Drake's Seat
Route 37, Hull Bay Road, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, 00802
Named after Sir Francis Drake, who was said to have used the spot to look for enemy ships, Drake’s Seat was built in 1933 by Arthur Fairchild and offers one of the best views of St. Thomas. Located just minutes from Charlotte Amalie, it offers sweeping views of Magens Bay and the British Virgin Islands.
The basics
Drake’s Seat is on just about every sightseeing tour of St. Thomas, including half-day and full-day tours that typically include other top St. Thomas attractions such as Skyline Drive, Mountain Top, Magens Bay, 99 Steps, and Charlotte Amalie. Opt for a private tour to customize your itinerary. Most tours only include a short stop to take photos. You can visit the site independently by taking a taxi or driving.
Things to know before you go
There’s no admission fee to access Drake’s Seat.
Don’t forget your camera; the view from Drake’s Seat is considered one of the best on the island.
There are limited parking spots available at the site. Be careful when pulling in and out of the parking area, as it’s on a bend in the road.
There are no food or drink options at Drake’s Seat, though you can find places just a short drive away.
How to get there
Drake’s Seat is on Hull Bay Road, just over a mile (1.6 kilometers) from the capital of St. Thomas and the cruise port of Charlotte Amalie, which it’s an easy taxi ride or drive from. Parking is available, though limited.
When to get there
If you’re visiting Drake’s Seat independently, it’s best to go early to avoid the cruise ship and sightseeing tour crowds. Or, go later in the afternoon and stay for sunset. The most popular time for visiting St. Thomas is between December through March. Hurricane season runs from June to November.
Other scenic St. Thomas spots
There are several other nearby spots for great views of St. Thomas, including Skyline Drive, Charlotte Amalie Lookout, and Mountain Top—which you can combine into one trip. Mountain Top also offers one of the largest duty-free shops on St. Thomas, plus a bar that’s said to be the birthplace of the banana daiquiri.
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