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St. Thomas |
St. Thomas Activities & AttractionsCharlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is the perfect place to begin your exploration of St. Thomas. This picturesque town can get very busy when there are several Caribbean cruise ships in port so you may want to delay your town tour for a day when only one or two ships are in. The cruise schedule is published in the free guide called "St. Thomas This Week" - be sure to pick one up!As you wander down the alleys and narrow streets (called Gades), you will hear the "barkers" outside of almost every shop. They try to entice you in to view their wares. Below are a few recommended attractions: Emancipation Park: At this small park, the proclamation freeing slaves and indentured servants was read on July 3, 1848. There is a visitor center in the Grand St. Thomas Hotel building near Emancipation Park. Bluebeard's Castle: Now part of a hotel complex, this imposing stone tower dates from 1665. Fort Christian: This building, built in the 1670's by the Danes, has been a fort, a Governor's residence, a church and a jail. It now houses the Virgin Island Museum. Government House: This is the administrative center of the U. S. Virgin Islands. 99 STEPS - One of the few remaining "streets" of the old Danish town, these steps lead to the top of Government Hill and the Government House. Submarine: The Atlantis submarine will take you on a 1 hour voyage to depths of 150 feet. Be sure to get reservations well in advance. Tram Ride: The new Paradise Point Gondola takes passengers on scenic rides up the hillside to Paradise Point from Charlotte Amalie. The view is spectacular at sunset. Synagogue: Built in 1833, the synagogue is the oldest in continuous use under the American flag and the second oldest in the western hemisphere. This stone and brick building has withstood over 163 years of tropical weather. University of the Virgin Islands: Just west of Charlotte Amalie near the airport is the beautiful park-like campus of the University of the Virgin Islands. Fairchild Park: Fairchild Park is a wooded mountain top oasis at about 1200 feet offering great views in calm surroundings. Tillett Gardens: This craft studio and gallery displays Jim Tillett's paintings. You can watch as silk screen fabrics are printed. Mountain Top: After browsing in the gift shop, sip a Banana Daiquiri while taking in the fabulous view. Coral World: A marine complex with an under water observation tower and salt water aquariums is undergoing renovation. |
