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Universal Orlando Resort: Where to Stay & Play for a Few Days

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My recent stay at Universal Orlando Resort was so much fun and I’m going to share and highlight my favorite moments with you. First and foremost, I stayed at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort on the property which allowed me early access (one hour) to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. It was my first time experiencing Diagon Alley™. I took advantage of the complimentary shuttle service to Universal Studios Florida and was able to … [Read More...]

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Navigating Disney World During a Pandemic

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Taste the Flavors of St. Thomas USVI

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Navigating Disney World During a Pandemic

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I recently had an opportunity to visit Walt Disney World as part of my Goofy Getaways FAM Training. It was exciting and I was a bit anxious because even though some restrictions are being lifted, guidelines are more relaxed, and travel is starting to … [Read More...]

Taste the Flavors of St. Thomas USVI

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I am excited to be collaborating with my fellow foodie lover Hannah Victoria on this listing of places to eat in St. Thomas USVI whether you are visiting or local to the island. We are giving you our personal opinions based on our dining experiences … [Read More...]

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St. Thomas beaches with showers and restrooms: a traveller's guide

Palm-fringed shores and turquoise water greet visitors on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. After a long flight from Sydney or Brisbane, though, no one wants to wander around looking for a place to rinse off saltwater. Knowing which beaches on St. Thomas have showers and restrooms makes the difference between a relaxed beach day and a logistical headache.

Australians are used to surf-club amenities at Bondi or fully equipped beachfronts on the Gold Coast. On Caribbean islands, public facilities can feel like a mixed bag. Many smaller coves have nothing more than a tree line and a footpath. A handful of larger public beaches offer what Aussie beachgoers expect: rinse-off showers, flushing toilets, and shaded changing areas. Picking the right spot saves you from renting a chair at a private resort just to freshen up.

St. Thomas is about 31 square kilometres, but the roads wind through hills and the beaches sit scattered around the coastline. Most visitors arrive by cruise at Havensight or fly into Cyril E. King Airport, then hire a car or take a taxi. North-shore beaches are calmer and family-friendly; the south shore is rougher and better for experienced snorkellers. Public transport is limited, so driving yourself is often the easiest, especially when you're carting snorkel gear, beach bags, and the sort of esky any self-respecting Aussie would call a "cooler."

This guide walks through the main public beaches on St. Thomas with showers and restrooms, what's on-site, and how to plan a stress-free day. Whether you're a couple chasing quiet bays or a family with sand-crusted kids, the practical details are sorted below.

Magens Bay

Magens Bay is the postcard image of St. Thomas. The half-moon curve of palm-fringed sand and gentle turquoise water has made it famous well beyond the island. Run as a public park by the Magens Bay Authority, the beach charges a small per-person entrance fee, used to maintain the grounds. Entry is reasonable compared to Australian national park fees, and young kids often go free. There's a large parking area, lifeguards during the day, and a cluster of facilities tucked behind the sand.

Showers and restrooms at Magens are well kept. Outdoor cold-water rinse showers sit near the entrance, perfect for washing off saltwater before getting back in the car. Inside the main pavilion you'll find flushing toilets, changing rooms, lockers, and a small shop selling cold drinks and sunscreen. Shade is plentiful under the palms, and covered picnic tables are dotted through the grounds. Plan a full arvo here; food and drink are available from beachside vendors if you don't want to leave the sand.

Sapphire Beach

Sapphire Beach, on the east end of the island, is another public beach with proper facilities. It's smaller than Magens Bay but typically less crowded, especially before 10am. The sand is soft, the swimming is calm, and there's a snorkel reef just off the rocks at either end. Parking is free, though the lot fills quickly on weekends when locals come down for a swim.

Amenities at Sapphire include outdoor cold showers, restrooms, and a small bar-restaurant that opens later in the day. A dive shop on site rents gear if you want to try scuba. Compared to Magens, the facilities feel slightly more basic but are clean and reliable. From the carpark, a paved path leads down to the sand, which helps if you're dragging a beach trolley or someone has mobility needs. The drive from Charlotte Amalie passes some lovely lookouts and takes about 20 minutes.

Coki Beach and Brewers Bay

Coki Beach is known locally for its colourful reef just steps from the shore. It's also one of the liveliest spots on the island, with music spilling out of nearby bars and beach BBQs grilling up fresh catch. Public showers and restrooms sit near the entrance, but they're more rustic than at Magens or Sapphire. Bring your own towel and a dry bag, because busy weekends can stretch the facilities.

Brewers Bay, just around the corner, offers a quieter alternative with similar snorkelling. Accessed via a short walk from a small parking area, it has public showers and basic toilets tucked behind the trees. Brewers is popular with University of the Virgin Islands students, so weekday visits are usually quieter. Both beaches are free to access, a welcome change after paying at the larger managed beaches. Sunset at Coki with a cold drink hits the spot, and the reef suits beginners with shallow water for much of the day.

Lindbergh Bay

If you're in St. Thomas for only a day off a cruise ship, Lindbergh Bay is the easiest beach with showers and restrooms to reach from Havensight. It's a long, flat stretch of golden sand along the south side of the airport, and its location makes it a popular pick for visitors with limited time. Hotels fringe the bay, but the public beach is open to everyone, with parking at the eastern end.

Facilities at Lindbergh Bay include cold-water showers, restrooms, changing areas, and shaded picnic tables. Casual food trucks set up nearby on weekends, selling local fare such as pates, johnnycakes, and fresh fruit. A small public boat ramp sits at the western end for kayaks. It's not the prettiest bay on the island, but Lindbergh wins on convenience: ten minutes from the cruise terminal, well-signed, and no entry fee. For more detail on cruise-friendly day trips, jenoni.com has a recent round-up that pairs well with this guide.

Practical tips for the beach day

A few small habits from home make a St. Thomas beach day smoother. Reef-safe sunscreen is now standard on the Great Barrier Reef, and the same products work well on Caribbean reefs. Pack it in your cabin luggage if you're flying, because Australian customs rules ban aerosols over 100ml in checked bags. Bringing your own snorkel set is worth it, too. Rental gear at Coki or Sapphire is decent but not always sanitised between uses. Travelling in the Australian summer puts you in the Caribbean winter, which is the dry season: clear water and steady weather.

Cash in small US bills helps with parking attendants, chair rentals, and tipping at the showers when a local has kept facilities tidy. Most businesses accept cards, but beach vendors often prefer cash. Flights from Australia usually route through Los Angeles or Honolulu, so plan an overnight stop both ways. Beaches close at dusk and lifeguard hours vary, so pay attention to flag warnings, particularly from June to November when undertow can be strong on exposed south-shore stretches. A little planning means less time chasing amenities and more time in the water.

Beach day checklist