St. Thomas Family Week

Learn what to pack and what to leave behind for an easy, breezy Caribbean getaway.

Nicknamed “Rock City” by locals, St. Thomas is an island and popular cruise ship port in the Caribbean Sea. St. Thomas is one of three major islands—aside from St. Croix and St. John—that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean are found along St. Thomas including Magens Bay Beach, which is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Prior to its recognition as a top beach destination, St. Thomas was dependent on slave trade during the 1600s, which mainly took place in the island’s capital, Charlotte Amalie between 1650 and 1714. King Frederick of Denmark later declared Charlotte Amalie a free port.

Several ancient buildings are found in the St. Thomas capital, including Fort Christian, the oldest standing structure in the U.S. Virgin Islands that was built by the Danish and was primarily a government building in the 1600s. Blackbeard’s Castle, named after the English pirate Edward Teach (who went by the name Blackbeard), initially served as a watchtower.

The beautiful Elysian Beach Resort is located next to the St. Thomas Yacht Club on the end of the island. The nearby village of Red Hook provides restaurants and nightlife as well as charter fishing boats for the marlin grounds close by. Local attractions include Tillett Gardens and Arts Center, Coral World, Mahogany Run Golf Course, St Thomas Skyride, Havensight Mall, cruise ship docks, Atlantis Submarine underwater tours, Magens Bay Beach, and downtown Charlotte Amalie all within ten miles away. The resort has 67 villas, each with a balcony that overlooks the sea. In addition to its own white-sandy beach, this resort has amenities to please everyone, including activities program, day spa, boating, basketball, tennis, a fitness club, Internet access, free parking, childrens activities, daily housekeeping, outdoor swimming pool, sailing, snorkeling, laundry facilities and lounge in the resort's well-known restaurant. Studio: Bed type varies. Some units have two double beds, one bath, and a partial kitchen. Maximum occupancy is four people. Private sleeping area sleeps two. Some units have one king-size bed, one bathroom, and a partial kitchen. Maximum occupancy is two people. Private sleeping area sleeps two. Some units have a queen Murphy bed, one bathroom, and a partial kitchen. Maximum occupancy is two. Private sleeping area sleeps two. All condos include dishes and utensils, iron and ironing boards, DVD/VCR players, and hairdryers. Taxis from airport cost 5-15 per passenger, plus luggage charges of 2-4 per bag (charges subject to change). There is a 6 per-person, per-day energy surcharge for guests staying at the resort.

This north shore bay is a wide, roomy expanse of white sand sheltered by palm trees. The island's most popular beach, it can get very noisy on weekends when locals often host parties with loud music. Come during the week when you can better appreciate its beauty. Magens Bay has lifeguards, water sports equipment rentals, changing facilities, showers, a picnic area, snack bars and a short nature trail.

One of the island's best view points, Drake's Seat affords a panoramic picture of Magens Bay and the United States and British Virgin Islands strung out to the east. A popular stop on round-the-island taxi tours, this place can get crowded. If you visit in the late afternoon, the light is especially entrancing. Legend has it that 16th-century explorer Sir Francis Drake kept watch on his fleet from this vantage point, marked by a seat across the road from the parking area. There is no admission charge.

Perched a thousand feet above Magens Bay, this 11-acre estate offers visitors a self-guided stroll past its 200 plus varieties of trees and plants, an orchid garden, waterfalls, bird sanctuary, and fish ponds. An observation deck provides views of Magens Bay, Peter Island, Jost Van Dyke, Hans Lollik, and a number of smaller islands. In addition to the huge greathouse, there is a mini-museum of antiques and furnishings as well as local art. Built in the 1800s, the attraction was originally part of the 150-acre Estate St. Peter. Admission runs USD10.

Mafolie Restaurant, located at the Mafolie Hotel, sees a good group of residents and visitors drive up the hill above Charlotte Amalie to enjoy the lovely harbor view as well as the delicious food. The beef and seafood-based menu is a bit on the small side, but it features interesting dishes. The Caribbean Lobster comes stuffed with crab meat and the crab cakes infused with a good dose of spice. Save room for dessert. The chef stakes his reputation on the white Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake.

The island's main town and the territory's capital, Charlotte Amalie was founded in 1666. Originally called Taphaus, or Tap House, it is now named after a Danish queen. The narrow streets often bustle with shoppers seeking duty-free bargains, visitors viewing the historic sites, and government workers and professionals heading for their offices. Walking is the only easy way to navigate through the car and foot congestion. Parking is a nightmare, but you can usually find a space at the large public lot adjacent to Fort Christian. Take a taxi from the Havensight cruise ship pier. Most merchants accept credit cards.

