St. Thomas has long had a reputation as the best Caribbean island for families, and it’s easy to see why. This white-sand paradise has enough dining, shopping and nightlife to keep teens and adults entertained, while also offering gentle waves and plentiful parks for younger kids. It’s a quick direct flight from many U.S. cities, which is a major perk for parents traveling with fussy babies or active toddlers. Read on for four reasons St. Thomas should be your next family destination.
Kid-friendly Beaches
What if one of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches was also outfitted with everything a family might need for a comfortable day on the sand, like restrooms, picnic tables, rental stands - even lifeguards? Welcome to Magens Bay, frequently listed as one of the 10 best beaches in the world. This stunning half-mile long beach is tucked behind a long peninsula, insulating it from big waves and strong currents. Little kids will love to splash in the gentle waves while older kids practice snorkeling and look for sea turtles. Sapphire and Coki beaches are also popular spots for families looking for calm water, soft sand and plenty of shade.
History Made Fun
Families visiting St. Thomas don’t just learn about history - they can see it, touch it and even walk on top of it! Kids will love exploring historic Fort Christian, the oldest structure in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and running up the 99 Steps, a stone staircase built 300 years ago from ballast stones taken from Danish sailing ships. The Pirate’s Treasure Museum is a hit with all ages, offering interactive exhibits, real coins recovered from local shipwrecks, ancient artifacts and even an extreme weather simulator.
Activities for Every Age
Of the four U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas offers the biggest variety of excursions and activities. Thrill-seeking kids and teens can learn how to surf or snorkel, and parents can enjoy world-class shopping and fine dining. Some of our favorite activities for the entire family are zip-lining, boat excursions, and a trip to Mountain Top to soak up the view. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why St. Thomas is often called the best Caribbean island for families. Not sure what to pick? Our concierge service is available to help you design the perfect vacation for your families needs and interests. This service is always free for Island Luxury guests!
Island Travel, Simplified
St. Thomas is home to the biggest airport in the U.S. Virgin Islands, making it an easy flight from many places in the continental U.S. Once you’re here, most of the neighborhoods on St. Thomas are no more than a 30-minute drive from the airport or the capital city of Charlotte Amalie. Although people in the U.S. Virgin Islands drive on the left side of the road, out-of-towners usually adapt fairly quickly. At 32 square miles, St. Thomas has a lot packed into a relatively compact space, making it easy to travel from beach to beach while avoiding the dreaded, “Are we there yet?” As we’ve mentioned before, you don’t need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands - perfect for family members with expired passports or those who haven’t gotten passports yet.
Is St. Thomas the Best Caribbean Island for Families?
We might be biased, but we think the answer is a resounding yes! If you’re ready to start your vacation planning, check out our villas and condos. They’re a great way to travel with the entire family while enjoying all the comforts of home, like full kitchens and spacious common areas. Our vacation rentals can accommodate groups ranging in size from two people to 12 and offer the extras you’ll want to make your tropical getaway fun and convenient, like wifi, washers and dryers, closets stocked with beach gear, and even private pools. Explore them here, and don’t hesitate to contact us with questions. See you on the beach!