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Off the beaten path, but easy to get to, Estate Catherineberg served as headquarters for the Amina warriors during the 1733 slave uprising. The windmill and other ruins of this 1718 site are St. John’s best-preserved examples of the period. To find it, turn off Centerline Road mid-island at a large Virgin Islands National Park sign. The sign is easiest to see if you’re driving from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay.

This bustling town hides its history behind the doors of busy shops, but savvy strollers stop for a look at the buildings’ interesting architecture and old stone walls. The town area is anchored by the huge red Fort Christian on the east and, to the west, the covered market where planters once bought slaves, now used as a produce and crafts market. To the south sits a lively harbor, and, to the north, hillside streets filled with colonial homes and other historic buildings (seeHistoric Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas).

History and commerce come together in this charming town. Historic Fort Christianvaern casts its shadow over Christiansted National Historic Site, but the past permeates the entire town (seeFort Christianvaernand;Christiansted National Historic Siteand also;Historic Christiansted). Stroll by pastel buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, then segue off to a delightful lunch at a fine or casual restaurant. Small shops with eclectic merchandise offer an afternoon’s diversion.

Home to the Virgin Islands National Park campground, this beach sees lots of visitors and tour groups. But, because of its length, the groups are less of a problem here than at other beaches. For solitude, head to the far ends or come early or late. The snorkeling is particularly good at the far eastern end and around Cinnamon Cay. There are showers, flush toilets, a convenience store, and a restaurant.

The village of Compass Point is home to a small collection of shops and restaurants, which serve the dozens of old salts who live aboard or keep their boats at the marina as well as any visitors who happen to wander by. Park your car in the lot to the left as you reach the area. Rent watersports equipment down on the dock or people-watch as you enjoy your lunch at the snack wagon or dinner at one of the restaurants.

The restaurants and shops in and around Coral Bay may seem like just a stop on your round-the-island tour, but if you look a little closer you’ll discover a real sense of community. Indeed, the Guy Benjamin School bears the name of a retired educator who lives just down the road. The boat yard may seem a tad on the ramshackle side, but it’s the center of life for the dozens of folks who live aboard their boats in Coral Bay harbor.

Get a taste of the marine life that surrounds St. Thomas without the need to get wet, although that is an option with some of the activities (seeCoral World, St. Thomas).

Coral World provides the ideal introduction to the under-sea world that surrounds the Virgin Islands. With easy-to-understand exhibits, kid-friendly staff, and a nearby beach, this marine park is a must-see for visitors to St. Thomas. It’s a great place to spend the entire day (seeCoral World, St. Thomas).

Only a few cruise ships tie up at the Crown Bay dock; most go to Havensight. Facilities are minimal around the pier, so you’ll have to walk a few blocks to the Crown Bay Marina and shopping complex to find restaurants and a gourmet grocery. A few more restaurants and a couple of shops flank the busy road that runs from the pier to the Crown Bay Marina. If you are there in winter, visit the marina for a gander at the multimillion-dollar yachts that stop by St. Thomas.

The busy ferry port at Cruz Bay is most visitors’ first impression of the town and the island. But don’t let the cacophony of ferry noise and taxi drivers put you off. Outside the dock, the noise abates and the town unfolds. Small, with narrow streets carrying no discernible names, Cruz Bay offers visitors the Virgin Islands National Park Visitor’s Center (seeVirgin Islands National Park Visitor’s Center), restaurants, and shopping, but also serves as the heart of island life for St. John residents (seeStroll Through Cruz Bay, St. John).