Tucked away in the vast reaches of the huge rust-colored Fort Christian are museum displays, including period furniture and military hardware, that reflect the island's history. Under construction from 1672 until its completion in 1680, it is the oldest standing structure in St. Thomas. A survivor of the numerous fires and hurricanes that several times devastated Charlotte Amalie, the fort was subsequently used as a governor's house, an administrative center and, until 1983, as the island's jail. Admission is free.

The Virgin Islands Legislature, the territory's only law-making body, meets at this lime green waterfront building. The public is welcome to watch committee meetings and legislative sessions, both held on the second floor Chambers. Often raucous, the events are a glimpse into the territory's political machinations. Built originally by the Danish as a police barracks, this structure later served as the public high school. It was also the site of the 1917 transfer of the territory's ownership from Denmark to the United States. There is no admission charge.

This small city park commemorates the 1848 emancipation of this former Danish colony's slaves, which actually happened in St. Croix. The park features a gazebo, where you will often hear lunchtime concerts, and where the government holds events. Note the bust of Danish King Christian V and a scaled-down replica of Philadelphia's famous Liberty Bell. A Vendor's Plaza is set up on the south side of the park, where you will find drinks, eats, t-shirts, and trinkets for sale. There is no admission charge.

Between Hotel 1829 and Government House sits the foot of the famed, steep 99 Steps, a staircase built in the 1700s by the Danes to connect parts of the town. Ironically, there are actually 103 steps, all made of ballast bricks from Danish ships. They lead high to a hill above Charlotte Amalie and the stone remains of an old tower, now part of the Inn at Blackbeard's Castle complex. It is a huff and puff to the top, but well worth it for the view. There is no admission charge.

Built in 1820 in a combination of neo-classical and gothic revival architecture, this historic church retains much of its original character. Gracious steps and an arched door way greet visitors. The church has an elaborate bell tower, lovely stained glass windows and other historical features that date to the days when Denmark owned the Virgin Islands. Since the Lutheran Church was then the Danish state church, the governor often filled in for the minister. Visitors are welcome to tour the church and attend Sunday services. There is no admission charge.

The third oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, this gracious building has a sand floor. This signifies the time during the Spanish Inquisition when practicing Judaism was punishable by death. Jews would worship in cellars with sand on the floors to absorb the sound. The congregation began in 1796, but the original and then subsequent building burned down. This building dates to 1833. A small gift shop and the Weibel Museum both sit adjacent to the synagogue. The museum contains mostly historical documents and literature. Visitors are welcome to tour the synagogue and attend services. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

Lillian's Caribbean Grill dishes up local specialties with a very small sampling of items like burgers and ribs. This is your chance to try things like pigtail, stewed oxtail, goat water, souse, and other exotic treats. Folks with less adventurous appetites might prefer red snapper fried or in butter sauce or the chicken curry. The menu changes daily. Lillian's location right at the head of the Main Street shopping district keeps you from braving Charlotte Amalie's back streets in search of a good West Indian lunch.

A cable car makes a seven-minute, 700-foot trip up the side of Flag Hill, giving riders a bird's eye view of Havensight Mall and the adjacent cruise ship docks. An observation deck, complete with a restaurant, bar, tropical bird display, nature trail, and a gift shop, provides a great place to take in the view of St. Thomas and the sea beyond. To drive up to the observation deck, look for the marked driveway near Al Cohen Discount Liquors. The cable cars are in motion from 9a daily.

Roundtrip Tickets: USD16 adults USD8 children 6-12 years Children 5 and under free

Voted one of the top attractions in the V.I., visitors can get up close and personal with the beauty and magic of Caribbean marine life in a stunning setting. View life on a coral reef from the unique Undersea Observatory. Pet a shark, hand feed a stingray or a rainbow lorikeet! Add-ons include brand new Sea Lion Splash, Sea Trek Helmet Dive, Shark and Turtle Encounters, Snuba, Nautilus Semi-Sub, and Parasailing.

The challenges are many and the views spectacular at this 18-hole golf course. With a par 70, the George and Tom Fazio-designed course runs 6,022 yards and includes the infamous Devil's Triangle. Its 14th hole sits cliffside and has challenged such pros as Tiger Woods and Tom Watson. Former President Bill Clinton also played this course. The course underwent a million dollar fairway renovation to improve play. Rates depend on season and include mandatory golf cart rental, a big help on the hilly terrain. This golf course is open at 7a daily.