U.S. Virgin Islands Things To Do

The three islands (Saint Croix, Saint John and Saint Thomas) and the 60 cays that make up the US Virgin Islands include some of the most magnificent coast on earth. The beaches on St. Thomas are renowned for their white sand and calm, turquoise waters. National Geographic rated the island as one of the top destinations in the world for sailing, scuba diving, and fishing.

Great for: sailing, scuba diving, fishing and duty free shopping
Location: Leeward Islands, Lesser Antilles
Population: 108,500
Size: 133.73 sq miles
Capital city: Charlotte Amalie
Airport: Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas, STT
Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, St. Croix, STX
Language: English, plus some Creole, Spanish and French
Currency: USD
Time Zone: Atlantic Time Zone, daylight saving time not observed
Area code: 340

Did you know?
The United States purchased St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix from Denmark in 1917 for US$ 25 million, renaming them the United States Virgin Islands.

The jewels of St. Thomas lie in the pearly sand beaches, lush emerald hilltops and calm sapphire sea. No wonder pirates of old flocked here to raid the riches. Wander through centuries-old warehouses that have been converted into modern boutiques and indulge in duty-free booty.

Slip on a swimsuit and make your way to Magen's Bay, site of one of the world's most beautiful beaches, and slide into the calm heart-shaped coastline.

Lumber over to Duffy's Love Shack and fall for an exotic mix of tropical fruit and Virgin Island rum. Turn up the heat with a Love Shack Volcano--a 50-ounce flaming concoction--and cool off with ceviche and sushi at Cafe Wahoo.

Landmarks

Nature & Wildlife

Beaches

St. Thomas is the liveliest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Those seeking seclusion can easily find it, however, at a hotel in more remote sections of the island. Hotels on the north side of St. Thomas look out at the Atlantic; those on the south side front the calmer Caribbean Sea.

US Virgin Islands Landmarks:

Charlotte Amalie - The color and charm of the Caribbean come to life in Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas, where most visitors begin their visit to the island. Old warehouses, once used for storing stolen pirate goods, have been converted to shops. In fact, the main streets, called "Gade" (a reflection of their Danish heritage), now merge into a virtual shopping mall. The streets are often packed. A walk through town reveals its international heritage. You will pass Dutch doors, Danish red-tile roofs, French iron grillwork, and Spanish-style patios.

Fort Christian - The town's top ranking historic attraction dates to the 1670s. Named after the Danish king Christian V, this structure was a governor's residence, police station, court, and jail until it became a national historic landmark in 1977. A museum here illuminates the island's history and culture. Cultural workshops and turn-of-the-century furnishings are just some of the exhibits you can expect to see. (Charlotte Amalie)

99 Steps - These steps, which were erected in the early 1700s, take you to the summit of Government Hill, from where you'll see the 18th-century Crown House, immediately to your right on the south side of the street. This stately private house was the home of von Scholten, the Danish ruler who issued the famous proclamation of emancipation in 1848.

Frederik Church Parsonage – Located next to the Government House, dating from 1725, is one of the oldest houses on the island. It's the only structure in the Government Hill district to retain its simple 18th century lines. (Charlotte Amalie)

Market Square - Officially known as Rothschild Francis Square. This was the center of a large slave-trading market before the 1848 emancipation. Today it's an open-air fruit and vegetable market, selling, among other items, genips (to eat one, break open the skin and suck the pulp off a pit). The wrought-iron roof covered a railway station at the turn of the century. The market is open Monday through Saturday, its busiest day.

Dronningens Gade House - The Father of the Impressionists, Camille Pissarro, was born on St Thomas in 1830. Though he spent most of his life in Paris he's still thought of fondly as a native son. The Dronningens Gade house where he was born is open to the public.

Nature & Wildlife in the US Virgin Islands:

Coral World Marine Park and Underwater Observatory - A marine complex that features a three-story underwater observation tower 100 feet offshore. It's a 20-minute drive from Charlotte Amalie off Route 38. Inside, you'll see sponges, fish, coral, and other aquatic creatures in their natural state through picture windows. (Coki Point, St. Thomas)

Marine Gardens Aquarium - Part of Coral World Marine Park, saltwater tanks display everything from sea horses to sea urchins. An 80,000-gallon reef tank features exotic marine life of the Caribbean; another tank is devoted to sea predators, with circling sharks and giant moray eels. Activities include daily fish and shark feedings and exotic bird shows. The latest addition to the park is a semi submarine that lets you enjoy the panoramic view and the "down under" feeling of a submarine without truly submerging.

Coral World's guests can take advantage of adjacent Coki Beach for snorkel rental, scuba lessons, or swimming and relaxing. Lockers and showers are available. Also included in the marine park are the Tropical Terrace Restaurant, duty-free shops, and a nature trail.

Estate St. Peter Greathouse Botanical Gardens - This complex consists of 11 acres set at the foot of volcanic peaks on the northern rim of the island of St. Thomas. They are laced with self-guided nature walks that will acquaint you with some 200 varieties of West Indian plants and trees, including an umbrella plant from Madagascar. From a panoramic deck in the gardens you can see some cays of the Virgin Islands, including Hans Lollick, an uninhabited island between Thatched Cay and Madahl Point. The house is filled with a display of local works of art. (At the corner of Route 40, 6A St. Peter Mountain Rd. and Barrett Hill Road, St. Thomas)

US Virgin Islands Beaches:

Magen’s Beach - Magen's Bay Beach is said by National Geographic Magazine to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Calm waters protected by two peninsulas lap a half-mile long crescent of white sand. This is "the" place for sunning and swimming on St. Thomas, and the facilities include an outdoor bar, bath house, snack bar and nature trail.

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