Dream escape: St. Thomas
Floating in the azure Caribbean Sea just east of Puerto Rico is the breathtaking and tranquil island of St. Thomas. This 32-squaremile paradise (the second largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands) is home to lush landscapes, a dozen sun-kissed beaches, duty-free shopping and beautiful 18th-century architecture. And with its refreshing waters and perfect temperatures year-round, it’s the ideal place for a relaxing respite.
Start your getaway by soaking up the sun on the popular Sapphire Beach. “One of the best beaches on the island, and you have all the amenities you need for a memorable day,” says a reviewer from Texas. “There’s a large beach bar serving tasty snacks and drinks, a rental shop for water sports, chair rentals, a store for small needs like sunscreen, and live music right on the sand most days. I promise you’ll never get bored here!”
To see what wonders await you beneath the water’s surface, head to Lindquist Beach for a snorkeling adventure. Says a reviewer from Ohio, “Every time we go there, we swim with the sea turtles!”
After toweling off, learn about the island’s dramatic history with a visit to the Pirates Treasure Museum ($16 per person). “Many interesting artifacts from shipwrecks in local waters, and upstairs there were a number of interactive exhibits,” says Andrew H on TripAdvisor.com. “The icing on the cake was our guide, ‘Captain Jack Sparrow,’ who shared more neat facts.”
End your day with a drive to the top of St. Peter Mountain, where you can shop for local souvenirs and handmade goods, sip on tasty refreshments like the famous banana daiquiri and admire the view as you take in the colorful Caribbean sunset.
Great day trip:
Water Island
Hop on a ferry ($10 round trip) for the quick ride to the stunning Water Island. Once there, rent a bicycle or golf cart to explore the island (there is no public transportation available). Pay a visit to the underground Fort Segarra, explore crumbled plantation ruins, relax on picturesque Honeymoon Beach or try tasty treats at Heidi’s Honeymoon Grill.
Don’t miss: Coral World Ocean Park
Get to know the fascinating local wildlife that calls St. Thomas home with a visit to Coral World Ocean Park ($20 per adult). As you explore the park’s 5 acres, you’ll see everything from iguanas and turtles to stingrays and starfish.