7 Days in the St. Thomas Virgin Islands: Your Ultimate Guide to Island Hopping

St. Thomas Virgin Islands is a name that usually sits right at the top of everyone’s list. We have a first-hand hotel review coming out very shortly to give you the real scoop on where to stay. In the meantime, we wanted to dive into what makes this place so special—specifically the fun facts of St. Thomas Virgin Islands and why it’s the perfect jumping-off point for a trip into the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

This corner of the world is unique because it’s split into two distinct vibes: the lively, bustling energy of the U.S. side and the serene, “salt-in-your-hair” magic of the British side. The best part? They are so close together that you don’t really have to choose just one. You can wake up in the shadow of a mountain in St. Thomas and be sipping a drink at a BVI beach bar by lunch.

The Best of St. Thomas: Shopping, Views, and Shorelines

St. Thomas is often called “Rock City” because of its jagged, emerald-green peaks. It’s where you go when you want a little bit of everything—great food, deep history, and beaches that look like they’ve been photoshopped.

Why you’ll love it:

Magens Bay: This is the island’s crown jewel. It’s a heart-shaped bay with water so calm it feels like a giant swimming pool. It’s the perfect spot to float the day away without a care in the world.
The Views from Mountain Top: For that “wow” moment, head to the highest point on the island. You can see over 15 different islands from the observation deck while holding a world-famous banana daiquiri.
Downtown Charlotte Amalie: Walking through the capital feels like a step back in time. You’ve got the bright red walls of Fort Christian (the oldest standing structure in the USVI) and the iconic 99 Steps, which were actually made of bricks that came over as ballast on Danish ships.

The BVI Vibe: Sailing and Seclusion

Just a short boat ride away, the British Virgin Islands offer a completely different pace. If St. Thomas is the party, the BVI is the after-hours lounge where everyone is barefoot. It’s a group of about 60 islands, and most of them are untouched.

Why you’ll love it:

The Baths at Virgin Gorda: This is bucket-list territory. Massive granite boulders form secret grottoes and tide pools along the beach. Treading through the narrow paths between the rocks to find a hidden swimming hole is an experience you won’t forget.
Jost Van Dyke: This tiny island is home to the famous Soggy Dollar Bar. Fun fact: it’s called that because there’s no dock—you have to swim from your boat to the shore, so your money usually gets a little wet!
Anegada’s Lobster: While most of the islands are volcanic and hilly, Anegada is flat and made of coral. It’s famous for its shipwreck-filled reefs and the best Caribbean lobster you’ll ever taste.

Fun Facts to Share at Dinner

Left-Side Driving: Even though St. Thomas is a U.S. territory, they still drive on the left side of the road. It’s the only place in the United States where this happens! It’s a holdover from the old Danish laws, but most of the cars are American-made with the steering wheel on the left, which makes for a fun challenge.
Two Oceans for the Price of One: The USVI is the only U.S. territory to be bordered by both the Atlantic Ocean (on the north) and the Caribbean Sea (on the south). You can literally see both from the same hilltop.
Sand-Floored History: St. Thomas is home to the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. Interestingly, it has sand floors—a tradition meant to symbolize the Israelites trekking through the desert.
Pirate Playground: These islands were once the playground of Blackbeard and Sir Francis Drake. Legend has it that Blackbeard used his tower in St. Thomas to spot incoming ships to plunder.

Why They Work Together

The real pro-tip for this destination is using St. Thomas as your home base. It has the big airport and the convenience, but it also has the best ferry and charter boat connections to the BVI. You get the luxury of a high-end resort and the adventure of exploring uninhabited cays all in one trip.

Whether you’re hiking the trails of St. John (just a 20-minute ferry ride away), shopping for duty-free treasures in Charlotte Amalie, or snorkeling the crystal-clear reefs of Norman Island, you’re never more than a boat ride away from something new.

Coming Soon: Our Full Hotel Review!

We know that where you stay can make or break a trip. Keep an eye out for our next few posts, we’ll drop a full, honest hotel review. We’ll be sharing everything from the room views to the breakfast spread. In the meantime, check out these videos below to get a real feel for the island life!

Here’s a 7-day plan that hits the highlights of St. Thomas Virgin Islands and gives you a taste of the British side. It’s designed to be easy-going, with plenty of time for both adventure and total relaxation.

Day 1: Land and Settle in “Rock City”

After landing at Cyril E. King Airport, grab your bags and head to your hotel. Since you’ll likely be hungry, find a spot for some “fish and fungi”—a local staple. Spend your first afternoon at Lindbergh Bay, which is right near the airport and perfect for a quick dip to wash off the travel day.

Day 2: The Classics of St. Thomas

Start your morning early at Magens Bay. It’s the island’s most famous beach for a reason—the water is dead calm and crystal clear. Around midday, drive up to Mountain Top to grab a banana daiquiri and soak in the view of all the surrounding islands. End the day in Charlotte Amalie for some duty-free shopping and a walk up the 99 Steps.

Day 3: A Quick Hop to St. John

Even though you’re staying on St. Thomas, you’d be missing out if you didn’t take the 20-minute ferry to St. John. Most of this island is a National Park. Spend your day at Trunk Bay, where there’s an underwater snorkeling trail that identifies the fish and coral you’re seeing. Head back to Red Hook on St. Thomas for dinner.

Day 4: Cross the Border to the BVI (Passport Required!)

This is your big “International” day. Book a boat charter or take the ferry to Virgin Gorda. You’ll spend the morning crawling through the massive boulders at The Baths. In the afternoon, head over to Jost Van Dyke to visit the Soggy Dollar Bar. Remember, you have to swim to the beach here, so bring a waterproof bag!

Day 5: Water Island Adventures

Take the small “shuttle” ferry from Crown Bay to Water Island, the smallest of the USVIs. Rent a golf cart (the only way to get around!) and spend the day at Honeymoon Beach. It’s much quieter than Magens Bay and has a very local, laid-back feel. Keep an eye out for sea turtles while you snorkel.

Day 6: East End Exploring

Head to the East End of St. Thomas. Start at Coki Point Beach for some of the best shore-snorkeling on the island. If you have kids (or are just a fan of sea life), Coral World Ocean Park is right next door. Later, grab a sunset dinner at a waterfront restaurant in Red Hook.

Day 7: One Last Dip and Souvenirs

Spend your last morning at Sapphire Beach—the views of St. John from the shore are incredible. Do some last-minute gift shopping at the Yacht Haven Grande before heading to the airport.

Until next time, love your travels xoxo ✨✈️

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