you will find drinks, eats, t-shirts, and trinkets for sale. There is no admission charge. More »

Flat Cay

Located just off the southwest coast of St. Thomas, this is a perfect site for snorkelers and beginning divers. The variety of coral is decent, but the abundance of tropical fish and slow flying sting rays makes up for any lacks. The depth ranges from 17 to 70 feet. More »

Fort Christian

Tucked away in the vast reaches of the huge rust-colored Fort Christian are museum displays, including period furniture and military hardware, that reflect the island's history. Under construction from 1672 until its completion in 1680, it is the oldest standing structure in St. Thomas. A survivor of the numerous fires and hurricanes that several times devastated Charlotte Amalie, the fort was subsequently used as a governor's house, an administrative center and, until 1983, as the island's jail. Admission is free. More »

Frederick Lutheran Church

Built in 1820 in a combination of neo-classical and gothic revival architecture, this historic church retains much of its original character. Gracious steps and an arched door way greet visitors. The church has an elaborate bell tower, lovely stained glass windows and other historical features that date to the days when Denmark owned the Virgin Islands. Since the Lutheran Church was then the Danish state church, the governor often filled in for the minister. Visitors are welcome to tour the church and attend Sunday services. There is no admission charge. More »

French Cap Cay (diving)

Six miles south of St. Thomas is French Cap, a small uninhabited island. The distance and rough water make it a difficult site to get to, but it is one of the best. At a depth of 90 feet, this is the only place you will see black durgeons and large schools of sennet fish. More »

French Heritage Museum

This small museum is located in the yellow building next to Joseph Aubain Ballpark in Frenchtown. It opened in July 2004 to chronicle the influence of the French in the Caribbean, and residents have donated some 275 artifacts to help demonstrate this lasting French presence. The museum also has a computer that stores the genealogies of local families. More »

Frenchtown

Fine dining and brightly colored buildings are perhaps what this little town is now best known for, but Frenchtown is also the home of one the smallest ethnic groups in the Virgin Islands. Interestingly, the inhabitants of Frenchtown are the descendants of the French Huguenots, who founded this small fishing village in the mid-19th century after immigrating from St. Barts. In fact, Frenchtown was once a community of 1,500 people who spoke a mix of West Indian Creole and 18th century Breton French! Make sure to feast upon French delicacies and visit the French Heritage Museum. More »

Gallery St. Thomas

Claire Ochoa took over the Blue Turtle Gallery in September 2003 and has brought wonderful vitality to the newly christened Gallery St. Thomas. The gallery features a wealth of local artists and specializes in Caribbean-inspired art. Many different kinds of mediums are available: oil, acrylic, watercolor, prints, photography, sculpture, recycled blown glass, and ceramics. The gallery also has an extensive collection of Haitian art. More »

Government House

Built in 1867 as a meeting place for the Danish Colonial Council, this gracious neoclassical white edifice houses the governor's office. You are welcome to stroll around the first floor, where you can view four small paintings by the native son and acclaimed Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro. Other works of art are on display. Tours of the lovely second-floor ballroom, with its Baccarat chandelier, mahogany railings and spectacular views of the city and harbor, require an advance appointment. There is no admission charge. More »

Grass Cay (diving)

Located on the eastern end of St Thomas this site features huge coral heads and large sea fans. The bottom slopes gradually from the island and offers some sandy patches at 55 feet. More »

Haagensen House

This restored 19th-century house was once the home of Hans Haagensen, a Danish banker and merchant. On two floors, the home's bedrooms, sitting rooms and sunny veranda are furnished in period antiques and art. It is a living museum, although the furniture is not original to the home. An adjacent outdoor kitchen and herb garden are also interesting to explore. Entrance by foot is near the top of 99 Steps. If you are driving, park near the Inn at Blackbeard's Castle. Admission runs USD8 for adults and USD4 for children. More »

