The Top 5 Reasons to Visit St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands Now
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St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, is a popular and beautiful destination known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical landscapes. The island offers a wide range of water activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and swimming. The warm, clear Caribbean waters are a major draw for vacationers. Yet it’s the laid-back lifestyle, ear-to-ear smiles and joy of the locals that make this island a must-see for culture and experience-craving travelers.
Source: Visit USVI
St. Thomas has a rich history, and you can explore historical sites such as Fort Christian, Blackbeard's Castle, and the 99 Steps. The island is home to Fort Christian, built in 1680, and the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, as well as Danish-French Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro’s childhood home. These sites offer insight into the island's past. St. Thomas is worth visiting if you enjoy beautiful beaches, water activities, shopping, and a vibrant atmosphere. These are the top five reasons why St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands should be on your bucket list.
1. The Cuisine + Cocktails: Where to Eat in St. Thomas
The dining scene in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands offers exquisite cuisine, scenic views, and a touch of Caribbean charm — making it a fantastic destination for upscale dining experiences in a tropical paradise. Restaurants we love include beachfront Lanai at Limetree Beach in Frenchman’s Bay and The Easterly in the heart of Red Hook with its Bohemian-island vibe. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying their signature cocktails — the frozen Bushwacker with Irish cream, coffee liqueur, amaretto, creme de cacao, dark rum, and coconut cream at Lanai, or the Fire Killer with a house rum blend, fresh-squeezed orange, fire-roasted pineapple, and grated coconut and nutmeg at The Easterly.
Favorite dishes to enjoy within the lush and breezy waterfront atmosphere of The Easterly include Ahi Crudo with passion fruit vinaigrette, local micro arugula, avocado, and mezcal pickled Fresno peppers, Wood Grilled Octopus with wood-fired, broccolini, charred tomato romesco, and fresh lemon chimichurri, Whole Caribbean Lobster, as well as Yellowfin Tuna with smoked local pumpkin purée, charred corn tomato salad, avocado, and Josephine's greens. At Lanai at Limetree Beach, with its quintessential beachfront location — popular dishes include Tempura Shrimp Tacos with pineapple slaw, cilantro crema, sesame, Grilled Bone-in Pork Chop with tamarind pineapple glaze, Brussels sprouts, and local pumpkin purée, Whole Caribbean Caught Fish with the Chef’s daily preparation and accompaniments, as well as Sashimi Salmon Poke Bowl with sushi rice, avocado, edamame, cucumber, mango, sriracha aioli, sesame, and scallions. Hungry yet?
For dessert, indulge on the decadent Piña Colada Trifle with coconut cake, whipped cream, pineapple-lime curd, toasted coconut at Lanai at Limetree Beach or Smoked Chocolate Ganache with flaked sea salt and homemade honeycomb at The Easterly.
2. Artistic Vistas: Galleries in a Tropical Paradise
St. Thomas has a vibrant and thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries featuring the works of local and Caribbean artists. These galleries showcase a range of art forms, from paintings and sculptures, to crafts and textiles. Located in Tillett Gardens, Virgin Islands Council on the Arts showcases the work of local artists and often hosts exhibitions featuring paintings and sculptures. It's a great gallery to experience the creative spirit of the Virgin Islands. Mango Tango in Red Hook, St. Thomas, features a mix of art, jewelry, and home decor, often inspired by the Caribbean's natural beauty and colors.
Source: 81C
81C features pop-up art exhibits, international beats, and a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere. Hidden from the street entrance, the outdoor garden leads guests to the professionally curated main gallery, where full scale art exhibitions by local and international artists rotate every 8 weeks. You’ll find find an urban refuge within historic Charlotte Amalie that celebrates culture, creativity, and unexpected encounters. Located at the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, Camille Pissarro Gallery is named after the famous Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro, who was born on the island of St. Thomas. The gallery displays some of his works, as well as pieces by other contemporary artists. In Charlotte Amalie, you can explore open-air Market Square which features local Caribbean artwork, crafts, and souvenirs.
Source: Visit USVI
Some of the streets in Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas, feature colorful murals and painted buildings. These murals often reflect Caribbean themes and the local culture. Strolling through the town, you're likely to encounter various artistic expressions. The natural beauty of St. Thomas, from its beaches to its mountainous terrain, often serves as a form of “living art.” These picturesque landscapes can be appreciated as works of art in themselves.
