Sightseeing and scenic rides in St Thomas
Sightseeing on St Thomas mostly means looking down at Charlotte Amalie harbor from above. The Skyride tram climbs to Paradise Point, where the view takes in the town and the hill-ringed harbor full of moored sailboats and yachts. Scenic rides here are short and easy.
Places to go
Paradise Point
Paradise Point is a hilltop overlook above Charlotte Amalie harbor, reached by the Skyride tram from the Havensight area. Visitors go up for the harbor view, a bar and restaurant, and a short walk at the top.
Crown Mountain
Crown Mountain is the highest point on Saint Thomas and in the whole US Virgin Islands. People come up for the views from the top of the island.
Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie is the territorial capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, a downtown harbor town on Saint Thomas. Visitors come for the shops, the hillside views over the harbor, and the old Danish-era streets.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Most visitors go up to Paradise Point on the Skyride tram. The ride takes about five minutes each way, and the top has a Skywalk, souvenir shops and a bistro restaurant. From there you look down over Charlotte Amalie and the harbor, which is ringed by hills and dotted with moored sailboats and yachts.
The whole outing is short. Plan on a couple of hours at most, including the ride up and down. Photographers should time a visit for when several cruise ships are docked, when the harbor is at its busiest and most striking.
Where to go
- Paradise Point. Hilltop overlook above Charlotte Amalie, with a Skywalk, souvenir shops and a bistro at the top. About 5 minutes each way by tram, by Skyride tram.
- Charlotte Amalie Harbor. A harbor ringed by hills, with moored sailboats and yachts, most striking when several cruise ships are docked. By walk or taxi.
Getting there
The ride up to Paradise Point takes about 5 minutes each way.
When to go
The overlook is open year-round. The harbor looks most striking on days when several cruise ships are in port, and Monday through Wednesday tend to be the busiest days for ships in high season.
Good to know
- Agree on a taxi fare per person before you get in, as fares are charged per person.
- Keep an eye on the time, since the ride is short but the top is easy to linger at.
- Bring a hat and water for the walk and the open top.
Questions
How long does the Skyride take to Paradise Point?
The Skyride tram takes about 5 minutes each way to reach Paradise Point. It has a paid day pass, and the top has a Skywalk, shops and a bistro.
When is the Charlotte Amalie harbor view best?
The harbor looks most striking when several cruise ships are docked, with hills around it and moored yachts. Year-round, the view from Paradise Point is open to visitors.
