Traveling with kids? Stop by the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum, where education meets inspiration. Located in Charlotte Amalie’s Buccaneer Mall, the museum offers interactive, hands-on exhibits that teach kids the principles of science, technology, engineering, art, and math by allowing them to build and play with the exhibits themselves, from water wheels to reading stations, light shows and reading areas.

Located between Main Street and the Charlotte Amalie waterfront, this small museum is dedicated to preserving the archeological and cultural past of St. Thomas. Tours are by appointment only and are led by a Historical Trust volunteer. While exhibits can change periodically, this small museum boasts an extensive display of artifacts. Explore rooms featuring West Indian art and antiques from the 1600s, along with treasures found in shipwrecks.

You’ll learn about famous pirates Blackbeard and Captain Kidd at The Pirate’s Treasure Museum in east Charlotte Amalie’s Buccaneer Mall. A fun and interactive museum perfect for families, you’ll discover the history of piracy in the Caribbean and see treasures and artifacts from shipwrecks in the waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands. See cannons and cannonballs, marvel at Roman coins and learn about life on a pirate ship on the high seas during the golden age of piracy.

Once the village fire station and then a clinic, the French Heritage Museum has a long history that dates back to the early 1940s. Located in Frenchtown, the museum is home to exhibits that highlight the island’s architecture, cuisine and culture, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands maritime history. Throughout the museum, you will find old photos of Frenchtown, West Indian crafts, toys and music, along with antique furniture, fishing nets and tools.

In downtown Charlotte Amalie, tour Fort Christian near the Emancipation Garden. Built in the 17th century, this impressive stone fort once housed the Danish militia. Visitors can explore the grounds, see the jail quarters and visit the museum’s exhibits featuring historic furniture, paintings and West Indian artifacts.

History buffs will want to visit St. Thomas Synagogue, the second oldest surviving synagogue in the United States. Dating back to 1833, the building has a grand columned facade that gives way to an impressive domed ceiling and Baccarat crystal candelabra inside. The sand floor is a Dutch-Portuguese tradition that you’ll find in only four synagogues worldwide. It’s an awe-inspiring place!

Take a walk through history on the 99 Steps, a picturesque flight of stairs in Charlotte Amalie built in the 18th century when the Danish colonized the islands. As you walk up the 103 steps, tropical flowers line the pathway made from bricks brought over from Denmark. At the top, you’ll find Blackbeard’s Castle – one of three National Historic Landmarks on the island.

The Caribbean Genealogy Library is an absolute necessity for anyone interested in researching their family history. The library is located outside the east end of Charlotte Amalie. It has an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and other materials related to genealogy, focusing on the Caribbean region. If you happen to have family ties to St. Thomas or are simply interested in the island’s genealogy, the staff can even help you do your own research. Appointments are required to visit.