Itinerary: One Perfect Day on the Northside of St. Thomas
For residents and visitors alike, spending time on the northside of the island of St. Thomas is exciting and inspiring. There are many things to do and see on this luscious part of the island, and if you have a day to relax and enjoy the area, below are five ideas for places to visit and things to see.
Northside Grind Coffee Shop
Start the day with a delicious cup of coffee from “Northside Grind” coffee shop, located above Magens Bay. This locally owned café is popular among both residents and tourists.
In addition to coffee, a wide variety of tasty food is available, including breakfast and lunch items and smoothies.
After morning coffee, it’s time to head down the street and onto the beach.
Magens Bay
Consistently cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Magens Bay is an idyllic Caribbean beach lined with palm trees and powdery white sand. The turquoise water is typically calm and perfect for swimming or paddle boarding.
A small fee (which is discounted for VI residents) is charged to access the bay. This money is utilized by the “Magens Bay Authority” to keep the area clean and beautiful.
“The goal of Magens Bay Authority is to operate parks and beaches in a manner which improves the health and living standards of visitors and the populace of the Virgin Islands alike, through the preservation of the island’s natural resources, the provision of education on native flora and fauna, and opportunities for unmatched recreational experiences,” according to the Authority’s website.
While the beach is busy when cruise ships are in port, it is large enough to find a quiet area to unwind. (Don’t forget to try a tropical cocktail at the beach bar!)
Hull Bay
The beach day is still ongoing! After spending time at Megan’s Bay, a short drive to Hull Bay is well worth the trip.
Hull Bay, a local favorite, is less touristy than Magens Bay, but there’s still lots to do. Snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, and even surfing are popular pastimes along this stretch of the coast.
Across the street from the sand, food and drinks are available and served in lush, tropical surroundings.
There is no fee to access Hull Bay. However, parking is limited. Also, pack water shoes if planning to swim, as this beach contains more colorful rocks and coral than Magens.
Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden
Once you’ve experienced the gorgeous beaches, consider driving up the mountain and taking a stroll through “Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden.” Located above Magens Bay, the garden is a peaceful oasis with over 1,200 plant species.
Along with numerous varieties of flora and fauna, you’re sure to see some friendly island critters, such as chickens, tropical birds, turtles, and lizards. And if you pack some snacks with you, there’s a gazebo within the garden to relax and have a picnic.
A nominal entry fee is charged to access the garden, with discounts available for residents of the USVI. As a recent article in the Source explained, Phantasea might be St. Thomas’s best secret!
RooT 42 Bar and Grill
After a restful day at the beach, consider ending the day at “RooT 42,” a bar and restaurant located on the property of “Flamboyan on the Bay Resort & Villas.” Although situated on Route 42, the establishment’s name, “RooT 42,” is an acronym for Risen out of Tragedy. Despite terrible destruction on the island, the restaurant opened shortly after Hurricane Irma’s deadly landfall in 2017. The staff is friendly, and the prices are reasonable. The outside tables are situated next to a pool and waterfall, creating excellent vacation vibes!
Enjoying the sunset at RooT 42 while overlooking the ocean will be a reminder of how incredible this little island is, regardless of whether you’re a resident or a visitor.
Note: Travel and tourism articles will be continually added to the Source as part of a new project.
