St. Thomas—the gateway to the U.S. Virgin Islands—wears its history on steep hillsides and cobblestone lanes. Danish colonial merchants once traded at Fort Christian (1670s) while pirates (real and embellished) prowled the harbor. In 1917, the islands were purchased by the United States, and today the capital, Charlotte Amalie, is a lively blend of pastel storefronts, duty‑free shopping, and lookouts that catch trade winds and sweeping Caribbean views.

Beyond the harbor, silky crescents like Magens Bay, Lindquist (Smith Bay Park), Sapphire, and Secret Harbour offer calm waters and bright coral gardens. Snorkel with hawksbill and green turtles, sip a banana daiquiri at Mountain Top, or ride the gondola up to Paradise Point for sunset. Ferries to St. John’s national‑park beaches and a quick hop to Water Island add easy adventure.

Practical notes: Driving is on the left (in a U.S. territory), the currency is USD, and most U.S. cell plans roam like domestic. The USVI bans sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate, and related chemicals—bring mineral “reef‑safe” formulas. Hurricane season runs June–November; book flexible rates and check cruise‑ship schedules to avoid peak crowds downtown.

Charlotte Amalie

Charlotte Amalie is the cultural heart of St. Thomas: red‑roof warehouses, the 99 Steps up to lookout points, and boutiques tucked into 18th‑century arcades. Fort Christian’s museum tells the islands’ layered story, while the St. Thomas Synagogue—one of the oldest in the Americas—has a sand floor and compelling heritage.

Eat your way through history too: saltfish pâté, kallaloo, johnny cakes, and rum‑laced sweets. Nearby Frenchtown and Yacht Haven Grande round out the scene with waterfront bistros and contemporary kitchens.

• Where to stay (search): VRBO Charlotte Amalie | Hotels.com Charlotte Amalie
• Getting in: Fly to Cyril E. King Airport (STT). Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: 2.5–3.5 hours from Miami/ATL, ~4 hours from NYC; roundtrips commonly $300–700 depending on season.
• Top nearby sights: Fort Christian, 99 Steps and Blackbeard’s Overlook, Emancipation Garden, St. Thomas Synagogue, Yacht Haven Grande promenade, Mountain Top viewpoint.
• Food & drink to try: conch fritters at Gladys’ Café, lionfish ceviche or the tasting menu at Blue 11 (Yacht Haven), fresh‑caught plates at Hook Line & Sinker (Frenchtown), and sunset cocktails at Paradise Point.
• Coffee & breakfast: Virgin Islands Coffee Roasters (Yacht Haven) for single‑origin pours; Barefoot Buddha for smoothies and breakfast wraps; Bumpa’s for harbor‑view omelets.

Red Hook (East End)

Red Hook is the island’s breezy, beach‑hop base—minutes from Lindquist (Smith Bay Park), Sapphire, and Secret Harbour—and the launch point for the fast ferry to St. John. Marinas buzz with day‑sail catamarans and sunset cruises, while casual eateries and cocktail bars cluster around the junction.

Evenings here are relaxed: tiki drinks at Duffy’s Love Shack, seafood and wood‑grilled fare at The Easterly, or a wine‑forward dinner at XO Bistro. Early risers sip espresso at Lattes in Paradise as the first ferries head to Cruz Bay.

• Where to stay (search): VRBO Red Hook | Hotels.com Red Hook
• Getting between bases: Charlotte Amalie ⇄ Red Hook is ~7–10 miles, 25–35 minutes by taxi or car; typical taxi fares are ~$15–18 per person (zone‑based; add ~$2–4 per bag).
• Top nearby sights: Lindquist/Smith Bay Park (often the island’s clearest water), Sapphire Beach (easy reef snorkeling), Secret Harbour (calm cove), Coral World & Coki Beach (reef fish galore).
• Where to eat & sip: The Easterly (coastal Caribbean), XO Bistro (date‑night pastas and steaks), Tap & Still (smash burgers), Fish Tails (dockside), Slice VI (pizza + craft cocktails), Duffy’s Love Shack (kitschy tiki classic).
• Morning coffee: Lattes in Paradise; pastry case + espresso steps from the ferry.

Day 1: Arrival, Harbor Views, and Island Flavors (Charlotte Amalie)

Morning: Fly into STT. Browse fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Aim for a midday landing for an easy check‑in.

Afternoon: Settle into your Charlotte Amalie stay (VRBO options or Hotels.com). Shake off the flight with a stroll along the waterfront to Emancipation Garden and the Vendors Plaza. Duck into Fort Christian (plan ~45–60 minutes; ~$10) to frame the island’s story.

Evening: Ride the Paradise Point Skyride for a golden‑hour panorama of the harbor (budget ~$25–30). For dinner, choose Blue 11 at Yacht Haven Grande for a creative tasting menu highlighting local catch, or Hook Line & Sinker in nearby Frenchtown for blackened mahi and a breezy deck over the water. Nightcap at Side Street Pub—friendly bar staff and a solid rum list.

Day 2: Historic Steps to Caribbean Views + Beach Time

Morning: Coffee at Virgin Islands Coffee Roasters (try a cold brew) and a guava turnover. Walk the 99 Steps—actually 103—built from ship ballast. Pause at Blackbeard’s Overlook for photos, then visit the St. Thomas Synagogue (donation welcomed; check hours) to see its unique sand floor.

