Morningstar Beach
A stunning Caribbean beach on St. Thomas, USVI, known for soft sands, clear waters, and proximity to luxury resorts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes
Morningstar Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Caribbean beach on St. Thomas, USVI, known for soft sands, clear waters, and proximity to luxury resorts.
"This is a great little beach without the crowds and noise."
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
Rocky entry with shells & coral. Water shoes make getting in and out much easier! :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Can Be Limited
Parking is available behind the Sandbar, but can be tight due to construction. Taxis are an option. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Soft Sands & Ocean Views
South shore of St. Thomas
Enjoy smooth, white sand and breathtaking ocean vistas, with views of cruise ships entering Charlotte Amalie Harbor.
Snorkeling Adventures
East side of the beach
Explore vibrant marine life, including lobsters, squid, and diverse fish species, just beyond the shore.
Buoy Haus Beach Resort
Directly on the beach
Experience luxury at this boutique hotel, offering direct beach access, stylish rooms, and vibrant dining options.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Access & Amenities
Best Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
Rocky entry with shells & coral. Water shoes make getting in and out much easier! :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Can Be Limited
Parking is available behind the Sandbar, but can be tight due to construction. Taxis are an option. :car:
🍽️ Resort Dining Options
While technically public, amenities are resort-focused. Consider dining at The Sandbar or Salt Shack. :forkandknife:
📸 Drone Shots Welcome
Capture stunning aerial views of the beach and resort. Remember to check local drone regulations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
Rocky entry with shells & coral. Water shoes make getting in and out much easier! :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Can Be Limited
Parking is available behind the Sandbar, but can be tight due to construction. Taxis are an option. :car:
🍽️ Resort Dining Options
While technically public, amenities are resort-focused. Consider dining at The Sandbar or Salt Shack. :forkandknife:
📸 Drone Shots Welcome
Capture stunning aerial views of the beach and resort. Remember to check local drone regulations.
☀️ No Passport Needed
For US Citizens, no passport is required to visit St. Thomas and Morningstar Beach. :passport_control:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Morningstar Beach is praised for its beautiful soft sands and clear waters, offering a less crowded alternative to other popular St. Thomas beaches. Visitors enjoy the snorkeling opportunities and the picturesque views. However, some find the public access amenities limited, with restrooms and showers primarily for resort guests, and note that beachside dining can be expensive.
"I did not have the opportunity to visit the beach directly, but I did observe it from the Salt Shack restaurant. I must say, it appeared to be quite uncrowded, and the waves were rather large and crashing more vigorously than I would have preferred."
Nae
"Lacking amenities (including restrooms and beach showers) unless you're staying at one of the two resorts. However, it is a quiet and somewhat less crowded beach. The restaurant is super expensive compared to other beach bars on St. Thomas. This is only "technically" a public beach. The public access point is pretty gross with a huge dumpster for the resort that drains into the entrance and smelled awful when we went in. The beach itself is nice enough once you get down there and we didn't pay for parking or entry.
If you aren't staying at Buoy Haus or Westin, would recommend the trip and $7/person fee for Magens bay."
Jeremy Wilson
"This is a great little beach without the crowds and noise. Since the large hotel at the point was not yet open, we had this beach almost all to ourselves. It has great views of the St Croix on the horizon, and is located on a part of the island that has slightly bigger waves than many of the other nearby beaches.
Snorkeling on the left (east) side of the beach is pretty good, with some decent aquatic life. We went out beyond the point to the east, and saw lobsters, squid, urchins, and plenty of fish.
For the beach, I’d recommend water shoes did you have them. The entry to the beach is pretty rocky with shells and coral. After getting in a few feet past the beach, it’s very sandy.
The Sandbar and Salt Shack are nice places located along the beach that have food and drinks.
We were able to get parking in the kit behind the Sandbar, but with all of the construction, parking was limited. I believe taxis will drop off and pick up from the area behind the Sandbar.
This has been in of our family’s favorite beaches for years. We’re glad it’s still maintained and business is coming back to life after the hurricanes a few years ago!"
Mike Mc
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Morningstar Beach is located on the south shore of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. You can reach it by taxi or rental car. If you're staying at the Buoy Haus or The Westin, it's steps from your room. For public access, look for the area behind the Sandbar restaurant, though parking can be limited.
No, as St. Thomas is a US territory, US citizens do not need a passport to visit Morningstar Beach.
While there isn't direct public bus service to the beach, taxis are readily available on St. Thomas and can drop you off near the beach access points.
