My girlfriend and I are looking at St Thomas for a week in February. The photos look incredible but I’ve seen some comments saying it feels very cruise ship-y and commercialized, especially around Charlotte Amalie. We’re not cruise people at all.
If we rent a car and avoid the port area, is there enough to do for a full week? We love snorkeling, hiking if there is any, and finding good local food (not resort buffets). Or would we be better off doing St John or even St Croix instead? Budget is around $200 a night for lodging.
I visited St. Thomas back in 2021. I stayed in the northside where most of the locals live, via airbnb. I would say, to max out your time in US Virgin Islands, rent a car and take the ferry to St John’s for a day trip. You can take the car with you on the ferry. When you leave the ferry, drive to the famous red school bus parked at the lumberyard. They serve massive, authentic curry rotis stuffed with chicken, conch, or veggies. Take it to go and head to the beach! There are several beaches to choose from. The Virgin Islands are great for sunsets! Even if you went for a week, you have plenty of options to do day trips to other islands nearby. Take your passport if you are considering going to Tortola, British Virgin Islands.