Red Hook

Travel Guide

A beach with clear turquoise water, white sand, and green foliage in the foreground.
A coastal town with houses on a hillside and several boats anchored in the water.
A turquoise sea with white buoys, a clear blue sky, and distant green hills.
A nighttime street scene with a row of green doors, some open, revealing a bar or restaurant inside. There are palm trees in pots lining the sidewalk, and a building with illuminated signs in the background.
A beach with clear turquoise water, a large tree, and a distant hill with buildings.

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.

Sapphire Beach Resort

Sapphire Beach Resort

3 out of 5
6720 Estate Smith Bay St. Thomas
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Popular attractions Sapphire Beach and Trunk Bay ...
7/10 Good! (300 reviews)
"Great location clean could use a little more amenities but over all it was great"

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2026

Sapphire Beach Resort
Beachfront Villas at Crystal Cove

Beachfront Villas at Crystal Cove

4 out of 5
6345 Smith Bay Road St. Thomas
Book a stay at this beach apartment in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Sapphire Beach and Trunk Bay are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (174 reviews)
"What a pleasure it was to stay on the property. The host took care of us immediately. For any questions we had, they were answered at once. Great condo, best location. Never slept in a more comfi bed, soft sheets, feather pillows - pure luxury. Would choose the same place and the same host when I’m ..."

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2026

Beachfront Villas at Crystal Cove
View of Paradise at Sapphire Beach

View of Paradise at Sapphire Beach

3.5 out of 5
6720 Estate Smith Bay St. Thomas
$378 nightly
The price is $426 total per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
$426 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Sapphire Beach and Lindquist Beach ...
View of Paradise at Sapphire Beach
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.
Sapphire Beach Resort

Sapphire Beach Resort

3 out of 5
6720 Estate Smith Bay St. Thomas
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Popular attractions Sapphire Beach and Trunk Bay ...
7/10 Good! (300 reviews)
"Great location clean could use a little more amenities but over all it was great"

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2026

Sapphire Beach Resort
Beachfront Villas at Crystal Cove

Beachfront Villas at Crystal Cove

4 out of 5
6345 Smith Bay Road St. Thomas
Book a stay at this beach apartment in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Sapphire Beach and Trunk Bay are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (174 reviews)
"What a pleasure it was to stay on the property. The host took care of us immediately. For any questions we had, they were answered at once. Great condo, best location. Never slept in a more comfi bed, soft sheets, feather pillows - pure luxury. Would choose the same place and the same host when I’m ..."

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2026

Beachfront Villas at Crystal Cove
"ONE BEACH ROAD Villa", St Thomas VI, 6 Bedroom, 5 1/2 Bath Beachfront Oasis

"ONE BEACH ROAD Villa", St Thomas VI, 6 Bedroom, 5 1/2 Bath Beachfront Oasis

St. Thomas
Book a stay at this beach villa in St. Thomas. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (130 reviews)
"This is an amazing beach villa for a large group. We had 18 travelers ranging from 11 months old to age 72 and there was plenty of room for all of us. Great views, we practically lived in the infinity pool. Sunrise coffee each morning on the jetty was a special treat. Villa is well supplied with ..."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2026

"ONE BEACH ROAD Villa", St Thomas VI, 6 Bedroom, 5 1/2 Bath Beachfront Oasis
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.

Stay near popular Red Hook attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Red Hook worth visiting?
Red Hook is worth visiting for its beautiful Sapphire Beach and the lively American Yacht Harbor. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of dining options, from Italian to other European cuisines, making it a great spot for food enthusiasts looking for diverse flavors.
When is the best time to visit Red Hook?
The best time to visit Red Hook is from January through April, when the climate is most favorable. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and potentially better value, the quieter months of July through October are a good option, offering a different experience with warmer weather.
What is Red Hook known for?
Red Hook is known for its beautiful Sapphire Beach and the American Yacht Harbor, key attractions in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Travelers can also explore Cabes Point and enjoy the local Italian food culture available.
What is a good itinerary length for Red Hook?
A good itinerary length for Red Hook is two to three days to enjoy Sapphire Beach, American Yacht Harbor, and a snorkel sail. An extended stay of four to five days allows for exploring Cabes Point, trying more activities like a private catamaran trip, and sampling the Italian, European, and North American cuisine. See Red Hook Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Red Hook?
Red Hook offers beautiful beaches, a lively harbor, and various water activities for travelers to enjoy:

  • Visit Sapphire Beach for its natural beauty and relaxation.
  • Explore American Yacht Harbor.
  • Go on a Pizza Pi and Snorkel Sail.
  • Charter a Private Sailing Catamaran.
  • Enjoy an All-Inclusive Sunset Sail.

How do I plan a trip to Red Hook?
To plan your Red Hook trip, book flights, hotels, and a rental car in advance. Explore activities like the 2-Hour Pizza Pi and Snorkel Sail or a Private Sailing Catamaran. Plan outdoor time at Sapphire Beach or Cabes Point for early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the best conditions.
What cuisines can you find in Red Hook?
In Red Hook you can find French cuisine, offering dishes such as coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, escargots, and croissants. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of other options, including Italian, Mediterranean, North American, Latin American, and Asian food.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Red Hook?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Red Hook by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Red Hook with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Red Hook trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Red Hook?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Red Hook can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Red Hook trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Red Hook trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Red Hook trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Red Hook trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Red Hook?
If it's your first trip to Red Hook, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Red Hook hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Red Hook hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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