Hassel Island

Originally connected to St. Thomas, Hassel Island became an island in 1860 when the Navy cut through the isthmus to make it easier for ships to dock at the harbor. Although now a national park site, the island has had a military history: the British inhabited it from 1801-1802 and constructed several forts, and a U.S. Naval Station was on the island from 1917-1931. Today visitors can take a ferry to the 135-acre island and explore the hiking trails, historical buildings, and fort ruins. More »

Havensight

As the island's biggest cruise ship pier, this site is downtown Charlotte Amalie's fiercest competitor for the hordes of cruise passengers out for shopping duty free. A variety of bars, restaurants, grocery, jewelry, and electronics stores populate this area. More »

Hull Beach

This tranquil north side beach has calm waves that, during the week, are usually only filled with locals and small fishing boats. Not a popular cruise ship and tourist destination like nearby Magen's Bay, this is a perfect place to go to get away from the crowds and soak up some local culture. More »

Jonna White Gallery

Jonna White's work is the focus of this interesting gallery in the heart of the Charlotte Amalie shopping district. Her etchings, done in bright tropical colors, are on hand-made paper. Most are of tropical island scenes done in an unusual and thoughtful way, but others reflect scenes from her worldwide travels. Works are framed or unframed, and the gallery staff ships your selection to the United States at no charge. More »

Legislature Building

The Virgin Islands Legislature, the territory's only law-making body, meets at this lime green waterfront building. The public is welcome to watch committee meetings and legislative sessions, both held on the second floor Chambers. Often raucous, the events are a glimpse into the territory's political machinations. Built originally by the Danish as a police barracks, this structure later served as the public high school. It was also the site of the 1917 transfer of the territory's ownership from Denmark to the United States. There is no admission charge. More »

Limetree Beach

This quiet, sandy beach runs alongside a small natural cove and is a great place to relax under palm trees, smell the hibiscus flowers, and check out the friendly iguanas. The beach has food and drink amenities, sports equipment rental, and a great vantage point for sunsets. More »

Lindbergh Bay Beach

When aviator Charles Lindbergh landed on a nearby field and visited here on a 1928 flight from Paris to the United States, Mosquito Bay was subsequently renamed to celebrate the event. This sandy, tree-lined, beautiful horseshoe-shaped beach is great for swimming and also a popular gathering place for locals who use the area for political rallies, lovers' trysts, and Carnival parties.
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Little St. James Ledges (diving)

Just south of Little St. James Islands, this dive site offers many ledges, overhangs, and holes, as well as a nice variety of colorful reef fish, lobsters, and eels. Sheltered from the eastern trade winds, this is a good site for beginner and experienced divers. The maximum depth is 50 feet, so the light here keeps coral colors bright. More »

Magens Bay Beach

This north shore bay is a wide, roomy expanse of white sand sheltered by palm trees. The island's most popular beach, it can get very noisy on weekends when locals often host parties with loud music. Come during the week when you can better appreciate its beauty. Magens Bay has lifeguards, water sports equipment rentals, changing facilities, showers, a picnic area, snack bars and a short nature trail. Adult admission runs USD3. Children under 12 pay USD25 cents. There is an additional charge of USD1 per car. No credit cards are accepted. More »

Mahogany Run Golf Course

The challenges are many and the views spectacular at this 18-hole golf course. With a par 70, the George and Tom Fazio-designed course runs 6,022 yards and includes the infamous Devil's Triangle. Its 14th hole sits cliffside and has challenged such pros as Tiger Woods and Tom Watson. Former President Bill Clinton also played this course. The course underwent a million dollar fairway renovation to improve play. Rates depend on season and include mandatory golf cart rental, a big help on the hilly terrain. More »

Mandahl Beach

Located on the north side of the island, just east of Mahogany Run Road, this beach is semi-secluded and often only occupied by a few line fishermen on the shore. There are small tide pools, which are great for exploring and also for finding little critters. The beach and the water area are rocky, and the lack of surrounding development means no facilities for beachgoers. More »