For island hopping, consider the car ferry if you have a vehicle, or inter-island flights and ferries for passenger travel between St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island.
Parking behind the Sandbar is often free, but can be limited. If you are not staying at one of the adjacent resorts, there might be a small fee for access or parking depending on the day and resort policies.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Morningstar Beach is technically a public beach. However, amenities like restrooms and showers are primarily for guests of the Buoy Haus and The Westin. Some reviews mention a small fee per person if you're not a resort guest.
As a public beach, it's generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. Resort-specific areas or amenities may have their own hours.
Yes, you can access the beach, but amenities like restrooms and showers are typically reserved for resort guests. Be mindful of resort property and access points.
No special tickets are generally required for beach access itself, but resort day passes might be available for amenities if you're not a guest.
Magens Bay is a larger, more developed public beach with extensive facilities and often more crowds. Morningstar Beach is generally quieter and more exclusive, especially if you're staying at the adjacent resorts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The waters are known for decent aquatic life on the east side. The beach also offers beautiful views of cruise ships.
It can be, but be aware that amenities are resort-focused. The rocky entry might require extra supervision for young children.
Restrooms and showers are primarily available for guests of the Buoy Haus and The Westin. Public access points may lack these facilities.
The waves can be larger and more vigorous than at some other St. Thomas beaches, especially on the east side.
It can be less crowded than other popular beaches, especially if you visit on a weekday or outside of peak resort times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Sandbar and Salt Shack are located along the beach and offer food and drinks. The Buoy Haus also has dining options.
Some reviews suggest that the restaurants directly on the beach can be more expensive compared to other beach bars on St. Thomas.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to public beaches. However, be mindful of any resort policies if you are on their property.
Expect typical beachside fare, likely including seafood, sandwiches, and tropical drinks at The Sandbar and Salt Shack.
Yes, The Sandbar is a popular spot, and the Buoy Haus resort features several beach and poolside bars.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire stretch of beach offers beautiful ocean views, soft sand, and the backdrop of the Buoy Haus resort. The east side is great for capturing marine life during snorkeling.
Drone photography is possible, as seen in some social media content, but always check current local regulations and resort policies before flying.
Sunrise offers a peaceful start with soft light, while late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour hues.
You can photograph the exterior of the resorts from the beach, but be respectful of guest privacy and resort property.
The distinctive architecture of the Buoy Haus Beach Resort and the views of cruise ships entering the harbor are popular photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 However, be aware that the entry into the water can be rocky with shells and coral, so water shoes are highly recommended for children to prevent discomfort. 💰 Budget Travelers
couples
+1 Enjoy a peaceful sunrise stroll or unwind in the afternoon, taking in the sight of boats gliding into Charlotte Amalie Harbor. Consider a sunset cocktail at one of the beach bars for a perfect end to the day. The snorkeling opportunities also provide a fun, shared activity for couples looking to explore the underwater world together. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Buoy Haus & Frenchman's Reef
+2 It aims to be an epitome of an island escape. Historically, the Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort was a well-known landmark. While it has undergone renovations and rebranding, its legacy is tied to this beautiful stretch of coastline.
These resorts provide a convenient base for enjoying Morningstar Beach, offering easy access to the sand, swimming pools, and on-site dining.
For those not staying at the resorts, understanding their presence is key to navigating the beach's facilities and potential access points. Beach Entry & Water Conditions
However, the transition from sand to water can be a bit challenging for some. Many visitors note that the entry to the water is rocky, with shells and coral fragments. Once you get past the initial rocky section, the seabed becomes sandy, making swimming more comfortable. The waves at Morningstar Beach can also be more pronounced than at other St. Thomas beaches, particularly on the eastern side.
For those interested in exploring the underwater world, the snorkeling on the left (east) side of the beach is considered pretty good.
Public Access vs. Resort Amenities
However, a significant aspect of the visitor experience is the close proximity and integration with the Buoy Haus Beach Resort and The Westin at Frenchman's Bay. This means that while you can access the sand, many of the conveniences travelers expect, such as restrooms, showers, and beach chairs, are primarily designated for resort guests. Some visitors have noted that public access points can sometimes be less than ideal, with one review mentioning a dumpster near an entrance that affected the smell.
For those not staying at the resorts, it's advisable to come prepared with your own water, snacks, and towels. Dining options like The Sandbar and Salt Shack are available and offer a more casual beachside experience, though they can be pricier than other local spots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit