When you come to St. Thomas, you will realize the place is much larger than you think and it may feel intimidating to find where to eat, and the best place to stay in St. Thomas. There are different sections of the island each with their own perks, restaurants, and hotels. When I was choosing a place to stay I wanted to stay near the east side since that is where most of the restaurants, activities, and places to eat and shop were located. I also learned quickly how to get around a save a little money in the process! Here is a guide to the best place to stay in St. Thomas and where to eat.
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Getting Around St. Thomas, USVI
There are a few ways to get around St. Thomas, USVI. If you feel comfortable driving on steep roads, off-road, and on the left side of the road, renting a car maybe an option for you. However, keep in mind parking can be challenging as well. I opted to take taxis and the safari taxis locals take, which was quite an adventure in itself. Taxis on the island have set prices based on where you are going and coming from. There are no meters. From the airport we paid $32-35 for two people and our baggage. If we took shorter trips from Red Hook to Margaritaville it would take $7 per person.
However, if you take the local open air taxis referred to as Safari Taxis expect to pay $1 USD or $2 USD depending on how far along the route you go. The safari taxis take a little longer, and run on a set one way figure eight path. But it helped save some money. It really depends on your own travel style.
Where to eat in St. Thomas, USVI?
Now that you know how to get around the island, where do you want to go to eat? Depending on how much time you have on the island you may want to explore the restaurants around the island on your own or with a food tour. However, these are some of my favorite places I tried during my stay and I absolutely loved them!
The Easterly Address: 6100 Red Hook Quarter, Suite GS, 1 Red Hook Rd, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
The Easterly offers an amazing happy hour with great food, mocktails/cocktails, and the best vibes in Red Hook. With an open air concept and beautiful decor that will make you feel like your in Tulum. I loved the wings, lamb sliders, and loved everything I tried. Also, they had these swings that will definitely give you that instagram moment.





Lanai Restaurant Address: St Thomas, 7511 Frenchman’s Heights, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
One of my favorite restaurants, especially for brunch, was Lanai Restaurant. Lanai is located at Limetree Beach Resort is an open air restaurant overlooking Limetree Beach. This resort and restaurant is dreamy. I could literally have stayed half a day here snorkeling, swimming, and eating. The food was very good and I could have sat here all day with the views.





Stone House Cafe Address: St Thomas, 5332 Raadets Gade, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
After walking through historic Charlotte- Amalie, we came across a cute local restaurant that looked like a historic cellar with a nice dining area. It was a nice, no fuss dining, and the owners were lovely. It was perfect to sit down in air conditioning and relax with some amazing fish sandwiches.


Shore Bar and Grill Address: Smith Bay, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
Another long day of exploring had us venturing somewhere closer to home for dinner one night and we ended up at the nearby Shore Bar and Grill. It was a nice 10 minute walk from Margaritaville Resort. It was nice to be able to eat with the waves crashing on stairs leading to the restaurant.
Margaritaville Address: St. Thomas, 6080 Smith Bay Rd, Saint Thomas, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
Of course I had to try Margaritaville a few times while I stayed there. I actually enjoyed both meals I had at the onsite restaurant at the resort. The cheeseburger, pasta, and jerk bbq chicken all tasted phenomenal. There was a beautiful outdoor eating area as well that overlooked the beach and was the perfect setting to begin or close out the day.


Best Coffee in St. Thomas, USVI
Virgin Island Coffee Roasters Address: 9718 Estate Thomas Suite 5A, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
The Virgin Island Coffee Roasters is the only place on St. Thomas that roasts their own beans. If you look, most of the island actually use Virgin Island Coffee Roasters beans. I loved the light and fresh decor in their shop in Harborside. If you come here make sure to check out the times as most coffee shops seemed to close early on the island.


Lattes in Paradise Address: 6100 Red Hook Quarters St Thomas VI VI, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
Located in Red Hook on the east side of St. Thomas, Lattes in Paradise was the perfect place to get my caffeine fix before heading on the ferry to St. John, USVI.

Market at Margaritaville Vacation Club
Is located in the resort of Margaritaville Vacation Club. Here you can get some groceries, coffee, breakfast sandwiches, sandwiches, and also get some Virgin Island Coffee Roasters coffee!

