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A half-mile (1-km) swim, 14-mile (22-km) bike ride up and downhill from Maho Bay to Cruz Bay and on to Annaberg plus a 4-mile (6-km) run mark this annual early September event, held at Maho Bay and in Coral Bay. A good spectator event.

The most beautiful beach in St. Thomas, the long and spacious Magens Bay Beach is usually full of people. It’s the number one spot visitors want to see. The beach has a restaurant, watersports rentals, a nature trail, bathrooms, showers, and on weekends, crowds of locals who come to party to amplified music. While all this activity may not be your cup of tea, if you find yourself there, just head to the far ends of the beach for some quiet.

While the beach at nearby Maho Bay Camps is also called Maho Bay, this stretch of greenery-fringed white sand sits adjacent to the road. There are no services, and consequently less people, which is why locals and boaters who moor offshore, as well as independent visitors, prefer it. The snorkeling along the beach is barely mediocre, so head to the rocks along the north edge to see colorful fish. You might see a turtle or two swim across your path.

Canvas cottages open to the breezes and a kids’ arts and crafts program make this camp popular with families. The small beach and terrific snorkeling keep children busy for hours. A casual dining room serves meals, giving the family chef a break from the propane stove (seeMaho Bay Camps, St. John – Work Exchange Program).

Stay free for a month or more in a tent at the environmentally friendly Maho Bay Camps if you don’t mind working four hours a day doing jobs such as cooking, carpentry, and maintenance. Apply online only (seeMaho Bay Camps, St. John).

Stretching skyward, stately mahogany trees grow mostly in parks. Craftspeople use its wood to make furniture.

Watch out for this tree found near beaches. It bears poisonous red fruits and the sap is extremely toxic.

Eighteen duplex and two individual villas nestle along a gorgeous strand of white sand. The villas are individually decorated in tropical style and come complete with complimentary kayaks and snorkelling equipment.

The island’s best artists exhibit at this gallery, tucked away at the back of a shopping center. The large selection of fine take-home gifts includes cigars and soap.

Using a process called color etchings as well as oils, Maria Henle creates stunning works that often reflect the sea. She applies various views of a subject to create pictures within pictures. Henle also exhibits the works of her father, famed St. Croix photographer Fritz Henle, in the gallery.