Spending the Perfect Day in St. Thomas
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Saint Thomas, one of the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea is one of the most popular destinations for a beach getaway. St. Thomas is the second largest and most developed of the islands and a hot spot for vacation goers throughout the year. It’s a U.S territory and doesn’t require you to have a passport if you’re an American so traveling here takes less time and effort than other locations.
This island has some of the most beautiful areas filled with hills overlooking ocean views and many mountains to hike on as well as breathtaking coastline views and water activities. For the adventurers wanting to explore, this island has many nature trails to hike, along with a beautiful butterfly garden that holds different species from all around the world! Water activities are really popular on this island and whether you are an experienced diver or someone who’s trying out snorkeling for the first time, you’ll be surrounded with over 500 species of fish swimming around you and the chance to swim around the coral reefs. Here are just a few locations that are worth a visit!
Duffy’s Love Shack
This spot is one of the best on the island for good food and drinks! It’s been around since 1995 and has been thriving ever since. This bar, which serves exceptional food like wings, nachos, jerk chicken tacos and so much more is named the coolest parking lot bar of the Caribbean.
Duffy’s Love Shack has been featured many times for its ambiance, local cuisine and known as a good time with good music and I totally recommend the s’mores for dessert! You get to cook the marshmallows yourself and put the s’mores together.
Cas Cay
This little island is around 50 acres of undeveloped land about a mile south of Red Hook on the eastern side of St. Thomas. You can take a ferry to the tropical island or kayak with a tour guide. You’ll see many foot hills with various bird species living there, like the Red-Billed Tropic Bird and White-Tailored Bird. It is also home to a diverse biome of plant species which lizards, geckos and anoles call home. Besides visiting the mangroves, whirlpools and blowhole, tourists come to this island to snorkel, scuba dive and bird watch. The southern part of the island is home to mangroves and to the north, volcanic cliffs are found.
Margaritaville
This vacation club by Wyndham is right next to a beautiful beach and has a very relaxing and care-free vibe. Sitting on the eastern side of the island, Margaritaville offers everything from a studio room to a larger two-bedroom suite with private balconies and decks and the chance to explore this 32 square mile island for yourself.
For anyone wanting to learn a little about the history, St. Thomas has the world’s oldest standing structure called Fort Christian and is the childhood home of French painter, Camille Pissarro. If you want to remain close to home, dine in next to your room at the Margaritaville Restaurant and Bar. If you want to take relaxation to a whole new level, visit the Soleil Spa and indulge in some needed R&R.
World Famous Mountain Top
Located at the highest point of St. Thomas, the Mountain Top observation deck gives visitors one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the island’s coastline while also giving them a taste of the world-famous banana daiquiri.
This drink was discovered by Captain George Soule when he sailed from Barbados on a quest to find the best Caribbean cocktail. His quest ended in St. Thomas at this location where he made the discovery of the perfect Caribbean drink by mixing Cruzan rum, sugar extract, ripe bananas, fresh lime juice and some homemade banana liquor. You can also do a little shopping on deck while sipping on that banana daiquiri.
Magens Bay Beach
Magens Bay Beach sits on the North side of the island and stretches out for almost a mile. This beach is one of the most popular attractions for tourists and for very good reasons.
Even though this beach is one of two that does have an entry fee, which is used to maintain the pristine beaches, it’s still worth making a trip to this side of the island. With its shallow entry into the ocean before a deeper drop, it’s perfect if you’re not a great swimmer and just want to walk in the water without worrying about a drop-off.
You can also rent paddle boats, kayaks, beach chairs and snorkel gear for the day. If you get hungry, head on over to the bar and restaurant that serves up burgers, pizzas and other snacks to keep you satisfied. There’s also a gift shop to wander around and get some shopping done.
Historical Landmarks
St. Thomas is plentiful in historical and cultural sites for visitors who want to know more about the island.
Charlotte Amalie is the place to see historical landmarks that can be explored by car or on foot.
Fort Christian is the oldest standing structure dating back to 1671 and resides as a town center, government building, a jail and a museum.
Blackbeard’s Castle dates back to 1679 and once was a lookout over the port. Inside is a spiral staircase and a bronze sculpture of Blackbeard.
Hotel 1829 is one block away from Main Street and has a waterfall fountain. The bar here has 12,000 pieces of Amber jewels and debuts beautiful coral colors striking any tourists who walk nearby.
Along with what I mentioned, there are plenty of other historical structures waiting to be seen. When you go to Saint Thomas, you’re getting more than mountain views over the ocean, you’re getting to discover a town deep in rich history and architecture that’s been adapting its way of life to create a modern twist on life that’s celebrated every day.
Make sure to add a tiny bit of history to your itinerary of swimming, sunbathing and drinking in St. Thomas and don’t forget to explore all that this beautiful little island has to offer!
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