The Ultimate St. Thomas Travel Guide: Local Tips for an Unforgettable Vacation
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There’s a reason so many visitors fall in love with St. Thomas and find themselves coming back year after year. Beautiful beaches are only the beginning. The island has incredible boating, snorkeling, restaurants, shopping, neighboring islands to explore and some of the most spectacular views in the Caribbean.
At Island Luxury Vacations, we live and work in St. Thomas, and we help guests plan their vacations here every day. So rather than giving you another generic Caribbean travel guide, we’re sharing the same advice, recommendations and local tips we give our own friends and family when they visit.
Whether this is your first trip to St. Thomas or your tenth, here’s what we think you should know before you arrive.
St. Thomas at a Glance
What to Know | St. Thomas |
Currency | U.S. Dollar |
Language | English |
Passport for U.S. citizens | Not required when traveling directly between the USVI and the mainland U.S. |
Airport | Cyril E. King Airport, STT |
Driving | Left side of the road |
Cars | Primarily left hand drive |
Best known for | Beaches, boating, snorkeling, views and easy access to St. John |
Peak season | Approximately November through April |
Hurricane season | June through November |
Getting around | Rental car, taxi or private driver |
One of the biggest advantages for U.S. travelers is how easy St. Thomas is to visit. The U.S. dollar is used, English is the primary language, and U.S. citizens generally do not need a passport when traveling between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the mainland United States.
STT also has nonstop service from a number of major U.S. cities, making St. Thomas one of the easier Caribbean islands to reach.
And once you arrive, you’re not limited to one island. St. John is a short ferry ride away, and a private boat charter opens up an entirely different side of the Virgin Islands.
When Is the Best Time to Visit St. Thomas?
There really isn’t one perfect month to visit St. Thomas. The best time depends on the kind of vacation you want.
November through April is our busiest season. This is when visitors come to escape winter weather, the island is lively and restaurants and activities are in full swing. Christmas and New Year’s are especially popular, so villas, boat charters and restaurant reservations should be booked well in advance.
May and June can be wonderful months to visit. The island begins to quiet down after peak season, while the weather is still beautiful and restaurants and activities are generally operating normally.
July and August bring warmer temperatures, warm Caribbean water and fewer visitors. Travelers can often find better value during these months than during winter.
September and October are typically the quietest months of the year and fall within the most active portion of hurricane season. Some restaurants and businesses also use this slower period for annual closures, renovations or reduced schedules.
Our Local Take
For travelers who want a balance of beautiful weather, fewer crowds and a lively island, late spring can be one of our favorite times to visit.
If you’re visiting during Christmas, New Year’s or another peak holiday week, plan early. The best villas, private chefs, boat charters and popular restaurants can book well in advance.
Do You Need a Rental Car in St. Thomas?
For most guests who want to explore the island, we recommend renting a car.
Having your own vehicle makes it much easier to visit different beaches, explore Red Hook and downtown Charlotte Amalie, go out to dinner and discover parts of the island you might otherwise miss.
Just remember one very important thing: We drive on the left in St. Thomas.
Most rental vehicles are American style vehicles with the steering wheel on the left, so it can feel unusual for the first day. Most visitors adjust quickly. If you don’t want to drive, taxis and private transportation are available. Our concierge team can also help Island Luxury Vacations guests coordinate transportation during their stay.
Local Tip
Distances on a map can be deceiving in St. Thomas. Our winding, hilly roads mean a relatively short distance can take longer than visitors expect. When choosing where to stay, think about where you expect to spend most of your vacation rather than simply looking at mileage.
Where Should You Stay in St. Thomas?
Where you stay can have a surprisingly big impact on your vacation. St. Thomas isn’t enormous, but each part of the island has a different feel.
Area | Best For | Convenient To |
East End | Boating, dining, St. John day trips | Red Hook, Secret Harbour, Sapphire Beach |
Northside | Views, beaches, quieter villa stays | Magens Bay, Hull Bay, Charlotte Amalie |
Southside | Convenience and access to town | Charlotte Amalie, airport, Southside beaches |
West End | Privacy and seclusion | Quiet beaches, hiking, Botany Bay |
East End
The East End is one of the most popular areas for visitors. It’s especially convenient if boating, dining and trips to St. John are high on your list. Red Hook has restaurants, bars, shops, marina access and the passenger ferry to St. John. Sapphire Beach and Secret Harbour are also located on the East End. If you’re planning several boat days or expect to spend a lot of time in Red Hook, staying nearby can make your vacation much easier.
