Discover the 9 most breathtaking beaches on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands: your paradise awaits!

You may not realize it yet, but St. Thomas is the tropical haven you've always dreamed of. Its sugar-white shores are bordered by lush green palms, offering shade while you float blissfully in the Caribbean waters.

Whether you prefer lounging on the beach, snorkeling among vibrant marine life, or enjoying a drink at a beach bar, St. Thomas has the perfect spot for you. Here are seven of our top picks, from popular favorites to hidden gems loved by locals.

1. Magens Bay

Ideal beach for families and amenities

Regularly featured on lists of the world's most stunning beaches, Magens Bay truly lives up to its reputation. While there is an entry fee (US$7 for a day or $21 for a month for non-residents) and it can get crowded with tourists, especially when cruise ships dock, no other beach on St. Thomas compares. Nestled at the end of a deep horseshoe cove, flanked by lush green hills extending into the distance, it offers changing facilities, dining options, water sports rentals, picnic areas, and lifeguards, making it ideal for families.

2. Honeymoon Beach

Top beach for laid-back adventures

Catch a 15-minute ferry from Crown Bay Marina to the dock on the nearby Water Island. A quick 10-minute hike over a small hill will lead you to a stunning cove adorned with towering palms, known as Honeymoon Beach. With its exceptionally calm waters, it's the perfect spot to rent a kayak or paddleboard for a relaxed mid-morning adventure. The beach is also sprinkled with the umbrellas of casual beach bars, making it a great place for a leisurely lunch that seamlessly transitions into an early happy hour.

3. Lindbergh Bay

Ideal beach for aspiring aviators

Lindbergh Bay is a favorite among plane enthusiasts. As you lounge on a towel under the tropical sun, you can watch jets approach the nearby Cyril E. King Airport. Named after the iconic aviator Charles Lindbergh, who landed here in 1928 during his victory tour after the first solo transatlantic flight, this expansive beach, shaded by seagrape trees, is perfect for leisurely walks or swimming laps. For those flying out early, consider the convenience of staying at one of the two nearby hotels, Lindbergh Bay Hotel and Emerald Beach Resort for a stress-free final night.

4. Lindquist Beach

Top beach for stunning photo ops

Located within the serene Smith Bay Park, Lindquist Beach is a picturesque slice of paradise, featuring soft white sands that stretch into tranquil aquamarine waters. In the distance, emerald green cays create a stunning horizon, making it a popular choice for both island weddings and American commercials. Families appreciate the beach as well, with a lifeguard always present, picnic tables for meals, and a bathhouse equipped with showers for rinsing off the saltwater.

5. Brewers Bay

Top beach for budget-conscious travelers

This expansive bay behind the airport is a hotspot for spotting sea turtles and stingrays gliding through the seagrass, making it a favorite among students from the nearby University of the Virgin Islands. While Brewers Bay is one of the island's prime locations for marine life, it attracts more locals than tourists, particularly on weekends when picnics and gatherings take place, featuring local treats like pates (meat pies) and johnnycakes (fluffy fried bread). During weekdays, it’s often quiet. With snack vans, restroom facilities, and convenient public bus access, it’s a fantastic choice for budget travelers.

6. Sapphire Beach

Top beach for windsurfing

Though named Sapphire Beach, the water here is such a vibrant turquoise that it might make you question your vision. Many visitors stay in the nearby condo rentals and resort hotels, enjoying breathtaking views of St John and the offshore cays, as well as excellent snorkeling at the reef near Pettyklip Point. It’s undeniably tourist-friendly, yet never feels overcrowded with day-trippers. With a constant breeze, it stands out as the best spot on the island for windsurfing.

7. Neltjeberg Bay

Ideal beach for solitude and tranquility

A pristine stretch of sand and a perfect crescent bay await after a 20-minute hike to St. Thomas's hidden gem, Neltjeberg Bay. Located beyond a dense thicket of wild pineapple and guava, it lies to the west of the more popular Dorothea Beach. The only signs of civilization are a single luxurious house atop Ruy Point and the overgrown remains of an old sugar plantation. Bring your own supplies (and take your trash with you) as there are no facilities; it’s just you, the sand, and a few swaying coconut palms!

8. Coki Beach

Top spot for snorkeling

For those eager to snorkel right off St. Thomas, Coki Beach is the go-to destination. Although the coral isn’t as vibrant as it once was and the atmosphere can be quite lively, most visitors do get to see a variety of tropical fish, largely due to the contentious practice of fish feeding. Be aware that this narrow stretch of sand, located next to the bustling Coral World theme park, can become extremely crowded with tourists.

9. Mermaid's Chair

Best beach for paddling from the sea into the ocean

Adventurous travelers are drawn to the unique Mermaid's Chair, a double-sided beach where you can dip one foot in the Caribbean and the other in the Atlantic. This quaint stretch of sand, located at the rugged western edge of St. Thomas, is best appreciated during low tide. To access it, prepare for a 1.3-mile (2km) hike downhill from The Preserve at Botany Bay along a mostly paved path that offers stunning views of the surrounding western cays.