2 Best Sights in West End, St. Thomas

Watch surfers ride the waves here from December to March, when huge swells roll in from north Atlantic storms. The rest of the year, tranquility prevails at this picturesque neighborhood beach. Enjoy burgers, tacos, and a game of darts at the Shack at Hull Bay. The Hideaway at Hull Bay is the home of the annual Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament held each July. Amenities: food and drink; parking; water sports. Best for: swimming; snorkeling; partiers.

Head out to the observation deck from the highest point on St. Thomas—more than 1,500 feet above sea level—to get a view that stretches from Puerto Rico's out-island of Culebra in the west all the way to the BVI on the north. There's also a restaurant, restrooms, and duty-free shops that sell everything from Caribbean art to nautical antiques, ship models, and touristy T-shirts.