Your Insider Guide
Discover St. Thomas
Beaches, food, adventures, and hidden gems — curated by your hosts in Red Hook.
St. Thomas is small enough to feel intimate, big enough to never run out of things to do. From the condo in Red Hook, you're minutes from the ferry to St. John, steps from the marina, and a short drive from the best beaches on the island. This guide is everything we'd tell a friend visiting for the first time.
The Neighborhood
Why Red Hook
is the place to be.
Red Hook is the beating heart of the East End — a vibrant waterfront village with world-class restaurants, lively beach bars, and the ferry terminal connecting you to St. John and beyond. Coki Beach, Sapphire Beach, and Secret Harbour are all minutes away. This is where the locals eat, drink, and watch the sunset.
Sun & Sand
Best Beaches
St. Thomas has over 40 beaches. Here are a few you shouldn't miss — all within 15 minutes of our condos.
Classic & family-friendly
Magens Bay
The postcard beach
One of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean — a mile-long arc of white sand sheltered by lush green hills. Calm, shallow water makes it perfect for families and leisurely swims.
Lisa's Tip
Arrive before 10am to snag a shady spot under the sea grape trees. Small entrance fee (~$5/person).
Lively & snorkel-focused
Coki Beach
Best snorkeling on the island
A lively, colorful beach right next to Coral World Ocean Park. The reef starts just feet from shore — you'll see parrotfish, sergeant majors, and sea turtles without even trying.
Lisa's Tip
Bring your own snorkel gear if you have it — rentals are available but pricey. Go early for the clearest water.
Relaxed & scenic
Sapphire Beach
Crystal-clear Caribbean blue
A stunning stretch of white sand with some of the clearest water on the island. Great for swimming, snorkeling, and watching sailboats drift by. The Sapphire Beach Resort bar is steps away.
Lisa's Tip
Snorkel around the rocky outcroppings on either end of the beach for the best reef life.
Local & laid-back
Vessup Beach
Your backyard beach
The closest beach to Red Hook — a calm, sheltered bay perfect for a quick morning swim or sunset walk. Popular with locals and rarely overrun with tourists.
Lisa's Tip
Come at sunset — the light over the bay is spectacular. Watch the kiteboarders while you relax.
Quiet & uncrowded
Pelican Beach
Hidden gem near the marina
A quiet, tucked-away beach near the American Yacht Harbor marina. Soft sand, calm water, and a fraction of the crowds you'll find elsewhere. A local favorite for good reason.
Lisa's Tip
Pair it with lunch at one of the marina restaurants nearby — a perfect half-day outing.
Quiet & local
Lindqvist Beach
Your secret hideaway
A short drive from Red Hook, this quiet gem is beloved by locals and rarely crowded. Calm, clear water, soft sand, and a peaceful vibe — bring a book and stay all afternoon.
Lisa's Tip
No facilities, so pack snacks and water. The lack of crowds is the whole point — keep it that way.
Eat & Drink
Food & Drink
From tiki bars to hilltop fine dining — St. Thomas punches well above its weight for a small island.
Red Hook & Beyond
Eat where the locals eat
Duffy's Love Shack
Tropical bar & grill
Red Hook (2-min walk)
The most fun you'll have at dinner. Tiki torches, live music, flaming drinks, and a menu that hits every Caribbean craving. A Red Hook institution.
Must order: The Love Potion cocktail + fish tacos
Molly Malone's
Irish pub & seafood
Red Hook waterfront
Waterfront dining with cold beers, fresh catch, and a crowd that's always in a good mood. Great for a casual lunch after the ferry.
Must order: Conch fritters + cold Carib beer
Pangea
Global fusion dining
Red Hook (5 min)
A beloved Red Hook staple with a creative menu that draws from flavors around the world. Relaxed atmosphere, strong cocktails, and food that keeps locals coming back night after night. A great choice any night of the week.
Must order: Ask your server what's fresh — the daily specials never disappoint
Banana Tree Grille
Fine dining with a view
Charlotte Amalie (25 min)
Overlooking Charlotte Amalie harbor from Bluebeard's Castle, this is the spot for a special-occasion dinner. Elegant but never stuffy.
Must order: Lobster bisque + Caribbean lobster tail
Virgilio's
Fine Italian dining
Charlotte Amalie (25 min)
An island institution tucked into a historic Charlotte Amalie alley. Candlelit, intimate, and serving some of the most refined Italian food you'll find anywhere in the Caribbean. Dress up a little — this one's worth it.
Must order: Ask for the spaghetti with meatballs 😉 (even if it's not on the menu)
Tap & Still
Craft beer & burgers
Red Hook (5-min walk)
A newer Red Hook favorite with rotating craft taps, killer burgers, and a laid-back patio. Perfect for a post-beach bite.
Must order: Smash burger + local craft IPA
Explore
Things To Do
Water adventures, land excursions, family activities, and everything you need to get around.
Snorkeling & Diving
Coki Beach for beginners; Buck Island and Cow & Calf for advanced divers. Several outfitters in Red Hook offer half-day trips.
Sailing & Charters
Day sails to St. John, the BVIs, or just around the island. American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook is steps from the condo.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Rent boards and kayaks at most beaches. The calm water around Red Hook is ideal for beginners and sunrise paddles.
Deep-Sea Fishing
St. Thomas is world-class for blue marlin, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. Charter boats depart from Red Hook Marina daily.
Plan Your Trip
Sample Itineraries
Whether you have a long weekend or a full week, here's how we'd spend the time.
The Quick Escape
Hit the highlights without rushing. Perfect for a long weekend.
- Day 1: Arrive, unpack, sunset at Duffy's Love Shack
- Day 2: Morning at Coki Beach → Coral World → Pangea dinner
- Day 3: Ferry to St. John, Trunk Bay beach, back for sunset cocktails
The Island Sampler
Enough time to slow down and find your rhythm.
- Day 1: Arrive, Lindqvist Beach, Red Hook dinner
- Day 2: Magens Bay morning → Drake's Seat → Charlotte Amalie shopping
- Day 3: Full-day sailing charter to the BVIs
- Day 4: Coki Beach snorkeling → Coral World → local dinner
- Day 5: St. John day trip, Trunk Bay, Cruz Bay lunch
The Full Caribbean
Live like a local. Explore every corner at your own pace.
- Days 1–2: Settle in, Red Hook beaches, local restaurants
- Days 3–4: St. John — camp or day-trip, hike Reef Bay Trail
- Day 5: Deep-sea fishing charter from Red Hook Marina
- Day 6: Charlotte Amalie — history, shopping, Banana Tree dinner
- Day 7+: Repeat your favorites, discover hidden beaches, do nothing
Day Trip Essential
Don't Skip St. John
The Red Hook ferry to St. John runs every hour and takes just 20 minutes. Two-thirds of St. John is protected National Park — pristine beaches, hiking trails, and a pace of life that makes St. Thomas feel like Manhattan. Trunk Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Go at least once.
Ready to experience it yourself?
Everything in this guide is within easy reach of the condo in Red Hook. Book direct and we'll send you our full local recommendations list before you arrive.