Top Things to do in St. Thomas
The 10 Best Free Things to do in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Like all of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas has plenty of opportunities to lounge on the beach, splash in the sea, or amp it up with watersports. It also boasts a bountiful duty-free shopping scene – just be prepared to brave the cruise ship crowds. Charlotte Amalie swells with Danish colonial architecture and pirate legend. Shiver ye timbers at Blackbeard’s Castle, then work up an appetite by climbing the historic 99 Steps, constructed from the ballast bricks of 18th century Danish ships.
Restaurants in St. Thomas
1. Frenchtown Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 90 reviews
The Virgin Islands only 3 barrel nano brewery, located in the quaint fishing village of Frenchtown on St. Thomas, invites you to tour and sample their island hopped craft beers. Visiting hop heads are welcome to stop by for a tour and taste of the seasonal brews and go with their favorites in a refillable stainless steel growler perfect for the beach. Our beers are on draft around the island.
Reviewed By Ryanbeerlover - Avon, United States
Called and they were more than happy to allow us to pick a time that suited us to come to the brewery for a tasting. This attic-of-a-brewery is a true small pearl in a sea of over-saturated breweries. Kevin has a bright future in the world of brewing and his future expansion project will, no doubt, be a great success. We so much appreciated that he opened his doors to us and shared his passion and story telling about beer making and drinking in St Thomas and Belgium. We even took him up on his local restaurant recommendation and, not surprisingly, it was the best meal of our trip. Thanks again from your newest fans and friends from Colorado. Cheers!
2. Water Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 499 reviews
The fourth largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, this quiet 492-acre island, located in Charlotte Amalie harbor, beckons those who want to stroll its beaches, bike amid its green hills, and view birds, iguana, turtles and other wildlife that make this lovely paradise their home.
Reviewed By cwD7581YP - Bear Creek, United States
We have been coming to St Thomas for years, but this was the first year visiting Water Island. It is a short ferry ride from Crown Point harbor (ferry fills up fast so get in line early)......the island itself is nice, with a free shuttle to the beach and convenient golf cart rentals right at the pier. The golf cart is worth it if you want explore the island - there are great spots for panoramic pics from the higher parts of the island, as well as an old unfinished fort at the very top. The beach is great, with chairs/umbrellas and 2 different spots to to purchase food/drink. We will definitely be adding this as one of our regular spots for future visits.
3. Sapphire Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,970 reviews
A favorite of windsurfers, the beach has fine white sand and beautiful views of St. John and offshore cays, and offers excellent snorkeling at the reef to the east, near Pettyklip Point.
Reviewed By reedmangreg - Chicago, United States
With many great beaches to choose from I would say Sapphire and Megans were my favorite in our 7 nights on St Thomas - we stayed at the Sapphire Beach Resort for 4 nights and having this beauty right in front of us was a blessing :) We did try some other beaches but this one packs everything great in one like no other in St Thomas - you have a nice beach bar and a great coffee/breakfast place on the spot, plenty of shade, peaceful water and soft sand, good for sunsets (despite being on the side) and the chickens/iguanas roaming around - it's the real Caribbean deal :) TIP: it's a free beach and appears to be part of the condo/resort area but it welcomes visitors as well so don't be shy, otherwise you will miss out on something great!
4. Beracha Veshalom Vegimulth Hasidim Synagogue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Sephardic Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition built the oldest active synagogue in the U.S. territories.
Reviewed By MrBlech - Deerfield, United States
Our cruise excursion took us to the most commercial areas, unfortunately; however, friends had recommended that we search out this synagogue, and we were glad we did. Docent Agi was highly informative about the origins of the congregation and its historic building - the oldest in continuous use under the American flag, and the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere. It's also one of only four synagogues in the world with a sand floor, connecting it directly with the Spanish Inquisition and the expulsion of Jews from Spain. Just a five-minute walk from downtown, it was well worth exploring, and a highlight of our cruise.
5. Drake's Seat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 443 reviews
The vantage point where Sir Francis Drake was supposed to have looked for enemy ships of the Spanish fleet, this lookout includes a panoramic view of the Virgin Islands where the Atlantic Ocean joins the Caribbean Sea
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
Located just minutes from the Charlotte Amalie Lookout, this breathtaking scenic point provides panoramic views of Magens Bay and the islands. There are a limited number of parking spots available. The green weathered bench seat is across the street (be careful crossing the road). The local legend is that Sir Francis Drake used this vantage point to watch his fleet and be on the lookout for the enemy. It is a great story, but the truth is that Drake’s Seat was built in 1933 by Arthur Fairchild. Mr. Fairchild was a former wall street genius, philanthropist (he is the one that gifted the land at Magens Bay to the people) and longtime island resident. Back in the 1930s, travelling the hilly terrain of St. Thomas was by horse or foot. The location of Drake’s Seat was the perfect place to rest and gaze down at Megans Bay. And it still is today! You’ll get a more expansive panorama from Mountain Top, but I love this view too. The Charlotte Amalie Lookout, Drake’s Seat, Mountain Top and Megans Bay can all be visited in the same trip.
6. Frederick Lutheran Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
This place is temporarily closed. A Georgian-style church with a sweeping stairway and antique chandelier.
Reviewed By 152colleenc - Independence, United States
This building is worth a visit when in St. Thomas. The pulpit is very unusual. The church welcomes tourists and the architecture is interesting.
7. Brewer's Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Take the West End to Brewers Bay, a lovely white-sand beach popular with the locals.
Reviewed By michaeljohncummins - Brook Park, United States
I bought the wife a very nice mask and snorkel so she could try it. She did great once she got comfortable breathing. She held my hand and I pulled her along with me. We saw many turtles and I saw a big ray. She also did some searching for sea glass. If you want to find some this is the beach for it. Make sure you buy a beverage from the wonderful older lady in the grey food truck. She is a real sweetie.
8. Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By manyvacations
we went to Sunday mass, what a wonderful congregation, they made us feel so welcome at the sign of peace the members of the congregation mad a special point of shaking each of our hands and at the end of mass father blessed all visitors the church itself is beautiful and a wonderful tranquil place to worship
9. St Thomas Reformed Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By 979stevent - Hudson River Valley, United States
Visitors are welcome for Sunday service. The church was open through the week as well. Around 80 were in attendance the Sunday we visited. It was a "light" 60 minute service in a beautiful light-filled, breezy sanctuary. Worth a visit for everyone needing a bit of reflection amidst the shopping, eating and sight-seeing of Charlotte Amalie.
10. Honeymoon Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 828 reviews
Reviewed By Fdough1 - Bel Air, United States
Wife and I were staying at Marriott Frenchman’s Cove and were given a tip to visit Honeymoon Beach on Water Island. A short taxi ride to Crown Bay Marina (right outside of Tickles pub) to pickup the Water Island ferry and a peaceful 15 ferry ride to the beach. Ferry was $10 per person round trip. There was a bus that took us to Dinghys on the beach. Chairs and umbrella were free. Beautiful beach that was not too crowded even though there were two cruise ships were in. Food and drinks at Dinghys were reasonably priced. Not much to see snorkeling but lounging on the beach was great. We will return to this beach on our next visit.
