With so much to offer, St. Thomas has amazing beaches, lush green scenery, great food, and great shopping but it also has some amazing views. From the heights of the surrounding hills and vantage points, there are many areas to view the beautiful beaches and idyllic turquoise waters that surround this tropical island. So where are the most popular places to take in these beautiful views besides Paradise Point and the Mountain Top?
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Paradise Point
It is said that Paradise Point has one of the best views in St Thomas. Within walking distance of the cruise ship terminal it is also one of the most popular. Many of the Caribbean cruise itineraries start in St. Thomas and attract many tourists throughout the year. The ship arrives in port and the cable car taking tourists to the top of Paradise Point is in sight from the terminal. Whether you choose a pre-planned excursion in St. Thomas or just decide to walk around, the ride up the hill is very accessible.
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Paradise Point is located in Charlotte Amalie across the street from the shopping area – a short walk from the Havensight cruise ship dock. The Skyride will take you from the base station to 700 feet above sea level!!
The ride is in a small cable-car that accepts about 4-6 people and takes about 10 minutes to reach the top. The views are fantastic so don’t forget your Camera, as you ascend the side of the mountain.
Once at Paradise Point, there are a couple small souvenir shops, washrooms and a restaurant. Seating has great views overlooking the city and harbour. Take some extra time and sit back, relax and grab a drink at the open-air bar! Their signature drink, is the Bailey’s Bushwhacker.
Mountain Top
A trip to the mountain top in St. Thomas is usually done through an excursion but it can also be done through a taxi or if you prefer, a rental car. It is quite the steep and winding road to get to the top but it will all be worth it when you get there. The view is really one of the best!
The lookout from the Mountain top provides breathtaking unobstructed views of Megan’s Bay, Saint John and some of the other British Virgin Islands. Meagan’s bay is one of the best beaches on the island. There is a snack bar and one of the largest gift shops I have ever seen at the top. And they serve an amazing banana daiquiri if you want to wait in line for it. My daiquiri came with a cup to take home for about fifteen dollars ($15.00).
Unfortunately, the day that I visited from my cruise tour, there had been a storm and the normally beautiful Megan’s bay beach was pretty rough and had been churned up in the waves.
Drakes Seat
Drakes Seat is supposed to be where Sir Francis Drake was to have looked out for enemy ships of the Spanish fleet. This panoramic view shows the location where the Atlantic Ocean joins the Caribbean Sea. It also affords some amazing views of Megan’s bay Beach. This vantage point is also available as part of an organized tour but easily accessible by taxi. If you do go, keep in mind that there are only about 10 parking spots at the top. This is one of the best views in St Thomas. Just down the road from Mountain Top.
Charlotte Amalie Overlook
This is really just a pull-off on the side of the road but it offers some amazing views of the city and harbour. Often there are some local vendors and musicians for your entertainment. What you will see if the downtown of Charlotte Amalie, several outer islands and the beautiful harbour and blue Caribbean sea.
The steel drum guy was just awesome.
Bluebeard’s Tower
According to Legend, the famous pirate Bluebeard built this tower for his lover, Mercidita. This tower is part of Blackbeard’s castle which is one of five National Historic landmarks in the US Virgin Islands. The tower was erected in 1679 as a tower to watch over the island and protect the harbour. It is at the highest point on Government Hill and was once a residence then later turned into a hotel.
As one of the best views in St Thomas, a tour is available for approximately $10 per person.
Valdemar A. Hill Scenic Drive Overlook
The Valdemar A. Hill scenic overlook can be quite crowded during the day but it is well worth the look. The views are amazing. From this vantage point on a clear day you can see St. Croix as well as Vieques, Culebra and sometimes the tip of Puerto Rico. Cruise ship watching is also a sight as both the port locations of Havensight and Crown Bay are visible from here.
If you are able to visit here in the evening, you will be awarded with the most amazing sunset. bring some wine, have a picnic and toast the day. crowds are a little less the later in the day you visit.
So there you have the five best places to have most stunning and best views in St Thomas. My favorite is at Paradise Point as it is accessible from the cruise port.
Which is your best viewing location in St. Thomas?
Do you prefer the Mountain Top?
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If that view from the mountaintop is with rough waters, then it must be absolutely gorgeous when it hasn’t been storming. The views all look great. I think my favorite is the view from the mountaintop or Charlotte Amalie Overlook.