St. Thomas Travel Guide: Top Things to Do, History, Beaches, and Must-See Attractions

St. Thomas is a Caribbean island with a rich history and a strong connection to the sea. In the eighteenth century, it was a hideout for pirates, a legacy that lives on at places like Blackbeard’s Castle. Today, the island combines its past with a laid-back coastal vibe, letting visitors enjoy sandy beaches, historic streets, and scenic waterfronts. Magen’s Bay is known as one of the region’s most beautiful beaches and is linked to the invention of the banana daiquiri. Hull Bay, on the other hand, is a great spot for surfing or simply relaxing in nature.

Major City: Charlotte Amalie

Charlotte Amalie is the main city on St. Thomas and serves as the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Locals often call it “town,” while the rest of the island is known as “country.” Even though it’s not large, Charlotte Amalie stands out for its beautiful harbor and Danish colonial buildings. Its walkable streets, historic sites, and waterfront make it a popular spot for visitors.

Transportation and Access

You can reach St. Thomas by air or sea. The main airport, Cyril E. King Airport, offers direct and connecting flights from the U.S. mainland, often through San Juan, Puerto Rico. Charlotte Amalie is also a busy cruise port, welcoming ships from cities like Miami, New York, Norfolk, and San Juan.

We noticed Delta, American, and JetBlue planes flying in.

We cruised on Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas, and this was our first port of call. We arrived at 8:30 am and stayed until 5:00 pm.

Cultural and Historical Meaning

St. Thomas is the birthplace of Camille Pissarro, a key figure in the Impressionist movement. Visitors can explore places linked to his early years, which adds a cultural layer to the island’s history.

Notable Activities and Sites

Charlotte Amalie has many experiences rooted in history. You can stroll along narrow, cobbled streets filled with shops and local vendors, or visit Fort Christian, a seventeenth-century fortress from the island’s colonial days. The nearby 99 Steps, made from bricks brought over from Denmark, lead up to viewpoints like Government Hill.

Frenchtown was founded by French-Caribbean immigrants in the nineteenth century and is still a lively fishing community where you can buy fresh seafood straight from the boats. On the east side of the island, Red Hook is a quieter village and a starting point for fishing, snorkeling, and diving trips.

Visiting Blackbeard’s Castle gives you a mix of history, culture, and sweeping views. Set on one of the island’s highest spots, it was first used as a lookout by Danish soldiers. Local stories also link it to the pirate Blackbeard, who sailed these waters.

Additional Facts

St. Thomas has one of the oldest synagogues in U.S. territory, highlighting its deep and diverse cultural roots. The island’s unique “safari” taxis, open-air vehicles with bench seats, make it easy to get around between places like Crown Bay and Charlotte Amalie and to the Royal Caribbean cruise port for six bucks, but they only take cash, we found out the hard way. Its history, culture, and natural beauty all help make St. Thomas a favorite spot for both culture and recreation.

Population

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, St. Thomas has a population of 42,261. The island is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and this figure represents a decrease from the 51,634 residents counted in 2010, reflecting an 18.2% decline in population, similar to trends in St. Croix. St. Thomas makes up about 48% of the total USVI population.

Key 2020 Census Findings for St. Thomas/USVI

Demographics: The population is predominantly Black or African American (71.4%), with 16.6% White and 7.5% multiracial.
Median Age: The median age in the USVI has risen to 45.9 years (as of 2020).
Housing & Economy: The median household income in the territory was $40,408, with a 24.3% poverty rate for Black or African American households.
Technology: There has been a significant increase in technology adoption, with 91.1% of households having a smartphone, tablet, or computer, and 79.2% having broadband access.
Workforce: The civilian labor force in the territory saw 90.3% employment, with an unemployment rate of 9.7%.
The USVI saw an 18% decline in population, from 106,405 in 2010 to 87,146. St. John saw a smaller decline (6.9%) compared to St. Thomas (-18.2%) and St. Croix.