Afternoon: Taxi to Magens Bay (10–15 minutes). Entry is ~$5 per non‑resident adult plus ~$2 parking if you drive. Rent a chair and snorkel the right‑hand side for eagle rays and graceful sea fans. Grab a pizza slice or a rum punch at the beach bar when you need shade.

Evening: Dine at Oceana in Frenchtown—set in a historic stone house with harbor views, seafood‑forward and romantic. Prefer a relaxed vibe? Tap & Still (Havensight) does excellent smash burgers and local brews. If it’s Sunday, consider Mafolie’s rooftop for sunset and island‑style roast pork.

Day 3: Coral Gardens, Coki & Mountain Top

Morning: Breakfast at Barefoot Buddha (breakfast wraps, green juices). Then head to Coral World Ocean Park by Coki Beach (~15 minutes from town; admission around $39). Meet rescued sea turtles, walk the underwater observatory, and learn reef etiquette.

Afternoon: Snorkel Coki Beach next door—bright fish swarm near the right‑hand rocks; water shoes are handy. Later, drive or taxi up to Mountain Top for that classic banana daiquiri and a sweeping look over Magens and the cays.

Evening: Treat yourself at Bluebeard’s “A Room With a View” for steaks and a panorama back over the harbor, or go casual at Greengos in downtown for Baja‑style fish tacos and house hot sauces.

Day 4: Shift Bases to Red Hook + Lindquist’s Turquoise

Morning: Transfer to Red Hook (25–35 minutes by taxi; expect ~$15–18 per person plus bags). Check in to your East End stay (VRBO Red Hook or Hotels.com Red Hook).

Afternoon: Hit Lindquist/Smith Bay Park (5–10 minutes). The water is glass‑clear with turtle grass patches; entry about $5 per non‑resident adult. Keep your eyes peeled for trunkfish and southern stingrays gliding over sand flats.

Evening: Dinner at The Easterly: wood‑smoked octopus, wahoo crudo, and a thoughtful rum program in a breezy garden setting. For a nightcap, wander to Duffy’s Love Shack for goofy‑good tiki mugs and island hits.

Day 5: St. John Day Trip—National Park Beaches

Morning: Espresso and a pastry at Lattes in Paradise, then hop the Red Hook passenger ferry to Cruz Bay, St. John (15 minutes; ~$8–9 each way per adult, plus small baggage fees; ferries run frequently). On arrival, taxi to Trunk Bay (National Park fee ~$5–8 for ages 16+), home to a simple underwater snorkel trail and a sweep of white sand.

Afternoon: Beach‑hop to Cinnamon or Maho Bay. Maho’s shallow seagrass is prime for turtle sightings; keep a respectful distance and never touch. If you prefer a light hike, try the Lind Point Trail to Salomon/ Honeymoon beaches from Cruz Bay.

Evening: Back in Cruz Bay, early dinner at The Longboard (ahi poke bowls, plantain tostones, bright cocktails) or Morgan’s Mango (Caribbean‑Latin seafood) before the ferry home. If you’re eating on St. Thomas, XO Bistro in Red Hook delivers wine‑bar ambiance with island‑smart specials.

Day 6: Snorkel Sail to Buck Island & Turtle Cove + Sunset

Morning: Join a day sail or power‑catamaran from the East End marina to Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge and Turtle Cove (Little St. James). Expect 4–6 hours on the water with gear, drinks, and snacks included; typical prices run ~$120–180 per adult. Crews often spot sea turtles, squid, and schools of blue tang over healthy coral heads.

Afternoon: Return to relax at Sapphire Beach—grab fish tacos and a frosty drink from the beach bar, then snorkel the right‑side reef for parrotfish and sergeant majors. Optional quick stop at Secret Harbour for a calm float.

Evening: Sunset sail, if you didn’t already get one with your day charter. Otherwise, head to the revitalized Frenchman’s Reef area for dinner at Isla Blue (contemporary coastal cuisine) or unwind beach‑casual at Iggies Oasis at Bolongo Bay with live music and ribs.

Day 7: Water Island Morning + Departure

Morning: If time allows, ferry from Crown Bay to Water Island (10 minutes) for a quick swim at Honeymoon Beach—laid‑back, with resident iguanas and a beach bar for iced coffee or a last bushwacker. Alternatively, snorkel Brewers Bay near the airport for frequent turtle encounters in clear, sandy shallows.

Afternoon: Grab a final lunch: Fish Tails for a lobster roll or Slice VI for a margherita pizza and basil gimlet. Taxi to STT for your flight (Trip.com / Kiwi.com). Allow extra time for island traffic and check‑in lines.

Evening: Wheels up with a little sand still on your flip‑flops and a phone full of turquoise.

Extra Tips

• Getting around: Taxis are plentiful and priced by zone; confirm the fare before riding. Renting a car offers flexibility—remember to drive on the left. Parking downtown can be tight; arrive early on cruise days.
• Reef etiquette: Use mineral sunscreen, don’t stand on coral, keep at least 6–10 feet from turtles and rays.
• Shopping: Duty‑free allowances are generous (often up to $1,600 per person; verify current limits). For local bites, look for pates, roti, and fresh soursop juice.

Across a week you’ll trace the island’s story from fort to lookout, then trade cobblestones for soft‑sand coves and offshore reefs. With Charlotte Amalie’s heritage and Red Hook’s beach‑hop convenience, St. Thomas delivers history, flavor, and clear‑blue water—every day shaped by the trade winds.