St. Thomas Sightseeing: Things to Do and See
There’s lots to see and do on the beautiful island of St. Thomas. Discover fascinating historic sites, swim at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, zipline through a rainforest and explore underwater treasures. We’ve got 16 sightseeing ideas to keep you busy day and night!
St. Thomas Things to See
Fort Christian
Established in the late 1600s, the striking red Fort Christian is the oldest standing structure in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Overlooking Charlotte Amalie Harbor, Fort Christian was built by Dano-Norwegian settlers and has served as a military fort, police headquarters and prison over the past 350 years. Today, this National Historic Landmark welcomes visitors to explore its former jail cells, rooftop cannons and relics housed in its museum.
St. Thomas Historical Trust Museum
View a curated collection of West Indian art and antiques, along with artifacts from local shipwrecks, at the St. Thomas Historical Trust Museum. Sign up for the guided Charlotte Amalie Downtown Walking Tour. Or join the Hassel Island Tour that takes visitors via boat from Charlotte Amalie Harbor to the 135-acre Hassel Island, where you can explore three major sites reflecting the island’s Danish and British colonial history: Garrison House, Prince Frederick’s Battery, and Cowell’s Battery and Signal Station.
99 Steps/Blackbeard’s Castle
Lined with colorful flowers and tropical foliage, the 99 Steps was built as a step-street in the 1700s using bricks brought over as ballast on Danish ships. Climb the 103 steps (a few more than 99!) and you’ll be treated to the sight of Blackbeard’s Castle, a 1679 Danish watchtower named for the infamous Caribbean pirate. Although the castle gates are closed, you can still see the watchtower and enjoy a panoramic view of St. Thomas below.
Emancipation Garden
Take a break in the shady Emancipation Garden, a small park that commemorates the 1848 emancipation of enslaved islanders. Look for the Freedom statue — a bronze bust of a newly freed man blowing a conch shell to symbolize the call for freedom. You’ll also find a replica of the Liberty Bell and a charming gazebo. Nearby, seek out the Three Queens Statue honoring the courageous female leaders of the 1878 Fireburn labor riot.
The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas Synagogue
Founded in 1796, The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas Synagogue is housed in the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. Built in 1833, it features shipbuilder-crafted mahogany pews and a majestic Ark adorned with stone tablets. One of its most unique aspects is the sand-covered floor, a tribute to persecuted ancestral Jews who kneeled on sand to muffle the sounds of their prayers. Half-hour guided tours are offered on weekdays.
Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden
Green thumbs will want to make the trek to Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden, featuring two acres of unique island flora. Here you’ll find a kaleidoscope of orchids, lilies and bromeliads. Phantasea is also home to resident parrots and peacocks. Sip a refreshing pink guava juice while relaxing in the serene Balinese gazebo situated under a large ficus tree.
Pirates Treasure Museum
Captain a virtual ship through a storm and view treasures scooped from USVI waters at the Pirates Treasure Museum. Hear about fearsome Caribbean pirates like Blackbeard and Captain Kidd. Check out authentic artifacts that include cannons, gold coins and sunken cargo. Plus, learn about the modern technology used to recover ancient pirate booty from the ocean floor.
Drake’s Seat
According to legend, Drake’s Seat was the lookout where Sir Francis Drake kept watch for enemy Spanish ships. Get ready to take photos of the incredible view of the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. Or snap a selfie on the 1930s green bench dubbed The Drake Seat. Early birds will want to arrive before dawn to capture the sun as it rises over the impossibly blue waters of Magens Bay.
Skyline Drive Lookout
Take a cruise along Skyline Drive, a breathtaking scenic route that winds through lush green hills while offering postcard-perfect vistas of St. Thomas and the vibrant Caribbean Sea. Stop at the Skyline Drive Lookout to capture a quintessential photo of the stunning island and enjoy a picnic lunch. You’ll be treated to sweeping views of Charlotte Amalie and neighboring islands like Hassel Island and Water Island.
St. Thomas Sightseeing Things to Do
Haunt Historic Ghost Tours
Join a nighttime ghost tour led along St. Thomas’ cobblestone streets by Haunt Historic Ghost Tours. Expert local guides lead visitors through Charlotte Amalie’s haunted past, telling spine-tingling tales of ghosts, pirates and local lore. The two-hour tour visits some of the island’s spookiest sites, blending captivating storytelling with paranormal intrigue.
Magens Bay Beach
Rated one of the top 10 beaches in the world, Magens Bay Beach offers an Instagram-worthy combination of glittering white sand, turquoise waters and swaying palm trees. Nestled in a protected cove with calm, crystal-clear waters, it’s also one of the most family-friendly beaches in the USVI, stationed by on-duty lifeguards. Rent snorkeling gear on-site to explore the surrounding coral reef or just kick back with a tropical drink from the beach bar.
Funtime Jet Ski Rentals & Boat Charters
Ride the waves of the Caribbean Sea with Funtime Jet Ski Rentals & Boat Charters. Located at Lindbergh Bay Beach, close to the Cyril E. King Airport, Funtime rents jet skis, boats and flyboards. Instructors are on hand to teach you how to flyboard in minutes, safely soaring up to 50 feet above the water. Or join a 60-minute guided jet ski tour — with a single or double rider option — that features multiple stops to soak in the beauty of St. Thomas.
Coral World Ocean Park
Go for a swim with dolphins, sea lions and sharks at Coral World Ocean Park. This five-acre complex of aquariums and outdoor pools brings you face-to-face with some of the area’s astounding marine animals. Or experience SNUBA, a hybrid of scuba diving and snorkeling, to encounter sea turtles and technicolor tropical fish just off Coki Beach.
Skyride to Paradise Point
For an unmatched view of St. Thomas, step onto the Skyride to Paradise Point aerial tram and be whisked 700 feet above the island. Once you reach the top, grab a seat on the double-decker patio of taste at Paradise Point and try their signature frozen Baileys Bushwhacker, blended with Baileys Irish Cream. Or enjoy a steak dinner at PRIME at Paradise Point. The view from Paradise Point is always fabulous, but time your visit for sunset to watch as night falls and twinkling lights illuminate downtown Charlotte Amalie.
Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline
Fly through the rainforest atop St. Peter Mountain at heart-pounding speeds of up to 30 miles per hour with Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline. Six thrilling ziplines are connected to eight treetop platforms. As you’re zipping along be sure to take in the view of gorgeous Magens Bay below. Kids ages 5–7 can go tandem zipping with an adult.
Water Island
Hop the Water Island Ferry that departs from St. Thomas’ Crown Bay Marina and take a 10-minute ride over to Water Island. With no public transportation, you’ll want to reserve a golf cart in advance from Rachael’s Rentals so you can easily explore the island. Spend the day sunning on pristine Honeymoon Beach, snorkeling in secluded Limestone Bay, exploring the ruins of the World War II-era Fort Segarra and snacking on fresh-catch tacos at Dinghy’s Beach Bar & Grill.
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