Charlotte Amalie is one of the world’s most beautiful harbors; blue waters peppered with sailboats and green hills dotted with quaint little cottages make for post-card perfect brags. Just outside the lively port town, you’ll find ribbons of powdery sand beaches dotted with hammocks. Cruise to St. Thomas and explore colonial landmarks like Blackbeard’s Castle or raise a pint of the local lager at quaint microbreweries. And when it’s time to fuel up, you’ll find plenty of beachside bars serving conch fritters, johnnycakes, and coconut patties. St. Thomas may technically be part of the U.S., but with its colorful markets, unspoiled beaches, and the ever-present sound of steel drums, you’ll feel a world away.
BEACH HOP ‘TILL YOU DROP
St. Thomas is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Ditch the crowds for some prime snorkeling at Sapphire Beach. And of course, no visit is complete without a stop at Magen’s Bay, named one of the world’s most beautiful beaches by National Geographic.
JOURNEY INTO THE PAST
Just off Main Street, visit the St. Thomas Synagogue and Frederick Lutheran Church, each the second oldest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Stop by Blackbeard’s Castle, built in 1679, and see the world’s largest collection of life-sized pirate statues. Or climb the legendary 99 Steps built by 18th century Danes, using bricks that once served as ship ballast.
PANORAMIC VIEWS OF PARADISE
St. Thomas’s central mountain range offers endless opportunities to snag the ultimate panoramic selfie. Head to Government Hill, Drake’s Seat on Skyline Drive, and Mountain Top, which rises over 1,500 feet above sea level for the most bragworthy views.
LOCAL CUISINE
St. Thomas is a foodie’s haven, and you’ll find no shortage of bars and pubs serving up local favorites like St. John Brewers Virgin Islands beer and Blackbeard Ale™. West Indian fare, like callaloo (sautéed leafy greens) and Johnnycakes (cornmeal flatbreads), is a staple. And you absolutely can’t leave without trying some chocolate dipped coconut patties. In restaurants and bars, you may wish to add a gratuity of 15-20% to your bill if service was especially good.