The capital city of St. Thomas can be a lively spot, especially when cruise ships pull into port. Most cruisers like to browse Main Street, a narrow lane teeming with duty-free shops selling everything from liquor and clothing to fragrances and electronics. Those who explore just inland can wander along cobblestone streets lined with colonial buildings, historic homes, and Danish fortifications that date back to the 1600s.
Nobody knows for sure if the famed swashbuckler Blackbeard ever used the tower to watch for his seafaring enemies. But for sure, the lofty spot atop Government Hill offers amazing views over the harbor. Constructed in the late 1600s, the five-story tower is best experienced on a tour that ascends a 103-step outdoor staircase, to the tower’s upper floor, and back down below for a dip in the pool before the tower with magnificent views. You can also check out a pirate museum and the historical structures that spread out from the tower’s base.
A popular day-trip via ferry from St. Thomas, Water Island is the smallest of all the U.S. Virgin Islands, coming in at just over 500 acres. And fewer than 200 people live there. That makes it a pretty great place for a day away from the crowds at St. Thomas’s more popular spots. As its name suggests, most of the activities are not actually on the island, but in the water, as kayaking and snorkeling are popular things to do here. But it’s also a great place to sit on the beach or explore the shoreline that’s backed by picturesque palms.
A buzzing hub on the eastern end of the island, Red Hook´s marina offers a nice selection of bars and restaurants that can get quite lively. While many of the eateries specialize in seafood, dining can be an international affair with Italian, Indian, sushi, and Texas barbecue among the offerings. But the port is much more than a dining and stroll-friendly spot with boats that bob in the harbor. It’s also a departure point for big-game fishing adventures, as well for ferries that can take you off for some island hopping.
While the white sands of Coki Beach are enticing, St. Thomas has better spots than this for a day on the sand. That said, you will find a large variety of vendors and services by the beach. But Coki Bay is more about marine action, as it sits right next to the Coral World Ocean Park. The waters here abound with tropical fish and have high visibility, some say up to 100 feet, making it an incredible place to swim among tropical fish. You can also rent a paddling board and explore the waters from above. The place can get packed when cruise ships are in port, and one of the best ways to reach Coki Beach is by taxi from Charlotte Amalie.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a spot more scenic than Lindquist Beach, part of the protected natural area of Smith Bay Park. As there’s a small entrance fee and stricter rules, you won’t find vendors hawking souvenirs and food options like on other beaches, and beach beds and umbrella rentals are limited. What you will find is a peaceful place where turquoise waters touch on pristine sands. While it’s a great place for swimming, snorkeling isn’t the greatest as visibility is more limited than some of the isle’s more snorkel-friendly spots. Locals tend to descend on the beach on the weekend when things can get a bit lively, but during the week it generally offers a more secluded beach experience.
One of the most popular beaches on the island, Magens on the northern coast is beloved for its tranquil waters and as a backdrop for stunning photos. There are lots of good reasons the masses are willing to fork out an entrance fee for a day at Magens. The bay’s waters are unusually calm, making it great for swimming, paddle boats, kayaks or just floating around in an inflatable. And there are lots of shallows that make it great for families with children. The one-mile stretch of sand is a regular stop for tours servicing cruise ships, so things can get a bit busy in the idyllic spot. But if you stray away from the restaurant area you can still usually find a tranquil spot on the sand.
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