Morning/Afternoon

After landing at Cyril E. King Airport, collect your bags and step into the balmy Caribbean air. Transportation is easy: Hop in a taxi or shuttle for the scenic drive east to the resort, less than a half hour away.

Now you’re officially on island time. Depending on how you slice it, you can either turn up the volume and get the party started at the resort or dial it down and move at a sea snail’s pace. Give the latter a go, and after getting settled in your suite, stop by the resort’s 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar to raise a glass to the start of an unforgettable adventure. Not quite ready for a drink just yet? Fuel up at the Margaritaville Restaurant and enjoy every bite of a juicy cheeseburger in paradise.

After you’ve had a bit to settle in, change into your swimsuit and wander over to Coki Point Beach, just next door to the resort. It’s a short walk or resort shuttle ride away. Coki Beach is an unforgettable introduction to St. Thomas’ beauty, with white sand, crystal-clear water, and tropical fish darting through the gentle currents. It’s a snorkeler’s dream. You can wade right in and start spotting colorful marine life in the coral reefs just offshore. Spend an hour floating in the small waves, drifting deeper into vacation mode.

Evening

As the sun starts to set on your first day, you might feel called to venture out. A short taxi ride takes you to Red Hook, a nearby marina village on the East End. There, you’ll find casual eateries and bars that are popular with both travelers and residents. Pop into Duffy’s Love Shack, a legendary tiki bar known as “the best parking lot bar in the world.” Silly as it sounds, it’s a St. Thomas must-see, and after you’ve explored their menu, it’s easy to see why. 

Generous portions of dishes like wings, Jamaican jerk nachos, and overstuffed tacos pair perfectly with award-winning drinks, such as their refreshing signature rum drink, Lime in Dee Coconut, served in a fresh-hulled coconut. Keep the party going once you get back by mixing up your own creations with a Frozen Concoction Maker in your suite, then get some well-deserved shuteye.

Morning

After you rise and shine from a restful sleep, start your second day with some sightseeing in the island’s historic capital, Charlotte Amalie. It’s about a 20-minute taxi or drive from the resort to the west, and once there, grab a quick bite at Glady’s Cafe before making your way through the charming streets of this former Danish port city. 

Move onto Main Street, the shopping epicenter of St. Thomas. If you’re thinking about bringing home some souvenirs, this is the spot, with duty-free shops, jewelry stores, and boutiques housed in Colonial-era buildings.

You’ll find everything from diamonds and Swiss watches to local handcrafted gifts. And if you’re looking for something uniquely local, swing by Vendor’s Plaza near the waterfront, where island artisans sell crafts, spices, and bright tropical apparel in an open-air market. You could spend hours wandering along the colorful architecture and cobblestone alleys. 

History buffs will want to visit Fort Christian, the vivid red Danish fort that dates to the 1600s and holds the title of the oldest standing structure in the USVI. The fort, now a museum, gives a glimpse into the island’s past. Check if it’s open for a self-guided tour to see artifacts and old dungeon cells. 

Nearby, you can also check out the 99 Steps, an iconic staircase of old bricks. If it’s open, climb these historic steps, shaded by flowering bougainvillea, to reach Blackbeard’s Castle, an old stone watchtower on a hill. Although the tower is currently closed to public entry, it’s still a great landmark for photos, and the climb leads you to panoramic views over Charlotte Amalie’s harbor. By now, you’ll have soaked up a blend of culture, history, and shopping.

Afternoon

Once you’ve spent some time in the city and the sun starts to climb high in the sky, that’s your signal to unwind with an afternoon of pure beach bliss. Head north over the hills to Magens Bay, the most famous beach on St. Thomas. It’s a picture-postcard paradise that greets you with a mile-long stretch of soft white sand curving around a gentle, heart-shaped bay with calm, turquoise waters. 

The bay’s natural cove setting means the water is usually serenely flat, and without any big waves, you can float and swim without a care in the world. If your vibe is more thrill than chill, rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the bay or take a short hike on the nature trail at the far end of the beach for a quiet escape. 

You can snorkel, but Magens isn’t known for reefs. Still, you might spot small fish near the rocky edges. Often, though, the best plan here is nothing at all. Find a spot under a sea grape tree or rent a beach chair, then kick back and relax with your toes in the sand.

Grab lunch right on the beach at Magen’s Point Bar and Grill and try a fresh fish sandwich with a painkiller, a local rum cocktail with pineapple and coconut. If you arrive in the early afternoon, you can enjoy the sun and surf before the big wave of crowds starts to hog your shade.

Evening

Tonight, embrace the flavors of St. Thomas with a special dinner out. After you’ve cleaned off the sand and salt, go for a taste of local grub and atmosphere in Red Hook. XO Bistro won’t disappoint with its mix of upscale and island casual menu of Caribbean-inspired dishes like coconut curry mussels or a grilled steak wrap with goat cheese and roasted red peppers. If you’re a seafood lover, definitely ask about the catch of the day, and if you’re a wine lover, you’ll appreciate their selection. 