Dessert
Sunny Days Ice cream St Thomas Address: 6100 Red Hook Quarters C2-5, Saint.Thomas, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
I love ice cream and I had to try some of the best ice cream on the island! I came to Sunny Days Ice Cream and loved the flavors. It was the perfect way to cool off after a long day in the sun.
Where to get groceries for accommodations?
Moe’s Fresh Market
Moe’s Fresh Market is located in Red Hook, Harborside and it is the best place to get some groceries for your resort, timeshare, and Airbnb. While St. Thomas can be very expensive. This is a way to offset some of the costs. Also, after a long day exploring I often just want to have a low key meal at home. So this is perfect to get drinks and food for your accommodation.
Louie’s Market Address: 6632 Smith Bay Rd, Smith Bay, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
Louie’s Market is perfect to shop at if you are staying at Margaritaville Vacation Club Resort or are heading to Coki Beach for the day. Here you can get a wide variety of food and drinks to enjoy the day with. There were some great bakery goods as well.
Best Place to Stay in St. Thomas
Margaritaville Vacation Club
While there are many amazing villas, hotels, and resorts to stay in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. I loved my stay at Margaritaville Vacation Club in St. Thomas. Margaritaville Vacation Club is located on Water Bay, and is very close to Coral World Ocean Park and Coki Beach on the eastern side of St. Thomas, USVI. Everything I could have asked for was provided at this beautiful resort that is 5 stars in my opinion. From the moment I checked in to the moment I left the beautiful St. Thomas, I was met with amazing hospitality and a warm welcome. In my opinion it was the best place to stay in St. Thomas.
I loved the laid back adventurous atmosphere of the Margaritaville Resort. It takes after it’s namesake and the ethos of Jimmy Buffett. Here you could do anything you wanted or nothing at all, and experience escapism to live your vacation out to the fullest.

The Room
My room was everything I could ask for. It had a balcony with a beautiful view of the bay, Coki Beach, Coral World Ocean Park, and islands dotting the coast of St. Thomas. We had an amazing moon rise over the distant islands our first night that made every bit of hassle planning this trip worth it!
I stayed in a Studio King Plus room, which was very spacious. There was a kitchenette, L- shaped couch, TV, small dining area, and two lounge chairs on the porch as well as a modern bathroom with a walk-in shower. If your party is larger there are also one or two bedroom suites. I could not get over the views from the Hilltop rooms. If you stay here try to get on the Hilltop. Don’t worry about the walk up because the resort provides golf carts to bring you everywhere on the resort property.



The Resort, Amenities, and Activities
One of the reasons you stay at a resort like Margaritaville is so you don’t have to worry about much. It provides you more time to relax and enjoy the many amenities/activities of the resort. This resort was perfectly situated on Water Bay and close to water sports galore. A local outfitter had kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and offered sunset cruises straight from the resort property! Also, Margaritaville is close to not one, but two beaches! Coki Beach is only a short 10 minute walk from the property and it is one of the most local beaches on the island. Coki Beach offers great music, food, and snorkeling.
If you don’t feel like getting salty, head to one of two pools in Margaritaville. My favorite aspect of the pools were the loungers and seats/tables in the water! But my favorite pool had to be the Hilltop Pool. Every weekend there is live music at sunset and always a good vibe and views from the Hilltop Pool.
There were quite a few activities that happened throughout the week, including: a Bird Show, Yoga, Water Aerobics, Shopping Trips to Charlotte Amalie, and live music. So there is almost always something going on any day of the week.


Where to stay in St. Thomas?
In my opinion the best area to stay in St. Thomas is near the east side of the island and while there are many places to eat and stay in Red Hook. I felt staying at Margaritaville was the best place to stay in St. Thomas. It was located to many activities and things to do in St. Thomas like Coral World Ocean Park, Coki Beach, and was also a 5 minute drive to Red Hook.
Pin this for later and let me know in the comments some of your favorite places to eat and stay in St. Thomas and the U.S. Virgin Islands!
Where to say in St Thomas USVI?
Booking.com
Thank you Sarah. We are looking forward to our visit.
I hope you enjoy. ST. Thomas was exactly the paradise I needed when I visited.
Thanks for this. How did you book your stay? What kind of view did you have from your room? Do you remember what hillside building you stayed at? I’m planning a trip.
Hello you can book using my link for booking.com I make a small amount at no extra cost to you. I stayed in building 10 on hillside area of the resort. They have golf carts that bring you around the property. https://www.booking.com/index.html?aid=1754718
Thanks for sharing your experience, we will be going July 18th 🙂 hope to enjoy it as much as you did!!
let me know how it goes!
Did you find it was best to have cash to pay for things around the island or to use your credit card?
I used cash for the transport, but most restaurants and tours accept card.
How far way is the east end of the island from the airport?
20 minutes by taxi
Just coming across this, lots of wonderful information. My husband is really into snorkeling and would love a beach front place to stay. Is this possible where you stayed?
We stay at Limetree Beach Resort, where Lanai is situated, and love it. Much quieter than Margaritaville, but with 2 restaurants and the Limetree Market, you have all you need onsite. Also, try Gladys’ in Charlotte Amalie for excellent local cuisine, Oceana in Frenchtown, Caribbean Fish Market at Elysian. Duffy’s in Red Hook is fun and Island Time Pub has a great view of the harbor and area islands.
We just got back from Margaritaville, St Thomas, USVI. It was amazing! We spent a week and the property did not disappoint! They not only have an amazing views, pools, beach area, food, and nightly activities, but upstairs in the lobby they pool, foosball and great sitting areas with amazing views. Great hangout spot! Swim up bar was my favorite, met some great folks there in the Infinity pool. Comfy bed, room with everything you need and great patio views. Counting down the days to go back!
Hi my name is Cleve Jackson Virginia lander born and raised, I’m elated you guys enjoyed your stay in Rock City that’s what us locals call St.Thomas
I now live in Colorado and always glad to hear about folks experiences in my island home.