Why Is St. Thomas Called Rock City?

Discover the Story Behind the Island's Famous Nickname

Spend a few days on our island and you may hear the nickname "Rock City." But why is St. Thomas called Rock City? Today, we're sharing the origins of the name--and why it represents more than just the island's rocky hills.

A Rugged Paradise

The simplest explanation for the "Rock City" moniker is the terrain itself. Unlike flatter Caribbean islands, St. Thomas is famously rocky, with steep hills and dramatic cliffs. It's home to the highest point in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Crown Mountain, which towers over Charlotte Amalie and the western half of the island at a height of 1,555 ft.

Accordingly to local lore, a radio DJ may have played a role in the creation of Rock City. Some believe that Llewellyn "Big Lew" Sewer coined and popularized the nicknames of all three U.S. Virgin Islands: Rock City for St. Thomas, Love City for St. John and Twin City for St. Croix.

Exploring Rock City

Don't worry--St. Thomas offers plenty of white sand beaches for relaxing. But here are a few suggestions for adventurers who want to take advantage of St. Thomas's unique topography:

Visit Mountain Top: Enjoy breathtaking views of Magens Bay as you sip on of the famous banana daiquiris at Mountain Top. This restaurant and gift shop is perched at the top of Crown Mountain and is open seven days a week.

The view of Magens Bay from Mountain Top

Need help getting there? Our complimentary concierge service can arrange transportation for Island Luxury guests.

Take a Hike: St. Thomas's unique topography makes for some excellent hikes. We recommend the Magens Bay Beach trail, a 2.5-mile loop with stunning views of Magens Bay, or Mermaid's Chair, a slightly steeper 3.4-mile round-trip trail that will lead you to a scenic strip of sand that separates the Caribbean and Atlantic.

Mermaid's Chair

Find more of our favorite hikes here.

Snorkel the Northern Coastline: The rocky shoreline along St. Thomas's northern coast creates the ideal seascape for lobster, squid and a wide variety of fish. If you're feeling brave, you can even snorkel through a sea cave.

A sea cave on St. Thomas's North Shore

Let our concierge book a private snorkeling expedition.

More than Mountains

Does the nickname "Rock City" have a deeper meaning? Many locals believe it also symbolizes resilience. Life on St. Thomas isn't always easy--ask anyone who has weathered a hurricane--but St. Thomas residents are known for their strength, adaptability, and deep-rooted sense of community.

Why is St. Thomas Called Rock City?

So why is St. Thomas called Rock City? We like to think it's equal parts rugged landscape and hard-earned Caribbean fortitude. Whatever the reason, welcome to Rock City. We're glad you're here!