After dinner, take a walk around Red Hook. The area comes alive at night, with music pouring from pubs and locals mingling with visitors. Make an appearance at Island Time Pub for a nightcap, or drift over to the marina docks to admire the boats bobbing under moonlight.

Morning

It may be your last day in paradise, but there’s still time for one more adventure before you wave goodbye. Grab a coffee and a pastry at the on-site cafe before starting your day with a journey to one of St. Thomas’s most breathtaking viewpoints for a panoramic photo-op. Two iconic spots come to mind: Paradise Point and Drake’s Seat.

Head back toward Charlotte Amalie to catch the Skyride to Paradise Point, a scenic aerial tram that carries you 700 feet up to a hilltop lookout. The Skyride opens by late morning on most days, and it’s a fun experience in itself with a gondola ride with sweeping views of the harbor as you ascend. In under 10 minutes, you’ll reach Paradise Point. You’ll get a whole new perspective on Charlotte Amalie with views for days of the cruise ship harbor, and even farther islands on a clear day.

At the top, step out to enjoy the observation decks and have your camera ready. This is the moment to get a Caribbean panorama of red-roofed town, turquoise sea, and green hills. While up there, order Paradise Point’s famous signature drink: the Bailey’s Bushwacker, a creamy chocolate-coconut rum cocktail that’s legendary among visitors.

Drake’s Seat is another famous lookout on the north side hills. This spot is named after Sir Francis Drake and along with views of Magens Bay, you can see right where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea with swirling blends of blue.

Afternoon/Evening

If you haven’t seen a glimmer of sea life, Coral World Ocean Park lets you get up close to sea turtles, sting rays, and even meet sharks or sea lions. Even a quick visit of an hour or two can make for a memorable afternoon.

For a more low-key cultural stop, visit the Fruit & Veggie Market that sometimes pops up in Red Hook. If it’s a weekend, vendors might be selling fresh coconut water, local pastries, or handmade crafts. Soon it’ll be that time to treat yourself to one more meal before you head out. Grab a quick bite at Tap & Still in Red Hook, famous for its pub-style smash burgers and craft beers. 

Or, if you’re craving something truly local, seek out a plate of roti, an island curry wrap, or some spicy jerk chicken from a roadside stand. Don’t forget to grab any final souvenirs: maybe some local hot sauce, a bag of Virgin Islands coffee, or the famed Caribbean rum.

A little prep will go a long way toward making the most of the good times you’re set to have on St. Thomas. Before you kick back, keep these travel tips in mind.

1. Don’t forget the docs. Because St. Thomas is a U.S. territory, travel here is relatively easy for Americans. No passport is needed for U.S. citizens entering from the mainland, just carry a government-issued photo ID, like a Real ID driver’s license. Head’s up, you will clear a customs checkpoint when leaving St. Thomas back to the mainland, so make sure to have proof of citizenship handy, like a passport, birth certificate, or enhanced ID, to show officials.
2. The currency situation. Most businesses accept credit cards, though it’s a smart move to have some cash on hand for small vendors, taxis, and tips. Plus, those open-air bar stands selling fresh coconut water.
3. No translation needed. English is the official language and is widely spoken. You might hear the lilting local Creole or Spanish in some communities, but you won’t face any language barriers with English. Just enjoy the island dialect and maybe pick up a few local sayings, like “good day” or “irie.”
4. The forecast is always looking good. St. Thomas is warm year-round, averaging 77-82°F, so pack light clothing, bring sunscreen, and stay hydrated — the ice in your margarita doesn’t count.
5. No worries. The USVI are generally safe for tourists, especially in resort areas, but use common sense. Keep an eye on your belongings at the beach, avoid isolated places at night, and follow any safety guidance from your resort, such as alerts on swimming conditions.

Getting Around

There are are no ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft, but you have options like taxis and rental cars. Taxis are plentiful at the airport and popular sites. Just remember that taxis charge a set rate per person by zone. This can add up, but the upside is you don’t have to drive on unfamiliar roads. If you do rent a car, remember to drive on the left side of the road, even though the cars have steering wheels on the left, too!

Another fun option: safari buses. These are open-air trucks converted into multi-row taxis that local commuters use. They run along set routes, mainly east-west from town to Red Hook, and cost just a few dollars. It’s a cheap way to experience local life if you’re up for it, though routes can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

You’re in paradise, what’s not to love? Margaritaville Vacation Club - St. Thomas is an escape within an escape, sitting on a cove fringed with palm trees. You’ll have ocean views all around, but if you want to cool off minus the salt, take a dip at one of two pools. Find the main pool near the beachfront, just follow the music to the lively atmosphere complete with a swim-up bar. The second hilltop pool has a sleek infinity edge that meets panoramic views of the ocean and nearby islands.