8 Fun Things to Do in While Staying in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

by Janis on September 23, 2014

View of Magens Bay in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Photo by dbking.

A blog reader’s question:

“My friend and I are going to St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands for a vacation. What should things should we be sure to do while in St. Thomas?

In recent years we’ve mainly visited St. Thomas via cruise ship, but these are eight activities that we would check out if we were visiting the island for a longer stay.

8 Fun Things to Do in While Staying in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

1. Visit Magens Bay Beach

Not only the largest beach on St. Thomas, Magens Bay has been named one of the world’s most beautiful by both National Geographic and Conde Nast magazines. The public beach charges a $5 entrance fee but offers a nature trail to hike, kayaking, paddle boat and sailboat rentals as well as sunbathing, swimming and relaxing, along with changing rooms, bathrooms and showers. Try to visit on a day with fewer cruise ships in port.

2. Shop Duty Free and Stock Up on Favorite Liquors

Known as one of the best shopping spots in the Caribbean, St. Thomas has no sales tax and U.S. citizens can purchase up to $1,600.00 worth of duty-free merchandise every 30 days from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Head to the shops in Downtown Charlotte Amalie, Havensight Mall, Red Hook, Crown Bay Center or Yacht Haven Grande. In addition, U.S. residents who are 21 years of age and older can return to the mainland with four liters of duty free liquor (remember you have to check it in your luggage on the plane flight home). You can even bring back a fifth liter duty free if it is a product made in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

3. Explore Coral World’s Ocean Park + Undersea Observatory

Get up close and personal with marine life without ever getting wet in a stunning setting. The unique underwater observatory allows you to view life on a coral reef. You can also feed a stingray or pet a shark at the shark pool.

4. Cool Off at Magic Ice Museum and Ice Bar

A Scandinavian-inspired gallery crafted entirely of ice is the perfect place to cool off in St. Thomas after too many hot days at the beach. Magic Ice features life-size figures, sea creatures, furniture, a frozen slide and a bar that looks like a shipwreck, all made from ice. Visitors get warm parkas and other gear to withstand the Arctic chill. Plus, there’s a complimentary drink at the ‘ice bar’ at the end of the tour.

5. Discover the St Thomas Historical Trust Museum

St. Thomas has a fascinating history and your can learn about it during a free 30 minute tour by knowledgeable locals. The non-profit museum is open only on Tuesdays and Thursday’s between 10 a.m. -3:30 pm or by appointment. This hidden gem is located on the eastern end of Main Street, on the West side of Roosevelt Park. Look for the 1840s building with flags flying and enter the museum via its mini garden courtyard visible through the beautiful antique iron gates gate on left side of building, after pressing the button for admittance. While the museum is free, donations are appreciated.

6. Take a Ferry to St. John

Frequent ferries operate between St. Thomas and St. John. In St. Thomas, you can depart from either Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook, and sail to Cruz Bay in St. John. Not only a tropical paradise, two thirds of St. John is National Parks including Annaberg Plantation, Caneel Bay and Trunk Bay. There are 22 hiking trails, or tours by locals to show you the highlights.

7. Experience the Underwater Trail at St. John’s Trunk Bay

While visiting St. John, head to Trunk Bay beach to experience the 225-yard long underwater snorkeling trail, with underwater signs describing the various coral species that you view as you snorkel the trail. You can rent snorkel gear at Trunk Bay, and lifeguards are on duty on the beach, which requires a $4 entry fee. From the Cruz Bay ferry terminal, take a taxi or the bus to Trunk Bay.

8. Enjoy the Sunset with A Painkiller at the Beach Bar in St. John

Within walking distance of the Cruz Bay ferry terminal, you will find the Beach Bar. Go early; grab a good seat, order food and the famous “Painkiller” cocktails to enjoy while you witness a spectacular view and sunset.

For more details about the Beach Bar, check out this post about our recent day in St. John from St. Thomas while visiting via a cruise ship.

Whatever you do, enjoy the sun, fun, history and beautiful vistas in St. Thomas and St. John, US Virgin Islands.

Have you vacationed in St. Thomas? What attraction would you add to this list? Please share in comments below.

You may want to check out our visits to a number of other Caribbean destinations:

Follow us on Twitter or interact with us on Facebook

Or, check out our boards on Pinterest and/or our photos on Instagram.