The best things to do in Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful Caribbean island known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the island’s rich history, or indulge in some delicious local cuisine, there’s something for everyone on Saint Thomas. Here are some of the best things to do during your visit to this tropical paradise.
Relax on the beach
One of the top things to do in Saint Thomas is to simply relax on one of the island’s many beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular beaches include Magens Bay, which is known for its clear waters and white sandy beaches, and Coki Point Beach, which is a great spot for snorkeling and swimming. Other popular beaches include Sapphire Beach, Secret Harbour Beach, and Lindbergh Bay.
Explore the island’s history
Saint Thomas is rich in history and culture, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the island’s past. One of the top historical sites to visit is Blackbeard’s Castle, which is a 17th-century fortress that was once used by the notorious pirate Blackbeard. Another popular historical site is Fort Christian, which is the oldest standing structure on the island and offers great views of the harbor.
Indulge in local cuisine
Saint Thomas is known for its delicious local cuisine, which is heavily influenced by Caribbean and Creole flavors. Some of the top local dishes to try include conch fritters, which are deep-fried balls of conch meat, and roti, which is a type of Caribbean flatbread filled with meat or vegetables. For a true taste of the island, make sure to try some of the local seafood, such as jerk-seasoned fish or shrimp.
Go shopping
Saint Thomas is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide variety of shops and markets to explore. One of the top places to go shopping is Main Street in Charlotte Amalie, which is lined with shops selling everything from souvenirs to designer clothing. Another popular shopping destination is the Havensight Mall, which is home to a number of duty-free shops selling jewelry, watches, and more.
Take a boat tour
Another great way to experience the beauty of Saint Thomas is to take a boat tour. There are a variety of boat tours available, from snorkeling and diving trips to sunset cruises and day trips to nearby islands. Some popular boat tour operators include Island Girl Charters, which offers a variety of snorkeling and diving trips, and Caribbean Sea Adventures, which offers a range of boat tours and water sports activities.
Visit Coral World Ocean Park
Coral World Ocean Park is a popular spot for visitors to Saint Thomas. The park is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles, as well as an underwater observatory and a variety of interactive exhibits. Visitors can also take a glass-bottom boat tour, go snorkeling, or take a semi-submarine tour to explore the coral reef.
Visit the St. Thomas Synagogue
The St. Thomas Synagogue, also known as Beracha Veshalom Vegmiluth Hasidim, is the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the United States. It was built in 1833 by Sephardic Jews, who arrived in St. Thomas during the Danish colonial period. The synagogue is open to visitors and has a small museuminside that provides information about the history of the Jewish community on the island. Visitors can also admire the beautiful architecture of the synagogue, which features a mix of Gothic and Moorish styles.
Visit the 99 Steps
The 99 Steps is a historic landmark in the capital city of Charlotte Amalie. The steps were built in the 18th century as a way for residents to access their homes on the hillside, and today they offer visitors a unique way to explore the city. The steps are steep and can be challenging to climb, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. Visitors can also stop at the top to visit the St. Peter Great House and Botanical Gardens.
Take a day trip to St. John
Saint Thomas is also an excellent base for exploring the nearby islands of the US Virgin Islands. One of the most popular day trips is a ferry ride to St. John, which is known for its beautiful beaches and national parks. Some of the top things to do on St. John include visiting Trunk Bay, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and hiking in the Virgin Islands National Park, which is home to a variety of plant and animal species.
Visit the Virgin Island Ecotours
The Virgin Island Ecotours is a company that offers guided kayak tours of the local mangrove swamps and bays. The tours are a great way to explore the island’s natural beauty and learn about the local ecosystem. Visitors can also explore the island’s mangroves, by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, with a guide. These tours are a great way to see the island from a different perspective and learn about the importance of the local ecosystem.
Overall, Saint Thomas offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the island’s rich history, or indulge in some delicious local cuisine, there’s something for everyone on this tropical paradise. With so many things to see and do, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable time on your visit to Saint Thomas.