Morningstar Beach

Sitting at the feet of Marriott Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort and its sister property, Morningstar Beach Resort, this lovely white strand sees lots of activity. Popular with visitors from other hotels and vacation villa guests, the beach also attracts a fair smattering of locals. A full range of waterspouts equipment may be rented, and the hotel restaurants and snack bars provide refreshments. There is extensive free parking in the hotel's parking garage. There is no admission charge. More »

Mountain Top

Even if you're not in the market for a tee shirt, a St. Thomas souvenir or a banana daiquiri, a stop at this touristy attraction is worth it just for the view. At 1,500 feet above sea level, visitors can see up and down the island chain. The area, once known as Signal Hill, served as a strategic communications point for the United States government during the 1940s. Tour buses galore visit this spot, so time your visit when only a few cruise ships are in the harbor. There is no admission charge. More »

Old Warehouses of Charlotte Amalie

Boats used to back right up to these warehouses to unload and store rum, sugar, and pirate treasure; now, however, they house every tourist item imaginable! The modern day warehouses are especially great for the history buff/shopper in your clan: everything you could want to buy is in an historical setting! But not to worry for those who don't want to shop, Downtown Charlotte Amalie is quite compact, so while the shoppers shop, the non-shoppers can visit some nearby historical sites. More »

Paradise Point Tramway

A cable car makes a seven-minute, 700-foot trip up the side of Flag Hill, giving riders a bird's eye view of Havensight Mall and the adjacent cruise ship docks. An observation deck, complete with a restaurant, bar, tropical bird display, nature trail, and a gift shop, provides a great place to take in the view of St. Thomas and the sea beyond. To drive up to the observation deck, look for the marked driveway near Al Cohen Discount Liquors.



Roundtrip Tickets: USD16 adults USD8 children 6-12 years Children 5 and under free More »

Peterborg Peninsula

This long breezy peninsula borders Magens Bay to the northeast and is the site of some of the most expensive homes and a gated community on St. Thomas. The coastline is rocky, and the world famous Magens Beach is only five minutes away. President Bill Clinton vacationed here twice during his tenure. More »

Red Hook

A small hub of activity on the island's eastern side, the area of Red Hook has several shopping areas, restaurants, and bars. Additionally, ferries bound for St. John and the British Virgin Islands depart from the Red Hook Ferry Dock. Several charter boat companies are based here as well. More »

Reichold Center

The Reichold Center is a unique outdoor theater on the University of the Virgin Islands campus. It is a multilevel 1,196 seat amphitheater constructed from wood, limestone, copper, steel, and concrete and has showcased a variety of acts, from Ray Charles to the Moscow Ballet. Music and dance shows are offered throughout the year; tickets can be purchased at the Center's box office or off their website. More »

Rothschild Francis Square

The market is located two blocks up from the public library and was once the site of the largest slave market in the Caribbean, Market Square. Now the auction blocks are part of a local open-air market where fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and spices are offered by local vendors. More »

Sapphire Beach

This busy beach sits at Sapphire Beach Resort, but is popular with locals as well as tourists. Its large size means there is room for all. Visitors of both stripes spend their time sunbathing, snorkeling the lovely reefs located just offshore or playing a quick beach volleyball game at the net that is always set up. This beach has lots of amenities. A water sports shop rents equipment and visitors are always welcome the resort's restaurants. There is no admission charge to the beach. More »

Secret Harbor Beach

The beach is not as long as Magen's Bay, but the water is calm and the sand perfect for children. Snorkelers can head out to the right along the rocks to find a variety of fish and the occasional sea turtle. Blue Moon Cafe at the adjoining resort serves excellent food overlooking the beach, and Aqua Action Dive Center is a good choice for anyone interested in dive excursions or classes. More »