Northside
The Northside offers some of St. Thomas’s most beautiful views and a quieter, more residential atmosphere. It's home to Magens Bay and Hull Bay and can be a great choice for travelers who want the privacy of a villa while still having relatively easy access to Charlotte Amalie and other parts of the island. Many of our Northside villas have exactly the kind of panoramic Caribbean views people picture when they imagine a St. Thomas vacation.
Southside
The Southside offers convenient access to Charlotte Amalie and the airport, along with several beaches, restaurants and waterfront areas. Depending on the property, it can be a good middle ground for travelers who want to explore several different parts of St. Thomas.
West End
If privacy and seclusion are at the top of your wish list, look west. The West End is quieter and less developed than many other parts of St. Thomas, with beautiful scenery, beaches and hiking. It’s ideal for travelers who don’t mind being farther from Red Hook and the busier parts of the island in exchange for more peace and privacy.
Should You Stay in a Villa or a Hotel?
We may be slightly biased here, but there’s a reason we love the villa experience. For families, groups of friends and couples traveling together, having an entire home gives you something a traditional hotel room simply can’t.
Depending on the property, our St. Thomas vacation homes offer private pools, full kitchens, outdoor living areas, multiple bedrooms, incredible views and enough space for everyone to spend time together without sacrificing privacy.
A villa also gives you the ability to make the experience as relaxed or as luxurious as you want.
Want groceries waiting when you arrive? We can arrange it.
Want to spend the evening at home with a private chef rather than going to a restaurant? We can help with that too.
Our guests also receive complimentary concierge assistance to help with everything from boat charters and excursions to transportation, restaurant recommendations and other vacation details.
The Best Beaches in St. Thomas
You could visit a different beach almost every day of your vacation, but these are a few we recommend again and again.
Beach | Best For | Food | Restrooms | Snorkeling | Family Friendly |
Magens Bay | Swimming and families | Yes | Yes | Fair | Excellent |
Lindquist Beach | Relaxing and scenery | Limited | Yes | Good | Excellent |
Secret Harbour | Snorkeling | Yes | Yes | Excellent | Excellent |
Sapphire Beach | Beach day with amenities | Yes | Yes | Very Good | Very Good |
Brewer’s Bay | Turtles and a local feel | Limited | Limited | Very Good | Good |
Magens Bay
Magens Bay is St. Thomas’s most famous beach, and it deserves at least one visit.
The long, protected bay generally has calm water that’s excellent for swimming and families. You’ll also find food and drinks, restrooms, rentals and plenty of room to spread out.
Our tip:
Check the cruise ship schedule before deciding which day to visit. Magens can become significantly busier when multiple ships are in port.
Lindquist Beach
Lindquist Beach, officially part of Smith Bay Park, is one of the prettiest beaches on the island.
The water can be incredibly clear, the setting feels less developed than some of St. Thomas’s resort beaches, and it’s a beautiful choice when you want a relaxing beach day.
Secret Harbour Beach
If snorkeling is a priority, Secret Harbour should be on your list.
The protected bay typically offers calm water, and snorkeling directly from shore makes it especially convenient for families and beginners. There are also food and drink options nearby, making it easy to spend several hours here.
Sapphire Beach
Sapphire is a great option when you want beautiful water without giving up amenities.
There are food and drink options, watersports and snorkeling, and its East End location makes it convenient for guests staying near Red Hook.
Brewer’s Bay
Brewer’s Bay has a much more local feel and is known for frequent sea turtle sightings.
You may see turtles feeding in the seagrass, but remember to give them plenty of space and never touch or chase them.
Our favorite for sea turtles: Brewer’s Bay.
Our favorite for families: Magens Bay.
Our favorite for snorkeling from shore: Secret Harbour.
What Should You Do in St. Thomas?
