3 perfect says in St. Thomas

There’s so much more to St. Thomas than swaying palms, tropical drinks, and white-sand beaches (although we love all that). The island has a rich and complex history as a Danish colony, popular pirate hideout, and, after being acquired by the United States in 1917, as a strategic defense against possible German submarine attacks. Today its busy cruise port has brought tourists, who have popularized the region’s stunning bays, beaches, and marine life far and wide.

This three-day itinerary explores St. Thomas’ offerings, pairing lazy beach excursions with important cultural landmarks, local delicacies with locals’ favorite watering holes, and the highest summits with an underwater observatory. We’ve also incorporated real Tripadvisor reviews and ratings of what other travelers have learned and loved so you can make the most of your trip, too.

Fresh juices, hot lattes, and loaded breakfast sandwiches and burritos make Northside Grind the perfect spot to fuel up for the day. No need to rush — everyone runs on island time around here so breakfast is served all day. However, if you’d like to beat the crowds, be sure to pack your swimsuit and make your way the mile or so down the road to Magens Bay — undoubtedly the most popular beach on the island — sooner rather than later. Once you take in the white-sand cove, calm turquoise water, and swaying palms you’ll understand its must-see status on the island. Consider renting a beach chair if you’re feeling the tropical vibes.

You’re sandy, barefoot, and hungry. But the good news is that Magens Bay Concessions does not abide by the “no shoes, no shirt, no service” philosophy. Stop by the beachside hut (or order from the comfort of your rented beach chair) for fish sandwiches, Caribbean jerk chicken wraps, and all the fruity tropical drinks your heart desires.

Head over to Government Hill, which is the highest point on the island with sweeping panoramic views. Blackbeard’s Castle is the main attraction up here, but the site has been closed following damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017. The name is really a misnomer since it’s not so much a “castle,” rather a modest watchtower and the famed pirate’s ties to the property lack any compelling historical evidence. But don’t miss the Three Queens Statue, which honors three women who led the 1878 Fireburn Labour Riot that is credited with bringing better conditions and treatment of local workers.

If you’re worried about your hitting step count, rest assured you will swiftly meet your goal by walking down the lush “steps street” called 99 Steps — which, too, is a misnomer because it is actually comprised of 103 steps built from the bricks in the Danish ships’ ballasts — to Charlotte Amalie, the territory’s capital, cruise port, and largest city on the island. Take in the Danish colonial architecture as you saunter over to Fort Christian, a rusty red 17th-century fort that defended the Danish colony for centuries that is now a U.S. National Historic Landmark. You can walk the grounds or opt for the self-guided tour.

St. Thomas Cultural Tour Options

The Caribbean has long romanticized pirates with their peg legs and eye patches. But few destinations can boast the scores of pirates who inhabited their shores quite like the Virgin Islands can (Captain Kidd, Jean Hamlin, Black Sam Bellamy all operated here to name a few). A five-minute walk from Fort Christian, Bones Rum bar and distillery rightfully celebrates that history with the skull-and-crossbones insignia on its rum labels. It’s also the perfect spot to try the island’s most notable cocktail: the bushwacker, a tropical take on a White Russian with coconut cream, coffee liquor, milk, ice, and, of course, rum.

If the booze has made you a little woozy, mouthwatering delicacies are only a quick stroll away at The Greenhouse Restaurant & Bar, a cozy waterfront eatery to chow down on an extensive menu with lobster bisque, johnny cakes, and Angus prime rib that will be sure to put you in a food coma until tomorrow.

Nosh on pancakes, breakfast sammies, and sunrise tacos and catch a glimpse of sting rays and tarpon circling the shallows between bites at the casual waterfront Sun and Sea Bar & Grill in Point Pleasant, on the northeastern side of the island. The sightings foreshadow all of the abundant marine life that will be explored at Coral World Ocean Park, an indoor-outdoor aquarium teeming with sharks, starfish, and colorful fish just a 10-minute drive away near Coki Beach. To call this spot an aquarium is a bit of an understatement: There’s an underwater observatory that allows you to take in all of the coral and critters living 15 feet below the surface. If you’d like to get even closer, you can sign up to swim with sea lions, juvenile sharks, and dolphins for an extra cost.

Tucked away in the protected 21-acre Smith Bay Park, Lindqvist Beach is a quiet spot to take in the island’s soft white sand and crystal clear waters. There are no bars or lounge chairs or music here making it the perfect spot to lay out and commune with nature. When you get hungry, lunch is just a short jaunt to De’ Coal Pot, a local spot in a strip mall whipping up heaping portions of Caribbean delicacies like chicken roti and Trini curry goat.

To continue the lowkey waterfront vibe, we’re heading to the Compass Point Marina. It’s not so touristy on this side of the island, making this a great spot to watch the boats and birds. Grab a seat at The Dive Bar, a cash-only locals spot that lives up to its name offering cold beverages at unbeatable prices. There’s a modest menu of burgers (turkey, beef, and veggie) in case you want to stick around for dinner. But for a change of scenery (and uptick in prices and dress code), Sunset Grille at the nearby Secret Harbour Beach Resort offers a fine-dining experience with waterfront views and delectable seafood dishes, including the crispy whole snapper with creole sauce, citrus-miso glazed sea bass, and sesame-encrusted ahi tuna steak.

We start the day back in the bustling Charlotte-Amalie, at Bumpa’s, a laidback second-floor cafe overlooking the harbor for french toast, waffles, omelets, bagels, and crispy bacon so good it’s kept ’em in business for more than three decades. It’s time to carbo-load for your 3.6-mile out-and-back hike to Mermaid’s Chair, a sliver of sandbar with lapping waves on both sides tucked inside the gated Botany Bay community on the island’s west coast. Since you’re not a resident, you’ll have to be dropped off at the Botany Bay guard house and provide your name, government-issued ID, and have your photo taken before being allowed entry. Follow the paved path to the bottom and take the staircase down to the beach. Try to avoid coming close to high tide, when the sandbar is submerged. You can wade in the natural tidal pools, climb on the rocks, or comb for shells. Just make sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and any snacks you may need.

The post-hike revelry continues at Mountain Top, a stunning duty-free gift shop that, as its name suggests, is at the summit of St. Peter Mountain, roughly 1,200 feet above sea level. This is a gift shop like none other: Its observation deck has sweeping views of Magens Bay, St. John, St. Croix and Puerto Rico off in the distance — and it would be an injustice not to order a banana daiquiri here, at its alleged birthplace and where a sign boasts that more than 7 million have been sold.

A 10-minute drive through the winding mountain road leads to Sib’s on Mountain Bar and Restaurant, a down-home family-owned restaurant that whips up burgers, sandwiches, and ribs. It’s the perfect spot to refuel before carrying on to Drake’s Seat, an overlook with views of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Caribbean Sea, and Atlantic Ocean that are so expansive the famed English explorer Sir Francis Drake is rumored to have used this spot to keep watch over the harbor below. There are no pirates or approaching military ships to fear today and its main function now is as an incredible backdrop for a selfie or two.

Oceana Restaurant and Bistro is one of the most iconic waterfront eateries in St. Thomas with a rich history dating back to the 17th century (it was first settled by Danish governor Jurgen Iversen and later became the Russian Consulate). The menu is brimming with fresh veggies, seafood, and steak plated with such an artistry it can at times rival the unobstructed bay views. End the night at Dog House Pub, a popular watering hole open until 2 a.m. every day and with plenty of grub, brews, and TVs to fill the time.