First time visiting the US Virgin Islands? Here’s where to go!

How Many Days Do You Need in the US Virgin Islands?

If you’re planning to visit St. Thomas and St. John, a week in the US Virgin Islands is perfect. Seven days give you two days for travel and five days on the islands, which is plenty of time to check out the beaches, go snorkeling, take a boat cruise, and even do a bit of hiking.

If you’re also heading to St. Croix, you’ll want at least 10 days. Spend about a week on St. Thomas and St. John, then take a ferry to St. Croix for a couple of days before heading home.

If you’re only visiting one island, a long weekend (arriving Friday morning and leaving Sunday evening) will be enough.

US Virgin Islands Guide – US Virgin Islands Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in St. Thomas

Fly into Cyril E. King Airport, located on St. Thomas. Flights come in throughout the day, so depending on your arrival time, you might not have a lot of time to explore on the first day.

Pick up your rental car at the airport and head to your hotel. If you have some free time, relax by the hotel pool, take a walk around Charlotte Amalie, or visit a nearby beach.

For dinner, try some of the top restaurants like Greengo’s Caribbean Cantina, Pesce Italian, or Duffy’s Love Shack. For a great view, consider dining at Prime at Paradise Point.

Where to Stay in St. Thomas

1. Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, located near Red Hook, offers luxury, though it’s a bit farther from most attractions.
2. Upscale: Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove is a great choice, with a fantastic location just outside of Charlotte Amalie. It’s perfect for families with its villas and on-site amenities.
3. Upscale: Margaritaville Vacation Club is another good option, offering spacious rooms and a fun vibe near Coki Beach.
4. Mid-range: Limetree Beach Resort offers more budget-friendly options with studios and one-bedroom apartments right on the beach.

Day 2: Explore St. Thomas

Start the day by checking out the island’s top viewpoints. First, take a Skyride up to Paradise Point, one of the best places for panoramic views. If the Skyride’s not running, you can drive up instead.

Next, visit the Charlotte Amalie Overlook for a great view of the south side of St. Thomas, and then head to Drake’s Seat for another stunning view, this time of Magen’s Bay.

Continue your scenic tour with a stop at Mountain Top, the highest point on the island. From there, it’s a short drive to Magen’s Bay, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. You can rent kayaks paddleboards, or just relax on the sand. Don’t miss the Magen’s Bay Bar and Grill for some of the best painkillers on the island.

Dinner Recommendations

For a nice dinner, check out Virgilio’s, Sunset Grille, or The Old Stone Farmhouse.

Day 3: Water Island, Buck Island, and More

You’ve got a lot of options for your last full day on St. Thomas.

Option #1: Water Island

A short ferry ride from St. Thomas, Water Island, is perfect for a laid-back day. Rent a golf cart to explore the island and visit Honeymoon Beach. You can rent chairs, kayaks, and snorkel gear. Don’t forget to check out Dinghy’s Beach Bar for a delicious meal.

Option #2: Buck Island & Turtle Cove

Head out on a tour to Buck Island, a protected sanctuary where you can snorkel with sea turtles and explore coral reefs. A 3-hour tour typically includes snorkeling, snacks, and drinks.

Option #3: St. Thomas Boat Tour

If you want to get out on the water, take a cruise around St. Thomas. You can even charter a private catamaran for a more personalized experience.

Option #4: More Beaches or Explore Charlotte Amalie

If you prefer to stay on land, consider hiking to the Mermaid’s Chair, a narrow strip of beach that’s only accessible during low tide. Or spend some time shopping in Charlotte Amalie, where you’ll find duty-free stores and local markets.

Day 4: Ferry to St. John & National Park Beaches

Catch a morning ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay on St. John. Spend the day beach-hopping along the gorgeous North Shore, including stops at Hawksnest Beach, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay.

If you have extra time, check out the Leinster Bay Trail to Waterlemon Bay for a peaceful hike and some excellent snorkeling.

Day 5: Hiking & More Beach Time

For those who love hiking, St. John offers some great trails. The Ram Head Trail is a 3-mile hike with stunning views, and the Reef Bay Trail is more challenging but worth it for its beautiful landscapes and sugar mill ruins.

After your hike, relax at Little Lameshur Bay, a quiet beach perfect for snorkeling. Alternatively, head back to one of the North Shore beaches for a more laid-back afternoon.

Day 6: More Adventures on St. John

Your last full day on St. John can be spent doing more of what you love. Whether it’s lounging at Trunk Bay or hiking another trail, there’s plenty to see.

Option #1: More Beach Time

Arrive early at Trunk Bay or Denis Bay to claim a spot on these popular beaches. If you want a quieter option, head to Honeymoon Beach, where you can rent a cabana or play beach volleyball.

Option #2: Hiking or Snorkeling

If you didn’t get enough of the trails, consider doing the Leinster Bay Trail to Waterlemon Bay. The area offers some of the best snorkeling in the Virgin Islands.

Evening

For dinner, head back to Cruz Bay and check out some local favorites like The Beach Bar or Lime Inn.

Day 7: Fly Home

In the morning, catch the ferry back to St. Thomas and then head to the airport for your flight home. Make sure to book your ferry in advance if you’re traveling during peak times to avoid any delays.

Best Time to Visit the US Virgin Islands

The peak season is from December to February when the weather is cooler and drier. If you prefer lower prices and fewer crowds, consider visiting in the spring (March to May).

Summer months (June to August) are hot and humid, with higher chances of rain. Fall (September to November) can be wet, with hurricane season peaking in the late summer months, though by November, the weather starts to improve.

Planning Checklist

1. Rental Car: Rent a car to get around the islands. A 4×4 is recommended for accessing some remote beaches. Rental cars cost around $100 per day.
2. Accommodation: Stay in St. Thomas for 3 nights and St. John for 3 nights. Expect to pay $150-$250 per night for mid-range hotels.

Passports: If you’re a U.S. citizen, you won’t need a passport to travel to the US Virgin Islands. However, it’s a good idea to carry your driver’s license as ID when leaving the islands.