Spend a Day on the Water
If we had to choose one experience that visitors shouldn’t miss, a boat day would be near the top of the list. A private charter lets you snorkel, visit neighboring islands and cays, stop for lunch, find beautiful stretches of water and experience the Virgin Islands from an entirely different perspective.
There are options ranging from half day excursions to full day private charters, and our concierge can help match guests with the right experience.
Go Snorkeling
You don’t necessarily need a boat to experience great snorkeling.
Secret Harbour, Sapphire Beach and Brewer’s Bay are a few options for snorkeling from shore. Depending on the location and conditions, you may see tropical fish, rays and sea turtles.
Spend a Day on St. John
One of the best things about staying in St. Thomas is having St. John next door.
You can take the passenger ferry from Red Hook or bring your rental vehicle over on the car ferry. Spend the day visiting beaches within Virgin Islands National Park, have lunch in Cruz Bay and return to St. Thomas in the evening.
Explore Charlotte Amalie
Downtown Charlotte Amalie is worth exploring for its historic architecture, waterfront, duty free shopping, jewelry stores and local businesses.
We especially recommend checking the cruise ship schedule before heading downtown. The experience can be completely different on a quiet day versus a busy cruise ship day.
What Should You Pack for St. Thomas?
You really don’t need much.
Bring lightweight clothing, swimsuits, cover ups, comfortable sandals, sunglasses, a hat, reef conscious sun protection and a reusable water bottle.
If you plan to hike or explore some of the island’s more rugged areas, bring appropriate shoes rather than relying entirely on flip flops.
A waterproof or dry bag is also extremely useful if you’re planning a boat day.
And while St. Thomas is wonderfully casual, swimsuits generally aren’t appropriate inside restaurants, grocery stores and shops. Throwing a cover up or casual clothing over your swimsuit is always a good idea.
A Few Things We Tell Our Guests
Check the cruise ship schedule when planning beach days and downtown visits.
Make popular dinner reservations during peak season rather than waiting until you arrive.
Book private boat charters and other must do activities early during holiday weeks.
Keep some cash and small bills available. Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is still useful for taxis, tips and smaller vendors.
Ask your villa or accommodation about its drinking water. Many St. Thomas properties use cistern systems, so practices vary from one property to another.
And finally, don’t schedule every minute. Some of the best days in St. Thomas are the ones where you have nowhere you absolutely need to be.
St. Thomas Travel Guide FAQs:
Do U.S. citizens need a passport to visit St. Thomas?
U.S. citizens generally do not need a passport when traveling directly between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the mainland United States. Travelers should still bring appropriate government issued identification, and requirements can differ when traveling through or visiting foreign islands.
What currency does St. Thomas use?
The U.S. dollar.
Will my cell phone work?
Many U.S. cellular plans work in the U.S. Virgin Islands, although coverage varies depending on your carrier and location on the island. It’s worth confirming coverage with your provider before traveling.
Do I need cash?
Credit cards are widely accepted, but we recommend carrying some cash, particularly for taxis, tips and smaller vendors.
How far is St. John from St. Thomas?
St. John is just a short ferry ride from Red Hook, which makes it very easy to visit for the day.
Should I rent a car?
For most villa guests who want to explore St. Thomas independently, yes. If you’re uncomfortable driving on the left, private transportation and taxis are alternatives.
Is St. Thomas good for families?
Absolutely. Calm beaches, snorkeling, boating and spacious vacation villas make St. Thomas especially well suited for families and multigenerational groups.
Experience St. Thomas With Island Luxury Vacations
The best St. Thomas vacations usually aren’t about checking everything off a list. They’re about finding your favorite beach, discovering the restaurant you end up visiting twice, spending an unforgettable day on the water and realizing halfway through your trip that you’re already thinking about coming back. That’s the St. Thomas we want our guests to experience.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to an island you already love, Island Luxury Vacations can help you find the right home base and make the most of your time here. From beautiful private villas and condos to local recommendations, provisioning, private chefs, transportation, boat charters and personalized concierge service, our team is here to make your time on St. Thomas feel effortless.
Come stay awhile. We’d love to welcome you to St. Thomas.
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