Comprehensive St. Thomas and St. John Family Guide

The Ultimate St. Thomas & St. John Family Guide

Planning a trip to St. Thomas and St. John with kids? This St. Thomas and St. John family guide is your one-stop hub for everything family-friendly across both islands—from the best beaches and snorkeling spots to easy hikes, kid-approved restaurants, and where to stay. Whether you’re bringing toddlers or teens, we’ve got you covered.

best family beaches in st thomas

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Top Things to Do

St. Thomas and St. John are packed with family fun, from stunning beaches to historic sites and nature adventures. Kids can ride a sky tram, explore sugar plantation ruins, and snorkel with sea turtles in crystal-clear waters. With two unique islands to explore, there’s something for every age.

  • Coral World Ocean Park (St. Thomas): An interactive marine park with an underwater observatory, touch pools, and sea lion encounters.
  • Explore Trunk Bay (St. John): Famous for its underwater snorkeling trail and pristine beach, perfect for families.
  • Ride the Skyride to Paradise Point (St. Thomas): Offers stunning views of the harbor and is a quick, exciting ride for kids.
  • Annaberg Plantation Ruins (St. John): A historical and educational stop where kids can see how sugar was produced.
Top List of Things to Do

Best Beaches for Kids

The beaches in St. Thomas and St. John feature calm, turquoise waters, soft sand, and easy access—perfect for families. Whether you want to splash in gentle waves or find a shady spot for a nap, these beaches are top-tier for a stress-free family day.

  • Maho Bay Beach (St. John): Known as the go-to spot for swimming with sea turtles in shallow, calm water.
  • Magens Bay Beach (St. Thomas): A famous, heart-shaped bay with calm waters, lifeguards, and full facilities.
  • Honeymoon Beach (St. John): Offers beach chair rentals, water sports, and a snack shack, all with a relaxed vibe.
  • Sapphire Beach (St. Thomas): Great for snorkeling right off the shore and has plenty of shade from sea grape trees.
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Top Ranked Family Stays

From beachfront resorts with kids’ clubs to private villas with pools, St. Thomas and St. John offer a range of family-friendly lodging. Many properties provide amenities like kitchens, beach gear, and easy access to calm swimming areas, making your family vacation seamless and comfortable.

  • The Westin St. John Resort Villas (St. John): Features a large pool, a kids’ club, and family-sized villas.
  • Secret Harbour Beach Resort (St. Thomas): All rooms are beachfront with full kitchens, located on a calm bay perfect for snorkeling.
  • Gallows Point Resort (St. John): Offers oceanfront villas within walking distance to Cruz Bay, with a pool and stunning views.
Top-Ranked Family Stays

Snorkeling with Kids

St. Thomas and St. John are premier snorkeling destinations. Many of the best spots are accessible right from the shore, with calm, shallow waters where kids can safely discover vibrant coral reefs and swim with turtles and colorful fish. Rentals and guided tours are easy to find on both islands.

  • Trunk Bay (St. John): Features a 225-yard-long underwater snorkeling trail with plaques identifying marine life.
  • Secret Harbour (St. Thomas): A protected bay with a floating swim platform and calm waters, making it great for beginner snorkelers.
  • Maho Bay (St. John): The best place to see sea turtles and rays grazing on seagrass in shallow water.
  • Coki Beach (St. Thomas): Known for its clear water and abundance of fish that will swim right up to you (you can buy fish food nearby).
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Family-Friendly Hikes

Both islands offer scenic and manageable hikes for families. Trails in the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John are well-maintained, while St. Thomas offers coastal walks with incredible views. These hikes are a great way to explore the islands’ natural beauty beyond the beaches.

  • Francis Bay Trail (St. John): A flat, easy, and stroller-friendly boardwalk trail that passes a salt pond and leads to the beach.
  • Mermaid’s Chair Trail (St. Thomas): A unique hike to a double-sided beach connecting the Atlantic and Caribbean, best for older kids.
  • Peace Hill Trail (St. John): A short, easy uphill walk to sugar mill ruins with panoramic views, perfect for all ages.
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Where to Eat

St. Thomas and St. John are filled with casual, open-air restaurants perfect for families. From beachside shacks with kid-friendly menus to food trucks and relaxed eateries in town, you’ll find plenty of spots that welcome children and offer delicious, fuss-free meals.

  • Duffy’s Love Shack (St. Thomas): Famous for its fun, quirky parking lot setting and a menu that pleases both adults and kids.
  • The Longboard (St. John): Offers a vibrant atmosphere in Cruz Bay with tasty tacos and bowls that kids enjoy.
  • Pizza Pi (St. Thomas): A floating pizza boat in Christmas Cove—a unique and memorable experience for the whole family.
  • Irie Pops (St. John): The perfect spot for a refreshing, all-natural popsicle after a day at the beach.
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Regional Breakdown

Each island and its regions offer a distinct vibe. Knowing the layout can help you choose the best home base for your family’s vacation style.

  • St. Thomas East End – Home to Red Hook, with lots of restaurants, resorts, and the ferry to St. John.
  • St. Thomas South Shore – Close to Charlotte Amalie, great for shopping, dining, and harbor views.
  • St. John’s North Shore – Famous for its stunning National Park beaches like Trunk and Maho Bay.
  • St. John’s Cruz Bay – The main town with shops, restaurants, and ferry access.
  • St. John’s Coral Bay – A quieter, more laid-back area with a rustic feel and local charm.
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Getting Between Islands

Traveling between St. Thomas and St. John is easy and a fun part of the adventure. The passenger ferry runs hourly from Red Hook (St. Thomas) to Cruz Bay (St. John) and takes about 20 minutes. There is also a less frequent ferry from downtown Charlotte Amalie. For those with a rental car, a car barge is available from Red Hook, which takes about 30 minutes.

Local Tips

  • Drive on the left—it’s the most important rule to remember.
  • Currency is the USD, and most places accept credit cards.
  • Standard U.S. power plugs and voltage are used.
  • Greetings like “Good Morning” and “Good Afternoon” are culturally important and appreciated.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit St. Thomas and St. John is during the peak season from December to April, which offers dry weather and pleasant temperatures. The shoulder season (May-June) can be a great value with fewer crowds. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk in August and September.

Getting Around

A rental car (preferably a Jeep or SUV for St. John’s hilly terrain) is highly recommended for families to explore freely. Taxis are widely available but can be expensive, and there is no Uber or Lyft. Remember, driving is on the left side of the road on both islands.

What to Pack

  • Reef-safe sunscreen is required by law in the USVI to protect the coral.
  • Rash guards for sun protection during long hours of snorkeling.
  • Water shoes for exploring rocky shorelines or tide pools.
  • Insect repellent, especially for evenings and jungle hikes.
  • A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
  • Light hiking shoes or sturdy sandals for trails.

We hope you found this St. Thomas & St. John family guide useful. Enjoy your trip to these beautiful islands!

For more general travel info, visit the Wikivoyage page on St. Thomas. Here is the info on St. John.