No eastern Caribbean cruise is complete without a stop in St Thomas. Charlotte Amalia is the Caribbean’s shopping Mecca for jewelry and cameras. Aside from the great deals, it’s still the United States so you don’t need to worry about paying duty on your great deals. Royal Caribbean Jewelers is our first choice for jewelry and electronics. St. John is a short ferry ride either from Charlotte Amalia, St Thomas or Red Hook. The north shore of St. John has some of the best beaches in all the Caribbean.
St. Thomas is the heart of the U.S. Virgin Islands. It offers turquoise waters, rich history, and easygoing island charm in a surprisingly compact space. While many travelers arrive by cruise ship or ferry and only have a day to explore, a single well-planned day on St. Thomas is enough to fall in love with its rhythm, views, and flavors.
Starting Your Day
Begin your morning early, when the island is still stretching awake and the air is cooler. Head toward Charlotte Amalie, the capital and cultural center of St. Thomas. Once a bustling Danish colonial port, the town blends colorful Caribbean life with centuries-old architecture. Walk along Main Street, where restored 18th-century buildings now house boutiques and local shops. Even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, the architecture alone is worth the stroll, with red-roofed buildings, arched doorways, and narrow alleys that whisper stories of the island’s past.
From town, make your way up to one of St. Thomas’s most famous landmarks: the 99 Steps. Built by the Danes using ballast bricks from old sailing ships, the steps lead you upward through lush greenery to panoramic views over the harbor. At the top, Blackbeard’s Castle stands as a reminder of the island’s pirate lore, offering sweeping vistas of Charlotte Amalie and the surrounding bays. It’s an ideal place to pause, take photos, and appreciate how sea and sky seem to melt into one.
As the day warms, it’s time to experience what most people dream of when they imagine St. Thomas: the beaches. Drive or take a taxi to Magens Bay, consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world. The mile-long curve of white sand and calm, shallow water makes it perfect for swimming, floating, or simply relaxing beneath a palm tree. With gentle waves and clear water, Magens Bay invites you to slow down, letting the stress of everyday life drift away with the tide.
St Thomas Dining
By midday, your appetite will likely be calling. Fortunately, St. Thomas offers no shortage of great food. Head to a beachside café or a local restaurant for classic island flavors. Fresh fish, often mahi-mahi or snapper, is a staple, typically served with rice, peas, and plantains. Conch fritters, crisp on the outside and tender inside, are a must-try, especially when paired with a tangy dipping sauce. Wash it all down with a cold local beer or a rum punch—just remember to pace yourself if you still have exploring to do.
Some great places at St. John are The Beach Bar beachbarstjohn.com and Woodys woodysseafood.com. Most cruise lines have excursions over to St. John.
Exploring St Thomas
In the afternoon, venture to the eastern side of the island for a different perspective. Stop at Drake’s Seat, one of the most photographed overlooks in the Caribbean. From here, you can see Magens Bay spread out below and, on a clear day, neighboring islands dotting the horizon. The view is especially striking in the bright afternoon light, when the water shifts between shades of turquoise and deep blue.
If time allows, continue on to Red Hook, a lively area with a marina, shops, and bars. Red Hook is also the gateway to nearby islands like St. John, but even if you’re staying put, it’s a pleasant place to wander. Grab a coffee, browse local art, or simply watch boats come and go as the afternoon eases into evening.
The Beach
If you want to stay on St. Thomas, Magens Bay magensbayauthority.com is famous and will be crowded. Sapphire Beach is great. The beach and beach bar (Iggies) at Bolongo Bay Resort iggiesbeachbar.com are also great.
If you see the Bones Rum store you have to stop in and make yourself a drink. bonesrum.com
St Thomas Scuba and Snorkel Adventures is fantastic stthomasadventures.com with great reviews and a whole host of activities, some of which are: snorkeling through caves in secret and secluded reefs, scuba diving in some of the best-kept secrets around St. Thomas, hiking on hidden trails to explore 18th century jungle ruins, kayaking for a 360 degree view of beautiful Caribbean waters or boating to get away from it all and find yourself on your own private white sandy beach.
The Perfect Sunset
As the sun begins to set, return toward the coast to end your day the island way. A waterfront restaurant or open-air bar is the perfect spot to enjoy dinner while the sky puts on a show. Sunsets in St. Thomas are rarely subtle—fiery oranges and soft purples stretch across the horizon as the day winds down. Live music often drifts through the air, adding a laid-back soundtrack to the moment.
One day in St. Thomas may pass quickly, but it leaves a lasting impression. In just a few hours, you can experience history, natural beauty, and the warm spirit of the Virgin Islands. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t just welcome visitors—it gently convinces them to return.
