St. Thomas: Introduction

St. Thomas' most romantic attractions are undoubtedly its beaches. The number one stretch of sand is Magens Bay, a picture postcard-perfect beach where you'll find everything you need, from beach chairs to a beach bar, to allow you to luxuriate all day here.

To have a look at the undersea life, take a 50-minute cruise aboard the Atlantis submarine (800-253-0493 or 340-776-5650). The dives depart from Havensight Mall and carry up to 46 passengers to a depth of 90 feet below the surface. Here's a chance for non-divers to enjoy a look at sponges, coral, and an array of colorful tropical fish. The trip is safe and comfortable. Bring along your camera, but because of the portholes you won't be able to use the flash. (Buy some fast film--400 ASA or faster--to capture these memories.)

For the best view of St. Thomas from above, ride the Paradise Point Tramway, which also departs near Havensight Mall. Aboard ski-lift gondolas, you'll rise to one point that never sees snow: the top of Flag Hill. From here you'll see the Charlotte Amalie harbor dotted with cruise ships. Gondolas ascend to the point from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day, or you can take a taxi (on a very crooked and bumpy road) to the point. Once on top, enjoy a frozen Bushwacker or a mango margarita at "The Bar." Stick around for the best sunset in the islands and watch the lights of Charlotte Amalie come out.

Another excellent view of Charlotte Amalie is from the lookout on Skyline Drive. Here all the guided tours stop for a quick photo and the chance to buy a T-shirt from a conveniently-located vendor. Your jitney tour will undoubtedly stop at Mountain Top, the peak of St. Peter Mountain. A more touristy version of Paradise Point, this lookout is home to a mega-gift shopping complex, mucho tourists, banana daiquiris (they claim to be the home of the original banana daiquiri), and, we must admit, a beautiful view. From the lookout, you'll have a great view of Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, and Magens Bay.