How to Spend a Long Weekend in St. Thomas and St. John

The US Virgin Islands: an attainable sandy escape. After the double category 5 hurricane duo Irma and Maria hit the islands in September of 2017, St. Thomas and St. John are both still in the process of rebuilding. They're also open for business, welcoming travelers to new restaurants, refurbished hotels and the unwavering classic beauty that's always been around. U.S. citizens can leave their passports at home to explore the paradise trifecta of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. Each island has its own character, laid back vibes and a plethora of activities to offer visitors. But with regular ferry service between St. Thomas and St. John, it's easy to create a long weekend getaway with these two USVI gems.

St. John has no shortage of gorgeous views-it is an island dream, after all. Perhaps one of the easiest things to induce relaxation is to absorb every last eye-candy level scene. This gorgeous spot is Leinster Bay, where visitors can choose to stretch their legs by hitting the trail by the same name. Or, the beach itself is a worthy place to park it for a while, gazing at the impossibly clear blue waters and breathing in the sea air. On a clear day, you can spot Great and Little Thatch Islands, a couple of the British Virgin Islands neighbors. With its proximity to St. Thomas, it's possible to pop over for just the day.

The Annaberg Sugar Mill ruins, part of the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, are a worthy stop not just for exploring a bit of history, but also for some of the most incredible views of the surrounding bay and islands. Other than sugar production, molasses and rum were made here on these plantation grounds starting in the 18th century. We'll take our history with a side of turquoise waters, please.

Renting some wheels will give you the freedom to explore both of the islands on your own time. With various lookout areas, swimming stops and perfect picnic points, this can easily be a full-day island adventure. The inter-island car ferry connection makes hopping between both an actual breeze. If you're not up for the drive, open-air safari tours are available as well, where you'll have a local guide that can regale you with history and stories from the islands.

PRIME at Paradise Point is just that...paradise. The sweeping views of Charlotte Amalie and surrounding bay on St. Thomas will have you swooning just as much as the cuisine at this high-end steakhouse. It's a choose your own meat-venture menu, where you have a multitude of options. The sides are of sharing size; you've been forewarned. Tip: plan your meal time for just after sunset so you can experience that before stuffing your face with deliciousness.

A solid sunrise is always worth the early vacation wake-up. And when you can practically roll out of bed and onto the beach for the dawn show? Even better. If you're feeling a little more motivated, heading up to Drake's Seat on St. Thomas will provide a panoramic vantage point and a postcard-perfect sunrise. You'll be able to see distant islands illuminated from an amazing perspective; just bring the coffee.

The mountainous interior of St. Thomas makes for some jaw-dropping panoramas. Sunset is the ideal backdrop for looking out over the harbor of Charlotte Amalie, a major port city on the island. Watch from various viewpoints on Skyline Drive as the sun stretches out over land and water with a golden hue. Oh, and take pictures, that too.

With a full calendar of fun events in the Virgin Islands, it's possible to plan your visit around one of the festivals for a taste of Caribbean culture. Try creative takes on the original chicken wing at St. Thomas' King of the Wing Festival in June, party island-style at the St. John Festival in July, or attend the Beauty and the Beast Triathlon on St. Croix in December. Check the USVI website for more events happening throughout the year.

If you don't go on a sunset boat cruise did you even go to an island? Bolongo Bay, a family-run hotel right on the beach, is one of the hotels re-opened since the 2017 hurricanes. They offer a sunset cocktail cruise on their catamaran, aptly named Heavenly Days, as well as a Sunday Funday excursion to nearby Water Island on, you guessed it...Sundays.

Head to the Tap Room in Cruz Bay on St. John to sip some local brews made by St. John Brewers infused with island flavors like tropical mango and their signature Island Hoppin' IPA. With an outdoor patio and some delicious bites to wash down those beers, this microbrewery is a worthy stop for parched beachgoers. With its location near the ferry dock, it makes for a fantastic spot either before or after exploring the rest of the island.

A new fine-dining restaurant sourcing local fish and produce, Blue 11 on St. Thomas has an open-kitchen design, making for a well-rounded and creative dining experience. Patrons can choose to do the four or seven-course chef-crafted menu, and also have the option to add the wine pairing as well. You're in for a treat as the chef dishes up a variety of local style cuisine including meats, fish and produce, all artfully designed for your tastebuds to do a celebratory dance about. Pack your stretchy pants shorts.

With 2/3 of the island of St. John a National Park, its natural beauty makes perfect sense. Twenty hiking trails await the feet of explorers, with hidden beaches and jungle goodness to be found. For a short trek to an overlook of the Caribbean Sea, head out on the Ram's Head trail. Or, for a challenge, test out your island hiking chops on the Reef Bay trail that includes a waterfall, petroglyphs and a secluded beach. There are trails for all kinds of hikers, whether you're up for something short and sweet, have an entire family of different ability levels, or really want to push yourself on something more difficult.

Frenchtown, just west of Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas, is known for food. Heading to the old fishing village with Colonial French influence for a meal and a drink is an essential part of your USVI long weekend. Stop at the French Quarter Bistro, for a bit of cajun flavor to the island fare. Make sure to try the beignets...they are legit. Bella Blu would be good anytime, but especially for brunch. Hook, Line & Sinker is the place in Frenchtown for seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Craving pizza? Pie Hole has got you. What have we learned? Come hungry.

Trunk Bay on St. John is fairly famous (okay, really famous) for its coral reef underwater trail. Swimmers can rent snorkel gear at the entrance hut to the beach and then head out to float amongst all sorts of colorful fish and sea life. The beach itself is known for being impossibly stunning, with white sand and clear aqua water. Stingrays are often spotted in the shallow waters right off the beach. Once you embark on the trail you may encounter starfish and sea turtles in addition to the diverse array of fish.

**There is an entrance fee for this beach.

The water will beckon, guaranteed. One of the top beaches to take a dip in on St. Thomas is Magen's Bay. The white sand goes for almost a mile, with crystal clear blue waters lapping the shore. It is, quite possibly, one of the best beaches in the world. If you're going to swim somewhere on your long weekend jaunt, this should be it.

**There is a fee to enter.