But there are actually 53 islands. St. Thomas is the most visited, but with plenty of inter-island transportation options, it doesn’t need to be your only destination. There are multiple ferries, from Charlotte Amalie (the island's capital) and Red Hook (on the eastern end of the island) that can take island hoppers to other USVIs and, for anyone wanting another passport stamp, to the British Virgin Islands. 

St. Thomas has two cruise ship ports: Havensight and Crown Bay. On any given day, you might see a Carnival, Cunard, or Royal Caribbean mega-ship docked. Because of the port's proximity to Charlotte Amalie (a 5-10 minute drive), the capital’s Main Street duty-free shops get crowded. For those who are shopped out and want to fire up their pedometer, try walking the “99 Steps” up to the landmark Blackbeard’s Castle. The castle itself is closed because of damage from 2017’s Hurricane Irma, but the view is still unparalleled. The steps were built out of ship ballasts back in the 1700s by Danes who were struggling with the island’s hilly terrain. Spoiler alert: Despite the name, there are actually 103 steps.

The island is a mere 32 square miles, but different areas have different vibes. Charlotte Amalie is the most populated, with hotels galore, while the northern towns are more residential and family-friendly. Anyone desperate to get away from crowds might try the more remote and hotel-free west end. The southern coast has larger resorts, including a Westin and Marriott, and those seeking out luxury will want to head to the east, home of the Ritz Carlton.

Virgin Islands Public Transportation (VITRAN) covers much of the island for a budget-friendly $1, but the blue and white buses can be unreliable. Private taxis can be ordered, or you could travel like a local with a “dollar ride,” which is a ride-share in a safari bus (prices range from $1-2 depending on distance). Major car rental companies operate near the airport, but local agencies (Discount Car Rental is a go-to) might provide better prices. Because of the hilly, it’s a good idea to go with a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

The U.S. Virgin Islands are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, so don’t miss out. Magen’s Bay Beach on the northern coast, widely considered to be one of the must-sees, offers chair rentals and concessions, but it can get crowded. (Try Little Magen’s nearby, especially if you’re a fan of nude sunbathing.)  Anyone up for some pre-beach exercise could try Mermaid’s Chair Beach on the western part of the island, which is about a mile hike from the road. Lindquist Beach (officially called Smith Bay Beach) and Sapphire Beach are rightfully popular, but perhaps try the nearby Coki Beach for snorkeling. (Those not wanting to put on a mask and fins can stop into the nearby Coral World Ocean Park, a three-story underwater observatory.) It’s worth the 15-minute ferry to Water Island for Honeymoon Beach, if white sand is your idea of true love.