Bay beach, Magens Bay, Magens, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

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Magens Bay

Top choice in US Virgin Islands

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The sugary mile that fringes Magens Bay, 3 miles north of Charlotte Amalie, makes almost every travel publication’s list of beautiful beaches. The seas here are calm, the bay broad and the surrounding green hills dramatic, and tourists mob the place to soak it all up. The beach has lifeguards, picnic tables, changing facilities, a taxi stand, food vendors, and water-sports operators renting kayaks, paddleboards and paddleboats (US$20 to US$30 per hour).

A taxi from Charlotte Amalie costs US$10 per person. Parking costs US$2.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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    Playa Flamenco

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    Stretching for a mile around a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay, Playa Flamenco (Flamenco Beach) is not only one of Culebra’s best beaches, it also makes a…

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    Sage Mountain National Park

    17.85 MILES

    At 1716ft, Sage Mountain rises higher than any other peak in the Virgin Islands. Seven trails crisscross the surrounding 92-acre park, including the main…

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    Playa Zoni

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    Head to the eastern end of the island and you’ll eventually run out of road at Playa Zoni. Many locals think this is a better beach than Flamenco and it's…

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    Leinster Bay

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    This bay adjoins the Annaberg mill ruins. Park in the plantation’s lot and follow the trail along the water for 25 minutes. Some of St John’s best…

  • Playa Carlos Rosario

    Playa Carlos Rosario

    26.84 MILES

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    Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins

    12.65 MILES

    Part of the national park, this site near Leinster Bay is home to the most intact sugar-plantation ruins in the Virgin Islands. A 30-minute self-directed…

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    Culebra National Wildlife Refuge

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    More than 20% of Culebra is part of a spectacular national wildlife refuge, which was signed into law more than 100 years ago. Most of it lies along the…

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