St. Thomas: A Shore Thing
- Apr 13
- 7 min read
Updated: 14 minutes ago
St. Thomas is like the ultimate smoothie of sun, sand, and adventure, blended to perfection for those looking to escape reality island-style. Whether you're dreaming of lazy beach naps, adrenaline-pumping water sports, or diving into the colorful local culture, this Caribbean gem has got you covered. Not Lost's three-day itinerary is your ticket to the best of St. Thomas, with Emerald Beach Resort as your home base. Picture this: one day you're jet skiing like a boss, the next you're time-traveling on historic tours. Each day is a new episode of "Wow, This Island is Amazing!" showcasing its natural beauty and lively vibe.
Why Emerald Beach Resort?
Typically, when I share recommendations, I provide a link with various accommodation options. While I will list additional choices at the bottom, if this is your first visit to St. Thomas, I highly recommend the convenience of staying here.
The Emerald Beach Resort is the only 100% beachfront hotel located on Lindbergh Bay. This resort offers immediate access to pristine white sands and calm, clear waters. It is favored for its close proximity to the airport (just 0.6 miles away) and its intimate, relaxed atmosphere. Guests can enjoy ocean view balconies, onsite dining, and snorkeling opportunities. Not only are you right on the beach, but the resort also features a main onsite restaurant and watersports rentals. Additionally, it serves as one of the primary pick-up spots for visiting the floating taco bar, which we will
discuss in more detail later. For your convenience, the resort offers free parking for all guests, along with an onsite taxi stand for easy island travel. If you prefer not to swim in the ocean, you can take advantage of the amazing pool. So if your on a limited budget and can spend a lot on tours exploring etc. you'll
still find all of it at The Emerald Beach Resort.
Day 1: Beach Day at Emerald Beach
Let's kick off our adventure by unwinding for a day before diving into all the exciting activities ahead. Start your trip with a relaxing day at Emerald Beach, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and soft, inviting sand. Begin your morning with breakfast at Emerald Cafe, which offers a delightful selection of morning drinks, featuring coffee, tea, and smoothies, accompanied by a variety of breakfast options. The cafe opens daily at 6 AM, making it the perfect spot to fuel up for your day. After breakfast, spend the morning basking in the sun on the resort’s private beach.
Fortunately, we've got a Water Action VI shop right on the beach, where you can snag a single kayak for just $25 for a half-hour paddle—perfect for exploring the bay. If kayaking isn't your thing, there's a smorgasbord of water sports activities to make sure you leave with a splash.
After your thrilling paddling excursion, you'll probably be quite hungry. Let's take an 8-minute stroll to Taco Taxi. For just $30, they will take you to the distinctive floating taco spot in the bay, Lime Out. Enjoy a brief, picturesque ride across the water and spend two hours at Lime Out, where you can bask in the sun, savor delicious tacos, and sip refreshing cocktails before returning. Remember to book in advance to ensure your spot.
Calypso Watersports is located in The Emerald Beach area, ready to amp up your day with their thrilling rental options! Option One: Dive into luxury with the chic Floating Cabana, yours for a two-hour rental at just $120. It's like having your very own VIP lounge floating on the water! And don't miss Option Two: The incredible Kymera Body Board, a sleek, electric-powered watercraft that lets you glide effortlessly across the waves. Whether you're after a laid-back afternoon or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, both options guarantee an unforgettable experience!
For dinner, let’s make our way over to one of the delightful restaurants located on the property, known as Caribbean Fusion. This charming eatery offers a casual and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring. The restaurant boasts a stunning view, with large windows that overlook the sparkling waters of the ocean, providing diners with breathtaking vistas that change with the setting sun. The sight of the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a golden glow across the waves, creates a magical backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience.
Day 2: St. Thomas Island Tour
You have the option to enjoy a quick breakfast at the resort, featuring pastries, tropical fruits, and coffee, or wait to explore the local culinary scene downtown. Downtown Charlotte Amalie offers unique local dishes. Head to downtown Charlotte Amalie for a self-guided walking tour filled with the island's vibrant history. The 17-minute journey, by taxi or rental car, offers scenic views of lush landscapes and sparkling waters. Upon arrival, you'll find a mix of colonial architecture, shops, art galleries, and restaurants. During the tour, visit historical landmarks, explore market stalls with local crafts and souvenirs, immersing yourself in the island's culture.
