If you want one day that feels like “we did the famous St. Thomas beach” and “we found the best local spot on the island,” this is the perfect combo: Magens Bay + Hull Bay in the same day.
These two beaches are close to each other, but the vibe could not be more different.
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Magens Bay is the island’s superstar: the busiest, most popular tourist beach on St. Thomas—and absolutely worth visiting for that postcard-perfect shoreline.
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Hull Bay is the local favorite: laid-back, uncrowded, and the kind of place you can watch surfers, chill out, and grab a drink at The Shack like you’ve been coming here for years.
And yes—having a Jeep makes this plan smooth and stress-free.
Morning: Magens Bay early (best time to go)
Magens Bay is iconic for a reason: calm water, soft sand, and that famous curve of beach that looks like a screensaver. It’s also the most popular beach on the island—so your best move is simple:
Go early.
Early mornings are usually:
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less crowded
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easier parking
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calmer water
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more “romantic paradise” and less “where did all these people come from?”
Plan to swim, walk the shoreline, and soak up Magens at its best before it turns into the island’s busiest beach scene.
Midday: Scenic reset (the drive is part of the vacation)
After Magens, head back toward the Northside. This is where St. Thomas does its thing—ocean views, hills, breezes, and those moments where you look at each other and say, “Yep… this was the right decision.”
Afternoon: Hull Bay (best local vibe on the island)
Now for the contrast.
Hull Bay is the exhale—less touristy, more local, and the perfect way to spend the second half of the day. It’s one of the best spots on St. Thomas to:
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watch surfers (seriously, it’s a vibe)
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float and chill
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read and nap
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swim without the “main attraction” crowd energy
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grab a bite or a drink at The Shack and settle into island time
Magens is the big-name beach you’re supposed to see. Hull Bay is the beach you’ll talk about afterward like it was your secret.
Sunset: Finish strong at Hull Bay
End the day with golden hour at Hull Bay. It’s one of those simple, perfect St. Thomas moments that doesn’t require anything fancy—just time, light, and ocean.
Why this day is easier when your stay includes a Jeep
Could you do this itinerary with taxis? Possibly. But it’s harder to time, harder to pivot, and more likely you’ll skip one beach to keep things simple.
When your stay includes the ride, you get the freedom to do both beaches comfortably—plus detours, viewpoints, and spontaneous stops. That’s why couples love booking a St. Thomas vacation rental with a free Jeep Wrangler included.
Want to picture the home base for this itinerary?
Start with see photos of the cottage and imagine ending your beach day with pool time and ocean views.
Ready to make it official?
Pick your dates and lock in your home base here: check availability and book direct.
Questions before booking? contact us and we’ll help you plan.
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