Attractions

Charlotte Amalie

Even with the crowds and shops, it is easy to see how the natural colors and charm of the Caribbean come to life in the waterfront town of Charlotte Amalie. The capital of St. Thomas once attracted seafarers from all over the globe, and pirates and sailors of the Confederacy used the port during the American Civil War. At one time, St. Thomas was the biggest slave market in the world.

Today, the old warehouses, once used for storing stolen pirate goods, have been converted to shops. In fact, the main streets, called "gade" (a reflection of their Danish heritage), now coalesce into a virtual shopping mall, and are often packed. Sandwiched among these shops are a few historic buildings, most of which can be seen on foot in about 2 hours. Try the walking tour we've outlined to visit the city's attractions.

The Paradise Point St. Thomas Skyride (tel. 340/774-9809; www.stthomasskyride.com) affords visitors a dramatic view of Charlotte Amalie's harbor with a ride to a 700-foot peak. The tramway, similar to those used at ski resorts, operates six cars, each with an eight-person capacity, for the 15-minute round-trip ride. It transports customers from the Havensight area to Paradise Point, where you can disembark to visit shops and the popular restaurant and bar. The tramway runs daily 9am to 5pm. You'll pay dearly for the experience: The cost is $21 per adult round-trip, $10.50 round-trip for children 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under. But then again, it's the best view of the entire town and harbor.

For those who can afford it or who simply aren't satisfied with the view from Paradise Point, there's Air Center Helicopters, Waterfront, Charlotte Amalie (tel. 800/619-0013 or 340/775-7335; www.aircenterhelicopters.com). The short but dramatic rides go over the U.S. Virgins. A four-seater plane flies at a cost of $550 per half-hour; a six-seater costs $600 for the same amount of time. Day trips to St. John and St. Croix can also be arranged, as well as trips to San Juan and the B.V.I. Of course, if you can't afford such luxury, you can get similar views by going to a scenic lookout point such as Paradise Point.

In The West

Route 30 (Veterans Dr.) will take you west of Charlotte Amalie to Frenchtown (turn left at the sign to the Admiral's Inn). Early French-speaking settlers arrived on St. Thomas from St. Bart's after they were uprooted by the Swedes. Many of today's island residents are the direct descendants of those long-ago immigrants, who were known for speaking a distinctive French patois. This colorful village contains a bevy of restaurants and taverns. Because Charlotte Amalie has become somewhat dangerous at night, Frenchtown has picked up its after-dark business and is the best spot for dancing, drinking, and other local entertainment.

Farther west, Harwood Highway (Rte. 308) will lead you to Crown Mountain Road, a scenic drive opening onto the best views of the hills, beaches, and crystal-clear waters around St. Thomas.

Around the Island

A driving tour is the best way to see the island. Tropic Tours, 14AB The Guardian Building (tel. 800/524-4334 or 340/774-1855; www.tropictoursusvi.com), offers practically the same tour of St. Thomas, including Drake's Seat, the Estate St. Peter Greathouse, and Charlotte Amalie shopping. The cost is $45 per person.

Especially for Kids

Coral World -- This is the place on St. Thomas to take your children. It's a hands-on experience -- kids can even shake hands with a starfish at the Touch Pond. Later, they can discover exotic Marine Gardens, where 20 aquariums showcase the Caribbean's incredible natural marine treasures.

Magens Bay Beach -- This beach is one of the finest in the world, with calm waters, white sand, and lots of facilities, including picnic tables.