Castles, Gondola Rides, and a Floating Taco Bar: Why St. Thomas Belongs on Your Caribbean Bucket List

Most travelers’ introduction to St. Thomas is via a cruise ship. The capital of St Thomas, Charlotte Amalie, sees over a million cruise ship passengers every year, but beyond the port, St. Thomas is an island of surprising adventures. Where else can you explore a pirate’s castle, take a gondola to a stunning overlook, and have tacos delivered to your paddleboard at a floating bar? From the cobblestone streets of Charlotte Amalie to the shores of Magens Bay, we’ve rounded up a bucket list of activities that will take you beyond the souvenir shops. To help you plan your next trip to the most popular U.S. Virgin Island, here are nine things to add to your itinerary. 

For the single best view of Charlotte Amalie harbor, take the St. Thomas Skyride up 700 feet to Paradise Point. The ten-minute ride offers panoramic vistas of the port, cruise ships, and neighboring islands. At the top, you’ll find an observation deck with a restaurant, Taste at Paradise Point, which serves “Bushwackers”, delicious rum, chocolate, and coconut-infused frozen cocktails. The restaurant is also one of the best spots on the island to watch the sunset. 

Explore St. Thomas’s pirate history at Blackbeard’s Castle, a National Historic Landmark. This 17th-century Danish watchtower, originally named Skytsborg Tower, is rumored to have been used by the infamous pirate himself to spot ships in the harbor. The site is the centerpiece of a historic walking tour that includes the famous 99 Steps (technically 103). These steps were built by the Danish and are among the most iconic photo-ops in Charlotte Amalie. 

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining your two favorite things: tacos and boating, this is the “floating taco bar” of your dreams. Anchored in the waters of Lindbergh Bay, Lime Out St. Thomas is a must-do culinary adventure. Expanding from its original St. John’s location, the St. Thomas outpost is a solar-powered food truck that serves creative craft tacos (think rum rib and ceviche tacos) and signature cocktails. Motor up on your own boat, take a water taxi, or book a charter boat for your visit, and upon arrival, relax on massive green lily pad floats, sipping cocktails as the staff delivers tacos right to you in the water. It’s a completely unique, delicious, and “only-in-the-islands” experience.

Get up close with Caribbean marine life without getting wet. Coral World Ocean Park is a marine park perfect for families, located right next to Coki Beach. Its most famous feature is the Undersea Observatory Tower, which takes you 15 feet below the surface to view a natural, thriving coral reef through massive windows. You can also get up close with animals with the Dolphin Splash and Swim or the Sea Lion Swim. For a more immersive adventure, try the “Sea Trek” helmet dive, which lets you walk along a trail on the ocean floor while “breathing underwater”, surrounded by tropical fish and stingrays. 

For some of the easiest and most vibrant snorkeling on the island, head to Coki Beach. This local-favorite spot is known for its incredibly clear, calm water and the schools of tropical fish that swim right up to the shore. You can rent snorkel gear, umbrellas, and chairs right on the sand, and the beach is lined with restaurants like Sun & Sea Bar and Grill serving up fresh-grilled fish and blended cocktails. Coki Beach is a two-minute walk from Coral World, making it easy to combine both attractions for a perfect day of marine exploration.

The capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands is filled with history. Consider spending the day walking the centuries-old cobblestone alleys and visiting Royal Dane Mall, which has connected pedestrian walkways lined with boutique stores. The town’s Danish colonial architecture is evident on Main Street (Dronningens Gade) with its bright colors and welcoming verandas. Don’t miss exploring Fort Christian, the oldest standing structure in the Virgin Islands, constructed in the late 1600s. The fort is now a museum showcasing the island’s history. 

Perched 1,500 feet above the island, Mountain Top offers one of the most epic panoramic views in the entire Caribbean. On a clear day, you can see over 20 islands and cays, including St. John and the British Virgin Islands. The attraction includes an observation deck, souvenir shop, and bar. While the view is the main attraction, the destination is equally famous for claiming to be the home of the “World Famous Banana Daiquiri.” This sprawling souvenir shop and bar is undoubtedly a tourist stop, but it’s still worth stopping by. Grab one of the legendary frozen drinks and head to the massive observation deck to soak in the views. 

Often called one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, Magens Bay is a heart-shaped cove surrounded by hills. This mile-long stretch of soft, white sand is also known for its exceptionally calm water. The beach is a public park with full amenities, including chair rentals and several restaurants, including Fairchild’s Beach Bar and Grill. Though Magens Bay is a popular cruise-ship stop, its sheer size means you’ll be able to find a spot to lay your towel. Arrive early in the morning to experience its postcard-perfect beauty.

For a true local escape, hop on the 10-minute ferry from Crown Bay Marina to Water Island, the forgotten “fourth” U.S. Virgin Island. This tiny, 500-acre residential island has a laid-back, “no-shoes, no-problem” vibe. The main attraction is Honeymoon Beach, a gorgeous cove framed by palm trees. Expect clear, calm waters and two iconic beach bars: Dinghy’s and Heidi’s. Rent a golf cart (the main mode of transport) to explore the island’s hilly roads, discover the ruins of a WWII fort, and then spend the afternoon limin’ in the water with a cold drink in hand.