3. Luxury Shopping: Caribbean Chic + International Flair
The shopping capital of the Caribbean, especially for jewelry and luxury goods, draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to buy goods duty-free. The capital of St. Thomas, Charlotte Amalie, is the hub of shopping activity. Main Street is the epicenter of high-end stores—with the likes of Tiffany & Co and Salvatore Ferragamo gracing the historic façades. The shopping district is known for jewelry stores, art galleries, and luxury goods boutiques. Did you know St. Thomas is renowned for its jewelry stores? You can find a wide selection of gemstones, including diamonds, sapphires, and other precious stones. Many stores in St. Thomas carry island fashion, including swimwear, resort wear, and tropical-themed clothing. You can find a variety of styles that are perfect for your Caribbean vacation.
In addition to luxury goods, you'll find a variety of locally made crafts, artwork, and souvenirs. These include Caribbean-themed clothing, paintings, woodwork, and handmade jewelry. At places like Vendor's Plaza and Emancipation Garden, you can explore open-air markets where vendors sell local crafts, spices, hot sauces, and other souvenirs. Haggling is commonplace at these markets. One of the best things to do in St. Thomas is to shop for Caribbean souvenirs with a view at the famed Mountain Top. Situated at the highest point on St. Thomas, Mountain Top offers a panoramic vista to accompany your shopping experience.
Source: Visit USVI
Please note that the shopping experience in St. Thomas can be particularly busy when cruise ships are in port, as the island is a popular cruise ship destination. As a result, boutiques may be more crowded during these times. If you prefer a quieter shopping experience, consider planning your visit when there are fewer cruise ship arrivals. When shopping in St. Thomas, keep in mind the U.S. Virgin Islands' import and duty-free regulations.
4. Botanic Bliss: Strolling Through Tropical Gardens
Perched high above the sea on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden gives visitors a close-up view of lush foliage and colorful flowers from the Caribbean and beyond. Trails wander through nearly six-acres of lush rain forest, loaded with displays of tropical flora and fauna. The gardens are an orchestrated mix of tropical trees, flowers, palms, and other plants found in the humid forests of the Caribbean. Within the garden, narrow paths wind around below the trees. Steps cut into the hillside lead from one level to the next.
Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
You’ll find orchids, heliconias, cacti, bromeliads, bamboo, palms, ferns and more, all marked with signs for easy identification. Discover the Red Footed Turtle habitat, hermit crabs and peacocks while taking in great views of Magens Bay, Tortola, St. John. and the cruise ship harbor.
5. Architectural Charms: A Blend of Island Elegance
Fort Christian is a historic landmark located in Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands on the island of Saint Thomas. It is one of the oldest standing structures in the Virgin Islands and has a rich history dating back to the mid-17th century when it was constructed by the Danish government, which then ruled the Virgin Islands. It is named after King Christian V of Denmark and Norway. The fort is a well-preserved example of Danish colonial architecture. Its distinctive red color, characteristic of many Danish colonial buildings, has earned it the nickname “Red Fort.” It was originally constructed as a defensive structure to protect the island from pirates, privateers, and enemy nations.
Source: Visit USVI
Today, Fort Christian is home to the Virgin Islands Museum and the Fort Christian Museum. These museums showcase the history and culture of the U.S. Virgin Islands, including exhibits on Danish colonial history. Visiting Fort Christian provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the U.S. Virgin Islands and gain a deeper understanding of its Danish colonial heritage.
Where to Stay in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
As a breathtaking ocean front luxury hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is a Caribbean marvel styled after traditional island architecture, but richly updated with all of the contemporary comforts. Experience a new height of luxury and the island charm and escape to an island oasis surrounded by crystal blue waters, white sand and lush tropical greenery. Plunge into the infinity-edge pool, serenity pool and jacuzzi or venture over to the new family pool with a slide. For the ultimate relaxation experience, upgrade to one of the brand-new pool cabanas at the pool decks.
The newly-redesigned, luxurious guest rooms and suites have been curated in neutral colors and delicate fabrics, leaving the focus on the expansive beaches just outside the window overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Steps from sparkling Great Bay, Club Level Rooms and Suites feature a dedicated concierge, access to an exclusive lounge and locally inspired experiences in St. Thomas. When you stay at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, you combine intimacy, comfort and exclusivity with personalized service, and attention to detail. Book below to reserve your room at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas for the lowest price, guaranteed.
