Hi all, We're planning a family vacation to St. Thomas, I have a question on if we should rent a car or not. Do you think we need to or can we get by on local and hotel transportation? I have a 4 and 2 year old and the baby will be 7 months old. Also Is there any recommendations for family friendly fun? I was thinking we'd mostly stay at the hotel (Marriot) and the beach, but would like to venture out to see the most interesting things the island has to offer. Any help would be great thanks! Oh! we will also be traveling with grandma a some cousins so childcare is provided and extra help =)
I've been there on vacation with my family, but we were all older (teens). I personally would recommend to leave the driving to the locals. If I remember correctly (it's been about 15 years) everything is pretty much walking distance, or local transportation is the way to go. When you get there, you can also ask your concierge.
Hi J.,
I've been to St. Thomas twice and I agree with Jasmine. Leave the driving to the locals. If you're staying at Marriot Frenchmans Reef (Fantastic by the way) then there is a ferry boat from the property directly into town. I don't remember how much it was but it was cheap. The beach at Frenchmans Reef is perfect for families. No waves, just crystal clear, calm water. I would recommend going to St. John for a day and taking a tour of the island and then snorkling at Trunk Bay. You wont be disappointed! If you like shopping then you will have another reason to love St. Thomas. The shopping is incredible and they have great prices. Two thing that I love are jewelry (who doesn't) and linens. Excellent prices on both. I always do my Christmas shopping while I'm there. Anyway, I hope this helps. Have a great trip!
L.
Yes, I have been to St. Thomas many times, as a matter of fact my husband was born in St.Thomas, and grew up there. We are planning a trip there in December my In-Laws 50th wedding anniversary celebration, and we are looking forward to going.
(a) If you rent a car, be prepared to drive on the opposite side of the road, and I would greatly recommend you renting a car especially with the children, because the public transportation takes too long, and you will have more time to enjoy the sceneries, than having to rush to catch the public transportation.
(b) If you have bought into a tour the hotel transportation may help you.
(c) Scenic places - Meagan's bay - very beautiful, our children would spend hours there, Coral World, Drake's seat, Mountaintop, go to the eastside of the island to see St.John's, or you can take the ferry to St.John's and spend the day. You can also take the ferry to Virgin Gorda, but make sure you have your US Passports, there is also blackbeard castle, or blue beard castle.
(d) Caution - avoid been in places that you are not familiar with late at night.
It's beautiful in St. Thomas,a bit conjested,very hot, and humid, make sure you have lots of suntan lotion,and hats. The food is delicious, and the people are very friendly, but of course just like any place you want to keep an eye on your children at all times, safe guard your belongings, be aware of your surroundings, and try and get most of your directions from the hotel staff, if you do not have a map, but a map is also very helpful.
It's wonderful, it's beautiful, it's exciting, enjoy, try some johnny cakes, saltfish/codfish, coconut tarts, and fresh passion fruit juice.
Denise
Hi J.,
My husband and I went to St. Thomas for 2 weeks and had a marvelous time. As for transportation, may I suggest that you use their taxi system? The driving in St. Thomas quite crazy, and you really have to be a local to get around. St. Thomas has these large open air buses that go pretty much anywhere you want on the island.
Also, for things to do on the island there is a wonderful aquarium at Coki Beach called Coral World. There is also Blackbeard's castle that you can take a tour of. Megan's Beach is beautiful. Most of the tours on the island are well worth it.
Also, if you can take the water taxi to St. John, do it. There is a beach that has a full underwater snorkel tour at Trunk Lagoon.
