Is Red Hook your base, or just where the ferry leaves from?

The Red Hook question

Is Red Hook your base, or just where the ferry leaves from?

Red Hook is where the East End of St. Thomas turns into a functional little hub rather than just a strip of resorts. It's built around American Yacht Harbor, the marina that also serves as the ferry terminal — this is where you catch boats to St. John and, on select routes, the British Virgin Islands, so most visitors pass through here at least once even if they're staying somewhere else.

Unlike more spread-out parts of the island, the dining here clusters close enough to walk between: burgers at Tap & Still, theatrical drinks at Duffy's Love Shack, Mexican at Agave, delivery pizza from Señor Pizza, and breakfast or lunch at Hook'd USVI. If your day starts or ends with a ferry, it's worth building time around Red Hook rather than just passing through it.

Before you decide

• Check the ferry schedule before you plan your day around Red Hook.
• Parking near American Yacht Harbor fills up around ferry departure times.
• The dining strip is walkable — you generally will not need a taxi between spots here.