After spending time exploring the shops and historic sites let's get some lunch at Gladys' Cafe offering authentic Caribbean cuisine for $15 to $25. Charlotte Amalie, perfect for picking up souvenirs and learning more about the island’s culture.
After lunch, let's embark on an exciting journey up to Drake's Seat! Named after the legendary Sir Francis Drake, who once scanned the horizon for enemy ships from this very spot, Drake’s Seat offers a breathtaking view that is the crown jewel of this attraction. The lookout itself may be simple in design, but it’s truly special. On one side of the road, there's a convenient roadside pullover with about a dozen parking spaces, and on the other side, you’ll find the iconic green (formerly red) bench.
We'll take a quick drive to the Charlotte Amalie Overlook where you can catch some amazing views of downtown and the harbor. You'll spot the cruise ships at the port, along with Frenchtown, Water Island, and Hassel Island. If the weather's super clear, you might even see St. Croix way off on the southern horizon. And on those exceptionally clear days, Vieques near Puerto Rico comes into view too.
Head back to Emerald Beach Resort to kick back, relax, and soak up some sun before embarking on a forty-minute adventure across the island. Your destination? None other than Duffy's Love Shack, the legendary open-air bar and restaurant that's smack dab in the middle of a shopping center parking lot in Red Hook. Known as the "coolest parking lot bar in the Caribbean," it's been the life of the island's party since 1995. And the best part? You can enjoy this epic experience with meals that won't break the bank, ranging from just $20 to $30.
Day 3: Magen's Bay
Begin your day with breakfast at one of the main resort restaurants, savoring those familiar tastes. Get an early start and head to the other side of the island to Magen's Bay Beach, a world-renowned, heart-shaped bay celebrated for its nearly mile-long stretch of soft white sand and tranquil, turquoise waters. This is one of the island's most popular beaches, with an admission fee of $7.
Get ready for an exhilarating 2-hour adventure where you'll swim with sea turtles, snorkel over vibrant underwater worlds, and fully immerse yourself in their natural habitat! St. Thomas Adventure Tours offers knowledgeable guides who will provide an engaging orientation on turtles and their fascinating habitat. You'll create unforgettable memories, making the $89 investment a truly meaningful experience.
Indulge in a quick bite at The Beach Bar, where you can enjoy relaxed dining without straining your budget—prices range from $10 to $20. Afterward, embark on a scenic 20-minute drive to the Skyride at Paradise Point. Once there, prepare for a thrilling 10-minute ride that transports you from the harbor to the summit, offering just enough time to perfect your selfie skills. Make sure to check the Skyride's schedule to avoid missing the gondola. Tickets are $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for kids, so plan accordingly. At the top, unwind with their renowned Baileys Bushwhacker or Banana Daquiri at the Skyride Bar while taking in breathtaking panoramic views of the island.
Before dinner, you've got a choice: kick back and relax or channel your inner explorer for more sightseeing. When hunger calls, let's hit up The Greenhouse Restaurant and Bar. This lively, family-friendly joint by the water is the harbor's hotspot. With a laid-back vibe and the "biggest menu on the island," it serves up a delicious mashup of American and Caribbean dishes, all with a side of stunning bay views.
Things to Know Before You Visit:
Airport Tips: Mostly Departure Tricks
***If you're flying in, don't miss the free Cruzan rum samples before you hit baggage claim***
The terminal's tiny and gets super crowded, with not much seating. Make sure to get there 3 hours before your flight.
No Jet Bridges: You'll be walking on the tarmac and using stairs to board the plane.
Customs First, Then Check-in: You have to go through US Customs and Agriculture inspection before you get to your airline counter.
St Thomas is like that cool cousin in the US Virgin Islands family—you don't need a passport to visit, and your trusty US dollars are welcome everywhere. Plus, everyone speaks English, so no need to dust off your pirate accent!
Shoulder Season (May–June, November): It's the sweet spot with delightful weather, fewer tourists to photobomb your selfies, and hotel rates that won't make your wallet cry. Ideal for budget travelers who want to soak up the sun without soaking their bank accounts!
When renting a car in this neck of the woods, remember you're now in the land of left-side driving—where everything you know is flipped like a pancake!
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