St. Thomas is one of the Caribbean’s most popular and convenient cruise ports, offering a perfect blend of world‑class beaches, scenic viewpoints, easy transportation, and a wide range of excursions that fit every type of traveler. Whether you want a relaxing beach day, a bit of shopping, a scenic island tour, or a quick ferry ride to nearby St. John, St. Thomas makes it incredibly simple to customize your day. With so many attractions close to the port and plenty of options for both DIY and guided experiences, it’s a favorite stop for cruisers who want beauty, variety, and ease all in one place.

If you’re deciding how to spend your port day, these top things to do in St. Thomas are a great place to start.

1. Magens Bay Beach

Magens Bay is one of the most iconic beaches in the Caribbean. The calm turquoise water and soft white sand make it perfect for swimming and relaxing. The bay is protected, so the water stays smooth and easy for families or anyone who wants a simple beach day. You’ll find restrooms, chair rentals, food stands, and shaded areas, which makes it one of the most convenient beaches for cruisers. It can get busy on peak cruise days, but the beauty of the bay always stands out. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy the scenery, Magens Bay delivers a classic Caribbean experience. You can read the full Magens Bay Beach guide here.

2. Sapphire Beach

Sapphire Beach is a beautiful spot with clear water, soft sand, and steady breezes that keep the beach comfortable. Snorkeling is excellent here, with coral and fish close to shore, so you don’t need a tour to see marine life. The beach has chair rentals, restrooms, and food options, which makes it easy for cruisers to spend a full day. Views of St. John and nearby cays give the beach a postcard feel, and the open shoreline makes it great for photos. Sapphire has a lively but relaxed atmosphere, so it works well for couples, families, or anyone who wants a scenic beach without heavy crowds. You can read the full Sapphire Beach guide here.

3. Coki Beach & Coral World Ocean Park

Coki Beach is known for its clear water and excellent from‑shore snorkeling. Fish gather close to the rocks, so you can see plenty of marine life without going far. The beach has a lively vibe with music, food vendors, and chair rentals. Right next door is Coral World Ocean Park, where you can explore marine exhibits or book interactive experiences like sea lion encounters. This area is great for families or cruisers who want a mix of beach time and activities. You can spend the morning snorkeling and the afternoon exploring Coral World, all in one easy location. You can read the full Coki Beach & Coral World guide here.

4. Mountain Top

Mountain Top is one of the best viewpoints in St. Thomas. From the deck, you can see Magens Bay, the surrounding hills, and even the British Virgin Islands on a clear day. The overlook sits inside a large shopping area, so it’s an easy stop on any island tour. Visitors often try the famous banana daiquiri, which originated here. The views are the main draw, and they make this a great spot for photos. Mountain Top pairs well with other attractions like Drake’s Seat or Magens Bay, and it’s a quick stop that adds a scenic highlight to your day. You can read the full Mountain Top guide here.

5. Drake’s Seat

Drake’s Seat is a small overlook with one of the best views of Magens Bay. It’s a quick stop, but the scenery is stunning. You’ll see rolling hills, bright blue water, and a perfect angle for photos. The spot is tied to local legend, as it’s said Sir Francis Drake once watched for ships from this hill. Because it’s easy to reach, many island tours include it, and taxis often stop here on the way to Magens Bay. It’s not a long visit, but it’s a classic St. Thomas viewpoint that gives you a beautiful look at the island. You can read the full Drake’s Seat guide here.

6. Charlotte Amalie Historic District

Charlotte Amalie blends Caribbean charm with Danish history. The town has colorful buildings, narrow alleyways, and historic sites like Fort Christian and the 99 Steps. It’s also one of the best places in the Caribbean for duty‑free shopping, with jewelry stores, boutiques, and local vendors along the waterfront. The area is walkable and lively, which makes it a great option for cruisers who want to explore without going far from the port. You can shop, take photos, or enjoy a relaxed stroll through the historic streets. Charlotte Amalie offers a nice mix of culture, history, and convenience. You can read the full Charlotte Amalie Historic District guide here.

7. Skyride to Paradise Point

The Skyride to Paradise Point is a fun way to see St. Thomas from above. The gondola takes you up the hillside to a viewpoint overlooking the harbor and cruise ships. At the top, you’ll find shops, drinks, and plenty of space to enjoy the scenery. Many visitors try the famous Bushwacker cocktail while taking in the view. The ride is smooth and easy, which makes it a good choice for families or anyone who wants a simple activity with great photo opportunities. Paradise Point is especially pretty when multiple ships are in port. You can read the full Skyride to Paradise Point guide here.

8. Day Trip to St. John

A day trip to St. John is one of the best ways to see the Virgin Islands’ most beautiful beaches. The ferry ride is short and scenic, and once you arrive, you can explore Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, or Maho Bay. The island has a quiet, natural feel, with much of it protected as national park land. Visitors can snorkel, hike, or simply relax on the soft sand. St. John is perfect for cruisers who want a peaceful escape with stunning scenery. It’s an easy and rewarding way to spend your port day. You can read the full Day Trip to St. John post here.

9. Lindquist Beach (Smith Bay Park)

Lindquist Beach is one of the most naturally beautiful spots on St. Thomas, with bright turquoise water, soft white sand, and a peaceful, undeveloped shoreline inside Smith Bay Park. The beach feels wide open and calm, making it perfect for families, photographers, and anyone who wants a quiet escape with postcard‑worthy views. Its protected setting keeps the water clear and the atmosphere relaxed, offering a refreshing break from the busier east‑end beaches. You can read the full guide to Lindquist Beach here.

10. Honeymoon Beach – Water Island

Water Island offers a peaceful escape just minutes from St. Thomas, with Honeymoon Beach delivering calm turquoise water, soft sand, and a relaxed island vibe perfect for a low‑stress beach day. It’s an easy mini‑adventure for cruisers who want quiet scenery, gentle waves, and a simple place to unwind without crowds or long travel times. You can read the full guide to Water Island & Honeymoon Beach here.

Final Thoughts

St. Thomas is a dream port for cruisers who want options — from world‑class beaches to scenic overlooks, historic streets, and easy day trips to nearby islands. Whether you’re planning a simple beach day or a full island adventure, St. Thomas delivers a mix of beauty, convenience, and variety that makes every visit feel special. With so many beaches and viewpoints close to the cruise port, it’s one of the easiest islands to customize to your perfect Caribbean day.