Top Things to do in St. Thomas
The 5 Best Lookouts 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. Valdemar A. Hill Drive Scenic Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By viatgesrjr - Mayaguez, Caribbean
Good place to stop and stretch, beautiful view. There were several vendors, so some folks found entertainment in shopping, while others enjoyed the views and took many photos.
2. 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.
3. Charlotte Amalie Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
We first visited the Charlotte Amalie Overlook in 2014 when we arrived at St. Thomas via cruise ship. From this vantage point on the hillside, we could see our cruise ship and others docked at Havensight. I remembered how spectacular the view was and looked forward to returning this trip. The view is still spectacular but sadly due to Covid-19, there are no cruise ships in port. What you will see is downtown Charlotte Amalie, the harbor, Hassel Island, Water Island, and the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean spread out before you. Gorgeous! A friendly vendor was selling jewelry in the parking lot. When we visited in 2014, we posed for a picture with a cute donkey owned by a local. I read that he has since passed away. We had difficulty driving here from downtown due to construction on Mafolie Rd, but it was worth the effort.
4. Mountain Top
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,342 reviews
This cafeteria and bar claims not only spectacular views from its 1,500 feet perch on the summit of St. Peter Mountain, but is the inventor of the famous banana daiquiri.
Reviewed By bthslayr
Amazing view of Magen's Bay and the other VI, amazing banana daiquiri, great prices for the widest selection of souvenirs on the island!
5. Bluebeard's Tower
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 27 reviews
Legend has it that this stone tower on the grounds of the Bluebeard Castle Hotel was built by the pirate Bluebeard for his lover, Mercedita.
