St Thomas, US Virgin Islands Travel

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Growing up, the US Virgin Islands were our annual family vacation spot. I dreamed about growing up and being able to explore it on my own. A few years ago, that dream came true!

Since then, I’ve visited St Thomas over and over again. Each time I fall in love with another area, another beach, another restaurant. The locals are some of the kindest I’ve met in the Caribbean.

Each time I go, I feel more and more at home than before. I’m so grateful to be able to share my St Thomas travel stories and tips with you. Hopefully, you will find the same love and beauty in the island as I do.

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Free things to do in St Thomas: Charlotte Amalie Overlook

Where is St Thomas?

St. Thomas is one of the main islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands, located in the Caribbean Sea. Specifically, St. Thomas is situated to the east of Puerto Rico. The capital and largest city of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie, is located on St. Thomas.

US Virgin Islands are an unincorporated territory of the United States and consist of three main islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, along with several smaller islands and cays.

Map of St Thomas US Virgin Islands

How to Get to St Thomas USVI

By Air:
- Commercial Flights: The Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas is the main airport serving the island. You can book a flight to St. Thomas from various major U.S. cities and other international destinations. Many airlines operate regular flights to the Cyril E. King Airport. You’ll also fly through STT to get to St John or St Croix.
- Connecting Flights: If there are no direct flights from your location, you may need to take a connecting flight through a major U.S. hub such as Miami, Atlanta, or San Juan, Puerto Rico.
By Sea:
- Cruise Ships: St. Thomas is a popular port of call for cruise ships. You can arrive in St. Thomas by booking a cruise that includes a stop on the island.
- Ferries: If you’re traveling from nearby islands, you can take a ferry to St. Thomas. Regular ferry services operate from St. John and Tortola (British Virgin Islands).
- Private Yacht or Sailboat: If you have access to a private boat, you can sail to St. Thomas and dock at one of the island’s marinas. In fact, the Virgin Islands are one of the most popular areas in the Caribbean for sailing!

Where to Stay in St Thomas

East End and Red Hook are popular for beach lovers. This is also conveniently located near the ferry port to St John. Along with great beach resorts, you’ll also find open-air bars and restaurants here. This is my favorite place to stay!

Southside: The Southside is much quieter than East End. Fewer tourists and cruise ship passengers make their way here. The few beach resorts in Southside are among the priciest on the island. You’re paying for seclusion and some beautiful beaches nearby.

Northside is villas and residents. Very few tourists in this area. Popular for luxury rentals with pools and even private chefs. Magen’s Bay is on this side of the island – one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

Charlotte Amalie is a bang for your buck with culture and convenience in the USVI’s capital city. You won’t find resorts here; you’ll find boutique hotels and local rental spots. It’s centrally located – an easy drive to the history sites, shopping, beaches, and hikes around the island.