Red Hook

Travel Guide

Smith Bay Beach which includes tropical scenes and a beach
Red Hook which includes a bay or harbor
Smith Bay Beach showing general coastal views and tropical scenes
Red Hook showing nightlife and night scenes
Sapphire Beach featuring a beach and tropical scenes

Escape the bustle of Charlotte Amalie and relax into a leisurely routine of beach lounging, watersports and fantastic seafood.

The picturesque coastline around Red Hook features beautiful bays and superb snorkeling. Windsurf in charming Vessup Bay and enjoy lunch at one of the peaceful cafés overlooking the water.

Set on the East End of the island, the town of Red Hook is known for its stunning beaches and excellent watersports facilities. Swim in the sheltered waters of Nazareth Bay on the south of the island or walk north from town for 20 minutes to discover pristine white sand and coral reefs at Sapphire Beach.

Spend the day lying beneath the warming sun and trying watersports. Partially enclosed Vessup Bay provides a scenic and safe environment to paddle around via kayak or even skim across the waves on a windsurfing board. Rental equipment, as well as boat cruises and island-hopping tours, are available from the American Yacht Harbor.

If you prefer to keep your feet dry, arrange an organized fishing charter instead. The calm, clear waters here are home to an array of big fish including tuna, mahi-mahi and marlin. Cast a rod from Cabrita Point or venture further east toward St. John and the British Virgin Islands.

When evening comes, relax with a refreshing beer at one of the seafront bars. Chat with other patrons about the day’s adventures. Eating options are plentiful. Snack on fish and chips while ambling along the harbor or sit down at a table at one of the high-quality restaurants in town to sample freshly caught fish with local spices.

Red Hook is just over 20 minutes from Charlotte Amalie by car. Taxis can usually be found near the ferry dock.

Beachfront Villas at Crystal Cove

Beachfront Villas at Crystal Cove

4 out of 5
6345 Smith Bay Road, Sapphire Beach West, St. Thomas
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Sapphire Beach and Magens Bay Beach ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (132 reviews)
Favorite Virgin Islands resort
"I loved this resort. We stayed on all three US Virgin Islands on this trip, and this resort was my favorite. The beach was beautiful and clean, I really enjoyed having a coffee shop and restaurants on the property."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Beachfront Villas at Crystal Cove
Sapphire Beach Resort

Sapphire Beach Resort

3 out of 5
6720 Estate Smith Bay, St. Thomas
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Sapphire Beach and Magens Bay Beach ...
6.8/10 (263 reviews)
"so friendly, cats and chickens everywhere lol, so cute and comfortable"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Sapphire Beach Resort
Sapphire Beach Villa

Sapphire Beach Villa

3.5 out of 5
6700 Sapphire Village, East End, St. Thomas
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Sapphire Beach and Magens Bay Beach ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (62 reviews)
"Condo was clean and comfortable. Loved that there was a restaurant on property. Bed comfortable. Loved the view"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Sapphire Beach Villa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beachfront Villas at Crystal Cove

Beachfront Villas at Crystal Cove

4 out of 5
6345 Smith Bay Road, Sapphire Beach West, St. Thomas
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Sapphire Beach and Magens Bay Beach ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (132 reviews)
Favorite Virgin Islands resort
"I loved this resort. We stayed on all three US Virgin Islands on this trip, and this resort was my favorite. The beach was beautiful and clean, I really enjoyed having a coffee shop and restaurants on the property."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Beachfront Villas at Crystal Cove
Sapphire Beach Resort

Sapphire Beach Resort

3 out of 5
6720 Estate Smith Bay, St. Thomas
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Sapphire Beach and Magens Bay Beach ...
6.8/10 (263 reviews)
"so friendly, cats and chickens everywhere lol, so cute and comfortable"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Sapphire Beach Resort
Sapphire Beach Villa

Sapphire Beach Villa

3.5 out of 5
6700 Sapphire Village, East End, St. Thomas
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Sapphire Beach and Magens Bay Beach ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (62 reviews)
"Condo was clean and comfortable. Loved that there was a restaurant on property. Bed comfortable. Loved the view"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Sapphire Beach Villa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Red Hook

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
26
5 - Excellent 44%
4 - Good
29
4 - Good 49%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Went on Ferry to St John which was very close. Recommend renting a Jeep to do independent exploring of both islands

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Overall red hook is a nice place. We came to see history and while we dont feel that the island focuses on the historical value, we see the appeal it has for some people. The weather was lovely, the beaches are too. Taxi system is a little different

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A lot of shopping, dining and water opportunities! Friendly

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Great experience by our family. Friendly

4/5 - Good

Reed

Harbor, island ferries, bars, dive shops, reataurants, nightlife, etc. All in one little corner of the island

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

More grocery stores and especially more restaurants are needed.

Cities near Red Hook