Seven Arches Museum

This private home, tucked away in a small alley behind the Lieutenant Governor's office on Government Hill, is now fully restored as an example of early Danish life and Danish West Indian architecture. The great attraction of the two-story home is the period furnishings: Note the brick-oven kitchen, detached from the main house for fire safety, and the seven archways throughout the house. Admission is USD5. No credit cards accepted. More »

St. Peter Greathouse Estate & Gardens

Perched a thousand feet above Magens Bay, this 11-acre estate offers visitors a self-guided stroll past its 200 plus varieties of trees and plants, an orchid garden, waterfalls, bird sanctuary, and fish ponds. An observation deck provides views of Magens Bay, Peter Island, Jost Van Dyke, Hans Lollik, and a number of smaller islands. In addition to the huge greathouse, there is a mini-museum of antiques and furnishings as well as local art. Built in the 1800s, the attraction was originally part of the 150-acre Estate St. Peter. Admission runs USD10. More »

St. Thomas Synagogue

The third oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, this gracious building has a sand floor. This signifies the time during the Spanish Inquisition when practicing Judaism was punishable by death. Jews would worship in cellars with sand on the floors to absorb the sound. The congregation began in 1796, but the original and then subsequent building burned down. This building dates to 1833. A small gift shop and the Weibel Museum both sit adjacent to the synagogue. The museum contains mostly historical documents and literature. Visitors are welcome to tour the synagogue and attend services. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. More »

Stumpy Bay Beach

Stumpy Beach's remote west end location means that you will most likely have its brown sand and calm waters all to yourself. This nice beach is accessible mostly by car, but an additional half mile walk is necessary to reach it. More »

Tavern on the Waterfront

Tavern on the Waterfront is not only a celebrity hangout with high end French and Polish cuisine, crystal and silver place settings, an extensive wine list and great harbor views, it is truly the best place on St. Thomas to go to for live jazz. Reservations are recommended. More »

Thatch Cay (diving)

Thatch Cay is a 230-acre privately owned island located half a mile off of St. Thomas. The island has a rich history. Owned in the 19th and early 20th centuries by the Danish Reyck family, the island once hosted a plantation and a copper smelter. While you can certainly fantasize about owning a piece of this secluded island paradise, the island is private property, so landing here is not allowed. The main appeal here for visitors is the plethora of amazing diving sites surrounding the island. Many charter boat companies on St. Thomas have excursions here. The Tunnels of Thatch Cay are favorites among divers, particularly the one that is 60 feet and has a bend in it that divers say you won't soon forget. The average depth is 40 feet, making Thatch Cay a good dive site for all levels. More »

Tillett Gardens

This small compound, tucked away right in the heart of the busy Tutu shopping area, is home to a handful of artists, the highly-acclaimed local theater group, Pistarkle Theater, a restaurant, and an ongoing series of concerts and art fairs, including the popular Arts Alive festival. Established in 1959 by the late Jim Tillett, the area developed into an art center when Tillett began making and merchandising his silk-screened island maps and prints. Similar items are still available at Tillett Art Gallery. More »

Vessup Beach

If you are in the mood for an undeveloped beach frequented by locals, Vessup Beach is the one for you. Instead of the restaurants and bars that are present on most St. Thomas beaches, Vessup offers a more natural setting with its surrounding flora, cacti, sea grape trees, and century plants. Additionally, calm waters make it good for swimming, while tables and grills make it the perfect place for a picnic with the locals. More »

W.I.T Shoal Wreck (diving)

This is perhaps the signature dive of St. Thomas; however, it is an advanced dive. This 400-foot freighter sank in the 1980s, so structural deterioration is minimal. Depths run from 40-90 feet. Light reaches the holds and passageways, making this a good place for underwater photography. More »

Wreck of the General Rogers (diving)

The General Rogers is a 120-foot Coast Guard buoy tender that was sunk intentionally as an artificial reef and dive site in the 1980s. It rests upright at 60 feet with the top deck coming up to about 40. Strong currents can often prevent dive operators from coming to this site. More »